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.
First Impressions
Entering Marina’s estate is always a surprise. Guests often expect manicured lawns and glossy cellars, yet here they find something different: an uncontaminated place where nature takes over. Weeds, wildlife, and wild vegetation can shock visitors, especially if they have just come from a polished winery where everything appears perfect.
But then silence — broken only by birds singing — makes its presence felt. This is Marina’s world: alive, free, authentic.
Her dog Akira is the first to greet us, barking loudly as if to announce our arrival. Moments later, Marina herself appears — and instantly, there is a sense of peace and connection. Sometimes it’s just a handshake, a smile, and you already feel at home.
Walking the Vineyards
The visit begins in the vineyards. The air carries the scent of Mediterranean scrub, mingling with wild herbs and olive trees that contribute to the biodiversity of the estate.
As we walk, Marina shares her journey. Once an architect in Florence, she moved here with her husband Emilio — owner of a Florentine wine bar dedicated to independent growers — more than 25 years ago.
At first, they practiced conventional viticulture. Soon, however, their desire to respect the land grew stronger. They became organic. And then Marina pushed further: she convinced Emilio to embrace biodynamics. It was a leap into the unknown, but her vision and persistence made her the first biodynamic producer in Bolgheri.
What Is Biodynamic Viticulture?
For those unfamiliar, biodynamic viticulture is a holistic approach to farming that treats the vineyard as a living organism. It avoids chemicals, enriches soils with natural composts, and follows the cycles of the moon and planets for key vineyard tasks. The goal is not only to produce healthy grapes, but to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where soil, plants, animals, and people thrive in balance.
A Woman in the Vineyards
Marina takes care of her vines like only a mother can do. For her, the vineyard is not just rows of plants — it is a living organism. She knows every corner of her estate, every leaf, every root, as if they were part of her family.
She is a hippy in her soul, listening to the rhythm of the moon and believing in the energy of the earth. Yet she is also a scientist in her mind. Alongside her lunar calendar, she relies on data, analysis, and technology: a weather station, precision tools, and even a drone that helps her monitor ripeness across the vineyard.
From above, the drone reveals patterns invisible to the naked eye: subtle differences in maturity, signs that would take days to notice on foot. For Marina, technology is not a gadget — it is a way to deepen her dialogue with the vines.
Art in the Glass
The journey continues into the tasting room. Here Marina proudly displays another side of her creativity: the watercolor labels she paints for each vintage. Every year, a new work of art captures the spirit of the harvest. No two are alike, just as no two wines are alike.
Her wines — white, rosé, pure Sangiovese, Bolgheri Rosso, and Bolgheri Superiore — are poured with care, accompanied by simple, local snacks. Each glass carries not only the flavor of Bolgheri but also Marina’s philosophy: biodiversity, respect for nature, love at 100%.
W as Woman, W as Wine
In Marina’s story, and in Bolgheri’s wider community, the “W” of Woman and the “W” of Wine are inseparable. Both are journeys of transformation, guided by time, resilience, and vision.
To raise a glass of Bolgheri wine here is to taste more than terroir. It is to taste the spirit of women who lead, who nurture, who innovate — and who remind us that in vineyards, just like in life, W stands for Wonder.
And at the end of the day, one thing is certain: everybody loves Marina.
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Incredible