Documents show that the Piccoli family has owned vineyards in the Veneto since the year 1600. Many generations tended the vines, but after phylloxera hit, the ravaged family estate couldn't support all five brothers, and one of them left to become a fruit grower.

Two generations later Gianni Piccoli grew up surrounded by orchards, but he had wine in his blood so when an estate with extensive vineyards came up for sale in 1971 he jumped at the opportunity. For several years the grapes of Corte Gardoni were sold to local cooperatives, but Gianni felt that their wines lacked the soul and individual attention necessary to produce an honest, natural product.

In 1980 he definitively broke those ties and for the first time crafted his own wine, focusing on the inherent character of the grapes and the terroir.

The Piccolis' vineyards occupy 25 hectares, while the rest of the property encompasses orchards, forests, olive trees, and arable land, from which the family also produces fruit, olive oil, and the first balsamic-style vinegar to be made from apples. Gianni still keeps a close eye on every step of production, but he has turned over most of the daily work to his three sons: Mattia, the winemaker; Stefano, who manages the vineyards; and Andrea, who helps both of his brothers and also handles the commercialization of the wines. The majority of their production goes to the versatile and irresistibly delicious Bardolino "Le Fontane."

New London will be the place to be this weekend as the Schooner Festival fills our harbor with a celebration of our history, marine heritage and spirit of innovation.

Start your weekend here, have a little wine and take a stroll along the waterfront.


From September 11 - 15, the first annual Connecticut Schooner Festival will welcome up to 20 of these sturdy, sleek and fast vessels, first into Mystic Seaport where exciting, hands-on educational activities will take place. A transit from Mystic Seaport to the historic port of New London will follow on September 13, and a race will take place the next day. In all, over 20,000 visitors of all ages are expected to participate in some or all of the activities.