A 30-minute drive southeast of Florence, Torre a Cona stands strikingly near the hilltop village of San Donato in Collina.
Embraced by olive trees, verdant vineyards and sturdy age-old walls, the prominent eighteenth-century villa has been brought back to brilliance by the Rossi di Montelera family. Make the most of this extraordinary offer for wine lovers.
Tours and tastings are a must from the beautifully restored barn, now the estate’s wine shop and tasting room, to a visit to the vineyards, old cellars and evocative vinsantaia, plus an introduction to the villa’s history—the welcoming staff will guide you through three or four of the well-made wines, all served with typical bruschette and the estate’s own extra-virgin olive oil. Savour the region’s native grapes in Torre a Cona’s Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG, an earnest Sangiovese and Colorino blend; the Riserva “Badia a Corte”, a silky tribute to the local area; an unusual and convincing 100 percent Colorino “Casamaggio”, putting Sangiovese’s blending partner into the inky spotlight; and Terre di Cino, a leather and spices gem produced with the very best Sangiovese grapes. Or opt for the opulent Merlot, hand harvested and carefully selected before being aged in wood.
This spring will be made even sweeter as bees settle in at Torre a Cona. Twenty or so hives will produce honey and, on reservation, visitors can get to know the wonderful world of bees before enjoying the nectar paired with cheeses and the estate’s two exquisite vin santo dessert wines: Merlaia and Fonti e Lecceta.
If you simply can’t tear yourself away, then stay. Six homely apartments look out over the country scenery, while larger groups can unwind in the silent surroundings of Villa Lecceta and Casa Villa, a short distance from the newly installed stylish pool.
Rustic, refined and relaxed, Torre a Cona epitomizes the Tuscany we fell in love with.
Torre a Cona
Località Torre a Cona 49
50067 San Donato in Collina (Florence)
+39 055 699000 – info@torreacona.com
Opening hours: April–October, Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm / Sunday 9am–1pm