The geometric shapes of the vineyards and cypresses, the silver of the olive trees, and the lush oak groves create a charming picture where humankind works in harmony with nature. We are in the hills of the Sienese Chianti, the land of the Black Rooster, where we can find the delightful village of Volpaia while surrounded by exceptional views.
The centuries-old medieval castle of Volpaia retains its magnificent presence. It's a fraction of Radda in Chianti, which together with Gaiole and Castellina in Chianti constituted the historic Florentine military league of Chianti, the three municipalities of the historic symbol of the Black Rooster. The alliance was created towards the end of 1300 AD in order to defend the territory. Volpaia is located at over 600 meters in altitude on the ridge of a watershed hill between two valleys. It was a strategic point on which to build and was the site of battles between the Florentine and Sienese republics over the centuries.
The symbol of the Black Rooster was borrowed by the Chianti Classico wine consortium and is now used for the brand of fine wine that's famous all over the world. It can be tasted at the Castello di Volpaia which overlooks the lovely main piazza of the village, or in one of the local wineries.
In addition to preserving centuries of food and wine tradition, Volpaia retains much of its past, including some sacred treasures such as the commenda di Sant'Eufrosino, a small church built around the middle of 1400 AD that is a distinguished example of the Renaissance in the Chianti area.
