The History of the Valeriani Family and Sustainability at Palazzo Bandino
Palazzo Bandino is an agritourism estate in Chianciano Terme, managed by the Valeriani family for seven generations. Spanning 30 hectares, the property utilizes an eco-friendly heating system powered by wood chips. The estate is located in the southern part of the province of Siena, nestled in the hills between the municipalities of Chianciano and Montepulciano. For about twenty years, the family has welcomed international travelers to this historic rural complex, offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms as well as spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens—perfect for extended stays in the tranquil Tuscan countryside.
Agricultural management lies at the very heart of Palazzo Bandino’s identity, rooted in the preservation of traditional crops and a transparent, short supply chain. The 30-hectare estate features olive groves for the production of extra virgin olive oil, fields of ancient grains—including spelt, a staple of the Etruscan tradition—and vineyards dedicated to Sangiovese wine, which is carefully aged in antique oak barrels. The farm also maintains a herd of Chianina cattle, fed exclusively on fodder harvested from its own hills, with no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These agricultural products are incorporated directly into the estate’s culinary offerings, providing guests of the on-site restaurant with high-quality meats and authentic, locally sourced flavors.
The commitment to safeguarding the local ecosystem is also reflected in the state-of-the-art energy management system used throughout the property.
Palazzo Bandino employs a wood-biomass heating system fueled by wood chips, sourced entirely from the seasonal pruning of the estate’s own woodlands, olive groves, and vineyards. These plant residues are mechanically shredded into uniform chips and burned in a high-efficiency boiler. This virtuous cycle—a true example of a circular economy—meets approximately 80% of the estate’s total energy needs, having allowed for the complete removal of previous gas-fired boilers and ensuring a source of clean, locally sourced, and carbon-neutral heat.
The warm welcome provided by the Valeriani family blends the historic character of this Sienese agricultural estate with modern standards of hospitality and ecological well-being. A stay at Palazzo Bandino offers an immersive rural experience, bringing guests into close contact with the land—where they can breathe the fresh, healthy air of the hills and discover the rhythms of Tuscan agriculture. From strolls through the vineyard rows to moments of pure relaxation, every aspect of a stay here reflects a multi-generational commitment to responsible, authentic tourism, deeply integrated with the landscape and heritage of Chianciano Terme.