Riccardo Papini

Began his life’s work in the production of quality tuscan wines and olive oil as a child, as he followed the age-old traditions of his grandfather and father at the family’s la Pievuccia vineyards and olive orchards in the beautiful Val di Chiana of Tuscany.

As a third-generation owner of La Pievuccia, Riccardo and his wife, Ulrike, both sommeliers, developed La Pievuccia into an organic and self-sustaining operation that used all-natural processes to create their sought-after wine and olive oil.

They also opened their agriturismo to visitors from around the world.
After more than 30 years as a wine and olive oil producer, Riccardo retired from his hands-on operation and has now moved into his next venture: sharing his experience, expertise, and passion with kindred spirits who want to hone their knowledge of wine, olive oil and the other bounties this beautiful country has to offer.

With their American friends Pat and Larry, with whom they had worked for many years, the idea of special trips became a reality, and in 2023 Riccardo e Ulrike launched a pilot project together, which marked the beginning of a new passion and turned out to be a fantastic journey.