Fattoria La Vialla
Fattoria La Vialla is a biodynamic farm and winery located in Castiglion Fibocchi, near Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy.[1] It was founded in 1978 by Piero and Giuliana Lo Franco, who formerly worked in textiles.[1] The farm sells its products, such as wine and olive oil, through a direct-to-consumer model.[2] It also operates as an agriturismo, with 29 properties.[1]
History
Fattoria La Vialla was established in 1978 when the Lo Franco family acquired and restored agricultural land and farmhouses above the Arno Valley, replanting olive groves and vineyards.[1]
In 1989 the farm began selling its products directly to the consumer.[1]
In 2005 it became certified biodynamic.[1]
The business is now run by the founders’ three sons, Gianni, Antonio and Bandino Lo Franco.[2][3]
Description
As of 2025, Fattoria La Vialla has more than 6,000 acres, some of it woodland, and employs 200 people.[1] There is also a shop on site.[4]
Fattoria La Vialla has practised organic farming since its founding. It was certified biodynamic in 2005 and is currently the largest biodynamic farm in Italy.[1]
Biodynamic agriculture is a form of alternative agriculture developed in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner. It treats the farm as a self-contained system and excludes synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Some aspects of biodynamic practice have been described as pseudoscientific.[1]
Fattoria La Vialla distributes its products directly to consumers rather than through retail intermediaries. According to the Financial Times, approximately 85 per cent of its sales are conducted online.[1]
The company sells its products in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland.[2] It has a warehouse in Bradford.[1]
Awards and recognition
Fattoria La Vialla has received awards in wine and sustainability competitions, including the Berliner Wine Trophy and Mundus Vini Biofach.[5]
In 2024, it was named Sustainability Pioneer of the Year by the European Natural Beauty Awards.[6]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Weymouth, Adam (2025-11-22). "A taste of the good life on the Tuscan farm where guests can stay". Financial Times. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- 1 2 3 Crouch, Giulia (2022-06-08). "Fattoria La Vialla: the best-kept secret among Italophile foodies". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ Crouch, Giulia (2024-08-24). "'Nonna Caterina was right': olive oil wastewater heralded as new superfood". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ Pearson, Jules (2025-08-12). "Checking In | Fattoria La Vialla". London On The Inside. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "MUNDUS VINI BIOFACH 2020: results". www.meininger.de. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ admin (2025-06-27). "Conversation with Fattoria La Vialla: Sustainability Pioneer of the Year 2024". European Natural Beauty Awards. Retrieved 2026-03-27.