Badia a Coltibuono

The Winery Badia a Coltibuono - The Abbey of the Good Harvest

About 1000 years ago the monks of Vallombrosa founded Badia a Coltibuono, the "Abbey of the Good Harvest" as a place of meditation and reflection. In 1051 the monks of the Benedictine Order of Vallombrosa decided to build the monastery of Badia a Coltibuono. At the same time they started the plantation of vineyards in the upper Chianti area, a truly historic and momentous decision, because wine production increased steadily over the centuries, leading to a flourishing wine trade. In the 15th century Coltibuono experienced a new economic boom, and the monks' land holdings in the area continued to expand. Under the patronage of Lorenzo de' Medici, the abbey achieved new fame and prosperity. However, when Tuscany fell under Napoleon's rule in 1810, the monastery was first occupied by French troops, and then deconsecrated and secularized. The monks were forced to leave the abbey later that year. In the following 2 decades the property was sold several times and even auctioned.

In 1846 the Florentine banker Michele Giuntini, great-grandfather of the current owners Stucchi-Prinetti, decided to purchase the abbey. He succeeded in turning the Badia a Coltibuono into a modern agricultural enterprise that was able to assert itself strongly both in Italy and abroad. Piero Stucchi's daughter, Emanuela, and her brothers, Paolo and Roberto, are now working very successfully to continue this historic work. As in the past, the current owners are committed to the autochthonous grape variety Sangiovese and, aware that the soil is the most precious asset in viticulture, they are the first winery in the region to convert production to organic sustainability. Also because of these principles they have managed to produce one of the most famous wines of the region: Sangioveto Rosso di Toscana, which comes from particularly old, low-yielding vines and is characterized by a very special strength and longevity.

Products of Badia a Coltibuono:

• Wine
• Vin Santo
• Grappa
• Olive oil
• Hospitality/accommodation in the winery
• Restaurant in the winery

A visit to Badia a Coltibuono is definitely recommended. Accommodation can be booked on the website.