Trail Name: Castello di Gabbiano
Trail Type: Short distance circuit; variety of surfaces from paved to hard-packed, or loose, gravel, to grass; maintained, but not marked.
Length: Total: 3.2 kilometers / about 2 miles
Convenient to: Chianti, Florence, Italy
Marking: None
Trail Description: This is another private initiative on the wine estate of Castello di Gabbiano. It circles the estate’s vineyards and fields. It ascends and descends on medium gradients, and offers spectacular distant views of Tuscany
Trailhead: At the castle parking lot, Via di Gabbiano, Mercatale Val di Pesa.
Parking Possibilities: At the trailhead, or slightly further up the road by the restaurant.
Public Transportation Options: None
Suggested Stages: Not applicable
Trail Itinerary-Reference Points:
Castello di Gabbiano: Castle parking lot, follow the road uphill toward the restaurant, Map Board, restaurant, upper parking lot, turn left at the olive grove, pass below the Belvedere, follow along the outside edge of the estate to a treeline, then a stream and small pond, at about the middle of the pond, turn left up a small gravel path, take the first right through vineyards, onto a gravel path, past a couple of houses, onto the main road heading toward the castle, turn right heading through vineyards, circling around the castle to head either to the castle parking area, or the restaurant parking area.
Representative Trail Photo:
Restrooms: None
Attractions on or near Trail:
The castle exterior is dramatic, and the views from the upper terrace are expansive. Its old cellars (accessible with a guided tour), a great restaurant, and a romantic hotel set in the villa, are also here.
Tasting along the Trail:
The on-site wine shop provides opportunities to taste and buy wine (and balsamic vinegar) every day.
Alternative Options:
Car: Strada del Chianti Classico
Additional Information:
Regional: http://en.chianti.it/
Trail and estate information: http://www.castellogabbiano.it/cg/it/
Comments:
No maps are available, but a photograph of the map board with a smart phone will see you through the hike.
This trail showcases the beauty of the classic Chianti landscape.
Best done in cool or slightly overcast weather, as there is no shade.