CHRISTMAS GIVES A BEEHIVE TO SUPPORT THE WORLD OF BEES

Give the adoption of a beehive to support the repopulation of these extraordinary insects in Gaiole in Chianti. This is the Castello di Meleto proposal that reopens the Nel Nome dell'Ape project, launched in May to promote the breeding of this extraordinary animal. Following the initiative, which allows those who love nature to adopt a family of bees and receive the honey produced in exchange, 25 new families of bees arrived in the spring supported by as many consumers, sensitive to the theme of the environment, reaching the number of 40 hives, corresponding to over 600,000 bees housed in a year.

Now the project expands with the inauguration, at the beginning of the year, of the Parco delle Api , consisting of one and a half hectares of trees and flowers destined to become a real "paradise" for bees but also an educational place where to tell adults and children, the fascinating world of this insect on which 70% of human food resources depend.

About 30 species of flowering trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, will guarantee a show of colors and shapes from March to late autumn: Judas trees, lime trees, rosemary, helichrysum, borage, sainfoin and gorse are just some of the botanical species that will bloom.

The trees will also act as a "home" for the bee families because the hives will be placed under the foliage, so that the animals live in the most natural environment possible.

<< The Nel Nome Ape initiative was welcomed with a consensus beyond our expectations, so much so that we decided to create a real Park. - Says Michele Contartese, director of Castello di Meleto - We strongly believe in this project, which completes our vision of environmental sustainability. Alongside the work of guardians, today we want to promote knowledge of the world of bees with a park open to all, where we will create an educational path. >>

Castello di Meleto is the only Chianti Classico winery to have a perfectly preserved 13th century castle, today a splendid accommodation facility. With an extension of more than a thousand hectares, on a hill in Gaiole in Chianti from where it surveys the surrounding woods and vineyards, Castello di Meleto is a perfect example of a complete farm: wine, first of all with Chianti Classico, represents the flag product, which is flanked by organic extra virgin olive oil, honey, and the breeding of pigs from Cinta Senese.