Unveiling the elegance of Bolgheri wines and the unified vision of its incredible wine producers and hospitality
Situated in the iconic Tuscany region, Bolgheri is more than just a wine destination; it’s a living, breathing testament to the pursuit of greatness. Whether you’re exploring its historic wineries, savoring its culinary delights, or simply basking in the natural beauty of its landscapes, Bolgheri offers an experience that is as diverse as it is enchanting.Nestled along the Tuscan coast, in the province of Livorno in front of Elba Island, this enchanting land is often described as a “little Italian miracle,” having ascended to the pinnacle of Italian wines in just a few decades. Here, between the Mediterranean sea and the rolling hillsides, vineyards bask in ample sunlight in between ancient olive groves and wooded hillsides, and the sunny, dry, and breezy climate creates an ideal setting for viticulture. This picturesque landscape, with its fairytale-like appearance, stands as a proud symbol of the “Italian Bel Paese” (beautiful country), showcasing the harmonious blend of nature’s endowment and human ingenuity.
Armed with beautiful scenery and exceptional wines, Bolgheri is one of Italy’s most memorable wine destinations to discover, offering fine wines from both legendary producers and hidden gems, as well as a range of hospitality experiences meant to entice avid travelers and wine enthusiasts alike. Discover the beauty and charm of Bolgheri and Tuscany with Fufluns Wine Travel Concierge.
Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries of Bolgheri: From Iconic Estates to Acclaimed Gems
At the heart of Bolgheri’s success is the collective spirit of its producers, whose collaborative approach has not only elevated the quality of Bolgheri wines but also positioned the region as a top wine territory to visit, due to its excellence in both wine and hospitality. When I began exploring Bolgheri, which is near my hometown, in the early ‘90s, only a small handful of estates were open and ready to welcome visitors. Today, almost all producers, from small estates to legendary wineries, work in a cohesive vision to open their doors to wine enthusiasts and wine professionals, offering a range of noteworthy hospitality experiences and acclaimed wines to explore. (There’s no better way to discover Bolgheri’s top producers and hidden gems than through a wine tour with Fufluns.)
Iconic Wineries
Bolgheri’s well-known producers are known for melding innovation with tradition. Here are some of the best to visit, each renowned for their top-tier wines that beautifully express the region’s diverse terroir.
Le Macchiole
Le Macchiole was one of the first wine-producing realities in Bolgheri, born from the intuition of Eugenio Campolmi and his wife Cinzia Merli, who now lead the company together with their sons Elia and Mattia. Since the 1990s, a greater awareness of the available terroirs has led to the innovative decision to produce single-varietal wines, which has proved successful and has allowed the expression of the potential of the Bolgheri territory with a different and original style, culminating in the transformation of Paleo Rosso into a 100% Cabernet Franc starting from 2001. In addition to this label, which is the emblem of Le Macchiole’s style, the winery produces Messorio (100% Merlot), Scrio (100% Syrah), and the blends Bolgheri Rosso and Paleo Bianco. With a passion for art, particularly street art, Le Macchiole has pursued an artistic project that has seen the creation of two large murals visible on the facades of the winery, made by Ozmo and Tellas, respectfully – two internationally renowned artists. Le Macchiole organizes private visits lasting about an hour and a half by reservation (also for small groups of up to 14-16 people). The visit begins in the vineyards, then moves on to the vinification cellar and barrel cellar. At the end of the tour, guests can choose from various options for guided tastings.
Ornellaia
Since being founded in the 1980s, Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates not just in Bolgheri, but in all of Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the unique terroir of Bolgheri. The combination of Ornellaia’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc that so many wine lovers across the world have come to cherish. Visiting Ornellaia offers the chance to discover why this place is so special. Starting in the historic vineyards, guests will follow a path to the cellar, where they’ll be welcomed by contemporary works of art of the Vendemmia d’Artista project – a charity project that supports the Mind’s Eye Program of the Guggenheim Foundation by giving access to art to blind and low vision people. The exploration continues in the barrel room then onto the center of the estate, the Historical Archive, which preserves the history of their production. The experience ends with a guided tasting of the current vintages of Ornellaia wines. All visits are available by reservation only, and small groups may want to consider enhancing the experience by reserving an exclusive lunch at the estate.
