Castello di Volpaia - winery in Chianti Classico

Perched high on a hill facing Radda in Chianti with a perfect south-facing slope, the village of Volpaia stands out. In contrast to many other castles in Chianti, Castello di Volpaia, constructed during the 11th century, was an authentic fortified village designed to withstand potential attacks from rivaling towns, Florence and Siena. Today, its original layout remains intact, making it one of the best-preserved villages of its era.

In 1966, one year before the DOC was granted to Chianti Classico wine, Raffaello acquired a significant portion of the hamlet of Volpaia. Historically, it was a wine-producing village and one of the founding members of the Chianti League in 1250. When Raffaello's beloved daughter Gio married Carlo in the early 1970s, they received the village and winery as a wedding gift.

Following this, the newlywed couple embarked on an ongoing project to renovate each building, integrating modern winery equipment into small, historical spaces. Today, the village is a labyrinth of vat rooms, barrel rooms, bottling line rooms, and storage rooms, all interconnected through a wine duct allowing wine to flow in hoses beneath the streets. The village, home to around 35 residents, is a remarkable medieval village restored to its original splendor, simultaneously functioning as a busy winery. From the outside, it appears as a dormant medieval village, concealing its vibrant winemaking activity.