Faun statue

A Rich History

Tenuta di Arceno has been a center for winemaking since the 16th century. Located near the fork of two rivers – the Ambra, which flows to the North, towards Florence; and the Ombrone, which flows to the South, towards Grosseto – this area was formerly the nexus of the Etruscan civilization. In honor of its history, the reference to “Arceno” comes from the Etruscan word archè, meaning "point of origin.”

A Rich History

Through its history, the estate subsequently passed through the ownership of two historically prominent Italian families – the Del Taja family, followed by the Piccolomini family. The Del Taja family purchased the land parcel by parcel in 1504, expanding the estate and adding architectural enhancements. In 1829, the Del Taja family sold the property to one of the most illustrious families of Siena, the Piccolominis, who added to the grandeur of the estate – they built gardens, lakes, and many of the villas that stand on the property today. Continuing its legacy of family ownership, Tenuta di Arceno was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke in 1994. It was one of the first estates the Jackson Family purchased outside of California.

From Ancient Beginnings

1000

Arceno cited in historic documents as small independent community

1504

Land purchased by the prominent Taja family

1600

First villa built on estate

1716

The first Chianti wine zone is established by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’Medici, now known as Chianti Classico

1829

The noble Piccolomini family acquire the property, later constructing the buildings that still stand today

1967

The Chianti Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) is created by the Italian government

1984

The Chianti region is elevated to DOCG, Italy’s highest level of wine classification

1994

California wine visionary Jess Jackson and wife Barbara Banke purchase the estate and establish Tenuta di Arceno with vigneron Pierre Seillan

1994

Sandra Gonzi joins the team at the estate

1995

Michele Pezzicoli joins the team at the estate

2002

Lawrence Cronin joins the team as resident winemaker at the estate

2015

Pepe Schib joins the team as the Global Brand Ambassador

2016

Wine Spectator Top 100 Award, Rank #19 (il fauno 2012v)

2018

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (Valadorna 2013v)

2019

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (Chianti Classico 2017v)

2020

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (Chianti Classico Riserva 2017v)

2021

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (Chianti Classico Riserva 2018v)

2022

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (2019 Chianti Classico Riserva). This is the third consecutive Tre Bicchieri for this wine

2023

Recognition by Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Award (2019 Arcanum). This marks the 6th consecutive year that Tenuta di Arceno has been recognized with the highest reward from this publication.

2023

Wine Spectator Top 100 Award, Rank #24 (Chianti Classico Riserva 2020)