Fattoria di Montechiari

Fattoria di Montechiari is a small, family-owned winery in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, near the village of Montecarlo and the city Lucca. This peaceful area is full of history. The estate stands on the site of a former military fortress that was destroyed around the year 1300 by the Lucca army during a battle against the Florentines. Even today, as you walk through the estate, you can see ancient stones, old cannons, and tools that tell the story of this land's rich and powerful past.

Since the 1970s, Moreno Panattoni and his wife Catherine Pirmez have worked with love and dedication to bring new life to Montechiari. Moreno, who was born in this area, had two big passions, history and wine. Together with Catherine, he decided to rebuild the estate and create something truly special. They started by replanting the vineyards and carefully choosing both local and international grape varieties. With the help of famous Italian oenologists Giacomo Tachis and Stefano Chioccioli, they introduced grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet.

In June 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting Fattoria di Montechiari by personal invitation. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty and calm of the estate, and the breathtaking 360° panoramic view that surrounds it. The vineyards are spread out around the hills of the property, and each plot has its own unique microclimate. This brings special characteristics to each of their wines, giving them depth, balance, and individuality.

What touched me most was the warmth of the family. This is not just a winery, it is a home. Everyone I met was kind, passionate, and deeply committed to quality. The result? Five unique, high-quality wines that fully respect the terroir of the Montechiari hills. All the wines are BIO-certified, meaning they are made using organic farming methods, without chemicals or harmful practices. The vineyards cover about 11 hectares, and the winery produces around 30,000 bottles per year. Every vine is cared for by hand, and every bottle tells a story. The wines are elegant, complex, and made to age beautifully.