Located in the medieval village of Montecarlo, Tenuta del Buonamico stands as a testament to Italy’s long-standing viniculture. Its history dates back to 1964, making it a distinguished and revered winery in this small Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC), located in the province of Lucca, northwest of Tuscany, Italy.

Owned by the Fontana family from Lucca, Tenuta del Buonamico has been a beacon of quality wine and sparkling wine production for over half a century. Its sprawling estate covers around 100 hectares, almost half of which are devoted to vineyards. An additional six hectares are given over to lush olive groves, while the remainder is occupied by the typical wooded areas that characterize the Tuscan landscape.

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The winemaking tradition in Montecarlo is steeped in history, tracing its origins back to around 840 BC as suggested by archival documents. Remarkably, the Montecarlo DOC is notable for its incorporation of French grape varietals, a characteristic stemming from the late 1800s. This integration came about when a local winemaker journeyed to France to study their vine cultivating and winemaking techniques.

Upon his return, he introduced French grape varietals to Montecarlo, aiming to enhance the elegance of Sangiovese and Trebbiano, the region’s typical Tuscan grapes. These French grapes found a natural habitat in Tuscan soil, flourishing to such an extent that they are now officially part of the Montecarlo DOC, considered autochthonous vines.

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At the heart of Tenuta del Buonamico is its diverse range of wines. The winery masterfully produces white, rosé, and red wines, all reflecting the unique terroir of their production area, resulting in high-quality, distinguished products. Over the past decade, Buonamico has honed its expertise in the production of Tuscan sparkling wines using the Charmat method. Today, it stands as the largest Tuscan producer in terms of volume, with nearly 200,000 bottles produced annually, divided among five different types of sparkling wines.

But the winery’s offerings don’t stop at wine. Tenuta del Buonamico also produces excellent extra virgin olive oil in a variety of formats and types. Overall, the winery produces more than 400,000 bottles of wines and sparkling wines annually. By managing all stages of production in-house, from the cellar and harvest to bottling, Buonamico ensures the highest quality standards, employing cutting-edge winemaking techniques and the best equipment available. Guiding this meticulous process is the winery’s oenologist, Alberto Antonini, who has been with the estate since the 2008 harvest.

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Tenuta del Buonamico represents the epitome of Montecarlo’s winemaking tradition. Its prominence is not only in terms of production volume but also in the distribution and renown of its products on both the national and international market. It has firmly established itself as a reference winery in the region.

The renovation of the Buonamico Estate has been a meticulous process, led by architect Paolo Riani. Alongside internal and external tasting rooms, including breathtaking panoramic terraces, the historical cellar known as “l’Inferno” has been meticulously restored. Within its hallowed halls, visitors can embark on a journey through the winery’s rich winemaking history, spanning from the very first bottle in 1964 to the latest vintage. The cellar’s expansion and integration of state-of-the-art equipment for winemaking, bottling, and storage reflect the Estate’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Buonamico Wine Resort

Buonamico also boasts a magnificent Wine Resort nestled within its newly inaugurated premises, offering 11 exquisitely appointed suites for the ultimate indulgence. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a delectable restaurant that warmly welcomes both guests and the public alike.

Notably, the winery at Buonamico is a revered destination for wine tourism in the region. It draws wine enthusiasts from far and wide to experience its exceptional hospitality.

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