The first document testifying the existence of a rural property called “Terra Bianca,” meaning “white soil” due to the light-colored soil, is dated 1223. The Terrabianca we all know, however, began nearly a thousand years later, in 1988.

In the late 1980s and early ’90s, the vineyards were overhauled. The vines, which had been last planted in the 1950s and ’60s, were planted for quantity, not quality. This reflected the change in thinking in Italian viniculture at the end of the 20th century. The new planting system focuses on planting with higher density and uses new select clones. As a result, the vineyards began producing higher-quality grapes suited to Terrabianca’s wines.

The property covers 306 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and woodland. The second estate with an additional 222 acres was added in recent years, 43 miles away and close to Massa Marittima, in Maremma. The second property is called “Il Tesoro,” or “Treasure.”

Shortly after its modern-day foundation, Terrabianca became a major Tuscan star and the wines have reaped countless accolades worldwide – both for their quality and the stunning design of the labels and bottles. The winery, now called Arillo in Terrabianca, is seeing new energy: Adriana and Urs Burkard has recently taken over ownership.

Adriana and Urs painstakingly watch over the vineyards, with great passion and a drive for excellence. Because the highest quality wines of the region can mature only with such care and uncompromising dedication.