Castello di Ama

"Wine History Meets Contemporary Art For several centuries, the tiny hamlet of Amma, set about 1640 feet above sea level in the Chianti hills, was renowned for its farming and winemaking practices, which were overseen by a group of prominent families. When the Hapsburg Grand Duke Peter Leopold visited in the 18th century, he wrote a detailed report extolling the beauty of the setting and the high quality of the town’s grain fields, olive groves, and vineyards. Some of his complimentary words now adorn a plaque set at the entrance of Castelo di Ama, a winery and estate founded in the 1970s by a group of families looking to revive the town’s glory days. The label has won many accolades over the last decade—from the current owner-winemaker being named Winemaker of the Year in 2003, to the wines consistently landing on best-of lists around the world. Visit to get a taste of what all the fuss is about, and you’ll not only get to experience world-class wine, but art, too: Since 1999, the estate has worked with galleries and curators to invite renowned artists to visit, get inspired, and create new works, over a dozen of which now live at the estate. On a guided winery tour, you’ll visit aging cellars, the working winery, some of the ancient village’s sites (including the chapel), and the estate’s historic villas and gardens—where you will spy pieces of art by names like Anish Kapoor and Louise Bourgeois. Tours last about 90 minutes and are followed by a tasting at the Villa Riucci Enoteca."

"If not, get back in the car and buckle up for a 50-minute ride south on some of Tuscany's prettiest strade provinciali to Castello di Ama." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Located in a beautiful medieval hilltop town just north of Siena in Chianti, Castello di Ama feels like an old-fashioned fairytale—one that also happens to be a destination for contemporary art. Lush vineyards produce award-winning wine; gardens are a backdrop to 14 site-specific works and installations by 13 international artists, a combination that attracts wine connoisseurs and art lovers alike. The tour and tasting of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG also includes bruschetta, though if you're looking for something heartier, the surrounding picturesque village has an enoteca." - Erica Firpo