Ciao friends,

Spring is around the corner and we could not be more excited. It feels like the perfect time to reconnect, share some updates, and celebrate all the incredible moments we’ve already had together this year.

First, a huge thank you to the amazing producers who joined us in Pittsburgh for tastings in January and March. Luca and Elisa of Iviti and Chiara of Tenuta di Freddano, you brought your passion, your wines, and your stories to our table. And to everyone who attended, thank you for joining us for four unforgettable nights of tastings, laughter, and memories. We had the best time and cannot wait for more events in the future! Stay tuned, because we have more coming your way.

Highlights from Our Tastings

Iviti: Cortona

Grazie to Luca and Elisa for sharing their wines and their hearts with us. Iviti is a small, family-run Organic winery located in the Val di Chiana surrounding Cortona. They produce fewer than 6-8,000 bottles a year, and every bottle reflects the care and attention they put into their vineyard and cellar. Their philosophy is simple: highlight the character of their land and grapes with authenticity and balance.

Wines we tasted:

• Toscana Bianco IGT

• S90 Syrah Cortona DOC

• Cabernet Sauvignon DOC

• Iugero Cabernet Franc IGT

• Nacre Vendemmia Tardiva IGT

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil grown and produced on the estate.

We paired these treasures with local cheeses from our friend Matteo at Taverna del Pecorino in Pienza (order here), home baked bread, and three kinds of crostini drizzled with Iviti’s delicious olive oil:

• Tuscan Kale (Cavolo Nero) pesto topped with crispy Guanciale

• Fennel, Lemon and Pistachio pesto topped with crunchy pistachio and lemon zest

• Sundried and Roasted Tomato pesto topped with roasted pine nuts and basil

The tasting was a true celebration of Tuscany, with the simplicity and beauty of small production wines paired perfectly with local flavors.

🍷 Learn more about Iviti

Tenuta di Freddano: Orvieto

Thank you to Chiara for an incredible weekend of tastings. Tenuta di Freddano sits just 15 kilometers from historic Orvieto and has been producing exceptional wines since 1927. The estate spans 28 hectares, with 7.5 hectares of vineyards cultivating Grechetto, Malvasia, Procanico, Vermentino, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sangiovese. Chiara and her mother Cristina combine respect for traditional methods with modern winemaking techniques to bring out the best in their grapes. Their approach is sustainable, hands-on, and focused on expressing the terroir in every sip.

Wines we tasted:

• Torrale Vermentino IGT

• Spes Orvieto Classico DOC

• Vigna di Giulio Chardonnay Riserva DOC Lago di Corbara

• Chrysia Rosa Rosato IGT

• Campo Dé Massi Merlot IGT

• Fontauro Merlot Riserva DOC Lago di Corbara

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced right on the estate.

We paired these wines with local cheeses from Matteo at Taverna del Pecorino in Pienza (order here), home baked bread, three types of crostini, and Chiara’s fresh and incredibly delicious homemade focaccia inspired by her Roman roots:

• Tuscan Kale (Cavolo Nero) pesto topped with crispy Guanciale

• Cannellini Bean and Porcini puree

• Roasted Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion topped with crispy butter sage

Each bite and sip highlighted the love and attention that go into Chiara’s wines and olive oil, ultimately reminding us why small, passionate producers make such a difference in the glass.

🍷 Learn more about Tenuta di Freddano

Upcoming Tours

🛵 May 9-16, 2026: Yoga and Tuscany Retreat

We are thrilled to team up with Dana Damara for a week of wellness, wine, and incredible Tuscan food. Stay at Vitalenta Agriboutique near Pienza for seven nights filled with wine tastings, cooking classes with a local chef, cheese making at a local farm, visits to charming villages in Val d’Orcia, and daily yoga classes led by Dana each morning and evening. There is only one spot left for a single or a couple, and Dana is offering 20% off for the final booking. This retreat is the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and Tuscan indulgence.

🛵 Learn more about the retreat
🛵 Book your spot here using code RESET2026
🛵 Vitalenta Agriboutique

🛵 August 17-24, 2026: Immersive Wine and Food Tour of Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre

Join us and Solera & Co. Wine Bar for an unforgettable week exploring Tuscany from our base at Agriturismo Nobile in Montepulciano. We spend five days wandering Val d’Orcia, visiting eight small & sustainable wineries, learning cheesemaking, enjoying lunches in the vineyards, exploring hilltop towns, and ending every day with farm-to-table dinners. Then we head to the Ligurian Coast of Cinque Terre for two days at Le Lagore Agriturismo to explore the gorgeous cliffside villages and explore the hidden wine gems of the region. This tour is perfect for any wine lover or foodie and is almost full, with only space for two more couples.

🛵 Learn more and book

🛵 October 20-27: Women’s Connection Retreat

We are teaming up with Alma Leaders for a retreat focused on women in the industry. From Val d’Orcia to Umbria, we will enjoy wine tastings, cooking and cheese making, olive oil pressing, art classes, and visits to local businesses. Stay at Agriturismo Nobile in Montepulciano, explore the harvest season at its peak, and experience a Grapestained adventure that blends relaxation, education, and connection with like-minded women.

🛵 Learn more here

Day Trips from Florence into the Tuscan Countryside

If you are visiting Florence and want to spend a day exploring the Tuscan countryside, there is no one we recommend more than our great friend Gabriele Alessandroni.

Gabriele is the driver and guide behind Tuscany Uncorked, offering private and small group trips through wine country, hilltop towns, and hidden corners of Tuscany. Originally from Le Marche, he is a passionate wine educator who loves sharing the stories and flavors of the region.

He is the trusted driver for all of our multi day tours and one of the biggest parts of the Grapestained family. If you want a beautiful day visiting small wineries, enjoying local food, and seeing Tuscany beyond the city, Gabriele is the perfect guide.

🛵 Book a private day trip with Tuscany Uncorked

Travel to Italy the Grapestained Way

Do you want to explore Italy with us? We design tours around your style, your group, and your interests. Small and intimate groups get to experience authentic Italy through visits to passionate small producers, local chefs, family-run restaurants, and hands-on activities. Whether for friends, family, a retreat, or a restaurant group, we craft itineraries that bring the heart of Italy to life. Contact us directly at [email protected] to start planning your ultimate Italian adventure.

Spring is coming and we cannot wait to share it with you. Stay connected, stay curious, and keep your glasses ready.

With love and a vino stained shirt,
Ryan and the Grapestained Team