About Us
HARVESTING FROM THE PAST TO SOW INTO THE FUTURE.
The La Torre alle Tolfe estate covers 50 hectares, including vineyards, olive groves, arable fields, and forests, extending over rolling hills towards Siena and out towards the heart of the Chianti region. The entire property is run as a certified organic farm, producing various wines and premium olive oil, as well as fresh vegetables and wild and cultivated herbs. The lack of pesticides and other intensive agrochemicals means that the fields and forests are also home to a rich biodiversity of animals, plants, wildflowers, and pollinators. Surrounding the villa, areas are dedicated to our menagerie of animals, a vegetable garden, and an aromatic herb garden, to provide guests with fresh products and intriguing corners to explore during their stay.
History
La Torre alle Tolfe traces its name back to the 8th century when Tolfo dei Gricci, one of Charlemagne’s knights, built a watchtower here, which was later used for the defence of Siena from the Florentines in the medieval age. The first written records of winemaking on the estate date back to 1316. The Castelli family history at La Torre alle Tolfe dates to the 1950s, when Luigi Castelli and his wife Lunella purchased the villa and surrounding properties and land. Four generations later, in 2015, Mania Castelli moved back to the estate with her family to manage the farming and operations of La Torre alle Tolfe, and to open it to the public with the establishment of the restaurant and guest rooms.Â
Wine and oil
From our 13 hectares of vineyards and 17 hectares of olive groves, we produce eight spontaneously fermented wines and three extra virgin olive oils. We are proud members of VINNATUR and FIOI, and FIVI. We are proud to share our products with guests far and wide, during tours and tastings, at our onsite farm shop, and our online shop.
Slow-down and Recharge
At La Torre alle Tolfe, we embrace a slow-paced life surrounded by spectacular views overlooking the medieval towers of Siena and the green hills of Chianti. We encourage guests and locals alike to join us for seasonal activities and participate on our farm, from daily animal feeding, autumn grape and olive harvest, or seasonal foraging and olive pruning. We are delighted to host both day and overnight visitors, for experiences ranging from one meal or or tasting to a leisurely vacation.Â
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our aim is to ensure that this small part of a wonderful landscape flourishes both culturally and naturally, bringing traditional values of the past into a bright, glorious, merry and sustainable future for our children and for their children.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our aim is to ensure that this small part of a wonderful landscape flourishes both culturally and naturally, bringing traditional values of the past into a bright, glorious, merry and sustainable future for our children and for their children.