Castello di Tornano
Wendy Irwin Braben Owner
When I accepted an invitation to a very high-end, coveted dinner to honor international journalists and Tuscan producers in Florence, I knew it would be a special evening.
I imagined scintillating conversations with Italian winemakers or winery owners, exquisite wine, and the delicious cuisine that’s put Florence on the international culinary map.
What I did not expect was to find myself seated next to an extraordinary British woman, Wendy Irvin Braben. She and her husband had purchased Castello di Tornano, a breathtaking Tuscan medieval castle.
At the same dinner in previous years I had met Lawrence Cronin, the American-born winemaker of Tenuta di Arceno. We had a great time discussing the more technical aspects of winemaking.
With Wendy, I focused more on how she came to acquire the winery, which had once been a fortress. Wendy’s life dream was to find an Italian cast;e that she could call her own and also serve as a source of revenue. Today the caste serves as a venue (hotel, restaurant, winery), offering guests a luxurious blend of history, hospitality, and world-class wine.
A Castle Steeped in History
Dating back to around the 10th century, Castello di Tornano reflects the architectural grandeur of medieval Tuscany, with its ancient stone walls, watchtower, and panoramic terraces.
I didn’t want to “talk numbers” at a dinner party, but Wendy and her team spent quite a bit of time and money restoring its original charms. Helping Wendy in her efforts were her two sons and general manager, Gianluca Tedesco, who had a hand in redesigning the restaurant and rooms.
Though I haven’t yet visited, I can imagine that over the centuries, it has borne witness to powerful noble families, territorial conflicts, and the flourishing of the Chianti wine trade.
Today, rather than offering defense, its “regular guests” appreciate the Tuscan sun and an unforgettable escape into history.
Luxurious Accommodations with Medieval Charm
Over dinner, Wendy told me that the castle houses a carefully curated selection of rooms and suites. Each offers a blend of period architecture with modern comforts.
Guests can choose to stay within the castle’s historic walls or opt for accommodations in the nearby agriturismo-style buildings, which provide a more secluded countryside experience.
Wendy was adamant that the rooms retain their medieval charm, featuring exposed wooden beams, antique furnishings, and rich fabrics. Yet, they still provide contemporary amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms.
Certain suites offer private terraces or panoramic windows overlooking the rolling vineyards and olive groves, perfect for savoring a quiet morning with an espresso or an evening glass of Chianti Classico.
Wendy’s Vision for a Gastronomic Experience in the Castle’s Restaurant
Wendy struck me as a sharp businesswoman, so of course, I asked about the restaurant. Even before the purchase, the property had an existing restaurant for hotel guests and locals.
Yet, she renovated the menu and décor so that the on-site restaurant takes inspiration from classic Tuscan recipes, emphasizing seasonal, local ingredients and wines produced on the estate.
I wasn’t quite prepared for this millionaire (billionaire?) to tell me that sometimes she and the chef drive into town to buy provisions for the restaurant.
Yet, in Italy, this seems fairly common. The towns are small, and it’s rather natural for the owner of a simple home or an enormous historic castle to visit the fresh market for produce.
Activities
Guided Wine Tastings & Cellar Tours
As part of its deep-rooted connection to the Chianti region, the castle produces its own wines, primarily focusing on Chianti Classico and other traditional Tuscan varietals.
Guests can book a guided wine tasting in the estate’s historic cellar, where they learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle, from vineyard cultivation to barrel aging. Private tastings with the estate’s winemaker provide an in-depth exploration of the terroir and techniques that make these wines stand out.
Cooking Classes
For those eager to take a piece of Tuscany home with them, Castello di Tornano offers Tuscan cooking classes, where local chefs teach the secrets of making hand-rolled pasta, traditional sauces, and rustic Italian desserts.
Classes often conclude with a shared meal, paired with estate wines to celebrate the fruits of the participants’ labor.
Swimming Pool & Relaxation
Within the castle’s grounds, guests can unwind by the large outdoor swimming pool, a perfect oasis on warm Tuscan afternoons. Nestled among olive trees and stone pathways, the serene garden setting enhances the sense of timelessness that defines this remarkable property.
Cycling & Hiking the Chianti Countryside
The surrounding Chianti landscape offers astounding cycling and hiking trails that weave through cypress-lined roads, olive groves, and charming villages.
Guests can rent bikes to explore the countryside or embark on guided walking tours that reveal the hidden gems of the region, including ancient monasteries and local artisan workshops.
Castello di Tornano’s Wines
The estate primarily cultivates Sangiovese, Tuscany’s signature grape variety, known for its bright acidity, cherry and earthy notes, and unmatched aging potential.
Among the wines produced, standouts include:
- Chianti Classico DOCG – A balanced, fruit-forward wine with layers of red berries, spice, and a velvety texture.
- Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Aged longer to develop structure and complexity, with deep flavors of dried fruit, leather, and Tuscan herbs.
- Super Tuscan Blend – A highly expressive, limited-production wine that incorporates Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
With organic cultivation methods and a focus on sustainable winemaking, the estate ensures that each bottle captures the purity of the land and the passion of its caretakers.
It was so fascinating to meet and speak with Wendy. Aside from this information about the winery, I became fascinated with the “family story” of this British couple’s yearning to buy an Italian wine estate and also to involve their twenty-something sons.
