Podere Ciona

ciona3.jpg ThumbnailA Small Vineyards Estate

Duration 1 hr 2 KM.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Steep  

This tour is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays only.  

HALF DAY  

We start this morning at Badia a Coltibuono. About one thousand years old, its prehistory takes us back to Estrucan times and beyond. As we know it today, Badia a Coltibuono (which means Abbey of the Good Harvest), dates from the middle of the eleventh century. In 1051 the monks of the Vallombrosan Order, a Tuscan reform of the Benedictines, founded the Abbey and also began planting the first vineyards in the Upper Chianti area.
The estate was sold by lottery  in 1846, and Coltibuono was bought by Guido Giuntini, a Florentine banker and great grandfather of Piero Stucchi-Prinetti, the present owner. Nowadays, children Emanuela, Paolo and Guido continue the activities and we will visit  the 16th century frescoed refectory of the old abbey and tasting 3 of the estate wines as you visit the cellars.  From here we make a short drive of 2 miles to the beautiful estate of Small Vineyards Wine, Podere Ciona.  ciona.jpg ThumbnailA private estate surrounded by vineyards it is too peaceful to describe. We will take a hike down into the vineyards here and find ourselves amongst the Merlot and Sangiovese grapes.  With views that are stunning, and grape varietal's that are delicious, you will see, before sitting down to a gorgeous lunch prepared by our chef, Franca Gatteschi, who is part of TAT, Tutto a Tavola cooking school.  Tutto a Tavola means "Everyone to the Table", and their philosophy  is the best way to get to know people, is by breaking bread together.  Franca's cooking is delicious and we will taste the wines of the estate with this feast.  

Prices do not include meals or entrance fees into museums, if applicable.
Transportation is included.  Pick- up at your Hotel or in a familiar meeting place.
Reservations will be held with a credit card, and paid in Euro at the time of tour.
You will not be charged for cancellation if made 30 days in advance.

 

Prices

HALF Day 10,30 - 2,30

  • Per Couple 185,00 €
  • 3 people 70,00 € each
  • 4 people 60,00 € each
  • 5 people and more 40,00 € each

 

chiara.jpg"Doumina, Just wanted to let you know that the four of us had a great time on our wine tour with Chiara.  She was so charming and willing to share information and stories of the wineries and the Italian country.  It was a very special time.  So nice to feel that we were just having lunch with friends on their deck.  You have an amazing network of the finest people working with you in every aspect of your business! Thanks again for everything! It was a lovely day!"

My guests say:

"Doumina gives you an up-close insiders view of the treasures surrounding the enchanted hill town of Cortona. You like olive oil? Meet a farmer who picks his olives, and the man who presses them. Art your thing? Listen to the passionate sermons of her guide, and real-life descendant of Cortona's own Luca Signorelli. Want to eat the way the heartiest Tuscans do? For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will. Guaranteed."

Tim Stark
Organic farmer/Writer Gourmet & Conde Naste

"...with Doumina, all i needed to do was enjoy myself! It was just amazing!"

Karie Hoffman

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