Tradition of Excellence
Wine, Culture & Culinary Experience in Tuscany
featuring the wines of the Frescobaldi Family
24 - 30 May, 2027
a tour of Tuscany featuring the wines, estates, and history
of the Frescobaldi Family
designed for lovers of food, wine, art, history, and beauty —
both natural and man made
Who are the Frescobaldi?
Throughout Italy, but within the lands of Tuscany in particular, the name Frescobaldi carries that certain weight of prestige, authenticity, and quality. There is a plethora of fantastic wine in Tuscany, and then there’s Frescobaldi. Dating back to the 1300’s the Frescobaldi family has played a key role in the development of Tuscany, and in terms of wine, throughout Europe in general. They are favorites of the British Royal Family, as well as our local pizzeria. I can often be heard exclaiming, about my favorite Frescobaldi wines, ‘I just can’t imagine a better chianti!’ ‘This is the perfect rosè!’ ‘You can’t improve on this sparkling wine. It’s just sublime.’ And I mean it, every time.
Aside from the quality of the wine, the estates are alive with history that you can feel while you’re visiting, as well as see, and interact with directly. The land is exquisitely tended affording the most astounding sweeping views of vines over miles of rolling hillsides.
But perhaps the most exceptional aspect of the Frescobaldi experience is the hospitality. Two of the dearest humans I know are employed in this department. They are the embodiment of what makes Frescobaldi special and worth returning for again and again. They are warm beyond belief, and encyclopedic in their knowledge of the wine, the land, and the history.
'Piacere'
I cannot wait for you to meet them. I cannot wait for you to enjoy this wine. I cannot wait to see the expressions on your face as you feast your senses on course after course of some of the most delectable food you will experience in this life. I also can’t wait to watch your nervous system regulate day by day as we effortlessly float from one tour, one tasting, one meal, one spa, one leisurely walk, one gorgeous vista, one heart opening conversation, one life changing moment to the next.
Embark on a journey through Tuscan Wine Country by visiting three unique wine producing estates, with three distinct personalities, all owned and run with expertise by the Frescobaldi family.
Frescobaldi embodies the essence of Tuscany, with its extraordinary vocation for viticulture and the diversity of its territories. Frescobaldi’s uniqueness stems precisely from the representation of this diversity, from its estates and from wines which express a kaleidoscope of aromas and sensations, springing from the characteristics of each individual terroir.
Behind every Frescobaldi wine lies the passion of our agronomists and oenologists, who know our vineyards and terroirs down to the finest detail. Their art, creating quality wines, requires the utmost respect —
Respect for our tradition even in the midst of innovation or avant-garde solutions.
Respect for Tuscany, our living land, to be cultivated in harmony and serenity.
Respect for each individual territory, borne of a unique combination of soil, altitude and microclimate, each giving us a wine with its own matchless personality.
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Rufina (FI) by train and enjoy a home cooked meal with me at my home
Check in at Castello Pomino and explore the grounds of the estate before our first tasting
Savor a multi course dinner with Pomino wine pairings in Castello Pomino’s private dining room
Day Two
Breakfast at Castello Pomino
Receive a guided tour of the cellars, the villa, and the estate of Castello Pomino
Learn more about the Pomino portfolio with a tasting of a few of its many fine wines accompanied by Tuscan delicacies
Drive into the mountains to hike through the forests of Camaldoli
Enjoy a casual dinner of the best schiacciate in Tuscany
Day Three
Breakfast at Castello Pomino then a scenic drive to Castello Nipozzano
Enjoy a private guided tour of the villa and wine cellars of Castello Nipozzano
Savor some of the finest wines in Tuscany, accompanied by a ‘light’ three course private lunch
Explore the property of Castello Nipozzano, unwind in your room or the jacuzzi and take in the incredible views
Enjoy a phenomenal dinner in the countryside at a local Agriturismo
Day Four
Breakfast at Castello Nipozzano
Optional Yoga & Meditation with Natalie amongst the grapevines
Lunch at our favorite bottega featuring the finest local products and recipes
Connect with the nature and animal life of Tuscany on a horseback pilgrimage through vineyards and olive groves
Dine and socialize at the Frescobaldi cantina, Il Quartino, with epic panoramas of the Nipozzano property
Day Five
Breakfast at Castello Nipozzano
Road trip through the Tuscan countryside with a stop in breathtaking Pienza for lunch
Arrive in magical Montalcino and be welcomed by the wild beauty of CastelGiocondo
Tour the gem of the Frescobaldi Portfolio, CastelGiocondo
Experience true excellence in wine with an elegant multi course dinner with perfect pairings
Day Six
Breakfast at CastelGiocondo
Enjoy the Spa at CastelGiocondo
Experience a standout addition to the Frescobaldi family through a tour of their most modern winery
Dazzle your senses with an unforgettable lunch featuring the very fine wines of Tenuta Luce
Tut around the town of Montalcino for a little culture and shopping
Dine amongst locals and visitors from around Europe amidst the participants of l’Eroica, Tuscany’s premier cycling event!
