History of A Castle in Chianti
16th-century Tuscan castles were typically built on a hilltop overlooking vineyards and olive groves. Likewise, farmers lived in stone houses spread out on the property beneath the castle. In contrast to medieval stone castles with four defense towers, renaissance castles were much more elegant, bearing a single tower.
Vicchiomaggio was passed down through families over the centuries and castle-owner John Matta and his family successfully run the estate today. John married a local girl, and now Paola runs the hospitality area along with their daughters Victoria, Federica, and Delfina. The all-girl team makes sure guests are comfortable and enjoy the castle’s typical Tuscan cuisine (catch Delfina’s youtube channel for some great cooking lessons!). John and son Sebastian take care of the vineyards, cellars, and blending Vicchiomaggio’s award-winning wines.
Italian Castle features for weddings:
- Accommodates up to 50 guests (extra accommodations located nearby)
- Minimum stay 2 nights
- Air-conditioned rooms
- No elevators
- In-house catering and wine list
- up to 220 guests (indoor plan B 200)
- Wedding fees apply for exclusive use
- Activities: cooking classes, wine tasting, wine blending, hiking, biking
There are 7 rooms in the main castle and they are furnished with period furniture alongside modern conveniences like a/c units and kitchenettes.
Another 7 rooms are located in the Canonica building just outside the main gate and across from the wine cellar entrance. This is where clergy lived back in the day so the building shares a wall with the quaint catholic chapel and bell tower. The Canonica rooms are furnished in chic Tuscan style. Enter through a glass door into the spacious shared area with a large dining table, fridge, and living room.
Sample menu
Buffet style Welcome Cocktail in the castle courtyard
Prosecco cocktail, orange juice, tropical non-alcoholic cocktail
Hors d’oevres
- Tempura veggies fried on the spot
- A selection of local Tuscan cold cuts such as prosciutto, salami, sbriciolona, soprassata, boar salami
- A variety of canapes, puff pastries with spinach & ricotta, polenta and parmesan, bruschettas with tomato and arugola,
- Baker’s corner with pizza bread with tomato and truffle sauce, green olive bread bites, pita bread with rosemary and Vicchiomaggio extra virgin olive oil
Seated and served
Champagne risotto seasoned with herbs grown in the Castle gardens
Pasta Garganelli – short pasta rolls served with a smooth duck ragout sauce
Bread-crusted roast pork served with roast potatoes and seasoned with juniper and bacon
Stuffed zucchini au gratin
Italian ‘Mille Fogli’ Wedding Cake