Every day I walk the vines, says Gabriele da Prato, gesturing to the lush foliage surrounding us.
All of my senses are involved.
Im looking, smelling, touching, listening, tasting.
Credit: Francesco Martinelli/Getty Images
Im having a conversation with nature.
Im in harmony with the earth.
Walking the vines isnt the only way the esoteric winemaker harmonizes with the earth.
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi
From time to time he serenades them with a few bars from his jazz trombone, too.
In fact, the area is hardly known at all.
Deep inTuscanys northwestern reaches lies a hidden valley that remains one of Italys most untapped locales.
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi
Absent are the classic, calendar page vistas no vast sunflower fields or undulating rows of grape in sight.
Throughout the region known as the Garfagnana, pocket-sized medieval villages tucked into rugged hillsides await exploration.
Biodynamic winemakers like Gabriele tend their vines in conjunction with the phases of the moon.
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi
Georges may just be the regions biggest fan.
These mountains, the flavors, the ancientborghivillages.Its a rare, authentic corner.
The Garfagnana people live the old way.
Massimo Scarselletta/Getty Images
I have no map and no plan neither is required to wander Bargas medieval warren of alleyways.
On our way back to Il Ciocco, I mention to Georges that I forgot to buy Parmesan cheese.
as he disappears into a shop across the street.
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi
While Georges sings their praises, the brothers busy themselves with theparmigiana.
Early the next morning I set out to explore the Garfagnanas rugged side.
Aside from the dog we encounter very few others, although each tiny hamlet bears signs of life.
Its ametato, Alice tells me when I ask.
A chestnut drying hut.
There used to be many around here.
Steiners ideas emerged in the early 1900s, as industrialized farming began gaining popularity.
In the end, the vineyards terroir, and the farmer who tends it, infuses every bottle.
Caseficio Marovelli
Romina Marovellis grandfather started making cheese for sustenance during World War II.
Things to Do
The Serchio Valley is working to become known as the adventure hub of Tuscany.