Day Seven
Breakfast at CastelGiocondo
Check out and depart for Firenze where we say our goodbyes
Either remain in Tuscany for another night or catch an evening flight to your destination with a full belly, a full heart, and a photo library full of gorgeous memories
Castello Pomino
Elegant and feminine, Castello Pomino is a hidden gem nestled in the woods of the Florentine mountains.
The Territory of
Castello Pomino
Pomino is an expression of luminosity and minerality with a touch of feminine elegance. A hidden gem, surrounded by sequoias, firs and chestnut trees which reveals itself to those traveling through the first woods of the Florentine mountains, with grape vines climbing to an altitude of 700 meters.
The Menu
Aperitivo followed by
Five fine Frescobaldi wines accompanying
Apetizer - anitipasto
First course - primi
Main course - secondi
Dessert - dolce
Our Menu is a mirror of the land hosting us — vegetables from our garden, meats from our livestock, homemade bread and pasta with old grain, a genuine journey through the world of Tuscan flavor.
The estate of Pomino dates from 1500, the year the castle of the same name was built. Since its inception, Pomino has been famous for its excellent location. In documentation from the year 1716, the Grand Duke Cosimo III de’Medici identified the four most highly prized territories of Tuscany for the production of wines – This notice is considered the precursor of the modern “DOC” (Denominazione di Origine Controllata, or Controlled Designation of Origin) – and the territory of Pomino is listed alongside Chianti, Carmignano and Val d’Arno di Sopra. At the World’s Fair of 1873 in Vienna the wines of Pomino won awards, and in 1878 took the gold medal at the World’s Fair in Paris, the highest international recognition of its time.
The Villa at Castello Pomino
The Villa features a blend of countryside comfort and understated elegance. Nestled amongst the sequoia trees and vines with sweeping views of the valley, Castello Pomino is a paradise for embracing il dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing (aside from drinking a lot of wine…)
The Wines of Castello Pomino
The Story of Chardonnay in Tuscany.
In 1973, from a vineyard at an altitude of 700 m, Benefizio was born.
Refined and elegant.
From vineyards extremely suited for the production of white wines, at altitudes higher than 700 meters, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
Fine and fruity.
An extremely elegant wine and a perfect expression of the Pinot Noir grown at Pomino since 1855
Aromatic and seductive.
A wine for meditation which combines happily with dried fruit and desserts. Enjoy in large wine glasses.
Bold.
A wine which expresses the will to seek new initiatives, courageous and determined, with an expressive, elegant character.
Unexpected.
A wine which expresses the will to seek new initiatives, courageous and determined, with an expressive, elegant character.
Full-bodied, velvety and creamy.
Pairs perfectly with blue cheeses, but can also be sipped on its own as a wine for meditation.
Castello Nipozzano
Eternal beauty. Essence of Tuscany. With a mediaeval and Renaissance heart.
The Territory of Castello Nipozzano
The castle of Nipozzano dates back to 1000. Nipozzano Castle, close to the Tuscan Appenines, is situated in the heart of the prestigious Chianti Rufina territory, on the mountain slope overlooking the Arno river valley.
The ancient defensive stronghold of Florence from the year 1000, Castello Nipozzano is the most celebrated and historic property of the Frescobaldi family. According to popular belief Nipozzano means “without a well” – testimony to the area’s lack of water and ideal circumstances for the cultivation of grapevines.
A History of Excellence
The first documentation about the renowned wines of Nipozzano dates from the Renaissance when great artists such as Donatello regularly purchased wine from the estate.
