Badia a Coltibuono- Emanuela Stucchi Prinetti (Chianti)
Badia a Coltibuono or the “abbey of good culture” is over one thousand years old and may have been the first vineyard to cultivate Sangiovese grapes in Tuscany. The estate is still managed by Stucchi Prinetti family and includes a wine resort that features a bed and breakfast, a popular restaurant focusing on regional cuisine, and a cooking school founded by their mother, Lorenza de’ Medici. In order to preserve the integrity and identity of the vineyard, the Prinetti family believes in organic farming and old world techniques originally practiced by the monks who founded the monastery in 1051. This monastery turned vineyard attracts tourists from around the world to view their beautiful landscape, learn their extensive history and taste their classic Chiantis.
La Valentina-Sabatino di Properzio (Montepulciano)
In 1990 La Valentina was founded in Spoltore, in the hills off the central coast of the Adriatic Sea. The vineyard’s philosophy focuses on the natural process of wine making; believing that the surrounding land, made up of forests, mountains and sea, give the wines their distinct character. For this reason the vineyard respects the land by limiting the use of chemicals in their farming methods creating authentic wines truly made by Mother Nature.
Tenuta Sant’Antonio- Armando Castagnedi (Amarone)
Inheriting their father’s estate and love for wine, Armando Castagnedi, along with his three brothers Tiziano, Paolo & Massimo founded Tenuta Sant’Antonio in 1989. Following in their father’s footsteps the brothers worked in the fields with a passion for rural life and good wine. Today at their hillside vineyard northeast of Verona, the brothers pride themselves in quality over quantity, hand harvesting and family. Their extensive drying process and quality fruits create the Castagnedi brothers’ award winning Amarones, known for their fresh and balanced bouquet.
Alois Lageder-Urs Vetter (Alto Adige)
Located in South Tyrol, just south of the great Alps, this vineyard is molded by their traditional agricultural practices and a modern world spirit. With a respect for both nature and innovation, Alois Lager relies on renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and the cycles of nature to grow the highest-quality fruit. Cool winds from the Alps combine with warm Mediterranean air to create the perfect climate for a slow and even ripening of their grapes. Combined with modern cellar technology, gentle production methods and patience, Alois Lageder creates a wholesome and unique product.
Vietti-Luca Caurrado (Piedmont-Barolo)
The Vietti winery was founded in Piemonte by Patriarch Mario Vietti in 1919. In the 1950s the Vietti winery became one of the top-level producers in the region and was one of the first to export its products to the US. Today the winery is owned by the family’s fourth generation of winemakers. They continue to create traditional wines from single vineyards. Each bottle of Vietti wine is adorned with original artwork inspired by the wines of that particular vintage making the outside of the bottle just as robust as the wine inside.
Casanova di Neri- Giacomo Neri (Montalcino, Brunello)
Established in 1971, the goal of Cadanova di Nerri has always been to find the most favorable lands for growing the highest quality grapes. Today the estate is divided amongst four distinct sites, each with its own natural contributions creating wines with unique terroir. For example, the “Cerretalto” vineyard is a natural amphitheatre located near the Asso River and the “Cetine” hillside vineyard is surrounded by Mediterranean plants like thyme. Along with the varying types of wood casks and an overall respect for tradition, owner Giacomo Neri produces well balanced wines with great attention to detail.
Marco Felluga- Elena Felluga
Founded in 1905, the Marco Felluga winery is a pioneer in winemaking technology and a guardian of tradition. Today the property is managed by fifth generation wine makers Alessandra and Roberto Felluga, children of Marco Felluga. The estate produces 70% white grapes that are filtered before fermenting at controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats. The family of vintners pays respect to the ideal climate and landscape of the Collio, one of the first areas in Italy acknowledged with the title DOC in 1964. Thanks to their family tradition the Marco Felluga winery brings us a high-quality product “from the vineyards to wines with love and passion.”