Italian wines were Michael’s first love; he regaled us with stories of dinners with his Nonos and all of the family around the table. For 20 years, Michael dreamed of making his own Italian Super Tuscan IGT. In 2022, that dream became a reality.

As luck would have it, a few years back, Michael was enjoying lunch at one of his favorite restaurants La Tana di Ugo in Pontassieve, just outside of Florence in the heart of Tuscany. The restaurant owners, Sonia and Mattia, introduced him to a local grower, Tommaso Venturi, and they quickly became friends. Tommaso shared his family’s deep roots in Tuscany, his passion for organic farming for both grapes and olives, and, as a good Italian, his love of good food and good wine.

Tommaso’s family has lived on the estate, Fattoria San Leolino, in Londa since 1645, almost 400 years! They own around 340 acres and farm organically 7.5 acres of grapes and 35 acres of olive trees. Their olives are turned into prized Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil in a 300-year-old building still standing.

In 2022, it all came together. Michael purchased some organically grown Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Tommaso’s estate, traveled back to Tuscany several times to check on the wines and then for the final blend. He named it Contessa (Countess in Italian) for the regal vineyards from which the grapes come.

Contessa’s official release was on September 15, 2025.  Only 1200 bottles were produced with nearly 100 remaining.

In remembering Michael’s legacy, we wanted to share and highlight the project and story that reignited his passion for life, love, and winemaking.