A leading estate in the heart of Chianti For almost a thousand years, Badia a Coltibuono has been synonymous with quality wine production. The estate lies on the highest hills of Chianti, in the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti, overlooking the Arno valley to the east and a broad swathe of Chianti country to the southwest toward Monti in Chianti, where the vineyards are located. Founded in 1051 by the Vallombrosan order established by Giovanni Gualberto, Badia a Coltibuono became, within a few years, a key reference point for agriculture in Chianti. The Vallombrosan monks, meticulous scholars attuned to enhancing nature’s resources, gave fresh impetus to the cultivation of the land, particularly the vine and the olive. Continuing activities already practiced since the 3rd century BC by the Etruscans and Romans of the nearby village of Cetamura del Chianti, located within the Badia a Coltibuono estate. A document from the late 12th century, drawn from the abbey’s archives, contains one of the earliest mentions of the place name Chianti. Surrounded by ancient woodland, the former monastic complex, converted into a farm in the 19th century, stands as one of Tuscany’s most intriguing rural estates. Famous for its wines, today Badia a Coltibuono, now an elegant wine resort, is a multifaceted enterprise that, in addition to producing wine and organic oils, also includes a restaurant, direct sales, agritourism, and a refreshment point offering typical products: the Avamposto di Coltibuono. At the property, cooking classes, tastings of wine and extra virgin olive oil, and guided tours are held.