Castello di Tavolese
The “Castello di Tavolese” has its origin in the 13th century and was owned by some of the most important tuscan families. Farinata degli Uberti (who is even mentioned in Dante’s “Divina Commedia”), his brother Pietro detto Asino (donkey), an officer of Manfred of Hohenstaufen King of Napels, then the Canigiani family, from which came Petrarca’s mother, the Giugnis and the counts Capponi. In 1988 it was bought and restored by the actual owner, Clemente Carlo Kaiser.The property is extended over 150 acres and the main production are Toscana IGT wines, Chianti Colli Fiorentini “Titolato” and extravergine olive oil. The Distilleria Bonollo from Greve in Chianti produces, using the fresh skins of pressed grapes of the Tavolese wines, a soft Grappa with a rich flavour.The big farmhouse beside the castle has been transformed into six appartments elegantly furnished and with all modern comforts (independent heating and warm water, direct phone, satellite-TV etc.), but keeping the atmosphere of the ancient tuscan country houses. On cooler days you can light the fireplace, read a good book or simply chat drinking a good glass of Rubicondo.In an adjacent building is a heated swimming pool connected in summertime with an outdoor pool.The Sala della Cinta can be organised for guest dinner parties up to twenty people, where you can taste the specialities and the wines of Tavolese.It’s an ideal place to be on a holiday and to visit Tuscany: Florence is less than half an hour and Siena just a little bit more; San Gimignano twenty minutes, Volterra and Pisa one hour and with fifteen minutes more you reach the sea and the famous sandbeaches of the Versilia. The connections are excellent (roads, highway, train and plane), but you are in a completely quiet place with one of the most beautiful landscapes of the region. You can walk in the castle’s wood or go horseback riding round the corner. Last not least the excellent restaurants, first of all the Taverna, will be a pleasure not to miss. The farm and the restaurant are now managed by Clementina and Federico, two of Clemente Carlo Kaiser's children