Little Black Book: Tuscany's Vineyards

01

As COMO Castello Del Nero is located in the heart of Italy’s Chianti region - famed for its rich, red wine and organic olive oil production - why not start your gastronomic journey with a guided tasting in the hotel, in the capable hands of our expert sommelier. A tasting can be organised for you daily at 5.30pm, subject to availability. 

02

Antinori nel Chianti Classico, a 20-minute drive away in Bargino, is highly recommended for wine connoisseurs staying at COMO Castello Del Nero. In 2022, this family-run winery topped the World’s Best Vineyards chart. Three different wine tours are available:

The Tinaia Tour takes you through the family's 26-generation winemaking history, starting with a tour of the winery's production areas, museum and iconic vineyard on the roof, and ending with a wine tasting of three of their most popular wines.

The Bottaia Tour offers private access to the inner workings of the production process and the barrel cellars, followed by a tasting of four wines, including the prestigious Bramasole Cortona DOC Syrah.

The Cru Tour, meanwhile, is a multi-sensory experience connecting architecture and wine tasting, culminating with lunch at the charming Rinuccio 1180 restaurant.

Prices range from €45 to €170 per person, and the tours are available in Italian or English, subject to availability.

Image credit: Jonathan Clark

03

Located near San Donato in Poggio, just a 15-minute drive from COMO Castello Del Nero, the family-run Fattoria Casa Emma is an organic vineyard famed for its award-winning wines, combining intense flavour with elegant tannins. Alongside, they produce Tuscan staples of extra-virgin olive oil, truffle olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

For €28 per person, visitors can enjoy a tour of the vineyard, including a visit to the wine cellar. Next comes a tasting of five wines, along with organic products produced on the farm, served with Pecorino cheese and Tuscan bread.

For the full Tuscan culinary experience, guests can choose a wine tasting with lunch for €55 per person. This includes a tour of the vineyard and wine cellar, a tasting of five wines, and an organic four-course meal. Special options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets are available.

Video credit: Fattoria Casa Emma

04

Experience the true essence of Italian winemaking, with a visit to the family-run Poggio Rubino, 90 minutes by car from COMO Castello Del Nero. Upon request, you can indulge in a Tour and Tasting, where you'll explore the winemaking process from vinification to ageing. Savour the rich flavours of Rosso di Montalcino 'La Sorgente', Brunello di Montalcino, and Rubius Cuvee Prestige sparkling rosé, each paired perfectly with appetisers sourced locally for €20 per person.

For a more immersive experience, opt for the Winery Tour and Rustic Light Lunch. Gather with a small party and enjoy a three-course light lunch in our dining room, thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines for €50 per person.

05

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just 15 minutes by car from COMO Castello Del Nero, is the ancient Badia a Passignano estate. Here, passionate gastronomes can embark on a journey through the history of the Antinori family's centuries-old winery.

Experience the perfect union of Tuscan wine and cuisine with a visit to the Cellars, where guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at the Osteria di Passignano restaurant. Take a moment to drink in the breathtaking vineyard views, while learning about the viticulture and wine production process from the experts. Personalise your experience with a wine pairing of ‘Cru Wines’ or ‘Historical Terroir’ at €300 or €260 per person, respectively.

For a more immersive experience, take the Badia a Passignano Cellar tour, and step into the Abbey’s cellars dating back more than 1000 years. Enjoy a personalised wine tasting of ‘Tuscany spirit’ or "Chianti Classico tones" at €130 or €100 per person, respectively.

Video credit: Badia A Passignano

06

Discover the flavours of Tuscany with a wine tasting experience at Podere La Marronaia - Sosta alle Colonne in San Gimignano, just a 30-minute drive from COMO Castello Del Nero. Set in a beautifully restored 15th-century building, and run by the Dei family, the estate was the first in the area to embrace fully organic methods.

Indulge in the rich flavours of a selection of their wines, and sample natural and flavoured extra virgin oils, accompanied by mouth-watering appetisers. For a deeper experience, try the ‘Tuscan Lunch’ option, where you can savour the Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi wines paired with a delicious Tuscan meal.

Image credit: Podere La Morronaia