The Villa Serravalle is built on the ruins of a 14th century Sienese watchtower. Its name literally means “Defender of the Valley” indicative of its importance to Siena in keeping watch for invading armies from its arch rival Florence to the north.  As it sits on the original Florentine/Sienese city state line, Serravalle was responsible for sending smoke signals, warning the Sienese of advancing Florentine armadas.  Its remnants, however, predate the Renaissance to the post Etruscan period of 600-700 AD.  This magnificent villa was restyled in the mid 1400’s, 1700’s, 1800’s, and again in 1983, when water and electricity were installed for the first time.

During and after the Renaissance, Serravalle was a functioning farm, growing grapes, olives, wild berries, peaches, apples, nectarines, pears, walnuts, almonds, and figs in support of the local settlers.  In 1716, the Medici family dominated the Chianti region (and the Chianti Classico wines) the first (oldest) formal wine region in the world.  This denomination is still symbolized by the famed “Gallo Nero” or Black Rooster label.  Serravalle’s vineyards and olive orchards have recently been awarded, indicating that their grape and olive varieties meet strict historical standards. This distinction allows Serravalle wines and olive oil to be exported and available in America today.

The Serravalle estate remains a working and expanding niche vineyard with output of three proprietary varietals – a Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico- Riserva and an IGT Super Tuscan blend.  With its own enologist, and specialized cantina, its total production is expected to approach 30,000 bottles per year in the next five years.   Within that same time period, its “cold first press” olive oil production is expected to exceed 15,000 bottles.