Grattamacco
A winemaking company of pioneers founded in 1977, Grattamacco is the second winery to be established in Bolgheri. Since the ’90s, Grattamacco has maintained a revolutionary approach in the organic management of its 34 hectares of vineyards, located on soils that host some of the most significant concentrations of white clays and flysch along the Tuscan coast. Here, indigenous vines such as Sangiovese and Vermentino coexist with international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. These vines were planted in the ’80s and have remarkably adapted to the lands of Grattamacco. Tours are offered at the Estate, featuring a tour of the winemaking facility that delves into the different stages of winemaking and aging, and a tasting of three wines. The winery also offers a light lunch that includes two courses, featuring their own Tuscan IGP Oil, plus dessert. Languages spoken: Italian, English, and German.
Michele Satta
The Michele Satta company was created in 1983, in the heart of the Bolgheri D.O.C., of which Michele was one of the founders. Today the vigneron is his son, Giacomo Satta, who invokes his father’s teachings in his production philosophy, embracing the slightly “reactionary” line of not necessarily making a Bordeaux-style blend such as Cavaliere, but concentrating instead on highlighting the qualities of single varietals. Iconic wines are Cavaliere, made from Sangiovese; Syrah, whose cultivar is evident from its name; and Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore D.O.C. The grapes are grown in the 23 hectares owned by the estate, producing around 150,000 bottles. Here, events, private tastings, and visits are organized, so that you can find out all about this historic Bolgheri property. By prior arrangement, the estate offers tailor-made wine experiences and tours of the vineyards and winery, which allow you to learn about our winemaking processes. Two tastings are available: the first is called “Bolgheri” and lasts around an hour and a half; the second, “Selezioni”, requires two hours, and includes a wider range of Michele Satta’s products, with five wines on tasting.
Guado al Tasso Antinori
Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small prestigious Bolgheri DOC appellation, about 100 kilometers southwest of Florence. The estate covers an area of about 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the Bolgheri Amphitheatre due to its particular shape. Two estate wines, Matarocchio and Guado al Tasso, are aged exclusively in the Guado al Tasso new cellar while Cont’Ugo, Il Bruciato, Scalabrone and Vermentino are fermented and aged in the “Cantina de Il Bruciato”; both cellars were designed to fit into the estate and its surrounding natural landscape. On Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate, overlooking the Via Bolgherese, you can find the Osteria del Tasso, a small restaurant immersed in the estate’s vineyards, which narrates this fascinating land through traditional and local dishes. Adjacent to the Osteria, there is also the Wine Shop of Tenuta Guado al Tasso, where it is possible to taste and buy wines from the Guado al Tasso estate, including old vintages and large formats. In addition to wines, some Cinta Senese salami of its own production coming from the “Macchia del Bruciato” area are available for purchase. Through the Wine Shop it is also possible to book personalized visits to Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate, tailor-made for passionate enthusiasts, discovering the historic vineyards of the estate.
Tenuta Argentiera
Argentiera is located in the southern tip of the DOC Bolgheri, on the hills of Donoratico, where breathtakingly beautiful vineyards stretch over the horizon of the Tuscan archipelago. In total, the property comprises 85 hectares in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci. There are 85 hectares of vineyards, mainly planted with the typical varieties of the denomination: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah, the latter used in the production of Rosé. For the production of white wines, the variety present is Vermentino. The cellar, designed by architect Bernardo Tori and inspired by the architecture of the Tuscan Grand Ducal of the Presidia – ancient strategic fortresses that guarded and protected the territory – rises proudly on the ridge of the hill. Built according to a style that recalls nineteenth-century ports along the coast, it is the guard of the tenuta and also the bearer of a message of openness towards the horizon. From its walls, the eyes can get lost towards the infinite, encompassing the gulf that goes from Castiglioncello to Baratti, to the sea, to the islands of the Archipelago (Elba, Capraia, Gorgona) reaching, on clear-skied days, the mountains of Corsica. Argentiera welcomes its visitors by offering a hospitality program that begins at the Enoteca, located at the entrance of the tenuta, on via Aurelia, in a building that was once an old, typical Bolgheri farmhouse. Upon reservation, it is possible to visit the winery in company of a tenuta manager and discover the charm, the elegance of the place and the majesty of the views that can be seen from the vineyards dominating the Tuscan Archipelago.
