The Etruscan grape seeds
The origins of viticulture
New research conducted in the woodlands of Badia a Coltibuono, within the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti, is reshaping the history of viticulture in the Chianti area. Evidence uncovered at the Etruscan-Roman archaeological site of Cetamura indicates that grapevines were already present here more than 2,300 years ago.
For more than fifty years, archaeologists from Florida State University, led by Nancy de Grummond, have been excavating the site. Between 2012 and 2016, numerous exceptionally well-preserved grape seeds were recovered from the deepest layers of Etruscan wells. These seeds were likely deposited as part of votive rituals. The discovery pushes documented evidence of local viticulture back at least to the third century BCE.
Genetic analyses conducted by University of York are yielding particularly significant results.
Advanced agronomic knowledge
The studies have shown that the same white grape variety was cultivated and used for winemaking over several consecutive centuries, from the Etruscan period through the Roman era.
The findings also confirm the use of vegetative propagation, the same technique still employed today to reproduce grapevines through cuttings. This provides evidence of advanced viticultural knowledge already in existence during Etruscan times. The analyses further revealed a clear predominance of white grape varieties, although some red grape varieties were also present.
The discovery holds special significance for the territory of Gaiole in Chianti and for its archaeological museum, Chianti Origo, where the artifacts recovered from the excavations are preserved. The Mayor of Gaiole in Chianti has highlighted the cultural and historical importance of this research, which strengthens the connection between the area and a winemaking tradition spanning millennia.
The Stucchi Prinetti Family, owners of the woodlands of Badia a Coltibuono and longstanding supporters of the excavations, have likewise emphasized the importance of findings that link the estate’s history to the earliest roots of Chianti viticulture.
This heritage was preserved through the centuries by the Vallombrosan Order and has endured to the present day through a form of viticulture deeply rooted in the local landscape.
Should ongoing research confirm a genetic relationship between the ancient grape variety identified at Cetamura and grape varieties that still exist today, the implications would be of international significance.
Badia a Coltibuono could become the center of a unique project: bringing back to life the grapevine that grew on these hills more than two thousand years ago, long before the rise of Sangiovese as the defining grape of the region.
This would represent far more than the reconstruction of a chapter of history.
It would offer an opportunity to restore a part of Chianti’s deepest identity, transforming an extraordinary archaeological discovery into a tangible viticultural renaissance. In this endeavor, Badia a Coltibuono would not merely serve as the custodian of the memory of these lands, but as a leading force in shaping their future.
Open day in Coltibuono
Open doors
From 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Badia a Coltibuono will be open to the public with a program of dedicated tours and experiences.
From 10:30 a.m., guided tours lasting approximately 30 minutes will begin, with small groups departing every half hour. The tour includes a visit to the cellar, refectory, and garden.
La Marroneta will be open to guests for the entire duration of the event.
A tasting area will be available in the Italian garden, where guests can sample a selection of schiacciata and focaccia along with a tasting of Badia a Coltibuono wines.
For the entire duration of the event, a 10% discount on the purchase of our wines will be available.
At the end of the guided tour, guests will be free to roam the courtyard, garden, and refectory, exploring the spaces independently and continuing their tasting or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the day.
At 6:30 PM, a final tasting (reservation required) with a guided tasting of five wines, open to a maximum of 30 people.
Info and reservations: reception@coltibuono.com – tel. 0577 74481 ext. 250
Badia a Coltibuono is one of the most representative estates of Chianti Classico. Founded in 1051 by Vallombrosan monks, over the centuries it became an important hub for the area’s agricultural activity, with a particular focus on grapevines and olives.
After the Napoleonic suppressions, the ancient abbey and its surrounding estates were purchased in 1846 by the Giuntini family, ancestors of the current owners, Stucchi Prinetti. Since then, Badia a Coltibuono has continued to develop its agricultural, winemaking, and cultural vocation, contributing to the promotion of Chianti Classico in Italy and around the world.
Fridays in music
The evenings of L'Avamposto
L’Avamposto di Coltibuono awaits you for Fridays in Music.
You can enjoy our wines, savor our schiacciata and platters, share an aperitif with friends, and listen to live music until sunset.
🎶 Live Music
🍴Schiacciata, platters, and much more
🍷 Local wines and cocktails
🌅 Summer atmosphere and lots of fun
Dates and Programs
June 5: DJ Set Cionko
June 12: Duodegradabili
June 19: Stranoduo
June 26: Rubendj
🕕 Starts at 6:00 PM
1st Birthday
L'Avamposto di Coltibuono
Celebrate with us the 1st anniversary of L’Avamposto di Badia a Coltibuono.
Tuesday, June 2
Buffet, live music, and games for children.
Programme: from 11:30 am buffet lunch; from 2:00 pm, by reservation, “Games Without Borders” with entertainers for children; from 4:30 pm live music with the Crumble Cookies.
For reservations, call +39 329 324 6142.
2026 Producer Tour
Snapshots from the States
The Dalla Terra Producer Tour 2026 concluded successfully, with stops in Austin, Tampa, Orlando and Miami.
Another opportunity to introduce Badia a Coltibuono wines to the American public.
Thanks to Dalla Terra Italian Wine & Spirits.
Concertone del 1° Maggio
L'Avamposto di Coltibuono
A day full of music with the band “I Dinosauri”
May 1st 2026 from 4 p.m.
Wine and sustainability
The B-Wine project
Badia a Coltibuono took part in the B-Wine project, promoted by the National Research Council (CNR), aimed at assessing the effectiveness of biochar in vineyard management.
“Our vineyard,” explains Roberto Stucchi Prinetti, “served as a living laboratory. Three years ago, we opened our rows to CNR researchers, who incorporated biochar into the soil of one of our plots. The results have just been published in the scientific journal Land: the treated vines maintained a significantly better water status during the driest months, with per-plant yields nearly double those of the control.
This is not magic. It is soil that retains water when water is scarce.
The study, conducted together with Corzano e Paterno and Fèlsina as part of the CNR’s B-Wine project, and supported by the Chianti Biodistrict as a coordinating body between the farms and the research group, confirms that soil management is the most concrete response we have to climate change in vineyards. It also confirms something that organic growers have long intuited: caring for the soil is not a trade-off with productivity. It is the very condition for achieving it—alongside quality.
A piece of research born here, on these soils, with these vines. We will continue to look in that direction.”
Further information on the B-Wine project:
Happy Easter
Easter in Chianti
Lunches, dinners, aperitifs in the greenery
Terre di Toscana
The return of Terre di Toscana
We look forward to sharing our new vintages and other unmissable news with you. At Una Esperienze Versilia Lido Hotel in Lido di Camaiore (LU)
Organic Viticulture
Training course
Four events in March and July to increase organic farming skills.
An initiative of the Chianti Biodistretto with the patronage of the Municipality of San Casciano in Val di Pesa.
The meetings will be held at the Chianti Banca Auditorium in San Casciano in Val di Pesa.
The complete program is on the flyer.
Info and reservations: biodistrettochianti@gmail.com – phone +39 3355827970