Bolgheri

The Birthplace of Legends

To speak of Bolgheri is to whisper the names of icons: Tenuta San Guido, Ornellaia, Sassicaia. These estates did not simply craft great wines—they changed the perception of Italian wine on the global stage. In the 1970s, Sassicaia defied tradition, blending Bordeaux varieties on Tuscan soil. What was once controversial became legendary, setting the stage for what we now call the Supertuscans: wines of power and grace, capable of ageing with nobility and admired by collectors across the world.

Walking the paths of Tenuta San Guido is to step into this story. The long avenues of cypress trees, immortalised by poets and travellers alike, embody both discipline and poetry. In the glass, Sassicaia reveals itself as profound yet restrained, a wine that whispers rather than shouts, like the land from which it comes.

An Experience That Transcends Wine

Beyond the wine, South Africa invites you to immerse yourself in its culture and nature. A luxury safari in private reserves like Tswalu allows you to disconnect from the world while surrounded by wildlife. At the end of the day, a glass of wine against a sunset on the savannah is one of those experiences that stays etched in memory forever.

South Africa is a destination that offers everything a luxury traveler seeks: dreamlike landscapes, unforgettable wines, exquisite cuisine, and authentic experiences. Every corner of the country is designed to provide warm yet discreet hospitality, where luxury resides in the details. If you are looking for an experience that transcends the ordinary and connects you with the essence of wine, South Africa is the place for you.

There are journeys that linger in memory not only for the wines tasted, but for the way land, architecture and hospitality intertwine into a complete expression of luxury. Bolgheri, a small yet world-renowned enclave in coastal Tuscany, is one of those places. Known as the cradle of the Supertuscans, it is a region where Cabernet meets Mediterranean light, where every lane framed by cypress trees seems designed to remind travellers that beauty is not an accessory but the very essence of this terroir.

A Village by the Sea

The town of Bolgheri itself is small, almost modest, yet its stone walls and medieval gates conceal a world of charm. Walking its streets after visiting the grand estates offers a balance between grandeur and intimacy. Boutiques, enotecas and family-owned trattorias extend a warm welcome, proving that hospitality here is as much about heart as about elegance.

The surrounding landscapes echo this duality. Cypress avenues lead to sun-drenched vineyards, with the Tyrrhenian Sea shimmering in the distance. The light here is unique: soft yet luminous, giving the wines a freshness that belies their structure.

Ornellaia: Crafting the Symphony of Bolgheri

A visit to Ornellaia is to discover the modern soul of Bolgheri. The estate embodies both innovation and tradition, where vineyards slope towards the sea and cellars hum with quiet precision. Each vintage of Ornellaia is a symphony: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot blended with mastery, expressing layers of fruit, spice and minerality.

What elevates the experience further is the art project “Vendemmia d’Artista,” where each vintage is interpreted by a contemporary artist. This dialogue between wine and art reveals a key truth about Bolgheri: luxury is not just about rarity; it is about resonance, about creating something that engages the senses and the imagination alike.

The Flavours of Hospitality

No visit to Bolgheri is complete without surrendering to its gastronomy. At Osteria Magona, I enjoyed an unforgettable lunch—a feast where Tuscan simplicity met the elegance of great wines. Grilled meats cooked with precision, local olive oil, vegetables kissed by the sun, all elevated by glasses of Ornellaia and Sassicaia. The atmosphere was convivial yet discreet, exactly how luxury should be experienced in Tuscany: through generosity, authenticity, and a sense of belonging.

Such meals are not merely about sustenance; they are rituals that connect wine, food and place into a single narrative. They remind us that the art of living well is, at its core, about savouring moments that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Subscribe to our newsletter