ColleMassari Winery: A Benchmark for Organic Winemaking in Tuscany

Wine tasting at one of Tuscany’s most innovative wineries

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ColleMassari Winery is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Tuscany, especially those interested in wine culture, sustainable agriculture, and contemporary architecture. Located in the heart of the Maremma region, at the foot of Mount Amiata and not far from the Tyrrhenian coast, this award-winning estate combines tradition, innovation, and ecological responsibility in one of the most scenic corners of Italy.

Where Is ColleMassari Winery?

The estate lies in southern Tuscany, in the Montecucco DOC region, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. It’s strategically positioned for those driving through Tuscany’s southern wine routes:

  • 25 miles (40 km) from Grosseto
  • 22 miles (35 km) from Montalcino
  • 36 miles (58 km) from San Galgano
  • 40 miles (65 km) from Siena
  • 46 miles (74 km) from Pitigliano
  • 53 miles (85 km) from Monte Argentario

This makes it an ideal detour if you’re staying in Montalcino, Buonconvento, Pienza, or the Val d’Orcia.

Distant view of Castello di ColleMassari atop a hill with cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and olive trees in Tuscany.
The medieval Castello di ColleMassari, part of the ColleMassari estate, perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the Montecucco region of Tuscany. Photo taken in February 2016.

A Modern Winery with Deep Roots

Founded in 1998 by siblings Maria Iris and Claudio Tipa, ColleMassari is the flagship estate of a wine group that also includes Grattamacco in Bolgheri and Poggio di Sotto in Montalcino—two of Tuscany’s most celebrated names. The ColleMassari estate covers over 1,200 hectares, of which 110 are dedicated to vineyards and 60 to olive groves.

The winery’s design, by architect Edoardo Milesi (Studio Archos), is a standout example of contemporary architecture harmonizing with the Tuscan landscape.

Modern cube-shaped wooden building of ColleMassari Winery in Tuscany with olive tree in front and stone border.
Exterior view of the contemporary ColleMassari Winery building, designed by architect Edoardo Milesi using natural materials and sustainable principles. Photo taken in February 2016.

From the outside, it appears as a minimalist wooden structure on a hillside. Inside, it houses over 6,000 square meters of production space, distributed over four gravity-fed levels to respect the integrity of the grapes and wine.

Interior of ColleMassari Winery showing rows of oak barrels in the cellar, with a rock wall in the background and wooden slatted ceiling.
Oak barrels aging ColleMassari wines inside the gravity-fed cellar, with a natural rock wall exposed behind them—an architectural feature of the winery’s sustainable design. Photo taken in February 2016.

Colle Massari Winery: Organic, Certified, and Forward-Thinking

ColleMassari Winery is a certified organic producer (ICEA), committed to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking.

Expansive landscape of ColleMassari’s organic vineyards in Tuscany, with green cover crops between vine rows and wooded hills in the background.
Panoramic view of the organic vineyards at ColleMassari Winery, with rows of cover crops between the vines.

Rather than chemicals, the vineyards use natural plant companions to prevent pests and maintain soil health. These practices not only protect the environment but also contribute to the distinct character of the wines.

The entire production process follows the principles of bio-architecture and energy efficiency, using natural light, ventilation, and gravity rather than mechanical pumps.

Organic vineyard at ColleMassari Winery in Tuscany with green cover crops between dormant vine rows, February 2016
Cover crops growing between vineyard rows at ColleMassari Winery in Tuscany, part of their certified organic farming practices. Photo taken on February 27, 2016.

These choices reflect a broader philosophy: respect for the land, the product, and the people who work with it.

What Wines to Taste at ColleMassari

During your visit, you’ll be able to try a variety of wines that express the unique terroir of Montecucco:

  • Melacce Vermentino DOC: A crisp white wine perfect with seafood or as an aperitivo. Proof that Tuscany isn’t only about reds.
  • Gròttolo Rosato: A fresh, vibrant rosé ideal with cold cuts, grilled fish, or soft cheeses.
  • ColleMassari Riserva: A bold red Montecucco DOC, aged and structured—made to accompany grilled meats like bistecca alla fiorentina and aged cheeses.

All tastings take place with views of the vineyards and can be paired with local specialties for a full sensory experience.

Bottles of ColleMassari, Grattamacco, and Poggio di Sotto wines arranged in a tasting room with large windows overlooking Tuscan vineyards.
A selection of wines produced by ColleMassari, Grattamacco, and Poggio di Sotto on display at the ColleMassari Winery tasting room, with vineyard views in the background. Photo taken in February 2016.

Wine Tastings and How to Book

ColleMassari offers guided tastings ranging from €10 to €60 per person, depending on the selection and food pairings. The experience includes a visit to the production areas and cellars, with explanations of the winery’s organic and architectural features.

How to reserve a tasting at ColleMassari Winery:

  • Website: www.collemassariwines.it
  • Phone: +39 0564 990496
  • Fax: +39 0564 990498
  • Recommended contact: Laura Breschi, Export Manager (English-speaking)

Early booking is highly recommended, especially during the summer season.

Directions to ColleMassari Winery

If you’re driving from the SS223-E78 Grosseto–Siena highway, take the Paganico exit and follow signs toward Monte Amiata. After 4 km, turn right toward Sasso d’Ombrone. Once past the village, take the first right at the fork and continue to Poggi del Sasso. Drive through the village and proceed 2 km to reach Castello ColleMassari.

GPS Coordinates:
N 42° 53′ 18.41” – E 11° 19′ 46.61″

Directional road signs for Poggi di Sasso and Montecucco on a rural road surrounded by cypress and olive trees in Tuscany.
Road signs pointing to Poggi di Sasso and Montecucco along the scenic route to ColleMassari Winery in southern Tuscany. Photo taken in February 2016.

Cultural Touchpoints: From Wine to Music

Beyond wine, ColleMassari is deeply connected to the arts.

Its underground cellar—partially carved into the rock—served as a venue for the early editions of the Amiata Piano Festival.

Woman smiling in front of Forum Bertarelli on a bright day, with green lawn, blue sky, and modern architecture in the background.
Outside Forum Bertarelli on a sunny winter afternoon in Tuscany. Photo taken during a visit to ColleMassari Winery in February 2016.

This tradition continues today in the newly built Forum Bertarelli, a concert hall funded by the same family that owns the estate.

Forum Bertarelli surrounded by olive trees on a hillside in Tuscany, with mountains in the background and a clear sky.
Forum Bertarelli, the modern concert hall built by the ColleMassari owners, nestled among olive groves in the Tuscan hills near Poggi del Sasso. Photo taken in February 2016.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, architecture lover, or traveler seeking a meaningful Tuscan experience, ColleMassari Winery is a place that brings together passion, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. It’s a winery that impresses not only with its bottles but with its vision.

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Barbara
I am a passionate adventurer and writer, with a love for exploring new cultures and sharing my experiences. After following my dreams to Italy in 2005, I met and married my Italian husband, and together we have two wonderful daughters who bring us joy. With a background in journalism and professional blogging, I am skilled in delivering engaging and accurate content. Having previously owned a travel agency, I have gained valuable insights into different destinations and cultures. I am thrilled to share my knowledge about Tuscany and beyond, providing unique perspectives on travel, culture, and lifestyle. You can also find my informative content in Portuguese on www.brasilnaitalia.net.

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