Under the Tuscan sun, immerse yourself in fine vintages and fascinating conversation at the sublime Castello di Fonterutoli. Take a timeless journey with us to Italy on a Founder’s Collection departure and be personally welcomed into the home of La Famiglia Mazzei, the renowned Tuscan winemaking family.

An exclusive invitation from la Famiglia Mazzei

For over six centuries, ‘la Famiglia Mazzei’ has dedicated itself to winemaking, with a passion and commitment handed down from one generation to the next. In 1938, Ser Lapo Mazzei became known as the pioneer of Chianti Classico, as the author of the first document known to mention ‘Chianti.’ Then in 1435, when Ser Lapo’s granddaughter Madonna Smeralda Mazzei married Piero di Agnolo from Fonterutoli, the Castello di Fonterutoli estate became a family heritage.

Enjoy an exclusive lunch and wine-tasting with either Marchese Francesco Mazzei or his grandson Lapo Mazzei, at their centuries-old Tuscan estate. Through this intimate meet and greet, learn about the family themselves, their beautiful home, the Mazzei wine dynasty and how they are preserving the local eco system for future generations.

Experience this on a Founder’s Collection departure of Ultimate Italy

Castello di Fonterutoli

“My family has owned Castello di Fonterutoli since 1435, so for 25 generations. We’ve been living here forever, it’s our paradise,” Marchese Francesco Mazzei explains.

Set in the picturesque village of Fonterutoli, Castello di Fonterutoli is more than a winery. This small rural settlement is located in the heart of Chianti Classico between Florence and Siena and is considered one of the most important institutions of Chianti Classico and Tuscany.

Built at the end of the 1500’s, the Marchesi Mazzei have taken care to preserve the authentic charm and atmosphere of the village, and today it retains much of its original spirit. Cobbled paths, beautiful rustic buildings decorated by rose pink flowers and a strong community prevail. Visitors can enjoy a coffee in the village bar, a chat with the locals or, of course, sip some famous Castello di Fonterutoli wines.

You may also be interested to read: Making it personal: How Travel Concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Ancestors celebrated through their wines

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The Mazzei family describe their wines as ‘the maximum expression of their terroirs.’ Maybe one of their most renowned products is the ‘Siepi’. Credited as ‘one of the 50 wines that changed Italy’s wine style’ this has been produced by the Mazzei family since 1435.

Much of the family history is told through its wines. With their outstanding ‘Chianti Classico Riserva’, the Marquis Mazzei celebrate their notable ancestor Ser Lapo, and a sublime vintage named ‘Philip’ is dedicated to Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). An illustrious ancestor and political thinker, together with Thomas Jefferson, Philip was a pioneer of the viticulture in Virginia.

Captivating stories and connections

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to see inside the impressive wine cellars. This vast space is taken up by thousands of barrels, all decorated with the Mazzei family’s official stamp. On your tour you will learn about the various vintages, and the barrelling process.

“If I could bring anyone here, past or present, it would have to be Thomas Jefferson. He was a real wine connoisseur,” Marchese Francesco Mazzei tells us. Jefferson also happened to be a close friend of Francesco’s ancestor, Filippo Mazzei, and was a Founding Father of the United States, contributing to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Filippo Mazzei is credited for being the inspiration behind one of its famous quotes: “All men are by nature equally free and independent. Such equality is necessary in order to create a free government,” something later acknowledged by President John F. Kennedy in his book, “A Nation of Immigrants”.

You may also enjoy reading: This little gelateria in San Gimignano may just serve the best gelato in all of Italy

Natural treatments in the vineyard

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Guaranteeing the stability of the ecosystem and its biodiversity is very important to the Mazzei family. At Castello di Fonterutoli and their other estates, they’ve eliminated chemicals for weeding and recycle their production waste (shoots, grape stalks, olive pomace, and horse manure) as organic fertilizer.

To reduce their carbon footprint and preserve of the surrounding landscape, they’ve adopted various methods, including their ledge-shaped terraced vineyards. This reduces erosion and preserves the heritage of the landscape.

Water is used carefully, including as a natural coolant for the wine cellar. Through the recycling of the fast flowing spring water through the rock walls of the cellar, no climate control system is required.

An elegant and intimate lunch

@marchesimazzei

Traditional Tuscan dishes, reinterpreted in a gourmet-style await you in the family’s osteria. This quaint restaurant, surrounded by stunning views of the rolling Tuscan countryside, is where Founder’s Collection guests enjoy an exclusive and delicious rustic meal during their trip to Castello di Fonterutoli.

Sip some more of the estate’s wines and dine on dishes made exclusively with fresh, seasonal local produce. Each plate respects the Tuscan heritage, with a particular eye to the wild game that roams wild in the estate’s meadows and woodlands.

