At Poggio Antico, everything serves the land – and our approach to hospitality is no exception. We spoke with Martina, who has managed hospitality here for years, to get a behind-the-scenes look at her work.
Martina,
tell us about your journey at Poggio Antico. Has anything changed since you
started?
I’ve been
here for more than a decade! Every year brings new challenges and
opportunities, but our philosophy remains steady: we are grateful for what we
have and know how essential it is to preserve it. Poggio Antico has certainly grown over the years, and we’ve made significant investments, but each step we take is focused on protecting this place that gives us so much. Preserving it, yes, but also sharing it - so that these vineyards have a sustainable, bright future.
How
does hospitality help with preserving the land and enhancing the quality of the
wine?
We truly
believe that hospitality is a key part of the wine’s journey. From the land to
the glass, every detail counts. Ultimately, our goal is to give these
surroundings the recognition they deserve. Our approach is about constant
quality improvement in every area, which adds real and perceived value to what
we do here. That value helps ensure Poggio Antico – and everyone who works here
– can keep growing and striving toward our goals.
How do
visits at Poggio Antico work?
We start on
our panoramic terrace, where we chat with guests, get to know one another, and
soak in the incredible landscape that surrounds Poggio Antico. On clear days,
you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea, Montecristo Island, and with a little luck,
even Corsica! It’s here that we explain the unique characteristics of our
vineyards and talk about how the influence of Mount Amiata and the sea breezes
shape our wines.
From there,
we head to the winery, where guests can see the stages of production up close.
If it’s harvest time, the experience becomes even more immersive: you get to
see the entire process in action. After the winery, we visit the barrel room,
then move on to the tasting room, where tasting becomes a moment of connection.
We offer
three different tasting packages, tailored to different interests and
experience levels. The first includes a tasting of four wines, offering a
gateway into the world of Poggio Antico. For those seeking a deeper experience,
we have the “Montalcino Experience,” which includes five wines, including our Riserva.
Finally, for a comprehensive overview, there’s the “Poggio Antico Overview,”
featuring seven wines, including our two Super Tuscans. Tasting together is
such a meaningful part of the experience. For those of us who love what we do,
it’s always a pleasure to see how wine can bring people together and foster
connection.
What
does it mean for you and Poggio Antico to welcome visitors?
For us,
welcoming is about sharing – it’s an exchange of stories, experiences, and
cultures. People come to Poggio Antico from all over the world, bringing their
own life stories, knowledge, and perspectives. So, each visit becomes a chance
for mutual growth: we share our story, but we also learn something new from
those who come to see us.
Each
experience is tailored to the individual before us, whether they’re an expert
or new to wine. Dario, Tommaso, Luca, and I put our experience and training
into every guest visit, aiming to make them feel at home. Those who return year
after year become like family. It’s wonderful to welcome them back, knowing
that Poggio Antico has become a place they feel connected to.
But most
importantly, welcoming visitors means sharing an important message: here,
guests can experience the landscape, learn about the vineyards, taste our
wines, and understand why it’s so essential to protect all this. Hospitality
has always been central to us; Poggio Antico was one of the first wineries to
strongly believe in the value of welcoming guests. We believe awareness stems from direct experience, and that only by showing what goes on behind the scenes
can people truly understand the importance of preserving such a special place.
It’s a way of raising awareness even for those unfamiliar with our world, so
they can grasp the significance of protecting this land and its delicate
balance for future generations.