THE 70TH BIRTHDAY Gala
Celebrating Lee's 70th?
It Takes a Village
It's not easy to take over a Tuscan hill town. Siena did it in 1260 at the Battle of Monteperti —but they had more lead time. With your help, we will be the next success story.
Join us at
Castello di Gargonza
May 30-June 2, 2027
Built in the 14th century, this medieval village is just slightly older than Lee, but like him, it has been lovingly restored and acceptably maintained.
Its stone walls, fortified tower, ancient entrance arch, and winding lanes in the quiet hills of Tuscany have changed little since its founding.
In 1304, during his exile from Florence, Dante Alighieri spent several days here. In time, Gargonza became a gathering place for exiles from the surrounding area, and a place where they could meet to discuss their futures.
In the 20th century, however, its inhabitants left for the cities and the village was abandoned. But in the 1970s, Count Roberto Guicciardini Corsi Salviati began an extraordinary restoration, carefully preserving Gargonza’s historic character while bringing life back to the ancient borgo.
Today, Castello di Gargonza offers something increasingly rare: the chance to step inside its history, and to make yourself at home in a village where Dante himself once sought refuge.
For more information and photos, please visit their website.
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Our Program
May 30 – Badia a Coltibuono
This former "abbey of the good harvest” was built by Vallombrosian monks in the 11th century, in a spectacular setting near present-day Gaiole-in-Chianti. In addition to their spiritual duties, the monks focused on winemaking and agriculture, and their 1,000 year tradition continues today. These days, Badia a Coltibuono produces award-winning organic olive oil and top tier chianti wines, and is home to a famous restaurant and cooking school founded by Lorenza de’ Medici. We’ll take a brief tour, then edge out the other beautiful people for lunch on the lovely terrace. To learn more: https://www.badia-a-coltibuono.com
May 31 – Siena
Like Lee, Siena peaked in the Middle Ages. In its golden era, this beautiful town rivalled Florence in power and influence, founding one of Europe’s first universities (c. 1240), sponsoring the most brilliant artists and architects, and amassing great wealth through trade. At the height of its glory, it began to build what would have been the largest cathedral in all of Christendom, before corruption and the Plague derailed
it all. (Sound familiar?)
In recent times, Siena was among the first towns to ban cars in the historic center, helping to preserve its medieval vibe and making it one of Italy’s most walkable cities. Our guided tour includes the Piazza del Campo, perhaps the greatest public square in all of Europe, and site of Siena’s famous Palio; the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture; and the Museo del Opera del Duomo, housing priceless Byzantine works by Duccio and Simone Martini. (Pro tip: they’re as amazing as the better known Renaissance painters. Look’em up!). Have lunch independently in one of Siena’s wonderful trattorias (we have suggestions).
Return to Gargonza this afternoon to try your hand at bocce on a 150-year-old banked court, with merch and glory for the winners and shaming rituals for the losers. Medieval rules apply.
June 1 – Day in the Village
We spend the entire day at Gargonza to relax and enjoy the Tuscan countryside. We’ve planned several activities—join us for one or all:
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Take a guided 90 minute morning hike through the estate, past ancient stone farmhouses, boar hunting stations (don’t worry, it's not hunting season), olive groves and vineyards.
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Finish the playoffs and move on to the championship round of our bocce tournament.
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Attend a fun pasta making lesson by our chef.
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Sharpen your tasting skills during a deep dive on DOC Tuscan wines with owner Neri Guicciardini as our sommelier.
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Or just relax by the pool, shaded by olive and cypress, enjoying a glorious view over the Valdichiana.