Castello Di Meleto

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first drove up the winding road to Castello Di Meleto – I mean, there are plenty of “castello” hotels in Chianti that turn out to be glorified bed and breakfasts with delusions of grandeur. But this place actually delivers on the castle promise. The approach alone is worth it, especially if you’re coming from Gaiole in Chianti (which, honestly, is barely a town – more like a collection of wine shops and one decent restaurant). The castello sits on this hill surrounded by vineyards, and when you pull up, there’s this moment where you think “okay, this is why people come to Tuscany.”

The building itself is the real deal – we’re talking 11th century stones, thick walls that keep everything cool even in August, and these massive wooden doors that creak in all the right ways. I stayed here during harvest season last September, and I have to say, waking up to the sound of grape pickers starting their day at dawn was pretty magical (though if you’re not a morning person, pack earplugs). The rooms vary quite a bit – some are in the main castle with those tiny windows that make you feel properly medieval, others are in the renovated outbuildings with more modern amenities. I had one overlooking the courtyard, and honestly, sitting on that little balcony with a glass of their estate wine while watching the sun set over the Chianti hills… well, it’s exactly what you picture when you dream about Italian vacations.

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel authentic without being stuffy. The staff actually knows the area – they’ll send you to the good enoteca in Radda (about 15 minutes away) instead of the tourist traps, and they’re genuinely helpful with dinner reservations, which matters because you’re pretty isolated up here. The on-site restaurant is solid, especially for lunch on the terrace, though I’d recommend venturing out for dinner at least once – there’s this little place in Castelnuovo Berardenga that the concierge recommended that turned out to be incredible. Parking is easy, which is a blessing in this part of Italy, and check-in was smooth despite my terrible Italian and their charmingly limited English. The 8.7 rating feels about right – it’s genuinely special, but it’s not trying to be a luxury resort. It’s a castle that happens to be a hotel, if that makes sense, and that authenticity is exactly why you’d choose this over some sterile five-star place in Florence.

Rooms

• Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Triple Room with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 2 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Family Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Two-Bedroom Villa with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for 4 adults, 1 child
• Three-Bedroom Villa with 2 single beds and 2 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Duplex Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Suite with Sauna with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Noa from Israel (9/10)

  Outstanding beautiful castle, exceptional breakfast, beautiful infinity pool

• Aucharapon from Thailand (9/10)

  I love the winery and landscape

• Schuler from United States (9/10)

  The views at Castello di Meleto are stunning. The rooms were spacious and included all the necessary amenities. The shower was sizable relative to other places. The staff was pleasant and helpful when needed. The food choices were enough to keep everyone happy, and the Winery had everything you could ask for.

• Francesco from Italy (8/10)

  A unique experience steeped in history deep in the Chianti region.

• Sean from Canada (8/10)

  Beautiful location with a fantastic outdoor space. The view from the pools were amazing.

• Rebecca from Australia (9/10)

  We loved everything about this property. It was so peaceful and nice change of pace from our busy travels in Italy. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. We loved the breakfast, typical Italian home made breakfast – all cold options and the only hot option scrambled eggs. We didn’t use the restaurant and opted for restaurants in the neighbouring streets, which is 5 minutes away. Not many options open every night but none the less, some great food. There are food options further away but as the roads are quite windy, we opted to stay closer.

• Beverly from United States (8/10)

  After changing rooms its was lovely. Good staff & great wine tasting.

• Sarah from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Beautiful and peaceful location, very spacious and comfortable accommodation for two, with great air con. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool nearest to the castle is lovely, and towels were provided.

• Robert from United Kingdom (8/10)

• Lester from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The infinity pool overlooking stunning views. Apartment was clean and spacious. Awesome setting.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities