Rufina

At the roots of its typical wine production is a story enveloping the entire area and told by the Museum of Vine and Wine of Villa Poggio Reale. The elegant 16^th-century building, surrounded by a pleasant park, is also home to a collection by the Florentine artist Marco Romoli. The Villa is surrounded by a large park open to the public with a wood, Ragnaia, which includes a plot of vineyards and vegetable gardens, as well as a play area for children.

Worth visiting are the ancient ecclesiastical structures in the hills, such as the Church of San Pietro a Turicchi and Church of Santa Maria a Falgano. Then, going up toward the hamlet of Pomino, you come to the Parish Church of Santo Stefano a Castiglioni, Church of San Pietro a Petrognano and finally the Parish Church of San Bartolomeo a Pomino.

Passing Pomino, you find Berceto, a place dedicated to the memory of a Nazi-Fascist massacre that took place here in 1944.

A short distance from the hilly landscapes of Rufina, our journey in the Florentine area continues towards Londa, a characteristic village established around Etruscan times. In addition to the lake, an artificial basin built in the late 60s on the waters of the Rincine stream, Londa boasts incredibly valuable agricultural production. The Regina Peach, a delicious and late variety, is grown here. It’s honored every year in September with a village festival. 

If you’re looking for authentic products and flavors head to Pontassieve: the countryside is home to a mix of tradition and innovation, with organic and biodynamic farms, holiday farms and private farms. 

Pelago, on the other hand, offers natural beauty. Its hills are covered with rich woods and mushrooms. In the small village of Raggioli, for example, you’ll find yourself immersed in the harmony between man and nature in such places. Take a stroll through its stone alleys, breathe its medieval atmosphere and allow yourself to be fascinated by the perched houses, once home to woodcutters, charcoal burners and farmers.

If you happen to be passing through this part of Tuscany in autumn, count yourself lucky. This is when the community gathers for Bacco Artigiano, an event that involves the bacco by paying homage to it with a procession. The Carro Matto, an agricultural vehicle pulled by Chianina oxen, leaves from Rufina and reaches Florence loaded with 1500 flasks. The wine is then blessed in the Duomo’s churchyard and symbolically donated, as it was in the past, to the Florentine community.

On Holy Saturday, there is the Scoppio del Carro (“Explosion of the Cart”), a traditional event held in Piazza Umberto I. The Scoppio del Carro in Rufina was first held in 1937, when some citizens devised a rudimentary mechanism named Berta, capable of causing loud bangs with an iron bar and lead capsules. After interruption due to the war, the ceremony was officially named the Scoppio del Carro in 1946 due to the use of a decorated ox-drawn cart. Ignition was by means of a “colombina” (literally translating to “little dove” but actually a type of rocket!) which ran along a wire, triggered the firing then returning, forecasting a good harvest if the return journey is completed. In the 1950s, the float took on a more elaborate, pyramidal shape adorned with some decorations, with the timing of the event being moved to midnight. By the mid-1960s, fireworks were added, shaping the modern version of the event. 

In the second half of May, the community of Rufina, together with that of Montebonello, celebrates the “Corso della Nave” (“Course of the Ship”) festival. This event takes its name from a path that led all the way to a ford where there was a small barge that carried people and vehicles to the other side of the Sieve River, where the present town of Montebonello stands. A festive weekend marked by tradition, historical re-enactments but also markets and musical entertainment.

The soil and climate form the basis of one of the most fragrant Chianti, which can age up to thirty years: DOCG Chianti Rufina. These hills give you the chance to meet local producers and immerse yourself in the scents and ruby ​​tones of this celebrated drink. The wine is also a fundamental ingredient in the Chianti stew, a historic Tuscan recipe requiring the meat to be slow-cooked.