Lornano: Wine, History and Tuscan Cuisine

Lornano combines winemaking, historical heritage and Tuscan cuisine. The town is particularly interesting if, when choosing where to stay, you want to consider not only sights but also regional products, rural landscapes and routes through history. Fattoria Lornano, the old church and several described experiences offer different ways to discover the town.

Winegrowing and the Landscape Around Lornano

Fattoria Lornano has been producing Chianti Classico since 1904. Its estate covers 180 hectares, where vines, olives and grain are cultivated. In addition to Chianti Classico, the vineyards produce Chianti Colli Senesi, Rosso Toscano IGT and Vin Santo Chianti Classico. Fattoria Lornano also produces extra virgin olive oil.

Cellars, Church and History

Fattoria Lornano was originally built in the 15th century; the present structure dates from the second half of the 18th century. Its historical dimension can be explored through the “A Taste of Lornano” experience, which includes a guided tour of the historic cellars dating from the 15th century. The experience also includes a tasting of three Lornano wines and a tasting of Lornano extra virgin olive oil. The old church of Lornano has also been documented since the 9th century. At the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, the roof, load-bearing walls, façades and foundations have been consolidated and restored. Lornano was also an old post station of the Republic of Siena. Those who want to get to know the town through individual historical sites will therefore find several different points of connection rather than just a single building.

Tuscan Cuisine as an Experience in Its Own Right

The “Tuscan cooking class & tasting” teaches participants how to prepare tagliatelle, bruschetta with tomatoes and tiramisu. The class also includes a visit to the historic cellars of Fattoria Lornano. The lunch prepared during the class is paired with four wines from Lornano’s production. A shorter culinary experience is offered by “Light Lunch at the Winery”. This experience combines a visit to the historic cellars with a typical light Tuscan lunch. Possible starters listed on the menu include ham, salami, pecorino and bruschetta; the first course is pasta or lasagne, followed by vinsanto and cantucci for dessert. The experiences therefore differ not only in name but also in their focus on a cooking class, tasting or lunch.

Trails and Practical Orientation

“Into the vineyards” takes participants on a walk through the vineyards of Lornano, focusing on the terroir of Chianti Classico. The experience also includes a tasting of extra virgin olive oil, pecorino, ham, salami and bruschetta. The vineyard walk is available by reservation only and is not offered during the winter season. For a historical route connection, Trail 336 – Il Castello di Rencine begins in Lornano and follows an ancient road to Castello di Rencine. Lornano is 2 km from Badesse railway station; the route information specifies travelling by car to Lornano or by train to Badesse. The Anello di Lornano circular route is moderately difficult and includes a few short but fairly demanding climbs. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore weigh up a stay focused on cellars and cuisine against one with an additional interest in trails and historical connections. If you would like to view other destinations from the same selection of towns, you can find Belverde, Santa Colomba, Borgonuovo, Strove, Castellina Scalo and Tognazza here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Monteriggioni.