THE WINE ESTATE
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where history and nature have lived in harmony for centuries, lies a place unlike any other: Villa Santo Stefano. Born from a deep connection to this land and a passion for what is real.
Since 2001, we have dedicated ourselves to what this ancient cultural landscape offers in its purest form: organically certified wines and precious extra virgin olive oil. What began with a few vines and olive trees has become a carefully curated boutique estate. Guided by a commitment to quality and shaped by a deep respect for the land.
When Wolfgang Reitzle and Nina Ruge acquired the historic Villa Bertolli near Lucca, they laid the foundation for something special. The villa was restored with great attention to detail. Not as a backdrop, but as a living part of our identity and the soul of what we do.
OUR WINES
Our wines express a philosophy that unites depth, origin, and elegance.
LOTO, our characterful red wine, embodies finesse and inner balance, while SERENO, with its warm and grounded nature, captures the Tuscan soul in its purest form. GIOIA brings Mediterranean joie de vivre into the glass with its fresh, vibrant character. LUNA, our rosé, seduces with fresh, clear aromas – a wine full of calm and finesse. NINA, vinified from 100% Cabernet Franc, combines power and precision in a pure expression of the grape – uncompromising and elegant.
ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Our extra virgin olive oil “Olio di Lucca di Villa Santo Stefano” is a testament to terroir, tradition, and meticulous craftsmanship. It glows with a refined shade of liquid green gold, reflecting its purity and freshness. Internationally awarded and recognised for its excellence, this extra virgin olive oil is an expression of elegance and authenticity. A single drop reveals the soul of the Lucchesia – refined, vibrant and unmistakably Tuscan.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Villa Santo Stefano is a special place. Nestled in the gentle hills north of Lucca, it unfolds within a landscape of quiet strength, rich history, and natural beauty. Our work is driven by a deep desire not to reshape the essence of this place, but to reveal it. We cultivate organically out of conviction. Every step, every intervention is guided by trust in nature’s balance. The vines grow as they are meant to, the olive trees follow their own natural rhythm. This approach lays the foundation for a quality that comes from within – focused, clear, and at peace with itself.
A VISIT TO THE WINE ESTATE
Step into the fascinating world of Villa Santo Stefano – a jewel of the Tuscan landscape where tradition, elegance and a deep bond with nature come together in perfect harmony. Experience the soul of our winery through a private guided tour of the vineyards, the cellars and our atmospheric barrique cellar.
Afterwards, we welcome you to our “Limonaia” – a refined, Tuscan-style greenhouse – where the tasting of our wines becomes a moment of pure immersion. A place to linger, reflect and enjoy the quiet intensity of what we do.
Every visit is individually cared for. Whether for bespoke events, special tastings or private guided experiences – we look forward to creating an unforgettable moment for all visitors.
A Milestone for LOTO by René Gabriel
René Gabriel, one of the most influential wine critics in the German-speaking world and a leading voice in the international wine community, tasted and reviewed a full vertical of our LOTO from 2009 to 2023. His top score of 20/20 for LOTO 2021 and his analysis of the style from 2019 onward are not only a recognition of our wine, but also of the entire team that has worked with passion on this project for years.
