WELCOME TO VILLA SANTO STEFANO
True. Pure. Authentic. Nature bound. 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.
A BEGINNING WITH VISION
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.
TWO TERROIRS, ONE PHILOSOPHY
LUCCA – In Pieve Santo Stefano and Arsina, northwest of Lucca, we now cultivate nearly seven hectares of organically certified vineyards. A region not widely known for fine wines. And yet, that was exactly the appeal. With a deep sensitivity to terroir, climate and tradition, we create wines with unmistakable character. Clear, elegant, and honest. Our olive oil bears the PDO seal (Protected Designation of Origin), the certification that guarantees the highest quality and authentic regional heritage. It is the result of centuries-old knowledge, careful hand harvesting and gentle cold extraction. Bottled in small batches, it remains natural, full-bodied and deeply expressive of its origin.
MAREMMA – Our search for a second, more mineral-rich terroir led us further south. Near Manciano, between Capalbio and the thermal springs of Saturnia, we found eleven hectares of vineyards over 25 years old. Neglected for years, now carefully restored, vine by vine. Today, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese grow here. In 2022, our first 100 percent Cabernet Franc vintage was bottled – the fulfillment of a dream brought to life through patience, knowledge and devotion to the land. Near Magliano, eleven hectares of fertile yet previously uncultivated land were additionally acquired. A promising terroir, now being prepared with care. It will take several more years before the first wines emerge from this soil – in quiet harmony with nature and time.
This is a place of deep history. Once inhabited by the Etruscans, later ruled by the Aldobrandeschi and the Orsini family of Rome, and eventually transformed under Cosimo de’ Medici in the 16th century into cultivated agricultural land. Nearby lie the thermal springs of Saturnia. For over 3,000 years, warm, sulfur-rich water has flown from the earth at 37 degrees Celsius. This land is full of energy and meaning. And it is here that our wines are born.
“When you make your own wine, it's only the first hundred years that are really difficult.”
Wolfgang Reitzle
The Owner
“This place is a true gem to me. Villa Santo Stefano fills me with joy, love and gratitude for life.”
Nina Ruge
Writer, Moderator, Journalist
Alessandro studied at the renowned University of Pisa. His passion and expertise in agriculture have ensured top-quality wine and oil for over five years.
Alessandro Garzi
Manager & Agronomist
Francesca is responsible for sales and marketing. With her passion for wine and olive oil shaped by her studies, her language skills, and great commitment, she represents Villa Santo Stefano both nationally and internationally.
Francesca Manzetti
Sales & Marketing
Petra has been with us since the beginning. She organizes tastings and events, and has good knowledge of Italy and international contacts.
Petra Pforr
Marketing & Events
After studying in Pisa and gaining experience in Piedmont, Alessio joined Villa Santo Stefano in 2013. For him, winemaking is a true passion.
Alessio Farnesi
Oenologist
He is one of Italy’s leading oenologists and has supported us for years as an external consultant. With his philosophy of “fare buon vino” (“making good wine”), he shapes the style and quality of our wines at the highest level.
Attilio Pagli
Oenologist
Animals have always belonged to Villa Santo Stefano. Thanks to Nina Ruge’s long-standing dedication to animal welfare, many of them have found a new and loving home here. Through their presence, they bring quietness and joy to our daily lives, and often a smile. To us, a winery without animals is possible but never complete.
“Every evening before sunset, I take a walk around Villa Santo Stefano to visit my animals.”
Nina Ruge
