Things to do

Close to Rignana there are lots of things to do and see, in authentic Tuscan style. Here are a few suggestions, in order of distance!

Greve in Chianti
(7 km from Rignana)

Greve in Chianti is often considered the “entrance gate” into the Chianti region since it is the first major town you reach as you head south of Florence towards Siena. It is located along the SR222 provincial road, locally known as the Chiantigiana road, which crosses the Chianti region. It is a small town with a lovely main square, the perfect location to wander around, enjoy an espresso, gelato, or wine glass.

Panzano in Chianti
(8 km from Rignana)

Panzano in Chianti is a charming Tuscan hilltop town located in the Chianti Classico wine region of Tuscany. Panzano is right in the heart of the region, as it situated exactly halfway between Florence and Siena. The beautiful countryside surrounding Panzano, including the wonderful Conca d’Oro, is dotted with classic Tuscan vineyards. Panzano’s churches are definitely worth a visit: The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which stands next to the castle, boasts a small “Madonna and Child” painting from the XIV attributed to Botticini.

Castello di Verrazzano
(12 km from Rignana)

Initially the Castle of Verrazzano was an Etruscan and then Roman settlement. The castle became the property of the Verrazzano family in the VII century, and it was here that Giovanni da Verrazzano, the navigator and discoverer of the bay of New York and of the majority of the East coast of nowadays U.S. was born in 1485.

There is a great tradition of winemaking here: the “vineyards situated in Verrazzano” are mentioned in a manuscript which dates back to 1150. The ancient cellars, still in use, date back to the XVIth century.

At Castello di Verrazzano it is possible to take guided tours of the historical cellars and of the late-Reinassance gardens of the Villa. The tours are always completed with a guided tasting of classic wines, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Vin Santo (Holy Wine) together with the traditional almond biscuits. For more info, visit the castle’s website.

Fattoria di Montemaggio
(15,5 km from Rignana)

The Montemaggio Estate is located in the municipality of Radda in Chianti in the heart of Chianti Classico region. The name Montemaggio derives from “monte maggiore” (Big Mountain) which indicates its elevated location.

The estate, which is a member of the Consortium of Chianti Classico, extends over an area of 70 hectares (about 190 acres) of vineyards, olive groves and woods. Montemaggio is an organic estate, which means they produce pure organic wine. It is located in a very vacated area for the production of wine, therefore cultivation is carried out with the maximum respect for the nature, using the minimum quantity of chemicals.

Tastings are possible upon booking, and offer different products to try, including their own wine and extra virgin olive oil. In addition, they will show you around the estate to educate you on where and how they make their rich quality wines. You will also see gardens of Montemaggio, which also includes our own vegetable garden. For bookings, please visit their website.

Firenze (of course!)
(33 km from Rignana)

Florence…no need to introduce this city. Apart from being the bride’s hometown, it is also famous for its museums, palaces, and churches, and it is house to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.

But there’s amazing beauty outside of its buildings, too… When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors.  Just wander down its old, crooked streets until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the “newest” area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Florence and its magnificent treasures await your visit!

San Gimignano
(35 km from Rignana)

San Gimignano is a famous walled medieval hill town in Tuscany, in the province of Siena, characterized by its many towers. Truly a little gem, it is so precious that UNESCO has declared it a “World Heritage Site.” Walking through the Old City means plunging into the Middle Ages and getting a taste of what the city must have been like more than seven hundred years ago.

The Towers and House-Towers belonged to the old merchant and financier aristocracy, who competed with one another through their massive buildings rising above all the others. Some of them are perfectly preserved, while others were demolished when one family prevailed over another.

A breath-taking destination not to be missed from anyone visiting Tuscany!

Castello di Brolio – Tenuta Barone Ricasoli
(37 km from Rignana)

The Brolio Castle, whose first stones date back to the middle ages, is home to the Ricasoli wines, amongst the most finest in the Chianti region and in the world. The castle passed into the hands of the Ricasoli family in 1141.

Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809 – 1880), illustrious politician, researcher and far-sighted wine entrepreneur, was the promoter of the most famous wine in the world today: Chianti.
At just twenty years old, Bettino Ricasoli, known as the “Iron Baron”, began his research and experiments in Brolio, with the aim of producing a high-quality wine in Chianti, able to compete on an international level with the great French wines, the undisputed leaders of the time. Bettino Ricasoli’s search for the perfect wine was the beginning of the development of winemaking in the Chianti area according to modern economic and farming principles.

Barone Ricasoli is the fourth longest-lived company in the world in the same place and the second in the wine sector. Barone Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy.

The castle’s gardens can be visited without appointment between 10am and 6pm (more info here), or you can book different types of visit here.

Siena
(57 km from Rignana)

Siena is likely Italy’s loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as “Il Campo”, famous worldwide for the Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer.

The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia. If you feel energetic, a climb up the over 500 steps will reward you with a wonderful view of Siena and its surroundings.