One of the most beautiful 18th-century villas in Central Italy, surrounded by vineyards and fields of lavender, Torre a Cona is the perfect place to live a fairytale experience.

Located between Florence and Siena, in the splendid Chianti area, right in the heart of a wine production of excellence that has conquered the whole world, the fascinating and daring story of Torre a Cona begins at the end of the year 1000. From its origin as a castle then turned into a noble residence, from becoming the headquarters of the German army during the war to turning and then a military hospital of the Allies, a book would not be enough to tell all the tales that see Torre a Cona as the protagonist.

The image we have chosen for our wines seals the link among the Villa, its history and our territory.

(Niccolò Rossi di Montelera)

During the Second World War, various works by artists Michelangelo and Donatello were repaired in the villa’s cellars including the sculptures coming from the Medici Chapels and the Duomo of Florence. This fact preserved the structure from the heavy bombings that hit the whole area. Today the property is the summer residence of the third generation of the Counts Rossi of Montelera: Ludovica, Niccolò and Leonardo, and it includes an estate of 200 hectares, covered with fields, vineyards, woods and olive groves, in large part dedicated to hospitality, including the renowned Osteria, open to the public.

The 25 rooms, 20 located in the central body of the villa and 5 in the old guard houses, and the 7 apartments, located in the two farmhouses, were personally furnished by Countess Maria Augusta Rossi of Montelera who chose very precious fabrics and furnishings. In an atmosphere of absolute charm, no detail is left to chance and the recent restoration work was entirely devoted to the conservation of the original features, from the precious floors to the windows up to the doors.

The Wine Relais offers a special space dedicated to wine tastings, boasting a romantic déhor and a sommelier always available to tell guests the secrets of their wines’ unique characteristics. Below the tasting room, it is possible to visit the ancient cellar dating back to the end of the 17th century, still showing the original floors and the old vault that protects the wooden barrels and the grapes, rigorously harvested by hand. The flagship wines of the collection are five: Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Riserva Badia a Corte, the fruit of the vineyard of the same name, with vines that are between 25 and 40 years of age, Terre di Cino, Casamaggio, Merlot and Fontesanta rosé.

In addition, here is produced a limited edition of other two types of wines: Fonti e Lecceta, a special Occhio di Pernice based on Sangiovese grapes, and Merlaia DOC based on Trebbiano and Malvasia. Each label reveals a fragment of the history of these places, from the etching depicting the ancient villa, commissioned by Niccolò, Ludovica and Leonardo’s grandmother, to the details of its frescoes, up to the cabreo of the Casamaggio’s estate taken from an ancient book from 1740, still in the possession of the family and available in the digital version in the museum room set up in the former furnace.

The lemon house next to the villa houses the Osteria which, in the summer months, offers a magnificent déhor surrounded by centuries-old trees and white hydrangeas. Entrusted to the care of the two starred chefs Maria Probst and Cristian Santandrea, the Osteria represents the perfect balance between research and authenticity. The décor, curated by Countess Mariangela Rossi of Montelera together with the architect Ludovica Caucci Von Sauchen, is a hymn to nature, amidst watercolor colors and botanical motifs. The cuisine is inspired by the great classics of Tuscany, interpreting the best local raw materials, seasonal vegetables, and wild herbs that perfume each dish, giving continuous surprises. The wine list favors Tuscan labels and includes, ça va sans dire, all the wines of the property. The breakfast, sweet and savory, is also fabulous, with a buffet that is a triumph of textures, flavors and aromas that inebriate both the sight and the palate.

Between a horseback visit to the Estate and a truffle hunt, it is finally possible to take refuge in the Italian garden for a relaxing break or in the intimate stone pool surrounded by flowers and butterflies overlooking the surrounding vineyards and hills. Protected by the vault of the ancient furnace that houses the museum room of Torre a Cona, even the swallows feel this magical place like “home”, returning every year to make their nest in this corner of paradise that speaks of beauty and nobility.

The Secret

Inside the property, there is also a beautiful “secret” theater, built by the Rinuccini family who bought the property and built the magnificent residence in the 18th century on a project by the architect Folco Francesco and the Marquis himself. Passionate about art, the Rinuccinis also counted among their members Ottavio Rinuccini, a famous poet and writer of theatrical scripts. Today the theater is closed to the public, but in the museum room it is possible to admire its interiors through some vintage pictures.

Useful Info

Torre a Cona Wine Estate
Località Torre a Cona 49
50067 Rignano sull’Arno, Firenze
Tel. + 39 055 699000

Rooms: starting from 219 euro per night (low season), from 349 euro per night (high season)
Apartments: starting from 150 euro per night (low season), from 250 euro per night (high season), minimum 4 nights stay
Tastings and experiences: starting from 27 euro