At Bolgheri Wine Tours, we often hear visitors pronounce Bulgari instead of Bolgheri — and honestly, I can’t blame them. One is a world of jewels, the other a world of wines, but both share the same Italian flair for beauty and craftsmanship.

In March 2024, Margarethe and I had the pleasure of visiting Pasquale Pelissero, the family-run winery in Neive, Piedmont. The visit was recommended by our friend and collaborator Valerie, who is based in Alba, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of our trip.

One of the most fulfilling and rewarding winery visits I often lead is visiting Marina at Mulini di Segalari, a biodynamic winegrower in the hills of Bolgheri.

People remember stories. And when they remember the story, they remember the wine.

Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed a growing shift in the way people approach wine tourism. More and more travelers are moving away from the grand, high-profile estates and instead are seeking out the intimacy of medium to small wineries—the boutique, the family-run, the places where the grower often greets you personally at the door.

Every morning I drive along the Viale dei Cipressi and on the winding road leading up to Castagneto Carducci, and I ask myself: what is it about this place?

Wine tours have a way of blending travel, culture, and storytelling into one unforgettable experience. For me, they are not only about tasting a glass of wine but about opening a window into a landscape, a tradition, and the people behind each bottle. My own journey into the world of wine tours began almost by chance, and looking back, I realize it shaped everything that came after.

Last summer, I had the privilege of guiding a group of American wine lovers at Castello della Gherardesca in Castagneto Carducci, one of the region’s most historic and exclusive settings. Together, we opened two bottles of Sassicaia — the legendary 2015 vintage (Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year) and the 2021 vintage (awarded 100 points by Robert Parker).

As founder of Bolgheri Wine Tours, one of the first questions my guests always ask is: “How do we reach Bolgheri?”