CASTELLO DI MELETO

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Castello di Meleto: History, Tradition and Wine in the Heart of Chianti Classico

The origins of Castello di Meleto date back to the 11th century, when it was one of the main fortifications of the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Coltibuono. Located on a hill overlooking the territory of Gaiole in Chianti, about 30 km from Siena and 50 km from Florence, the Castle has played a strategic role over the centuries in the defense of the Florentine Republic during the wars with Siena. Its imposing structure, characterized by the cylindrical tower and medieval walls, is still perfectly preserved today thanks to careful restorations that have kept its historical charm intact.

During the Renaissance, the Castle gradually lost its defensive function and became a noble residence. It was in this period that the first agricultural activities began to develop, including the production of wine, which has always been an integral part of the history of the Castle. Today Castello di Meleto is a certified organic winery, with 130 hectares of vineyards dedicated to the production of Chianti Classico DOCG, Riserva and Gran Selezione, as well as exclusive labels that tell the identity of the territory. In addition to wine production, the Castle is a point of reference for wine tourism in Chianti, offering wine tours, tastings, cooking classes and exclusive stays in its historic suites or in the surrounding apartments.

How to get there

By car:

From Florence (about 60 km): Take the A1 motorway towards Rome and exit at Valdarno. Follow the signs for Montevarchi, then continue on the SP408 towards Gaiole in Chianti. Once in Gaiole, follow the signs for Castello di Meleto, located about 3 km from the town center.
From Siena (about 30 km): Take the SS408 (Strada Statale 408) towards Gaiole in Chianti. Once you have passed the center of Gaiole, follow the signs for Castello di Meleto.

By train:

The nearest train station is Montevarchi-Terranuova, on the Florence-Rome line. From the station, you can reach Gaiole in Chianti by taxi or with a rental car (about 20 km away).

By bus:

From Siena, you can take bus line 125 to Gaiole in Chianti. From there, Castello di Meleto is about 3 km away; you can continue by taxi or, for the more adventurous, on foot.

GPS coordinates: For more precise navigation, you can use the following GPS coordinates: 43.4702° N, 11.4418° E.

ADDRESS

Località Castello di Meleto, 53013 Gaiole in Chianti SI
Toscana – Italia
Hospitality Manager: Gabriele Casagrande
Phone: +39 0577 749 129
E-mail: enoteca@castellomeleto.it
Website: www.castellodimeleto.it

SERVICES

  • Visit to the Castle with wine tasting
  • Light lunch
  • Yoga in the Vineyard
  • Trekking among the vineyards
  • Making your own wine
  • Personalized tour with Agronomist
  • Visit to the Bee Park
  • Cooking Class
  • Dinner with private chef

PRODUCTION AREA

  • Chianti

Castello di Meleto: History, Tradition and Wine in the Heart of Chianti Classico

The origins of Castello di Meleto date back to the 11th century, when it was one of the main fortifications of the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Coltibuono. Located on a hill overlooking the territory of Gaiole in Chianti, about 30 km from Siena and 50 km from Florence, the Castle has played a strategic role over the centuries in the defense of the Florentine Republic during the wars with Siena. Its imposing structure, characterized by the cylindrical tower and medieval walls, is still perfectly preserved today thanks to careful restorations that have kept its historical charm intact.

During the Renaissance, the Castle gradually lost its defensive function and became a noble residence. It was in this period that the first agricultural activities began to develop, including the production of wine, which has always been an integral part of the history of the Castle. Today Castello di Meleto is a certified organic winery, with 130 hectares of vineyards dedicated to the production of Chianti Classico DOCG, Riserva and Gran Selezione, as well as exclusive labels that tell the identity of the territory. In addition to wine production, the Castle is a point of reference for wine tourism in Chianti, offering wine tours, tastings, cooking classes and exclusive stays in its historic suites or in the surrounding apartments.

How to get there

By car:

From Florence (about 60 km): Take the A1 motorway towards Rome and exit at Valdarno. Follow the signs for Montevarchi, then continue on the SP408 towards Gaiole in Chianti. Once in Gaiole, follow the signs for Castello di Meleto, located about 3 km from the town center.
From Siena (about 30 km): Take the SS408 (Strada Statale 408) towards Gaiole in Chianti. Once you have passed the center of Gaiole, follow the signs for Castello di Meleto.

By train:

The nearest train station is Montevarchi-Terranuova, on the Florence-Rome line. From the station, you can reach Gaiole in Chianti by taxi or with a rental car (about 20 km away).

By bus:

From Siena, you can take bus line 125 to Gaiole in Chianti. From there, Castello di Meleto is about 3 km away; you can continue by taxi or, for the more adventurous, on foot.

GPS coordinates: For more precise navigation, you can use the following GPS coordinates: 43.4702° N, 11.4418° E.

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