About

A dream centuries in the making

The charming historic town of Montepulciano, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

Walking onto the Tenuta Golo estate feels like stepping back in time. For Niall and Paari O'Toole, it was like walking into a dream—one they’re now bringing to life. The story began over a thousand years ago, and the next chapter is being written today.

The charming historic town of Montepulciano, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

WORKING WITH NATURE

One day at a time

Tenuta Golo is tucked in a natural amphitheatre in the Cervognano area, near the historic centre of Montepulciano. The history of the region dates back to ancient times, with local legends tracing its origins back to the Etruscan King Lars Porsena of Clusium. A millennium ago, the Etruscans and Romans had already recognized the value of these hills. The town’s strategic position atop a 605-meter limestone ridge, combined with its fertile soils and Mediterranean climate provided an ideal grape growing environment. Today, this region is renowned for producing some of the most prestigious wines in Tuscany.

About the Estate

Centuries in the making

Originally named Villa Vinciarelli, our Villa Poggio Golo has a rich history. At one time it was even the bishop of Siena’s summer residence.  Our estate is perched above a fauna-rich nature reserve. While you’re here, there’s a good chance you might see the winery’s namesake: the Golden Oriole, or as locals refer to it, the Golo bird. With its striking black and yellow feathers, and lively personality this little bird is a beloved symbol of Cervognano. A nearly 300-year-old porcelain painting of the Golo bird is still proudly displayed on the southern wall of the 17th century Villa Poggio Golo.

An aerial view of Tenuta Golo Winery, showcasing the vineyard rows, the villa, and the surrounding Tuscan landscape of Montepulciano.

OUR STORY

Since 2021

In 2021, Niall and Paari O'Toole purchased the estate, marking 2021 as the first vintage for Tenuta Golo. Niall, originally from Ireland, and Paari, originally from India, met in Dubai while working in the same international law firm. Their love of travel brought them to this estate’s villa, Poggio Golo. Like many visitors, when Niall and Paari visited the estate, their shoulders softened, their lunches lingered, and the wine, well, that was a big part of what started them dreaming.

They packed up their frenetic and frazzled life and became farmers and wine producers in Montepulciano. When Niall and Paari met Elia Guazzini they knew he was the perfect fit as the winery and villa manager. For Niall, Paari, and Elia, work is part of their lifestyle, not separate from it. It’s not unusual for Paari to be answering emails and to see Elia in the doorway with a glass of wine for her. They can’t wait to welcome you to Tuscany where savouring the everyday actually happens.

Niall and Paari
Niall and Paari O'Toole, owners of Tenuta Golo Winery, walking through the vineyards in Montepulciano, overseeing the harvest and the growth of their estate wines.
Workers harvesting grapes at Tenuta Golo Winery in Montepulciano, handpicking the ripened fruit under the Tuscan sun for the upcoming vintage of Vino Nobile.

THE PRODUCTION

Small lot wines by hand

Along with 250 olive trees, Tenuta Golo has 6 hectares of vineyards focused on Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our vineyards are planted on clay and sandy soils at an elevation of 300 - 340m above sea level. The vineyard blocks are arranged in a 360° circle around the property with exposures to the East, North and South. This mix of orientations — east-facing for acidity, south for power, north for balance — allows us to craft complex wines. Our oldest vines (just less than one hectare) are 75 years old while the remaining vines have an average age of 20 years. From spur pruning in spring to harvesting in autumn, we tend to our vineyard by hand with discerning attention. Our typical production is only 30,000 bottles per year divided between IGT Toscana Red, IGT Rosato, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, and Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Exceptional wines made with care

Our philosophy is to create wines that respect and reflect our terroir. We start by taking great care of our vineyards. Then, we pay exacting attention to detail in all the cellar processes. We want to capture the essence of our appellation, creating exceptional wines with personality, soul, and a touch of modernity.

Guests enjoying a guided tour of the cellar at Tenuta Golo Winery, discovering the winemaking process and the unique aging techniques used for their estate wines.

OUR Team

Tenuta Golo

Niall & Paari O'Toole

Owners and Custodians of Tenuta Golo

Elia Guazzini

Winery & Villa Manager