Podere Ferrari, the history.
The story of Podere Ferrari begins at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when Cavalier Mario Cellino Ferrari of Bassano—an enterprising gentleman of the Belle Époque—purchased the entire hill from the local noble family, the Counts Pagni.
At the time, the estate was home to a forest of majestic, centuries-old fir trees used for hunting, as well as a farmhouse and a “secret garden” featuring ornamental ruins, hedges, and sheltered corners. In this evocative setting, the Ferrari family decided to establish their own farm, with the dual purpose of cultivating the land and preserving it as a summer retreat.
Since then, each generation has added its own contribution, carefully passing the estate on while withstanding the adversities of history. During the Second World War, while the nearby city of La Spezia was frequently bombed, Mario Ferrari and his family retreated to the estate.
They first lived alongside a garrison of Italian soldiers camped on the property, and later with German occupiers.
These years are remembered through stories passed down within the family, as well as through several surviving relics—including the bunker that still welcomes visitors today.
By the 1930s, vines had become the estate’s primary crop, and the Ferrari family established itself as a local wine producer.
A decisive turning point came with Pier Domenico Ferrari, Mario’s son, who made the care and expansion of the vineyard his life’s mission. He guided the estate toward modernity while remaining deeply rooted in tradition, and was among the driving forces behind the creation of the Colli di Luni DOC—an appellation that protects and promotes the fine wines of the ancient Luni region, between northern Tuscany and eastern Liguria.
Today, thanks to his legacy, his children and grandchildren continue to run a constantly evolving family estate. Podere Ferrari now opens its doors to locals and travelers from around the world, offering wine experiences and cultural and recreational events defined by a refined yet welcoming style, and by the warmth of genuine family hospitality.
