Around 1300, Palazzo Vecchio was part of the ancient Valiano estate, located on the border between the Papal State and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Its strategic position made it witness to historic events: from the border wars between Siena and Perugia to the major reclamation of the Chiana Valley (1788–1859), which reshaped Tuscany's agricultural landscape.

Reclamation turned into wine

Two of our wines narrate this legacy:

  • “Maestro” Nobile, celebrating the authority of the Sangiovese grape.

  • “Dogana” Rosso, a tribute to Valiano's past as a customs zone.

A Renaissance estate becomes a modern winery

During the Renaissance, the estate belonged to Florence’s Spedale degli Innocenti. By 1882, part of the property became the Capezzine Agricultural School. In the 1950s, it was acquired by Count Riccardo Zorzi, who reawakened its winemaking vocation.

In 1982, Maria Alessandra Zorzi and Marco Sbernadori launched the restoration of the winery and vineyards. The first vintage of Palazzo Vecchio’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano came in 1990.

Who we are today

The winery is now led by Luca Sbernadori and his sister Maria Luisa, who manage the commercial and agritourism aspects respectively, with a clear vision focused on innovation, sustainability, and global promotion.

Palazzo Vecchio spans 90 hectares, with:

  • 25 hectares of Vino Nobile DOCG vineyards

  • 20 hectares of arable land near Cortona

  • 2 hectares of olive groves and 9 beehives in the Cipressaia woods

  • A modern winery with large French oak barrels

  • Annual production: 50,000–60,000 bottles, with a potential to reach 500,000

People behind the wine

  • Luca Sbernadori: Agricultural Entrepreneur, expert in tech and marketing

  • Maria Luisa Sbernadori: Scenographer, events and wedding coordinator

  • Alessandro Leoni: Young Enologist of the Year 2024, expert in sustainable winemaking

  • Stefano Rubechini: Historic cellar master

  • Marta Pericoli: Client and supplier relations

  • Eashan Hoque: Sales and tasting manager

Founders

  • Marco Sbernadori: Designer, innovator, and production lead

  • Maria Alessandra Zorzi: Communication expert, olive grower, and member of Le Donne del Vino

Palazzo Vecchio is not just a winery — it’s a story of land, family, and wine.