History of Castello La Leccia

Written historical sources mention Castello La Leccia as early as 1077, when the nobleman Rodolfo di Guinzo acquired part of the castle. Considering the strategic importance of its position, the rights of the castle were divided between 16 different owners. Around the mid 1400’s, the castle, as well as most of the Chianti area was annexed to the dominion of the Ricasoli family.

Historical reports of raids and devastation, but also a deep passion for the ancient practice of wine-making, can be noted in the sorrowful letters written by Andrea Ricasoli in 1529, during the bloody conflict between Siena and Florence: “…perhaps fifty Sienese soldiers came to my dwelling in Chianti called la Leccia, where…..they burnt all that was in the place….and 200 barrels of wine in the cellars were all spilled….”.

During the XVIII Century, the castle Castello la Leccia, with its hamlet of around 70 people, began to take on the appearance of a manor house due to the modification of part of the structure. The castle and its hamlet were purchased in 1920 by the Daddi family. After a long, careful and conscientious restoration of the castle and its surrounding gardens, Francesco Daddi, with the precious input of the Architect Alessandro Loni Coppedè, returned it to its ancient splendor in 2012. In 2018, the baton was passed to the Swiss Sonderegger family who, with the same passion and commitment of former times, now manages Castello la Leccia. Thanks to the dedication and attention with which our team perform their duties on a daily basis, the values of respect for the environment and nature have been renewed.