
Castello di Brolio
Explore an 11th-century castle, the historic heart of Chianti Classico, with stunning gardens and world-class wine tasting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Harvest season, vibrant vineyards

Castello di Brolio
Best Time
Harvest season, vibrant vineyards

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an 11th-century castle, the historic heart of Chianti Classico, with stunning gardens and world-class wine tasting.
"The best castle to visit in Tuscany with amazing views and great history."

🚗 Narrow Roads to Castle
The road to the castle can be narrow and winding. Consider parking at the base and walking up if you're not comfortable driving.
🎟️ Book Guided Tours
For a deeper understanding of history and wine, book guided tours online in advance.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Renaissance Gardens
Castello di Brolio
Wander through meticulously manicured Italian gardens with breathtaking panoramic views of the Chianti hills.

Historic Castle Walls
Castello di Brolio
Explore the ancient ramparts and discover the rich history of this medieval fortress, once a key defense for Florence.

Chianti Classico Wine Tasting
Winery
Savor award-winning wines, including the iconic Chianti Classico, with guided tastings that highlight the estate's legacy.

Spectacular Tuscan Views
Castle ramparts
Capture postcard-perfect photos of the rolling Tuscan landscape from elevated viewpoints around the castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Choose Your Experience Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Narrow Roads to Castle
The road to the castle can be narrow and winding. Consider parking at the base and walking up if you're not comfortable driving.
🎟️ Book Guided Tours
For a deeper understanding of history and wine, book guided tours online in advance.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The views from the castle walls are incredible! Bring your camera for stunning shots of the Tuscan countryside.
🍷 Wine Tasting Options
Choose from various tasting experiences, from a simple glass at the enoteca to comprehensive masterclasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Narrow Roads to Castle
The road to the castle can be narrow and winding. Consider parking at the base and walking up if you're not comfortable driving.
🎟️ Book Guided Tours
For a deeper understanding of history and wine, book guided tours online in advance.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The views from the castle walls are incredible! Bring your camera for stunning shots of the Tuscan countryside.
🍷 Wine Tasting Options
Choose from various tasting experiences, from a simple glass at the enoteca to comprehensive masterclasses.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and cobblestones, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castello di Brolio for its rich history, stunning Tuscan views, and exceptional wine tasting experiences. Many highlight the engaging tours and the beauty of the Renaissance gardens. While the roads can be narrow, the overall experience is highly recommended as a must-visit in the Chianti region.
"We took the castle tour in the morning, which was full of fascinating historical insights. The visit was engaging and enjoyable. From one section of the walls, we could admire the best view we saw during our entire trip to Tuscany, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the stunning scenery.
The tour continued with a visit to the winery, where we learned about the wine-making process. We were lucky to see the vineyards full of grapes, as it was harvest season (late September). We even watched the grapes being loaded onto tractors and taken to the winery. It was a truly beautiful and enriching experience, ending with a delicious wine tasting. Highly recommended!"
Javier Fernandez Baca Suarez
"Amazing experience! A must do while you are in Tuscany. We were on the 2h30m 45€ tour (you can buy directly from the website) and it was totally worth it! At the end of the tour you get to taste 3 wines. Our guide, Vera, was great! You can find free parking right at the top near the castle entrance but the road is pretty narrow and bad. You can leave the car at the base, near the winery and climb on foot for 5-10 minutes."
Tudor Iordache
"Best castle to visit in Tuscany. The view is so amazing and the history is great as well.
We book the dinner tour and it was really worth it with the four wines tasting for dinner."
Vincent Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castello di Brolio is located in Gaiole in Chianti. The easiest way to reach it is by car. Parking is available at the top near the castle entrance, though the road is narrow. Alternatively, you can park at the base and walk up for about 5-10 minutes.
Public transportation options are limited. While buses may serve the general Gaiole in Chianti area, reaching the castle directly via public transport can be challenging. Renting a car or hiring a taxi is generally recommended for ease of access.
For visiting multiple wineries like Castello di Brolio, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, consider booking a private driver or joining a guided wine tour that includes transportation between estates.
Yes, Castello di Brolio makes an excellent day trip from Florence. It's about a 1.5-hour drive, allowing ample time to explore the castle, gardens, and enjoy a wine tasting.