A unique feature of the territory is attributed to the foresight of an ancestor of the Frescobaldi family who, in 1855 invested 1,000 florins to begin the cultivation of varieties previously unknown in Tuscany such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. After more than a century of patient care, these magnificent vines produce the great wine of the estate, Mormoreto.
The Wines of Castello Nipozzano
Opulent, profound, with great finesse and longevity
The Cru that is the symbol of Nipozzano Castle, born of the Mormoreto vineyard planted in 1976
The great expression of Sangiovese
A Cru born in 1974 with Sangiovese grapes cultivated in the vineyard of the same name.
The symbol of tuscan wine-growing tradition
A vibrant, harmonious wine with a strong affinity to the style of the territory
From the oldest vines of Nipozzano castle
Chosen by the Frescobaldi Family to continue the tradition of reserving a Private Collection for the new generations.
Elegant and intensely aromatic
A grappa that's distinguished by the balance between softness and warmth, leaving a long, pleasant aroma in the mouth.
Accommodations at Castello Nipozzano
Castello Nipozzano offers the opportunity to discover and indulge in an authentic Tuscan experience.
Enter a timeless Italian Borgo surrounded by vineyards and olive trees that was founded over 1000 years ago around the ancient Castello Nipozzano.
Let yourself be seduced by the ancient olive-press, and enjoy the comforts of a hot tub with a panoramic view of the vineyards and hills that stretch all the way to the Arno river valley.
Visit the castle’s ancient underground cellars for a tasting of the estate’s wines in the Frescobaldi family’s private cellar.
Gift yourself the opportunity to truly unwind with a full belly and a full heart in the exquisitely appointed rooms of Nipozzano’s ‘Frantoio’ accommodations.
Enjoy breakfast made with delicious, locally sourced products including homemade biscuits, cakes, jams & marmalades of our chef, yogurt from the Mugello and Cantina valley, and fresh local, seasonal fruits.
Dine in true elegance at tables graced by royalty for multiple centuries.
CastelGiocondo
Ancient, majestic and dominant.A stronghold rich in fascination and history.
To the south-west of Montalcino, discover Tenuta CastelGiocondo. Dominated by the ancient castle and a small medieval village, CastelGiocondo is situated at an altitude of 300 meters, an ideal terroir for the production of Sangiovese.
The village of CastelGiocondo overlooks the historic estate of the Frescobaldi in Montalcino — an ancient stronghold built in 1100 to defend the road leading from the sea to Siena. The property is one of the first four to begin producing Brunello di Montalcino in 1800, and its historic importance is represented on the label of CastelGiocondo by the figure of a condottiere from a celebrated fresco of the Sienese artist Simone Martini.
Stay in the Medieval village in Tenuta CastelGiocondo
To the south-west of Montalcino, Tenuta CastelGiocondo is situated at an altitude of around 300 metres, an ideal terroir for the production of Sangiovese. Discover and experience the history of this area steeped in charm.
From the ancient fortress of 1100, to the works of the painter Simone Martini, discover the land that gave rise to Tuscany's most highly acclaimed wine—Brunello di Montalcino.
Be enchanted by the relaxing atmosphere of our rooms and the beautiful countryside that surrounds them Enjoy the benefits of our spa with views over the hills and Brunello vineyards.
The Wines of CastelGiocondo
Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
Personality and extraordinary longevity
‘On the highest hills of this estate, which was already producing wines in the 1800s, a truly inspiring small Sangiovese vineyard has been identified. Located at an altitude of 450 meters, where it is exposed to the warm afternoon sun and bracing Mediterranean winds, this Brunello reserve wine is extremely elegant, characterful and long-lasting.’
Intense and persistent
In the 1970s, driven by the courage essential to every entrepreneur, we planted the first Merlot shoots in unusually clay-rich terrain. This was a major challenge that resulted in the creation in 1991 of Lamaione, a solitary horseman, proud and powerful, riding through Montalcino.
CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Balanced and full of character
"CastelGiocondo is a unique place in Montalcino, where the diverse exposures and soils – marl, clay and Pliocene sand – create a Brunello with infinite nuances. With complex notes that evolve over time, there is always something new to discover, savor and remember."
Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Aromatic and elegant
Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino has the typical characteristics of Sangiovese grown in this area, in a youthfully uninhibited version. The deep soils in which these vineyards are cultivated contribute to the production of fragrant, elegant wines with a light, delicate tannic texture.
