Castello di Meleto
The opportunity to stay in a dreamlike place in the heart of Chianti

A dreamlike place no longer exclusive to the Tuscan aristocracy but also open to you. Meleto Castle, like Brolio Castle a fortification of the Florentines against the Sienese, belonged to the Ricasoli family who sold the great estate of about 1.100 hectares to the Società Viticola Toscana in 1968. In the centre of the estate, high on the hill, the Castle fortress seems to survey the whole Farm. In summer 1998 six apartments were created by rehabilitating estate outhouses directly built onto the Castle wall or fortification.

The imposing Castle of Meleto emerges from a landscape of vineyards of sunbathed fields at the end of a road lined with cypresses and junipers. A magnificent testimony to the history and industry of man, Meleto welcomes visitors with interests in the past and nature. The castle is in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, near the border of the ancient Republic of Siena and Florence, about 1 km from Gaiole in Chianti.

Today, the castle preserves its massive fortifications and fifteenth century cylindrical towers that protected it from artillery fire. Inside, the aristocratic tastes of the past are visible in its many decorated and furnished rooms as well as in its magnificent, tiny 18th century theatre.

Meleto is at the center of an ideal geographical triangle formed by Siena, Florence and Arezzo.

The farmhouses Limonaie e Terrazze once used by field workers are adjacent to the fortifications of the Castle. In 2000 they were carefully restored with modern conveniences. Each house has its own garden or terrace with views over the open countryside. The other farmhouses Loggia and Vignanova are near to the Castle also with views of rural scenery.

On a hilltop the farmhouse Casanova restored in 2003 with all modern comforts, has a wonderful view of the castle and the Massellone Valley below. At Meleto the visitors can also stay in our bed and breakfast rooms on the first floor of the castle or in the former priest's house, the Canonica, near the chapel.

The gardens are easily accessible, as is the infinity pool and the pristine countryside. If they wish, guests renting farm houses, can request daily maid service, a change of sheets or towels and can use the laundry service and have breakfast in the old kitchen of the castle.

Daily excursions are easily made from Meleto to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Perugia, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, Val D'Orcia, Chianciano, Bagno Vignoni, Pitigliano and Saturnia.