La Vigna di Leonardo (Leonardo’s Vineyard) in Milan is, as you may have guessed from the name, a vineyard that used to be owned by Leonardo da Vinci. Given to da Vinci by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, in 1498, during the artist's tenure in the city and while the Duke was his main patron, it was very precious to him and something he maintained even after leaving the city. Da Vinci actually came from a family of winemakers and was a haven that he returned to after long days of working on projects such as the last Supper in the nearby convent of Santa Maria della Grazie. Today, it is open to be toured by the public and provides a fascinating insight into the great Renaissance man's private life. If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, it is a wonderful and unique attraction to make time for in your itinerary.
Accessed via the estate is home to Casa degli Atellani (also known as Libreria degli Attellani), the only remaining property from the period in which Da Vinci worked and lived in the area, which once belonged to the Atellanis who were a family of diplomats and courtiers. This incredibly beautiful historic house is a draw in its own right but the vineyard is the star of the show.
The estate passed through various hands over the years with the vineyard getting forgotten and becoming grown over in that time. The plot was then destroyed due to bombing during WWII but, thankfully, the vineyard is flourishing once more and open to the public thanks to restoration by a group of wine geneticists. It was replanted as it existed in Da Vinci's time and now the house and grounds can be visited by guided tour that lasts 25 minutes and can be offered in up to ten languages. For the time being, the vines won't be producing any of their own wine but, in the meantime, you can get other local Milanese wines and nibbles on site to tide you over after exploring the estate. Enjoy them in the stunning surroundings and admire the lovely place Da Vinci loved so well.
La Vigna di Leonardo
Corso Magenta 65 – 20123 Milan
+39.024816150
info@vignadileonardo.com
Opening Hours:
Friday to Tuesday 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 9am – 3pm
Thursday 1pm – 6pm
Tickets: €8-10 (Aperitivo and nibbles are an extra €5).