Let me share some images and impressions from Iben and Mick’s wedding in September 2024.
Gaiole in Chianti village is in the bottom of a valley and not particularly scenic, but then you climb up a hill, drive down a gravel road or two, wonder if it can really be down this narrow lane? (it is), and you arrive at the Borgo Casa Al Vento.
Here’s a still from a video – imagine the flag flapping in the wind.
Below is the view from the “Villa”, which sounds innocent enough, but it’s a magnificently restored house with lots of space, enormous kitchen, pool and, erm, two jacuzzis in the two suites. Yes, that’s the level of opulence.
Borgo Casa al Vento makes its own wine, of course, and hosts weddings. Here the guests are waiting for the fun to begin.
This is where the ceremony will take place:
The whole concept is based on the assumption that it never rains in Toscana. Well, the forecast said otherwise. “Which is the best weather app in Italy” + yr.no both painted a bleak picture. The rain would arrive at 5PM. Dinner at 6PM. We had to get a tent. This involved a lot of negotiations with the owner of the place, but in the end this 17×10 tent came up, and a good thing it was, too, because the heavens did open.
Nonna had prepared this piece of art:
In spite of the rain the wedding was a great experience. The staff of the Borgo Casa al Vento took the challenge in their stride, which rhymes with “pride”. They pride themselves on good food and a good show, and both were on offer.
We had an afternoon to kill before going home, and found a castle not far away, owned by the wine-making Ricasoli-family. Here’s the view from the castle. We saw the towers of Siena in the distance.
This picture was taken before all the others, but seems a fitting close to the proceedings.
Grazie!
schoutbynacht 