Castle of Verrazzano

The Castle of Verrazzano stands on a ridge above the River Greve, a few kilometres north of town. It has been a working wine estate since the fifteenth century, when the family who gave their name to a New York bridge lived here. Today it is one of the most historically significant Chianti Classico producers in the zone.

Visits are by appointment and typically include a guided tour of the estate, the cellars, and the medieval tower, followed by a tasting of the wines. The estate produces Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and a range of single-variety bottles. The setting — terraced vineyards dropping away from the castle to the river below — is dramatic.

Book online through the estate website. Day-visit tastings are available most days; longer lunches with a full tasting menu can also be arranged. The castle is about 4 km from Greve centre, accessible by car.

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A story
Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed from here in the early sixteenth century to explore the North American coast for the King of France, was born at this castle in 1485. He was the first European to see the site of present-day New York City, which he described as 'a very pleasant situation amongst some steep hills' — he named it Angoulême. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York carries his name, though the city dropped one 'z' when they named it.

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