A contemporary underground winery where 75 percent of the structure descends beneath the Tuscan landscape, integrating seamlessly with the medieval village above.
At a glance
The Cellar of the Castle of Fonterutoli represents a modern approach to winemaking architecture. Designed by architect Agnese Mazzei, the 10,000-square-meter facility prioritizes both function and aesthetic restraint. The winery appears almost invisibly to visitors, respecting the harmony between the natural terrain and the historic village of Castellina in Chianti.
History
The project emerged from a complex architectural challenge: integrating a contemporary production facility into a landscape dominated by centuries-old settlement patterns. Agnese Mazzei’s design responds to this tension by burying the majority of the structure underground, allowing the ancient village to remain visually dominant while housing modern winemaking operations below.
What you see
Seventy-five percent of the cellar lies underground, with the remaining structure integrated discreetly into the landscape. Grapes are processed by natural fall, a gravity-fed system that moves fruit through the facility with minimal intervention. The visit progresses downward through successive levels, culminating at a depth of 15 meters in the barrel cellar—a space that evokes the sensation of entering something both sacred and removed from the everyday world.
Cultural significance
The cellar exemplifies contemporary wine architecture that defers to historical context rather than overwhelming it. By working with the land rather than against it, Mazzei’s design preserves the character of Castellina in Chianti while accommodating the technical demands of modern viticulture. The project demonstrates how functional architecture and cultural stewardship need not be opposing forces.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Giorgio la Pira, 3–6, 53011 Castellina in Chianti
- Coordinates: 43.43563376772067, 11.302801966667174
- Size: 10,000 square meters
- Architect: Agnese Mazzei
- Website: https://www.mazzei.it
- Phone: +39 0577 73571
Practical information
The cellar is open to visitors; contact the winery directly for tour availability and current hours. Reservations may be required.
Getting there
The cellar is located in central Castellina in Chianti on Piazza Giorgio la Pira. Driving is recommended; ample parking information is available through the winery’s website or by phone.
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