Visiting the Castello di Verrazzano vineyard in Tuscany was a fascinating and enriching experience that gave a unique glance into how Italy’s rich traditions and modern economy coexist. The hour long bus ride to get there was through some of the most beautiful mountain and forest terrain imaginable, and although Florence is beautiful I was glad to be able to get out of the city for a bit. Upon arriving we received an awesome tour of the grounds and the winemaking facilities where we learned about how the winemaking process has evolved over the centuries as well as about the history of the Verrazzano family and the castello. Learning about everything from the types of barrels used to age the wine to the way the grapes are dried and pressed gave an awesome look into the winemaking process, and the staff at the vineyard also explained the importance of organic farming and sustainability to their business model. This experience was unique and enlightening and I am so grateful that I got the chance to do this with my friends and professors.