Family Wine Gems
In this dynamic wine territory, a growing number of small, younger estates have achieved notoriety for both their wines and hospitality. Here are a few small producers to note:
Podere il Castellaccio
Another organic-certified family estate with great personality is Podere Castellaccio, where 9 hectares of vineyard terraces are located in the hills. Owner Alessandro Scappini has revived native Tuscan varieties such as Ciliegiolo, Foglia Tonda, and Pugnitello, as well as Sangiovese. Alessandro Scappini was born and raised in Bolgheri. His adventure as a vintner began in 2009, in a quite original way for the time, fitting for Alessandro’s autochthonous origin. He decided to work with a 60-year-old family vineyard on the hill of Segalari, planted with ancient varieties. He also started growing the signature grapes of the DOC, and made his debut with its first Bolgheri wine with the vintage 2015. His path inside the DOC was completed in 2018 when his Bolgheri Superiore Il Castellaccio was released for the first time on the market at the beginning of 2021. Today, the property planted to 8.5 hectares of vineyards yields 40,000 bottles produced between 6 labels: Ardiglione, Dinostro, Valente, Somatico, Orio Bolgheri Doc, Il Castellaccio Bolgheri doc Superiore. The property is about 18 hectares in total, on the top of the Segalari’s Hill. You can find hospitality in his Relais with 9 apartments and one room.
Dario Di Vaira
A reflection of Bolgheri’s lessened reliance on new oak barriques these days can be found in Dario Di Vaira’s well-defined approach to wood aging, using a mix of new and old wood. The 10 hectares of vineyards developed along the Via Bolgherese and on the gentle hills that run alongside it, from which you can admire both the splendor of the Tuscan archipelago and the snow-capped Apennines. The size of the farm allows Dario, owner and winemaker, to personally follow every step of the production: from the planting of the vineyard, to pruning and selection of sprouts and bunches, up to winemaking. The annual production is 45,000 bottles divided into 5 labels sold both in Italy and abroad. As one of the first Agriturismo opened in the Bolgheri countryside, the heart of the company has always been hospitality. They offer rooms, apartments, and a small campsite overlooking the vineyards. Their small shop is always open every day of the year with the possibility of purchasing or tasting Dario Di Vaira’s own extra virgin olive oil and wines. Visits and tastings are personally guided by Dario, who knows how to explain the story and identity of the farm best of all. Guests also have the possibility of organizing private lunches and snacks under the veranda surrounded by nature.
Chiappini
Chiappini is another small, family-run winery with a rich tradition of winemaking. Under the guidance of Giovanni Chiappini and his daughters, Martina and Lisa, the estate spans 17 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. From 1978 to today the company has reached its current shape on the Via Bolgherese, where there is the cellar, the agriturismo and the 20 years old vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, where we collect our best grapes for the Bolgheri Superiore Guado de’ Gemoli and for the monovarietal Lienà collection.Chiappini welcomes guests for tastings, tours, and stays in their charming Relais accommodations among the vines. ” Our shop is open everyday to visitors who wants to taste our wines, for the wine tasting no advance booking is required. Upon reservation we can organize tailored wine experiences and Tours among the vines and in the cellar to discover our wine making processes. It is also possible to spend a few days in our agriturismo surrounded by nature, we have six rooms and six apartments perfect for families, with private pool.”
