Castello di Brolio

The castle of Brolio, located about half an hour away from Siena, is a charming castle in the middle of forest and farm lands. It has been home to a long line of barons from the Ricasoli family for 32 generations. It is also home to the oldest winery in Italy and the second oldest in the world. Nearly 570 acres are used to grow grapes for a variety of wines, and I got to try three of them in my first wine tasting experience. History, wine, and gorgeous scenery: a winning combination!

Gate outside the walls of the castle

Castle walls

A barrel full of Chianti wine. The Ricasoli family were the ones to invent the recipe for Chianti Clasico int the early 1700's. Today, it is a world-famous wine!

The family chapel located just outside the living quarters. Unfortantley, we were not
able to see inside the house because the baron and his family still live there during
the summer months.

Beautiful ceiling in the chapel

Gated part of the floor in the chapel. The chapel sits on top of the family crypt, where all the family members are buried.

It absolutely poured for part of the time that we were there. Then the clouds parted,
and it was beautiful once again. Weather in Tuscany can be very fickle.

Nothing compares to a view like this

During war times, the castle was bombed. One of the bombs went straight through this tree, so the tree is now hollow
on the inside. To this day, you can see evidence of the ricochet for the dents in the brick of the castle.

After a tour of the castle grounds, we rode a van down to the winery and got a tour of facilities there.

Giant vats where the wine is primarily fermented after they are de-stemmed.

Cellar where the wine is aged

Pallets on pallets on pallets:)

Facility where the wine is bottled and labeled.

Our place mats even had the date on them

First wine tasting experience in place where Chianti was invented in the heart of
Tuscany. Is this real life? :)

The lady who was leading the wine tasting session kept saying things like, "You should
taste the rasberry hints in this one" or "Can't you taste the oak from the aging process?"
Becca and I just tasted wine. :) Still delicious nonetheless!

Our trip to the castle and winery of Brolio was short, but sweet. I can't believe how quickly our time here is passing! In less than three weeks, I will be back in the States. While I am happy to be going home for a wonderful summer with my boyfriend, family, and friends, I am trying not to wish the time I have left away. This next week will be a busy one, with a day trip to Florence and then three days in Venice with Becca.