An history related to 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. The Castle of Verrazzano is located between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Chiantishire, on the hills of Greve in Chianti, one of the most charming historic buildings in Tuscany that became an Agritourism and a winemaking Company. Built in the 7^th century, the Castle has an ideal hill position overlooking the vineyards at 20 km from Florence. In 1920s, the castle was acquired by Marquis Ridolfi, who is well known in Florence’s more recent history as the founder of Fiorentina, Florence’s Football Club. In 1958, the castle was bought by the Cappellini Family, who brought it back to its former glory, thanks to restoration works. Over the years the Cappellini Family has also taken care of the 52 hectares of vineyards, stretching from the walls of the castle on the hill top, down to the River Greve valley.

The wine production is led by Luigi Cappellini who ensures maximum flavor and taste concentration through grape thinning-out practices. In addition to its famous and historic wines, Castello di Verrazzano is also an important farm, producing a wide range of different produce, including olive oil, vinegar, honey, as well as all the many other products generally produced in a Tuscan farm. The winery is also well known and appreciated for its Wine Tours, and for having promoted first class wine tourism featuring guided visits to the cellars, as well as tours of the late-Renaissance gardens surrounding the Villa. At the end of these tours, wine tasting is offered in the farm’s restaurant exclusively serving local produce. The Castle is also home to Giovanni da Verrazzano Foundation, which regularly organizes conferences to celebrate and remember the renowned explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano.

The ancient recently restored farmhouse became an Agritourism. The Foresteria Casanova, 1 km away from the castle and half an hour from Florence, offers 2 apartments and 7 rooms, decorated and furnished in typical rustic Tuscan style, equipped with every comfort.Outside there is a patio with tables and chairs to enjoy the fresh country air. If visiting Florence, in the heart of the city, few steps from Piazza della Signoria, you can’t miss the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, the restaurant run by the Cappellini family, where you can enjoy products from the Castle such as wine, charcuterie, honey, oil and vinegar. A stop-off must is the Castle’s wine bar on Lungoarno Acciauoli, where you can enjoy a glass of Rosé Oro 24 or a red Chianti Classico by Castello di Verrazzano together with small tastings of light and tasty appetizer.

www.verrazzano.com