A rare smoothness and harmoniousness
Post distillation of the fresh pomace from the production of the noble Brunello di Montalcino brings forth a grappa with an amazingly complex bouquet, and unmatched smoothness and harmony.
Luce
The land is the origin of everything—
a magical place where wine is woven seamlessly into the fabric of life, tradition and culture. In Montalcino, the land takes the shape of gentle slopes covered with vineyards, olive groves and woods. The surrounding area, so classically Tuscan, is part of the Natural and Cultural Artistic Park of Val d’Orcia.
This is a territory with a microclimate of unparalleled value for the cultivation of grapevines. The altitude and southern exposure of the vineyards support a slow and complete ripening of the grapes producing wines of great concentration and vigor. Cool, breezy nights help preserve the aromatic complexities of the grapes. As early as the mid-sixteenth century, the Bolognese monk Leandro Alberti mentions the land of Montalcino 'for the good wines that are extracted from those pleasant hills.'
The land of Montalcino is home to the surprising newest addition to the Frescobaldi repertoire, Tenuta Luce.
The Wines of Tenuta Luce
Luce
The iconic wine of the estate
Luce is the first wine to be produced from a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot in Montalcino.
Perfect harmony between the structure and elegance of Sangiovese and the roundness and softness of Merlot. Luce is the iconic wine of estate, capable of expressing, vintage after vintage, our original interpretation of these lands.
Lucente
The entryway to the world of Tenuta Luce
Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards that are particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, which prevails in the blend.
Luce Brunello di Montalcino
This wine is our tribute to the excellent wine born in Montalcino in the second half of the 19th Century.
It was the first wine in Italy to achieve, in 1980, the Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita. Today it is one of the emblems of Italian fine wines. Of the 92 hectares of vineyards owned by Luce della Vite, 11 are registered in the ‘Albo del Brunello di Montalcino.’ This is where the Sangiovese for Luce Brunello is born. Luce Brunello di Montalcino thus continues a journey of the highest quality inspired by this unique territory and the great wines that are born here.
Lux Vitis
The experience acquired over many years of careful and respectful observation of Nature breathe life into Lux Vitis.
Everything began in a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in Montalcino in 2004 on mixed sandy soil. Over the years, we observed these vines as they grew and were surprised by the exceptional quality of their grapes, so much so we decided to make an exclusive wine, capable of interpreting the Tenuta Luce terroir through Cabernet Sauvignon.To these grapes, we added a small quantity of Sangiovese to enrich the wine’s character. The long ageing in new French oak barrels for 24 months further enhanced the elegance of this new wine by Tenuta Luce.This was back in 2015, and we named this wine Lux Vitis.
Tenuta Luce is a renowned estate in Tuscany, known for producing high-quality wines that embody the region's rich history and tradition. This estate is a collaboration between two families, the Frescobaldis, and the Mondavis, who wanted to create something truly special.
And they succeeded.
Luce, the estate's flagship wine, is a rich and complex blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that has received widespread acclaim. Other standout wines from the estate include Lucente, a softer and more approachable blend, and Luce Brunello, a single varietal Sangiovese that is aged for five years before release. Tenuta Luce is a must-visit for any wine lover seeking to experience the very best that Tuscany has to offer.
The Frescobaldi Family
The Frescobaldi family business has a very long tradition. It can be traced back to 1300 in Florence and rose from the 15th through the 17th century to become one of the wealthiest and most influential Florentine families. They built their wealth on banking and the textile trade. Very early on, the family was involved in viticulture and agriculture. As early as the 14th century, wines were supplied to many European ruling courts including the English King Henry VIII, Cosimo III de' Medici, and the Fugger merchant family in Augsburg, through whom the wines were also distributed. The famous painter and sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) is said to have exchanged works of art for wine from Frescobaldi. The family was ennobled as Marchesi de' Frescobaldi in the 16th century during the time of the ‘Principato' (Grand Duchy of Tuscany). Today Frescobaldi is one of the most important producers of quality wines in Tuscany.
Tradition of Excellence is my tribute this this remarkable family, the phenomenal human beings they employ, their commitment to stewardship of the land, honor of tradition, and brave ongoing innovation.
