Fonterutoli: Wine, Archaeology and the Via Romea

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Fonterutoli, the specific interests the area offers can guide your trip planning. Castello di Fonterutoli offers a wine experience with a guided tour, tasting and osteria; Poggino is home to an Etruscan necropolis, while the Via Romea connects the village with pilgrimage. These highlights range from a booked winery visit to history and routes.

Wine, Tasting and Gastronomy

The guided Fonterutoli Wine Tour ends with a tasting of four wines, including two of the estate’s Cru wines. Tours at Castello di Fonterutoli are offered daily from 10:00 to 18:00; booking is required. Check the tour time and booking before travelling.

The wine and gastronomy experience at the Castello combines a cellar tour and wine tasting with culinary specialities at the on-site osteria. The Fonterutoli wine cellar is also part of Toscana Wine Architecture, a network of 14 wineries with a focus on quality and design. This gives the wine experience an architectural dimension in addition to the tasting and cuisine.

The first documented reference to Chianti as a production area dates from a letter exchanged on 16 December 1398 between Ser Lapo Mazzei and Francesco Datini. Another historical trace is the ownership history of the villa known as “Castello di Fonterutoli”: it stands beside the square in front of the present-day church and has been owned by the Marchesi Mazzei family since 1435.

Poggino: Etruscan Tombs and Access Conditions

The Etruscan necropolis of Poggino lies in a wooded area near the village of Fonterutoli. The archaeological site comprises five tombs from the 6th century BC: four chamber tombs and one cist tomb. The dating and the two types of tomb give the site a clearly defined archaeological focus for visitors interested in the Etruscans.

Access is an important consideration when planning a visit: the Poggino area is in rugged terrain and is not accessible to people with disabilities. San Miniato Church in Fonterutoli, by contrast, has level access with no architectural barriers. The municipal access information for both locations was last updated on 17 November 2023; check local conditions before visiting.

Pilgrimage Routes and Practical Information

The Via Romea passes through Fonterutoli and is still used by pilgrims from around the world. The Via Romea Sanese runs from Castellina in Chianti to Fonterutoli. The two descriptions offer different points of reference: one describes the route through the village and its continued use by pilgrims, while the other identifies a named connection to Fonterutoli. As route conditions can change and details may be updated, check the current route and conditions before making specific plans.

There is a public car park in front of the entrance for visits to the winery. From there, it is about 50 metres, or a one-minute walk, along a footpath to reception. These are approximate orientation figures; check visitor information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Castelnuovo Berardenga, Montegabbro, Piazze, Monteroni D'arbia, San Quirico D'orcia, Monteriggioni, Mensano, Abbadia San Salvatore.

For the broader travel overview: Siena.