Valpolicella, Italy
Villa Girardi... sounds romantic, doesn’t it? This bucolic Venetian villa in Valpolicella dates back to the 1700s, designed by architect Luigi Trezza. The region is known for not only its picturesque landscape, but also its glorious Amarone (think rich and powerful red!), unique winemaking practices and some delightful reds from indigenous grapes.
When today's owner, Franco Tommasi, purchased Villa Girardi in 1986, it was the realisation of his lifelong dream – to share his beloved wines with the world. His tenacity in keeping to the Valpolicella style shows in all his wines.
Franco is the third generation of a family winemakers since 1902, and grew up surrounded by idyllic vineyards, wooden barrels and wine fragrances. Passion, curiosity, tradition, hard work and dedication are all part of his daily routine, along with wandering the cellar, taking in the scent of wood and the relishing the excitement of fermentations – and tasting every single wine personally.