Palaia, Val d'Era, Toscana The vines of Sangervasio know today’s sea from Thyrrenian breezes as well as they know the ancient oceans through their roots in the fossil-laden soils. The Tommaisini family have owned their estate since 1960, and they started their label in 1994. Focused on local Tuscan grape varieties, their 22 hectares (54...
San Donato in Collina, Toscana Seven miles southeast of Florence, the magnificent structure at Torre a Cona has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since 1066, when it was known as Cuona Castle. In 1750, a sumptuous villa was crafted there by the Marquis Rinuccini. During World War II, the Germans took the property as...
Radda in Chianti, Toscana Thirty years ago, world-traveler and one-eyed dreamer Sean O’Callahan handed in his thesis at a German winemaking school, then took off on his motorcycle for an Italian vineyard adventure. He dived into Chianti and never looked back, now partnering with Karl Egger at Tenuta di Carleone. In 2012, Karl and his...
San Gimignano, Toscana The Logi brothers began the winery Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara in 2002, inspired and supported by their father Mario, who began working the vines on the hills of Siena in the 1950’s as a young boy. “Colombaio” means dovecote, and the name, along with the label design, pay homage to a...
Castellazzo, Emilia-Romagna Known as a regional pioneer of natural farming practices, Dario Rota produces a refreshing Lambrusco, entirely vinified at the family's own winery at the border of Modena & Reggio. The Rota family has been making wine here in picturesque Castellazzo for three generations over the last 110 years! Roberto Rota founded the winery...
Fiumana di Predappio, Emilia-Romagna Noelia Ricci is a 9 hectares (22 acres) wine project launched in 2013 in Predappio – Emilia Romagna, within Tenuta Pandolfa, an estate rich in history. The Pandolfa villa was built between 1731 and 1763, it dominates the valley of the Rabbi stream with its monumental aspect. The Commander Giuseppe Ricci,...
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Liguria Terraces perched above the sea like the ones set up for winemaking in Cinque Terre cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Azienda Agricola Possa is a farm and winery in Riomaggiore. Samuele Heydi Bonanini, artisan producer of natural wines and artist of heroic viticulture started producing wine in 2004....
Soldano, Dolceacqua, Liguria Maurizio Anfosso and Roberta Repaci farm 7 hectares (17 acres) of the just 81 hectares (200 acres) that make up the Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC. The nearest village is Soldano, a tiny place that, like so many towns in Italy, boasts its own unique dialect. The couple live on a mountain across...
San Giovanni al Natisone, Friuli Based in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (North-East Italy) "Nec Otium", from the Roman for work (nec) and leisure (otium), is a negociant operation with a difference. There are very few old style, cultish “Negociants”. Christian Patat is probably the person that can be best defined as a “cult negociant winemaker”. He doesn’t buy...
Mezzocorona, Trentino The de Vescovi family, has been cultivating grapes and farming apple orchards in the Piana Rotaliana area of Trentino since the early 18th century. The Piana Rotaliana is the largest plain in Trentino, a triangle with a base along the Adige river and apex at the Rocchetta pass, bounded by Monte Fausior to...
Cortina, Alto Adige A true family business started in 1969 by Alfons Giovanett. The winery is now run by his son Günther who took over the management of the winery in 1989 and at the same time, relocated the operations to the small village of Cortina/ Kurtinig in the very south of Alto Adige. Today...
Kastelbell, Val Venosta, Alto Adige Old vines, planted at 650 meters (2,133 feet) elevation in striking terraces climb the slate-rich mountainsides in pristine Val Venosta. This is the area of the Stelvio Natural Park, and adventurous travelers come to the area to hike and ski. Heiner and Sabrina Pohl run a mixed farm here in...