Wine jars and tasting cups found in Etruscan tombs dating to approximately 1000 BC show that vines have been cultivated in Carmignano since Pre Roman times.
More specifically, a parchment rent contract conserved in the Florence State Archives, dated 804, reveals that vines and olives were cultivated at Capezzana for the production of oil and wine as early as 1200 years ago.
In the early Renaissance, Monna Nera Bonaccorsi built the first 'Nobleman's house' and nine farmhouses together with wine-making buildings at Capezzana. Numerous generations and families followed: the Cantucci, relations of the Medici, and the Marchesi Bourbon del Monte. In the Eighteenth century the wife of Marquis Bourbon, née Cantucci, enlarged the estate and increased the number of farms; her greatest achievement, however, was to introduce exemplary administrative practices, evidence of which can be found in the estate's historic archive.
After the Bourbons the property passed to the Adimari Morelli and then to the Franchetti.
Sara de Rothschild, widow of Baroni Franchetti, sold it to the Contini Bonacossi.
Visits are organized upon reservation and include a guided tour of the olive press, the grand underground wine cellars and the "vinsanteria" (sweet wine cellar). Visitors will have the opportunity to experience for themselves the fascinating and complex journey of the grapes as they are transformed into wine or into special vinsanto and to taste the estate's products.
Capezzana estate also offers very interesting daily and weekly cooking courses. Our chef will show you the fundamentals of Tuscan cuisine and will assist participants in the preparation of special recipes part of our most ancient culinary tradition.
For those seeking a few days holiday in its beautiful countryside, Capezzana, with its comfortable and stylish farmhouse accommodation is the perfect place to stay. The farmhouses are situated on the northern border of the commune of Carmignano, on one of the beautiful, dramatic spurs projecting from Mount Albano.
The 'Fattoria' apartment is on the first floor of a wing of the villa and opens onto the park. It has a large covered terrace with beautiful views where guests can eat (al fresco dining also in the park). Guests have use of the swimming pool (18x6 m) and the tennis court.
Although in the country, Capezzana is only a short distance from the main Tuscan towns with their Renaissance art treasures: Florence is only 20kms away, Siena is less than an hour's drive and Lucca can be reached in half an hour. For those who love the sea, the Versilia coast with the towns of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi can be reached in a little over 40 minutes.
Guided tours can be arranged to visit the olive mill, fermentation 'tinaia', large underground cellars and the 'vinsantaia'. Visitors can learn about the fascinating and complex process of turning grapes into wine and vin santo, or olives into extra virgin olive oil.
Capezzana Estate also holds cooking school courses lasting from one to five days.
Our chef demonstrates the fundamental concepts of Tuscan cooking and helps you prepare dishes following age-old culinary traditions.