Podere Ciona

Without Lorenzo Gatteschi and his family at Podere Ciona, there just may never have been a wine importer called Small Vineyards! When the founding partners took a tour of tiny Tuscan wine producers in 2000, they happened to befriend their guide, Lorenzo, who invited them to stay for a few days with him at his own estate.

A few sips of his family’s Chianti Classico Riserva, along with a meal prepared by his mama (cooking teacher Franca Gatteschi), and a stunning view of Siena in the distance worked their magic. Enthralled by the philosophy behind small estates—and by the quality of the Gatteschi’s wine—the group brainstormed the concept behind our company. A few short months later, Small Vineyards was born. In addition to producing the first wine we chose to import, Lorenzo also introduced us to many of the families whose wines you’re now able to enjoy for the first time in the United States.

Podere Ciona also has one of the most beautiful “agriturismos” (guest villa) we’ve ever seen. When traveling to Tuscany, see if you can get a room!