Donna Laura

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Founded in 2004 by Lia Tolaini-Banville, Donna Laura Wines are named in honor of Lia's Aunt Laura and represent a lifelong bond with Tuscany.
• Sustainably farmed Sangiovese grapes grown in the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Tuscany - balancing ripe fruit, freshness, and clarity of flavor, including Chianti Classico and IGT selections.
• Donna Laura offers authentic Tuscan wines with a real family story behind them. These are bottles meant to sit on thetable the way wine does in Italy: a natural part of the meal, like bread and olive oil—a glass with dinner that ties food, family, and place together.
FAMILY STORY & ORIGINS
DONNA LAURA WINES are centered in family, memory, and a return to Italian heritage. Born in Canada, Lia spent her childhood summers near Lucca in Tuscany, where she formed a close bond with her Aunt Laura, who introduced her to Italian culture, food, music, and art. Those annual visits shaped Lia's idea of home and hospitality. After studying art and economics
and starting a family of her own, she continued to bring her children back to Tuscany, reinforcing the connection across generations. In 2004, Lia created Donna Laura Wines as a tribute to her aunt and to the values she passed on. The labels feature the Roman gods Venus, Bacchus, and Cupid, personifying Lia's three children and underscoring an emphasis on
family and authentic Tuscan wines that are meant to be enjoyed every day with family and friends.
VINEYARDS, FARMING & WINEMAKING STYLE
The grapes used to make Donna Laura Wines are grown in and around Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern part of Chianti Classico, where warm days, cooler nights, and well-drained soils give Sangiovese ripe fruit, firm structure, and fresh acidity. Farming is sustainable and focused on long-term vineyard health. Harmful chemicals are avoided, cover crops are used to enrich the soil and support biodiversity, and green harvesting is employed when necessary to keep yields in balance. The goal is healthy fruit and clean, precise wines.
In the cellar, the philosophy is straightforward: respect Tuscan tradition, apply modern know-how. Under winemaker Francesco Rosi, temperature-controlled fermentation, careful extraction, and thoughtful use of oak, preserve fruit and freshness. The wines show bright red cherry, floral and savory notes, and moderate tannins—versatile at the table and easy to enjoy.
Whether it's a simple bowl of pasta, a Sunday roast, or a long table filled with friends, Donna Laura Wines bring a true taste of Tuscany to everyday occasions. These are bottles that you'll have on the table, ready to open every evening—bright, balanced, and ready to pour generously.