I finally met Artemio!
A private winery visit in Bolgheri
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What is a private winery visit in Bolgheri really like? Come with me and my American friends to meet Artemio, walk through his vineyards and taste the wines where they are born.
Given the short time available, I opted for a quick tour and tasting at Le Vigne di Silvia, a small winery in the heart of the Bolgheri appellation, managed by Silvia and Stefania Fuselli, two young ladies deeply passionate about wine whom transitioned from playing football to winemaking due to their shared passion, as well as a deep connection, to their native terroir.
During our stroll in the vineyards, I noticed a man who seemed knowledgable about the domaine and it’s vineyards. I curiously asked information regarding his position and Stefania brightly replied “that is my dad, Artemio !”
I couldn’t believe it, the face behind the label of Bolgheri Rosso DOC I had been promoting and selling the most during my last year activities, was standing right in front of me and I finally had a chance to meet him in person.
Artemio, a typical countryman with a deep love for his land, walked towards us with a big smile and adjusting his hat carefully, and after sharing with a hint of hesitation some English words with my guests, he proudly showcased his trusty 1965 tractor, which he quickly turned on and gave us the unique opportunity to experience the tractor functions first- hand.
Le Vigne di Silvia’s story dates back to 1950 when their grandfather decided to move from the Italian region Marche to Bolgheri and purchased land here. Initially focused on agricultural practices, they eventually ventured into winemaking. Silvia, a former professional soccer player, realized her childhood dream of becoming a farmer by shifting her focus from soccer fields to vineyard management.
Alongside her sister Stefania, a lady with a contagious bright smile, they strive to maintain family traditions while embracing sustainable practices.
It was Stefania guiding us trough the technical tasting of the three wines they produce:
La Giochessa, their Vermentino with a touch of Verdicchio, native grape variety from le Marche, a tribute to their tradition, stands out in a territory where red wines predominate, with an extraordinary personality and identity.
The name “Giochessa” is a terminology that means “joke” or “trick” but in Tuscan dialect also refers to an unpredictable and daring soccer performance made by great talented players… just like Silvia, her sister, has done so many times in her soccer career!
The tasting continued with Artemio Bolgheri Rosso DOC. A red wine that embodies the sweet harmony of the Tuscan coast.
Artemio Bolgheri Rosso is a sunny and Mediterranean wine crafted with meticulous attention to detail. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, harvested gently and fermented with natural yeast. This results in an organic wine with intense fruity notes and a strong personality, perfect for pairing with red meat, hard cheese, wild game, and roast dishes.
This joyful tasting ended with Itinerante, their 100% Cabernet Franc, a grape variety that has found in Bolgheri, the perfect territory where it can expresses all its great elegance. What a great wine! Probably not something I would uncork on a daily basis, but definitely a wine perfect for a special occasion with a group of wine lovers appreciating fine expressions of this superb variety. On the palate, the wine is characterized by great harmonious elegance, with sweet and silky tannins that lead to a long and pleasant lingering taste.
The name Itinerante represents their essence, their origins and their growth during that journey called Life. A constant movement, a search of freedom following their passions, always maintaining the essential and vital bound with the fulcrum of their lives, which is Family.
If you would like to meet small producers like Silvia, Stefania and Artemio, take a look at my winery tours in Tuscany: every visit is different, shaped around the people and the season.
The wines of Le Vigne di Silvia have been part of my past Toscana Wine Club selections.
To receive wines like these at home, explore the Toscana Wine Club memberships.
By Claudia Callegari, DipWSET Level 4 Certified sommelier. I lead private wine tastings at Tuscan villas, visits to small wineries and the Toscana Wine Club.
Reviewed and updated on October 20, 2026.