Society of Architectural Historians Announces “Food x Architecture” Tour of Chianti, Tuscany for 2025

Vineyards of the Nittardi estate, originally a 12th century defensive outpost known as, “Nectar Dei” (The Nectar ofGod), now the name of one of its signature wines.

SAH announces the return of its international tour programming with “Food x Architecture,” an excursion to the Tuscan Chianti region of Italy September 1-4, 2025. Reservations will open on January 15, 2025.

The tour examines a lesser-known side of one of the most famous wine regions of the world, exploring the story of a landscape negotiated around the production of an iconic product. Visitors will engage in the historical dialogue between the cultures of wine cultivation and the villages and structures that developed around its production. Focused on mostly small-scale and family-owned food and wine operations, activities include visits to architecturally significant vineyards, guided walks through the countryside, conversations with stakeholders, and specially designed meals at local venues. Highlights include Lamole di Lamole, a winery that has been practicing traditional terraced cultivation techniques in its vineyards dating back to 1945, and the Hermitage of San Pietro alle Stinche, the varied architecture of which defies precise historical dating.

The program also highlights the many, often surprising, ways in which the movement of people, plants, aesthetics, and cultural and social practices have played an integral part in Chianti, one of the most renowned worldwide brands.

Download the program brochure to view the planned trip itinerary.

Terraced cultivation of grapes at Lamole di Lamole winery, an itinerary highlights of the Food x Architecture Tour. It is one of few vineyards still practicing the centuries-old technique.

Food x Architecture was conceived by Drs. Min Kyung Lee, Associate Professor of Architectural History and Chair of the Growth and Structure of Cities Department at Bryn Mawr College, and Andrea Borghini, Associate Professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of Milan. Together they have lived, worked, and traveled in the Chianti region and broader Italy for more than 10 years. Their professional expertise and insider knowledge will make for an unparalleled view into the Italian culinary landscape.

SAH Tours are designed as continued learning opportunities for anyone personally or professionally interested in architecture and its role and influence in society. SAH Excursion-style programs offer deeply engaged experiences, but for a shorter duration with a more leisurely pace than a traditional field school or academic study abroad trip.

Custom excursion tours are one of the many ways SAH raises funds to strengthen its programming and publications serving the architectural history community. Therefore, a donation to SAH is included in the price of Excursion trips.

Reservations for Food x Architecture will open on January 15, 2025, and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Price per person is $4,100 for a double-occupancy room, or $4,370 for single-occupancy.  A deposit of $1,000 is due at the time of reservation and will be applied to the full cost of the program. For more information on reservations, please visit the tour info page. 

Spaces are limited and will sell out quickly. Make sure you a first in line to make your reservation with a reminder email on January 15. Add your name and email to our mailing list to receive a notification as soon as our booking portal opens.