Dinner Between the Vines at Querceto di Castellina

Last summer, we went to Querceto di Castellina’s vineyard dinner for the first time. It was one of those evenings that stayed with us, partly for the food and wine, but mostly for the way the vineyard itself became part of the experience. So when we learned the August dinner this year was built around the theme The Secret Garden, we knew we had to go back.

The night began with aperitivo on the terrace. Glasses of Querceto rose wine in hand, small bites moving around the crowd, and the familiar sweep of the Chianti hills. By 8 o’clock, we were led into the vineyard. This time, the long table between the rows felt transformed. Flowers and greenery spilled down the center, arranged playfully as if the vines themselves had crept onto the table. The design was subtle but full of small surprises, tying into the theme without ever feeling overdone.

Menu

Dinner began with handmade strozzapreti tossed in a bright cherry tomato sauce, lifted by the punch of giant Tuscan garlic. The main course followed a perfectly cooked Chianina steak, served simply with seasonal vegetables and matched with one of Querceto’s bold reds. Dessert was a highlight: ripe peaches steeped in Chianti Classico, paired with dark chocolate gelato that balanced richness with freshness. Each course came with a thoughtful wine pairing, introduced by the Querceto team, whose energy and warmth added to the atmosphere just as much as the food and wine itself.

Instagram Reel to capture the evenings atmosphere. See more

What struck us again this year was how the dinner felt like more than just the food, wine, and setting. Every detail was clearly thought through, yet nothing came across as staged or overly polished. The atmosphere was easy and unforced, conversations moved up and down the table, and before long it felt less like an organized event and more like a gathering you’d been welcomed into.

Tickets are €150 per person and include aperitivo, four courses, wine pairings, and after dinner drinks. Aperitivo begins at 7 PM on the terrace, followed by dinner at 8 in the vineyard. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the evening moves indoors to Albergaccio di Castellina, just a short drive away.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in Tuscany during the summer, this dinner at Querceto di Castellina is one of those experiences that’s worth planning around. It’s intimate, seasonal, and rooted in the place itself, something that stays with you long after you’ve left.

You can find upcoming dates and reserve your spot directly through Querceto di Castellina’s website. Tickets do sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking well in advance.

For more on Querceto and the surrounding region, you can read our other guides on To a Land Unknown, including our travel notes from Chianti and beyond.