Donna Laura
History
Donna Laura Wines is a heartfelt tribute from vintner Lia Tolaini Banville to her beloved Aunt Laura, whose influence shaped Lia’s values in family, culture, and tradition. Born in Canada, Lia spent her childhood summers in Tuscany visiting Laura, whose love for art, history, and hospitality left a lasting imprint. This bond continued into adulthood, as Lia brought her own children to share in the same Italian summers.
In 2004, Lia founded the Donna Laura label at Tolaini Winery in Castelnuovo Berardenga, producing wines that honor her aunt’s legacy. The labels feature Roman gods Venus, Bacchus, and Cupid, representing Lia’s children, underscoring the philosophy that “no matter where you go or turn, you will always end up at home.”
The Vineyards
The vineyards of Donna Laura are cradled in the rolling hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, where rows of Sangiovese bask beneath the Tuscan sun. The air carries whispers of wild herbs, and the soils, rich in galestro and clay, lend both strength and elegance to the fruit. Each vine grows with the patience of the land itself, touched by breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea and guarded by centuries-old olive trees.
Here, the rhythm of the seasons is felt in every leaf and cluster, and the grapes ripen slowly under golden light, promising wines that hold the warmth, fragrance, and timeless beauty of Tuscany in every drop.
The Cellar
Produced at Tolaini Winery, the Donna Laura wines benefit from a fusion of modern winemaking technology and traditional Tuscan craftsmanship.
The cellar is a space where art and science meet, state-of-the-art fermentation tanks, careful barrel aging, and meticulous attention to detail ensure wines that capture both the character of the land and the warmth of a family’s story.
