The Lega del Chianti, a long-standing member of the FICB, is not just a drinking fraternity.
This ancient institution, founded by the Florentine Republic in the 13th century, has evolved into a modern, dynamic social promotion association, now a major player in the regional third sector, with numerous projects to its credit in the fields of culture, territorial promotion strategies and social issues.
On Saturday April 18, the Lega del Chianti celebrated its solemn Investitures of the year 2026 in Florence’s Santo Spirito Basilica, reconnecting with the history and identity of the “Terra del Chianti” through the age-old ritual of the investiture of over 40 new legates and dames, ready to make a public commitment to “protect and enhance the Terra del Chianti, with respect for mankind and Creation”, as stipulated in the investiture “Promise”.
The program kicked off at 2:30 p.m. in the Piazza della Parte Guelfa (where a graduation ceremony had already been held the day before), with the historic Florentine Republic procession meeting up with the Chianti League procession from the Basilica of Santa Trinita, to give life to the traditional “procession” to the Basilica of Santo Spirito.
click here for a video of the show
At 3.00 pm, the Lega del Chianti procession entered the basilica, where the solemn investitures were announced by Oleg Sisi, “Consigliero Maggiore Addetto al Cerimoniale, Legato di Collare”, and member of the FICB Board of Administration,
and chaired by Lega Captain General Baron Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi.
This year’s ceremony had a special sparkle with the induction as Legato dI Collare of HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto dI Savoia (below, seated facing the table on the left).
The ceremony began with the reading of the moral report by the Captain General and President of the Association, Baron Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi, and the “Provviste” of the Lega del Chianti, i.e. the appointments and promotions of the heads of the territorial delegations, called Captains and Commissioners of Terzieri and Pivieri.
Several personalities were invested as “Dame Ad Honorem” and “Legati Ad Honorem”, including FICB President Marc Lesk and the Gran Maestro dell’Ordine dei Cavalieri del Tartufo e dei Vini de Alba, Tomaso Zanoletti.
A rich musical program, offered by the Capella Musicale della Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Orchestra da Camera di Greve in Chianti, accompanied the ceremony, which concluded with the celebration of Sung Vespers for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Florence, Archbishop Gherardo Gambelli.
An evening of solidarity was then held at the Grand Hotel Villa Medici, on the premises of the “legendary Harry’s Bar The Garden, an emblematic venue of the Florentine “dolce vita” and partner of the evening. The evening was co-chaired by the President of the Lega del Chianti APS, Baron Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi, and HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, patron of the “Social Project 2026”.
Prestigious wines accompanied the fine meal served for the occasion.
The Lega del Chianti is more than just a winebrotherhood, it’s an institution in Tuscany. Its rich terroir is known the world over. It enjoys the support of over 300 members, in Italy and abroad (Switzerland, Austria, France, Great Britain and the United States of America). F.I.C.B. is proud to count her among its members! E Grazie mille per l’onore che ci è stato concesso di essere investiti come Legato Ad Honorem!
