Podere La Villa

Nestled in the gentle hills of San Casciano in Val di Pesa, in the northern reaches of Chianti Classico, Podere La Villa is a charming family-run winery with a remarkable connection to the history of Italian wine. The estate belongs to Ilaria Tachis, daughter of the legendary Giacomo Tachis, one of Italy's most influential winemakers and the brilliant mind behind iconic wines such as Sassicaia, Tignanello and Solaia. Today, Ilaria and her husband Raffaele lovingly continue the family's winemaking legacy, combining their deep respect for tradition with a personal vision for the future.

The estate extends across ten hectares of beautiful Tuscan countryside, including seven hectares of vineyards planted with Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, surrounded by olive groves and woodland. Cultivated with sustainable and organic farming practices, the vineyards are carefully tended and harvested by hand, with a strong emphasis on quality rather than quantity. The wines reflect both the elegance of Chianti Classico and the influence of Giacomo Tachis, whose pioneering work helped redefine modern Tuscan winemaking. The range includes Pargolo, a lively and expressive Chianti Classico named in celebration of the birth of Ilaria's first son, Expecta, a refined and structured Chianti Classico Riserva, and Giacomo, a rich and elegant pure Merlot dedicated to her father. The collection is completed by Rintocco, a fresh and fragrant rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winery itself is equally fascinating. Housed in the beautifully restored historic fermentation cellar of a Renaissance-era villa, it combines traditional architecture with modern winemaking technology. Elegant vaulted ceilings, ancient stonework and a small French oak barrel cellar create an intimate atmosphere, while a carefully cultivated vegetable and herb garden reflects the family's connection to the land. During a visit, guests discover the estate's fascinating family history, explore the winemaking cellar and enjoy a guided tasting of the wines, accompanied by traditional Tuscan delicacies.

More than simply a winery, Podere La Villa is a touching story of family, heritage and the enduring passion for great wine. It offers a rare opportunity to discover the more personal side of one of Italy's most important winemaking dynasties, where the extraordinary legacy of Giacomo Tachis lives on through the dedication of his daughter and the wines she creates. Warm hospitality, beautifully crafted wines and an intimate setting make this a particularly memorable stop in the heart of Chianti Classico.