Tenuta Sette Cieli
Tenuta Sette Cieli is among the representatives of Super Tuscans in Bolgheri: owner Ambrogio Cremona Ratti and winemaker Elena Pozzolini represent the second generation of the winery. Located in Monteverdi Marittimo at 400 meters altitude, the vineyards benefit from constant ventilation, diurnal temperature variations, and intense sunlight. This unique terroir enhances grape ripening and acidity retention, crucial for wine quality and aging potential. Over the years, the winery expanded to 120 hectares, with soils varying by altitude. The winery joined the Bolgheri DOC Consortium, showcasing its commitment to quality. Bordeaux varieties dominate production, with Sangiovese as a notable exception. Elena Pozzolini, the “rising star” winemaker, emphasizes organic farming and indigenous yeast fermentation. Each vineyard plot is vinified separately to highlight terroir nuances, producing 90,000 bottles annually. Notable wines include Indaco, Scipio, Noi 4, and Yantra, primarily exported to various international markets. The estate is keen to accept only private wine enthusiasts by reservation.
Podere Conca
Podere Conca was established in 2015 by two childhood friends, Silvia Cirri and Livio Aloisi, who decided to plant some rows of Cabernet Franc in the garden of Silvia’s house, Podere Conca, on Via Bolgherese, situated in the center of the Bolgheri Doc. Today the majority of Podere Conca’s grapes are produced in the second plant of approximately 5 hectares, mainly cultivated with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Ciliegiolo. The company has 10 hectares of land, of which 5 hectares are of vineyards and approximately 800 olive trees, all worked according to the dictates of organic agriculture. Annual production is around 25,000 bottles. Since 2018, they have had their own cellar which is located in Donoratico, about 10 minutes by car from the farm. They welcome guests by offering visits and tastings by appointment, both on the farm and in the cellar. Among the offerings is a sensorial tasting in the cellar, where guests will discover the aromas that characterize each glass, to help one learn to recognize the aromas of wine. To book the visit, simply call or send an email at least two days in advance. Their wine shop is open from Monday to Friday for visitors who are passing through and who want to taste the wines, even without a reservation.
I Mulini di Segalari
I Mulini di Segalari farms 3.3 hectares under organic and biodynamic certification. In 2021, Marina and Emilio restored the two 18th century mills abandoned on farmland, which were restored to become the home and cellar. It is certainly a lesser-known secret place in Bolgheri. In 2003 they planted the vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot, but also Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Vermentino, Manzoni white and Viognier, today about 3.5 hectares; we restored two mills to make it home and cellar.Mulini di Segalari is delighted to welcome curious people and wine and nature lovers, during all seasons, every day, by reservation: to buy our wines directly or for tastings, both simple and accompanied by platters of cheeses and meats of land and sea, selected local producers, vegetables of our land and breads of ancient grains, along with our extra virgin olive oil; you can see the cellar and walk in the vineyards, drink a glass of wine on the border between woods and vineyards.
Taste and Tradition
As you journey through Bolgheri, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of tastes and traditions. The region’s cuisine dances with diversity, offering a symphony of flavors to complement the local wines. From hearty countryside fare heavy on meats and vegetables to exquisite seafood delights by the coast, each dish tells a story of the land’s bounty. The charming medieval villages around Bolgheri are alive with artisan boutiques, open-air markets, and cozy taverns, inviting you to experience the authentic Tuscan lifestyle. Journey through the Tuscan countryside with Fufluns.
