Mugello Private Experience Through Wine, Coffee and Craftsmanship

Hand Made Knives Factory Scarperia is a medieval village located just outside of Florence, known throughout the world as “the city of cutting irons”. The production of knives and cutting tools is an activity that has been passed down since the fifth century, and even today, the handcrafted knives of Scarperia are still known and appreciated worldwide. The Fontani family, which had already been living in Scarperia by the late 18th century, counts many master knife makers among its ancestors. Unfortunately, as was the case for many families in Scarperia, the craft of the “knife maker” or “scissor maker”—handed down from father to son—was gradually abandoned over time, until today, Alessandro is the last knife maker in the Fontani family, and he is also the youngest master knife maker in Scarperia—the last to have been trained within the walls of the ancient vicariate.

Winemaking on this winery estate dates back to 1465 when Lorenzo de’Medici planted the original vines on the historic vineyards of the Podere Fortuna. Surrounded by scenic Tuscan hills, which unfold into a series of unique landscapes, the vineyards produce elegant wines while honouring the valley of Mugello. The region’s climate offers ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, with the contrast between day and night temperatures contributing to optimal ripening. Currently transitioning to organic production, the estate primarily cultivates Pinot Noir, along with a small acreage of Chardonnay. The vineyard follows biodynamic principles, treating the entire winemaking process as a unified entity.

Nestled in the hills just outside Florence, Accademia del Caffè Espresso is a cultural center, industrial museum, and training hub entirely dedicated to the world of espresso coffee. It is located in the original La Marzocco factory—an iconic site of Tuscan industrial heritage—now fully restored to its former glory. This historic building was once home to a group of visionary artisans who helped redefine the espresso machine, introducing innovations that continue to shape the industry. Today, Accademia is an open, multidisciplinary space where education, research, and communication come together to explore and advance coffee culture. It serves as a reference point for those interested in discovering the coffee value chain in all its complexity—from plant cultivation to cup, including roasting, sensory analysis, and technological innovation.