Gill Gordon-Smith IWA uses her incredible communication skills to chat with Rocco Toscani, of Oliviero Toscani Wines, Casale Marittimo on the coast of Tuscany, near Bolgheri. Famed fashion photographer Oliviero bought the land in the 1960’s as a farming estate, and it wasn’t until the 1990’s when his friend Angelo Gaja inspired him to plant a vineyard there.

Gill was named Wine Comunicator of the Year in 2017 and Woman of Inspiration in 2020. She has a long history working with wine in Australia and around the world. As a “hostie” for Quantas, she was one of the creators of the famous Sommelier in the Sky programme, went on to combine her passions for wine and educating, and now is the CEO of Fall From Grace in McLaren Vale. She is also a winemaker, using several Italian grape varietals in her native Australia.

Rocco grew up with a profound love for Casale Marittimo and the amphitheatre shaped vineyard there, 350 meters above sea level. He was always surrounded by photographs and he feels a true “similarity between the two forms of art — images and wine.” OT wines are primarily made with international grapes, although native teroldego and greco are included in the bottlings, with striking labels for each wine.

Listen in and discover if Gill and Rocco chat about his wines, the grapes, his passion for homing pigeons, and family.