The Unique Terroir, Embraced by the “Macchia Mediterranea”
Bolgheri’s allure lies not only in its celebrated wines but also in its diverse terroir, which is vividly expressed in the wines. From sandy soils at its shores to clay-silt and gravelly soils at its slopes, the region’s varied soil composition plays a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive character of its wines. This geological mosaic, coupled with the region’s warm, Mediterranean climate and moderating coastal influences from the sea, provides the perfect canvas for a range of varieties to express their unique identities. The recent focus on single-variety wines, particularly Cabernet Franc and Merlot, has added a new dimension to Bolgheri’s wine portfolio, showcasing the region’s ability to innovate while respecting tradition. The area of the DOC Bolgheri is delimited by the municipality boundaries of Castagneto Carducci village. It is a small wine area that measures 13km from the southernmost point to the northernmost one, while the west-east extension is about 7km. The total vineyards of the DOC are 1359 hectares, positioned at an altitude ranging from 10 metres to 380 above sea level. The so-called “Macchia Mediterranea” stretches all along the coast, and Bolgheri is literally embraced by this thick dark green forest. The amphitheatre of Bolgheri is exposed to perpetual light and aerated by continuous sea winds from the Tuscan archipelago. Exposure and natural aeration, in addition to preventing many plant diseases, gives the wine an exuberant freshness and incredible elegance. However, most fascinating is the extraordinary and varied type of soils. A miscellaneous of soils composition; mainly sandy towards the sea, more clay-sandy alluvial, clay-silty in the vineyards located on the foothills, and gravelly in the hills belonging to Colline Metallifere (metallic hills). To better understand the richness of the soils for wine production, the Consorzio has conducted an accurate zonation research, a ten-year study on the potential of this territory. Up to now 27 units have been identified, not grouped into macro areas though because in a few metres the composition of the soil can change incredibly.
A Journey to Excellence: The Rise of Bolgheri Wines
In Tuscan wine history, Bolgheri is a relatively young district, but it has quickly made its mark. The first international red varieties were introduced here in the 1940s by Marquis Mario Incisa of Rocchetta, founder of the estate Tenuta San Guido). He planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on the slopes rather than the plains near the sea, which proved to be better suited to red Bordeaux varieties. In 1968, the birth of Sassicaia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, marked the dawn of a new era, heralding Bolgheri’s entry into the world of fine wines. Inspired by the success of Sassicaia, a group of pioneering producers soon ventured into crafting exceptional red wines from low-yielding vineyards planted in the foothills and slopes, which cemented Bolgheri’s status in the global wine community.By the 1980s, Bolgheri was an extremely important region for red wine production, with growing interest in the so-called “Super Tuscan” wines. During this time, wine writers and critics recognized not only the outstanding quality of the land but also the commitment of producers in pushing the boundaries of excellence. The cohesive efforts of these producers led to the establishment of the DOC Bolgheri reds in 1994. The recognition of Bolgheri Sassicaia as its own appellation in 2013 – the first and only Italian denomination dedicated solely to an estate and its cult wine – further solidified the region’s reputation for uncompromising quality. In the last 25 years, Bolgheri has become the center of major investments in the wine world. From the six initial wineries of the 1980s, today the DOC encompasses more than 70 estates of varying sizes.
Bolgheri At A Glance
Total Wineries: 70
Hectares under vine: 1,365 (Bolgheri DOC); 179 (IGT). Vineyards range from 10 to 380 meters above sea level.
Total DOC production: 7,248,152 bottles (2021)
Average annual rainfall: 600ml
Key varieties by plantings: Cabernet Sauvignon (34.1%); Merlot (22.2%); Cabernet Franc (15.9%); Vermentino (9.8%); Syrah (6.6%); Petit Verdot (4.9%); Viognier (1.6%); Sangiovese (1.3%)
Other Wineries for Hospitality: Caccia al Piano, Donna Olimpia, Castello di Bolgheri, Divajra, Campo alla Sughera, Guado al Melo.
Charming Tiny Wineries to visit: Villanoviana, Fornacelle, Fabio Motta, Podere Concori, Le Vigne di Silvia, I Luoghi.
Wset Patron and 67 Pall Mall Collaboration
The Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini DOC Bolgheri e DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia has recently become the first-ever Italian appellation WSET Corporate Patron. The Consorzio has also established a great partnership with 67 Pall Mall in London. The 67 Pall Mall Group is a collection of private Members’ Clubs devoted to fine wine, with locations in Verbier and Singapore, and with three additional Clubs in Bordeaux, Beaune, and Melbourne opening soon. I am sure this collaboration will bring great value in terms of education to inspire and empower all the producers of the Bolgheri wine territory, along with the opportunity to expand its awareness within a broader group of wine enthusiasts and collectors.