The road leading to Castello di Brolio can be narrow and winding, typical of Tuscan countryside roads. Drivers should exercise caution, especially if unfamiliar with such routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to explore the gardens and enoteca typically costs around 7 euros. Guided tours with wine tastings vary in price, with a 2.5-hour tour costing approximately 45 euros. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and tour options.
It is highly recommended to book guided tours and wine tasting experiences in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out. Garden entry may not require advance booking, but checking the official website is advised.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and by tour type. Generally, the castle and gardens are open daily, but it's essential to check the official Castello di Brolio website for the most up-to-date information on hours and tour availability.
Yes, you can visit the grounds and gardens without a guided tour for a smaller fee. However, a guided tour offers deeper historical insights and access to more areas of the castle.
Castello di Brolio offers various tours, including historical tours of the castle, guided walks through the Renaissance gardens, and comprehensive wine masterclasses with tastings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the historic castle, wander through beautiful Italian gardens, learn about the Ricasoli family's winemaking legacy, and enjoy wine tastings. The views of the Chianti countryside are also a major highlight.
Yes, Castello di Brolio can be a great experience for families. Some tours or activities might include elements like scavenger hunts or educational aspects about nature, making it engaging for younger visitors.
Many visitors rave about the panoramic views from the castle walls, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding Chianti vineyards and rolling hills. This is a prime spot for photography.
A typical visit, including a guided tour and wine tasting, can last 2-3 hours. If you plan to explore the gardens leisurely or have lunch, allocate at least half a day.
Yes, Castello di Brolio features a small museum that showcases the history of the Ricasoli family and their centuries-long winemaking tradition.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not all tours include lunch, some special experiences or pre-booked options might offer dining. The estate also has an enoteca where you can enjoy a glass of wine and potentially light snacks.
The surrounding Chianti region is dotted with charming trattorias and restaurants offering traditional Tuscan cuisine. Gaiole in Chianti and nearby towns have several dining options.
Castello di Brolio is renowned for its Chianti Classico wines. They produce a range of wines, including Gran Selezione, Vin Santo, and other varietals, all stemming from their historic vineyards.
Yes, you can purchase wines directly from the estate's enoteca or after your wine tasting. It's a great opportunity to take home a bottle of authentic Chianti Classico.
Castello di Brolio is considered the birthplace of Chianti Classico. Baron Bettino Ricasoli is credited with defining the formula for Chianti Classico in the mid-19th century, a legacy that continues to this day.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the castle ramparts are unparalleled. The Italian gardens, the castle architecture itself, and the surrounding vineyards offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, photography is permitted in the gardens and exterior areas. Inside the castle and museum, it might be restricted in certain exhibits. It's best to check signage or ask your guide.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and private estates like Castello di Brolio to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official regulations before flying a drone.
Yes, you can usually take photos during the wine tasting, especially of the wines themselves and the tasting room ambiance. However, be mindful of other guests and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Barone Ricasoli and Chianti Classico
Today, the estate continues this proud tradition. Visitors can learn about this fascinating history through guided tours and wine tastings, experiencing firsthand the dedication to quality and heritage. The wines produced here, particularly the Chianti Classico, are a direct reflection of this deep-rooted legacy, offering a taste of centuries of winemaking expertise.
Exploring the Gardens and Views
The true magic of the gardens, however, lies in the breathtaking panoramic views they command. Perched high in the Chianti hills, the castle offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding countryside. From its ramparts and garden vantage points, you can gaze out over rolling vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque Tuscan landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. These views are not only visually spectacular but also offer incredible opportunities for photography, capturing the quintessential beauty of Tuscany.
Wine Experiences at Castello di Brolio
For those seeking a deeper dive, the estate offers specialized wine masterclasses. These sessions provide a comprehensive understanding of the Ricasoli winemaking philosophy, the terroir of Chianti Classico, and the nuances of tasting. Participants learn about grape varietals, aging processes, and how to appreciate the complex aromas and flavors of the wines. It's an educational and sensory journey that truly connects visitors to the estate's rich viticultural heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit