Castello di Colognole, an authentic 12th century castle completely restored and surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany and the vineyards of Chianti Classico Colognole, is divided into four properties, and has undergone various restorations over the centuries. It has retained many original architectural features, preserving it’s particular charm and giving it an aura of antiquity. The castle overlooks the village of Greve in Chianti and the Castello di Montefioralle. From the garden, are spectacular views of vineyards, olive groves, farmhouses and villages.

Three apartments have been reserved, Bacco, Quartesi and Del Caccia. Each apartment sleeps four, has a kitchen, living area, bathrooms and has access to the garden. Two apartments are on the ground level and one is on the second floor, with a bedroom on the third floor. Because the castle is old and has been made into apartments, not all the bedrooms have an adjoining bathroom, but accessed from a hallway. Some of the bedrooms have two pullaway beds and some have double beds. The Quaratesi apartment is reached by stairs. All have lovely views and a special character of their own. Everyone will be charged the same price, however every effort will be made to accommodate a couple in a queen bedroom. Rita and Fausto Meiners, our host family, live at Colognole. They and Rita’s sister Rosita Ricci, who also lives at the castle will host a wine reception in the garden and prepare the final dinner. Rosita speaks English and will assist us , should we need it. The castle can be viewed from it’s website showing the Bacco and Quartesi apartments as well as garden and castle views. The Del Caccia apartment is private and we will use it for our stay, however photographs of it are not on the website. It is beside the chapel.

Ten painting days will include painting the first day at the castle, then in the nearby villages of Greve, Radda, Volpaia, Vagligli, Monteriggioni, Castellina, Montefioralle, San Gimignano and Volterra. Traveling to Florence and Siena for day trips is also planned. Painting in Greve will be market day.

workshop tour prices

Sharing an apartment: $1525, based on 12, four to an apartment.

Includes: 14 nights, a wine reception on Sunday, September 6, and a final dinner on Thursday, September, 17. Instruction for 10 painting days, two of which will be touring days to Florence and Siena, 2 travel days, and 2 free days.

Not included: airfare, car rental, which can be shared with other painters, and meals, except for the final dinner. Dale Fuller at Covington Travel will book airfare and assist in car rental, 804-747-4122

Groceries, wine and bakery items can be purchased in nearby Greve and Panzano. Most villages have delightful places to lunch.

download the registration form (This file is a PDF and requires Adobe Reader.)