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?

Since I moved to this corner of paradise in 2015, I’ve been trying to put it into words. The cypress trees rise like guardians, the vineyards stretch toward the sea, and the pine forests breathe out their salty perfume. It feels like home — but home here is not just about wines.

It’s about olive groves and golden oil, salumi and cheese aged with care, sweet biscotti, fiery peppers, liqueurs crafted with patience, and the wild beauty of beaches where the forest meets the sea. 

It’s Not Just About Wines in Bolgheri

When you hear the name Bolgheri, chances are your mind goes straight to wine. And for good reason! This little village on the Tuscan coast has become legendary thanks to names like Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Masseto — bottles that have put Bolgheri on the world stage.

But here’s a little secret: Bolgheri is so much more than wine.

Beyond the Glass

Of course, tasting a glass of Bolgheri wine in the very land where it was born is an unforgettable experience. Yet, if you linger for a few days, you’ll discover a whole world of flavors and traditions woven into the local culture.

Here are just a few of the treasures waiting for you:

• Olive oilthat tastes like liquid gold, pressed from centuries-old groves. Don’t miss local icons such as Fonte di Foiano, Il Cavallino, and Frantoio Serni, each with its own signature expression of Tuscan oil.
• Artisanal salami and cheese, crafted with the same care and passion that winemakers bring to their vines. A must-stop isSalumificio Mucci e Staccioli in Monteverdi, where traditional cured meats embody the essence of Tuscan craftsmanship.
• Traditional vinegar production, a heritage that adds depth to even the simplest dishes. At theAcetaia di Castagneto Carducci, you’ll discover just how complex and elegant vinegar can be.
• Local spirits and liqueurs, each with its own story and character. For a taste of true tradition, head toLiquorificio Borsi in Castagneto Carducci, where recipes handed down through generations are still bottled with care.
• ThePepperita pepper shop and a charming biscottificio along the main road, where traditional sweetness meet Tuscany’s traditions.

This diversity is what makes this area so special: here, every product speaks of the land and the people who nurture it.

Hidden Gems on the Tuscan Coast

Bolgheri itself is a treasure. A small village, filled with charm, framed by the famous cypress-lined avenue that seems to stretch straight into the sky.

And just a little higher on the hill, Castagneto Carducci is even more enchanting. With its medieval streets, stone houses, and panoramic views of the sea, it feels like stepping into another time. The village was named after the poet Giosuè Carducci, who drew inspiration from these very landscapes. Today, it remains a place where poetry lingers in the air — in the rhythm of daily life, in the scent of pine forests, and in the light that shifts across the Tyrrhenian coast.

And it’s not just food and wine — keep an eye out for the unexpected. One of my favorite stops is Arte e Moda by Florin, a tailor’s workshop where Tuscan style is reimagined and shipped all over the world. His Casentino coat even made it to New York, where it famously ended up being shaved in a dry cleaner’s — a story that only adds to Florin’s legend!

Stay for a long weekend and you’ll find yourself immersed in authentic Tuscan life — where time slows down, meals last for hours, and each encounter feels personal.

Why You Should Visit

Because in Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, it’s not just about wine.
It’s about traditions carried on in kitchens and workshops, about forests and beaches that still feel wild, about poetry woven into everyday life.

It’s about a whole way of life.