Immerse yourself in the harmonious union of art, wine, and terroir at Castello di Ama, where a passion for creativity and the land come together to create a unique experience.
A Love Letter to the Land: How Art, Wine and Terroir Connect at Tuscany’s Castello di Ama
Castello di Ama, nestled in the picturesque hills of Chianti, Tuscany, is a testament to the seamless integration of wine production and contemporary art. Curator Philip Larratt-Smith describes it as “a microcosm of time, history, nature, and art” where everything blends harmoniously with the landscape.
The Genesis of a Unique Experience
The story of Castello di Ama began in 1976 when Lorenza Sebasti’s father, along with three partners, invested in the land with the ambitious goal of restoring a once-prestigious wine estate to its rightful splendor. At the time, the culture of wine did not exist in Italy, and the Chianti was far from what it is known for today.
A Shared Passion: Art and Wine
Sebasti’s passion for art and wine led her to partner with renowned agronomist Marco Pallanti, who introduced sophisticated methods of wine production already adopted in France. This collaboration transformed Castello di Ama into one of the most advanced wineries in the area, earning it a trailblazer status in Chianti Classico.
The Evolution of Art at Castello di Ama
Sebasti first laid the groundwork for Castello di Ama’s art project in the early 1990s, organizing cultural encounters and exhibitions with local curators. Over time, the project evolved into a series of permanent installations and commissions, fostering an exchange of ideas and support with Galleria Continua.
A Living Art Gallery
Today, Castello di Ama is a living art gallery, hosting renowned contemporary artists such as Daniel Buren, Anish Kapoor, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Louise Bourgeois, Chen Zhen, Kendall Geers, Roni Horn, Jenny Holzer, Lee Ufan, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Mirosław Bałka, and Pascale Marthine Tayou. The estate’s latest addition is a work by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi.
A Deep Connection to the Land
Sebasti emphasizes that art helped them rediscover their unique story and experience, which they could connect directly with consumers without relying on agents or resellers. The goal is not to scale up in revenue but to cultivate a more intimate and personal experience, encouraging visitors to slow down and absorb the energy of Castello di Ama.
A Legacy for Generations
Sebasti hopes that this deeply personal story of passion for wine, art, and land will continue for generations. Her son shares her enthusiasm and dedication to the estate’s unique universe, ensuring a bright future for Castello di Ama as a place where creativity and the land are inextricably linked.
As Sebasti spoke, her love for Ama was unmistakable. “I feel Ama and live Ama fully,” she said. “Even after thirty-five years, I get excited about this place even more than our guests. It is so alive. It is like a creature.
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