Chianti Origo

Chianti Origo is a cultural hub established in 2024 in Gaiole in Chianti, with the aim of narrating and promoting the many identities of the local area. Hosted inside the former Ricasoli cellars, the complex offers visitors an experience that weaves together art, history, wine culture, and a passion for cycling.

Given the strong tourism and wine-making vocation of the surrounding territory, Chianti Origo is conceived as a multimedia hub bringing together four exhibit areas:

• the Museo alle Origini del Chianti, archaeological heart of the project;
• Terre di Gaiole, dedicated to the local wine-making tradition;
• the Galleria Olmastroni, an artistic space paying tribute to the painter Cesare Olmastroni;
• and Casa Eroica, an immersive area dedicated to the world of vintage cycling and the renowned cycling event born in Gaiole and now celebrated worldwide.

The visitor experience begins with the Museo alle Origini del Chianti, that through a rich collection of archaeological finds, tells the history of the territory from the Etruscan era to the Middle Ages. Many of the artefacts come from excavations carried out for more than fifty years by Florida State University at the settlement of Cetamura. These are complemented by materials from the Roman villa of Monti in Chianti and the necropolis of San Giusto a Rentennano. Enhanced by multimedia installations, the exhibition offers an accessible and engaging narrative of the relationship between people, environment, and landscape over the centuries.

Alongside its archaeological dimension, Chianti Origo also highlights the more contemporary aspects of the territory. The Terre di Gaiole section explores the evolution of Chianti Classico production, emphasising the deep connection between community, landscape, and wine culture, while Casa Eroica conveys the social and cultural value of cycling through interactive experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of L’Eroica.

The complex stands out for its inclusive approach to heritage communication, combining traditional storytelling with digital technologies in order to engage a wide range of audiences, from casual visitors and schools to enthusiasts and international tourists.