Of all tourists, wine tourists are among the most discerning, and Italy is hosting more and more of them, from all over the world. According to a report prepared by market researchers, Censis, and presented at Bit 2010, the International Tourism Exchange in Milan, approximately six million wine lovers toured Italy in 2009, each one spending an average of 150 euro per day, for a turnover of three billion euro. They came not just to drink the wine but also for a ‘complete’ experience through which they could also learn about the people, culture, heritage and customs of the area. The preferred destination for a wine and food holiday of 44 percent of these tourists? Tuscany.
In fact, Florence is one of nine cities in the prestigious international Great Wine Capitals (GWC) network, together with Bilbao-Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Christchurch – South Island (New Zealand), Cape Town (South Africa), Mainz-Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal) and San Francisco-Napa Valley (USA). Every year GWC gives awards for the best of wine tourism in each of these cities. A local panel of experts nominates the winning companies within their territory. Then, at the annual meeting of the GWC network, the international winners are announced.
In late March 2010, a ceremony took place in Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence at which the local winners of the seventh Best of Wine Tourism contest were presented with their awards, a trophy by the Spanish sculptor José Antonio Olarte. Following the presentation, the Province of Florence, supported by the Chamber of Commerce of Florence, Promofirenze and Agenzia per il Turismo (APT) of Florence invited a group of specialist bloggers and journalists on a tour so we could see for ourselves the prize winning wineries, castles and villas, all found within the Chianti-producing area. Designed as benchmarks of excellence in the wine industry, the Best of Wine Tourism awards fall into seven different categories, the choice of any one of which would satisfy even the most critical visitor.
Two castles, Castello di Gabbianoand Castello di Vicchiomaggio, were, ex aequo, given the Accommodation award. Owned by the Fosters Group, Castello di Gabbiano at San Casciano Val di Pesa is a 173-acre estate of vineyards and olive trees that dates back to the sixteenth century. It offers luxury accommodation in its 11 elegantly decorated rooms and boasts a top-class restaurant, Il Cavaliere.
Situated in Greve in Chianti, Castello di Vicchiomaggio is a magnificent holding of 130 hectares originating in the 1400s. It offers a variety of places to stay, ranging from apartments in the medieval castle to rooms in the restored building of the Canonica within its grounds.
The comfortable farm cottages and rooms in the main buildings that provide accommodation for guests as well as its relaxing surroundings at Salvadonica – Borgo del Chianti at San Casciano Val di Pesa justify the Special Jury award for Accommodation granted to this structure. Most likely the birthplace Giovanni da Verrazzano, the Tuscan navigator reputed by many to be the ‘true’ discoverer of east coast of North America, the splendid Castello di Verrazzano at Greve in Chianti won the award forArchitecture, Parks and Gardens. This 220-hectare property produces fine wines and other farm-grown produce while accommodation is available in farmhouses on the estate. It is also the seat of an international study centre devoted to research on Giovanni da Verrazzano and sponsors, with the City of Greve, a Verrazzano Day every April 17.
Given a Special Jury award for Architecture, Parks and Gardens, Villa Poggio Torselli at San Casciano Val di Pesa, is a privately owned and restored national monument filled with beautiful period furniture. Its classic garden is spectacular and unforgettable. One of the oldest family castles in Italy, Castello di Brolio – Barone Ricasoli at Gaiole in Chianti won the Art and Culture prize. One-time mayor of Florence and twice prime minister after the unification of Italy, Bettino Ricasoli, known as the Iron Baron, is said to have created Chianti Classico wine. A small museum dedicated to him houses a unique collection of arms and armour used by the family over the centuries. You can also eat at the castle’s excellent restaurant.
The Innovative Wine Tourism Experience award was conferred on Villa di Petriolo at Cerreto Guidi for its We Wine’ project: staff from the villa will organize a professional wine tasting in your home.
Wine tasting, accommodation and a ceramics workshop are all provided at Casina di Cornia at Castellina in Chianti, the winner, as an organic grape growing producer since 1983 of the best in the Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices category.
Finally, at the international awards held at Chateaux Giscours near Bordeaux in November 2009, La Sosta del Gusto of the Castello del Trebbio at Pontassievetriumphed as the best international Wine Tourism Restaurant. The restaurant, part of the castle built as a small fortress in 1184 by the Pazzi Family, excels in the creativity, quality, style and simplicity of its cuisine, including its wines.
For their beauty, history and traditions and, above all, for their unique place in the landscape of Tuscan viticulture and agriculture, all of these places deserve a visit-even if you are not a wine buff. But, if you are, don’t forget to pack your corkscrew.
Find detailed information at the following sites:
Great Wine Capitals: www.greatwinecapitals.com
Best of Wine Tourism: www.florencewine.it
Castello di Gabbiano: www.castellogabbiano.it
Castello di Vicchiomaggio: www.vicchiomaggio.it
Salvadonica – Borgo del Chianti: www.salvadonica.com
Castello di Verrazzano: www.verrazzano.com
Poggio Torselli: www.poggiotorselli.it
Castello di Brolio – Barone Ricasoli: www.ricasoli.it
Villa di Petriolo: www.villapetriolo.com
Casina di Cornia: www.casinadicornia.com
Castello del Trebbio – La Sosta del Gusto: www.vinoturismo.it
