At Tenuta Torciano the animals are never far from the vines or the wine: they help protect the vineyard, join our guests at the tasting table, and make every visit a little warmer.
In the vineyard
Animals that protect the vines
Wineries everywhere have long kept animals among the rows, and not just for company. Sheep and pigs graze on the weeds, so the vines grow tall and undisturbed.
Dwarf sheep work the same way alongside the pigs, and their small size keeps them from reaching the grapes. Dogs watch over the flock, while chickens and ducks — like our mandarine ducks and our Wyandotte chickens — clear the insects and parasites that could damage the vines.
In the cellar
Pets at the tasting table
In many wine cellars, guests taste alongside four-legged friends. In California, for example, the opossum Pockets and the long-lived armadillo Roswell are much-loved regulars at the tastings.
Our own company is just as charming: hedgehogs and porcupines share the grounds too. Don't miss a glass of Nobile di Montepulciano alongside the sight of our Imperial pheasant or our proud, elegant peacock — or simply enjoy how the color of our Vernaccia Poggioaicieli echoes the rainbow feathers of our mandarine ducks.
And for the pets
A wine for pets?
These days our animal friends can join the tasting too: more producers are making drinks for pets styled after wine, with none of the alcohol.
So our own dachshund Dante can sip a beverage rich in antioxidants while we savor a glass of Chianti Classico Riserva Godenzio or a full-flavored Chianti Crete Rosse.
Because wine, like everything else here, is best enjoyed in good company.
