A Journey of Passion and Hospitality with Francesco Goracci
VILLA ARDORE AERIAL VIEW
In the heart of Chianti, Villa Ardore seamlessly combines the heritage of Tuscany and the comfort of modern luxury living, offering a unique and intimate home-away-from-home retreat with timeless views.
This week we sat down for a glass of wine with Villa Ardore’s villa manager Francesco Goracci.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up here at Villa Ardore?
As Schopenhauer famously said, "Destiny deals the cards, and we play." In this aphorism lies the essence of my journey thus far. Since childhood, my dream has been to work with people and for people. However, the path isn't always straightforward. I began working at the age of 14 to support my studies and ease the burden on my family. Even then, I had a clear vision. I worked as a florist in my hometown, San Casciano dei Bagni, and also in the local tourist office.
At 18, I moved to Florence for educational purposes, pursuing the half of my goal—a degree in Marketing and Internationalization. Yet, I soon realized that office work wasn't for me and ventured into the world of fashion for about a decade. Still, I felt something was missing—I longed for genuine human warmth, expressed not in words but in smiles.
Thanks to Massimo, my life partner, I became a Bartender and Mixologist, working in one of Florence's top bars/restaurants, the Golden View. Here, I honed my interpersonal skills with high-profile individuals, learning the art of luxury service.
In this transitional phase, I met Christian and Stephen, the owners of Villa Ardore. I vividly remember the day we met. I had just opened the establishment where Massimo and I were working, and I noticed two individuals wanting to come in for a drink. Although it was early, and we weren't ready to serve, we graciously invited them to the bar. From that moment on, we never parted ways, and it's been eight years since. We maintained our connections, and after some time, they introduced me to the "Villa Ardore" project. Little did I know I would end up being the villa’s manager!
The first time I saw the Villa, it was winter and raining outside. Despite the adverse weather, I fell in love with it, feeling an immediate connection, a sense of home. It was still undergoing renovations, and I felt inadequate for the immense task ahead. But I could only say one thing, "It's time to play my cards." With determination and a desire to succeed, I've been part of the journey ever since. And now, Villa Ardore is like a child to me—seen it born, grow, and mature, ready to take its place in reality.
(pictured above Francesco Goracci: left, Christian & Stephen, Villa owners: right)
VILLA ARDORE GARDENS
What does a perfect week staying at Villa Ardore look like?
Choosing to stay at Villa Ardore means wanting to experience a week of relaxation and enjoying the best that Chianti has to offer: landscape, relaxation, wellness, wine, and food. These are our keywords when organizing itineraries with our guests. We rely on industry experts who respect the environment where Villa Ardore is situated, using local products and seasonal ingredients. We offer tours with Jeeps through the surrounding countryside, followed by wine tastings or cooking classes. Alternatively, guests can indulge in a day of relaxation with massages and facial and body treatments using organic products. In the week we propose, there's always a day or two where we recommend guests to stay in the Villa, enjoying the surrounding scenery and "recharging their batteries." It's the perfect day to spend time with family and friends, offering wine tastings in the Villa, Pizza Tasting with our master Pizzaiolo Gianluca, or dinner with our chefs. In short, the client and their well-being are at the heart of our experiences.
What is your favorite part of the estate and why?
The entire Villa is my favorite part—it's like asking a parent who their favorite child is! Each room exudes its own personality, furnished by local artisans, fully embodying our philosophy of "Authenticity and respect for the surrounding environment." The rooms have different characters, yet they are all connected by a common thread: to provide the utmost comfort and the feeling of being at home to the end customer.
VILLA ARDORE
What is your favorite local dish?
I love good food, especially Tuscan cuisine that follows seasonal and locally sourced principles. There's a clear distinction between winter and summer seasons. In winter, I adore "Ribollita," a traditional soup made with vegetables and bread. The vegetables are typically winter ones like kale and cabbage, combined with cannellini beans, carrots, and potatoes, all coming together with stale bread. It's a perfect recipe that can be recreated in our villa, using produce from our kitchen garden, which our gardener, Riccardo Vigni, tends to with love and passion. In summer, I go crazy for "Pappa al Pomodoro," a classic, fresh recipe made with tomatoes and bread. In short, I love simple, traditional food.
What wine are you currently pouring?
Our cellar currently offers the opportunity to taste labels personally selected by me and Christian and Stephen (the villa's owners). We've chosen to focus on the Chianti and Tuscany region so that customers can experience the myriad nuances of local wine and the coast. With many of these labels, we offer wine tastings both in the villa and at their wineries, such as "Poggio Amorelli," one of Tuscany's gems, directly managed by the family and sharing our ideals of respecting the Tuscan territory and authenticity.
“Poggio amorelli” winery
Can you share a true insider tip from the locals?
The advice I give to all our guests is to stop and listen to Tuscany's nature, to seek its essence in the place itself, composed of scents, panoramas, and sounds. To do this, the biggest advice is to abandon the rhythms that each of us, for work and necessity, is obliged to maintain daily and to let oneself be pampered by the tranquility that Chianti offers, accompanied by a good glass of wine.
Photography © Villa Ardore