Fonterutoli: Wine, History and Pilgrim Routes

Fonterutoli combines wine experiences with local and regional history; traces of Etruscan burial culture can also be found in the surrounding area. This gives you a clear focus when choosing your destination: tastings and gastronomy, historic architecture, archaeology and pilgrim routes. These themes offer different starting points for planning your days in Tuscany and choosing accommodation based on the experiences that matter to you.

Experience wine and gastronomy

Tours at Castello di Fonterutoli are offered daily from 10:00 to 18:00; booking is required. Check the opening times and booking conditions before you arrive. The Fonterutoli Wine Tour ends with a tasting of four wines, including two of the winery’s Cru wines. The wine and gastronomy experience combines a cellar tour and wine tasting with culinary specialties from the on-site Osteria. Both the wines and the combination of a cellar visit and cuisine take center stage.

The wine cellar is part of Toscana Wine Architecture, a network of 14 wineries with a focus on quality and design. This also gives the wine experience an architectural dimension. There is a public car park in front of the winery entrance. From there, the reception is about 50 metres away, or a one-minute walk, along a pedestrian path. If you are planning a visit in advance, this information can help you find your way around; check visitor information before you arrive.

Villa and the history of Chianti

The villa known as “Castello di Fonterutoli” is located beside the square in front of the present-day church. It has been owned by the Marchesi Mazzei family since 1435. This specific connection to local history sits alongside the much longer history of Chianti as a production area.

The first documented mention of Chianti as a production area comes from an exchange of letters dated 16 December 1398 between Ser Lapo Mazzei and Francesco Datini. The date refers to this correspondence and its mention of the production area. Together with the villa and today’s wine culture, this offers a glimpse of different periods: the history of Chianti, the villa’s ownership history and contemporary wine experiences.

Etruscan tombs and accessibility

The Etruscan necropolis of Poggino is located in a wooded area near the village of Fonterutoli. The archaeological site comprises five tombs from the 6th century BC: four chamber tombs and one box tomb. The different types of tomb give the visit a clear archaeological focus, distinct from the history of wine and the villa.

The terrain at Poggino is uneven and inaccessible to people with disabilities. By contrast, the church of San Miniato in Fonterutoli has level access and no architectural barriers. This difference is important when planning your visit. The municipal access information was last updated on 17 November 2023; check local conditions before visiting.

Pilgrim routes and choosing accommodation

The Via Romea passes through Fonterutoli and is still used today by pilgrims from all over the world. The Via Romea Sanese runs from Castellina in Chianti to Fonterutoli. If you are interested in one of these routes, check current trail conditions before planning your trip.

When choosing a destination, consider which themes you want to shape your stay: in Fonterutoli, wine experiences meet local and regional history and pilgrim routes. Include the booking requirement for tours and the access conditions at Poggino in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Trequanda, Badesse, Vagliagli, Abbadia San Salvatore, Radda / Chianti, Anqua, Sarteano, Gaiole In Chianti

Return to the main travel overview: Siena.