Castello di Ama: Art Among the Vines

This isn't a winery with some art on the walls. This is one of Italy's most important contemporary art collections that happens to make exceptional Chianti Classico. Since 2000, owner Lorenza Sebasti has commissioned site-specific works from legends: Anish Kapoor's mirror that reflects the vineyard, Louise Bourgeois's hanging installation, Kendell Geers's thorn spiral, Daniel Buren's colors in the cellar. The art is placed IN the landscape, among the vines, in the cellars. You walk through a world where Sangiovese and sculpture intertwine. The wine itself is consistently 95+ points. This is Story Potential 5 for anyone who cares about either art or wine.

What to do there

5 things to do

1. 1 Find the Anish Kapoor Mirror Adventure · Price: moderate

   A concave mirror in the vineyard that reflects the sky and vines.

   Book the 'Art & Wine' tour (€35, 2 hours) at castellodiama.com. The Kapoor mirror is in the vineyard, about a 10-minute walk from the main building. Stand directly in front - you'll see yourself inverted against the Tuscan sky. Best photos at golden hour when the light is warm. Ask your guide about the physics of concave mirrors if you want the full experience.

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2. 2 Stand Beneath Louise Bourgeois History · Price: moderate

   One of the last installations by the legendary sculptor before her death.

   Inside one of the historic buildings, Louise Bourgeois created a suspended fabric installation. Look UP when you enter - the piece hangs from the ceiling. Bourgeois was 93 when she made this. Ask your guide about her connection to the Sebasti family and why this piece is here, not in a museum.

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3. 3 Discover Daniel Buren in the Cellar Adventure · Price: moderate

   Buren's signature stripes transform the underground aging room.

   Not all tours go to the Buren installation - ASK specifically. It's in the cellar where wine ages in barrel. Buren painted his famous 8.7cm stripes on the walls. The contrast of contemporary art with centuries-old winemaking is surreal. Photograph the stripes with the barrels - this shot doesn't exist anywhere else.

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4. 4 Taste the Gran Selezione Bellavista Wine · Price: moderate

   One of the greatest Chianti Classicos produced. Regularly 95+ points.

   The standard tasting includes 4 wines. Ask to taste the 'Vigneto Bellavista' Gran Selezione (€15-20 supplement if not included). This single-vineyard wine is among the best Sangiovese in Tuscany. Compare it to their entry-level Chianti Classico - the difference is the difference between good and transcendent.

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5. 5 Picnic Among the Sculptures Adventure · Free · Optional

   After the tour, the grounds are yours to explore.

   Buy cheese and salumi in Greve before arriving (or bread at the nearby bakery in Gaiole). After your tour, buy a bottle at the estate shop (€20-80). Find a spot among the sculptures with a vineyard view. The staff will provide glasses if you ask nicely. This is your climax moment - art, wine, Tuscan light, and no one telling you to move along.

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Insider tips

• The estate publishes three tour-and-tasting formats at €90, €129 and €279, each about 1h30 (2 hours for the private one), shared groups capped at seven guests

• The Anish Kapoor mirror is in the vineyard - go at golden hour for the reflection shot

• Ask about Daniel Buren in the cellar - not all tours include it

• Bring a picnic to enjoy among the sculptures after the tour (purchase wine at shop)

• Their Gran Selezione "Vigneto Bellavista" is one of the greatest Chianti Classicos made