Experts in your destination and there to tailor your journey, your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge offers the ultimate service. More than a guide they offer a flawless personal service, tailored to you. To learn how Ultimate Italy is made even more ultimate, we spoke with Travel Concierge Anna to find out more about how she personalizes your tour.

Meet Travel Concierge Anna

A specialist in Italy for over 15 years, Travel Concierge Anna knows this beautiful country inside-out. And, a key skill of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge, she also knows people. “Tailoring the perfect Italy tour comes from our destination experience and understanding our guests. It is also about getting to know people quickly and identifying their wishes and desires.”

Through a combination of conversation and intuition, Anna gets to know guests’ needs right from the start. “I will spend time with them on the first night. As it is always a small group, it’s quite easy to get to know guests fairly quickly and offer a personal one-to-one service. I’ll ask if you have particular things that you’re interested in and would like do.”

But the personalization process doesn’t stop there. Throughout the tour Anna will continue to intuit guest’s likes and dislikes, tailoring the experience as she goes.

“As the trip goes on you learn more and more about people,” she says. “So, we also adapt to guests’ needs as we go. Through my expert knowledge of Italy, I have plenty great ideas up my sleeve to tailor your experience.”

Discover this on Ultimate Italy

Exceptional dining for every palate

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Exceptional dining is at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey, with some truly exquisite restaurants featured on our sublime Ultimate Italy tour. There are also opportunities for guests to choose how and where they dine. In a gastronomic haven such as Italy, Travel Concierge Anna’s local knowledge and expertise enables guests to tailor their culinary experience.

“In Capri, we dine at Michelin starred restaurant Mamma, where the food is exquisite and the views are jaw-dropping,” Anna tells us. “You approach through little narrow back alleys, through a tiny little door which then opens up to a panoramic view over the Mediterranean out towards Naples. It is an amazing dining experience.”

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“When guest have a free evening, for example in Perugia or Florence, I will help choose where to dine. In each location I’ve hand-selected restaurants that serve delicious fare and are located near the hotel. Each areslightly different, for example one may be fine dining, one may be very atmospheric and local. Another might simply serve outstanding pizzas, we are in Italy of course!” she says with a smile.

“When it comes to gastronomy, every region is totally different. This is something I love to share with guests. Southern Italy is all about seafood and the views. When in Rome it’s all about finding that little backstreet trattoria that has traditional dishes served by Mom and Pop. And in Tuscany, Florentine steak takes pride of place on the menu.

“You may also have particular restaurants that you’ve heard of and wish to visit, in which case I will help with reservations where possible. It becomes apparent very quickly when guests are really into food so I love to help them out on that journey with all that Italy has to offer.”

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Pick between exclusive experiences

With many exclusive experiences included on Luxury Gold tours, there are also times where guests can personalize their day, through a choice of two different experiences.

Carefully selected by your Travel Concierge, these thoughtful choices are curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind. “The thing is with Italy, it has so much to offer,” Anna says. “It has art, history, architecture, beaches, mountains and vineyards. And of course, it has fabulous food and wine. It’s an incredible place.

“In the stunning hilltop town of Assisi in the heart of Umbria, knowing that art and culture appeal to our guests, we extend this offering with the opportunity to visit Saint Francis Basilica, to see stunning frescos dating back around 800 years.

“However, we also understand that guests might want something different, so they may prefer to join a local gourmand to taste delicious Umbrian specialities. That might be mushroom or truffle paste on crostini, interesting varieties of salamis or maybe the famous Umbrian pork, along with delicious olive oils.”

Elevating the everyday

“I’m always considering any opportunities to tailor a guest’s experience,” Anna explains. “I can show secret treasures that you might not otherwise find. If I know that someone is really into art, as we are walking through the streets of Rome I might quietly say ‘let’s just pop into this church because I happen to know there’s a Caravaggio in here.’ This is what happens when you are well experienced and know these hidden gems.”

Related content: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Special moments made exceptional

Wherever possible Anna assists with special requests, to make your journey extra special. “Sometimes guests are keen to trace their family history,” she says. “Guests from the United States often have family connections in Italy. If we are staying very close to where their family originates, I might help them make a visit. This can be a very emotional experience for everyone.”

“We also have guests celebrating big anniversaries, in which case I will help them make it extra special, to find a superb restaurant or location for a truly memorable occasion. There are lots of suggestions that we can make for special moments.”

Related content: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

The best of both worlds

“Whilst guests want their service to be personalized, they also love being in a group, to have fun and share experiences together,” says Anna. “This is the great joy of taking these tours, meeting people and making new friends. But for our guests, knowing that they can also tailor their experience is the best of both worlds.”

To enjoy the wealth of treasures the Italy has to offer, and benefit from the personal service of your Travel Concierge, take a look at our Ultimate Italy limited edition luxury .tour

Often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. Royalty, Noblemen and more, here are four fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold if you choose to travel on a Founder’s Collection departure.