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Capannelle Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

The Capannelle Winery story predates the book and movie sensation “Under the Tuscan Sun,” but it’s no less compelling. In 1974, business executive Raffaele Rossetti traded his job in Rome (where he worked in laminated plastics, of all things) for a life in the Tuscan countryside. He bought and restored Capannelle, a 16th-century Tuscan farmhouse where he would create a pioneering boutique winery, and set about blending some of Chianti’s most coveted wines.

From the very first vintage (1975), Capannelle’s wines made a splash. As one of the first Tuscan winemakers to use stainless steel tanks, Rossetti’s innovative techniques drew much attention in the industry. His marketing plans were no less unique; among his first bottles were special editions with 18-carat gold and 925 silver labels made by a Florentine artisan. Famed gourmands like Frank Sinatra and Alain Delon quickly snapped up those bottles, which ensured Capannelle wines a place in Chianti Classico lore.

In 1997, American James Sherwood bought the Gaiole-based winery, although he kept the charismatic Rossetti on as a consultant. Since then, Capannelle has confirmed its position as an exclusive, state-of-the-art wine producer. The underground winery and cellars feature only the highest quality and most innovative winemaking technology. However, the facility’s stark modern style is in distinct contrast to the old-world charm and beauty of the winery building itself, which is pure Tuscan. The results of the old-meets-new approach are Capannelle’s effortlessly elegant yet pleasingly complex wines. Capannelle has also earned fame for its delectable Olive Oils, made with organically grown olives, and its luxury boutique hotel, an exclusive five-room oasis overlooking gardens and vineyards.

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Author

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Genevieve Mc Carthy

Genevieve, originally from San Diego, California, has spent the last 25 years living in Europe, primarily in Spain, Ireland, and Italy. She has a background in the wine industry, having worked for a top wine importer in Ireland and a prestigious winery in Italy's Franciacorta region. In 2003, Genevieve founded Cellar Tours, a boutique wine tours company based in Madrid, Spain. She holds wine education credentials from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London and has a strong network within the European wine industry. Genevieve's specializes in organizing VIP tours to exclusive wineries that are not accessible to the general public. With a passion for food and wine, fluency in multiple languages, and expertise in luxury travel and tourism, Genevieve has built a successful career in creating unique wine experiences.

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