Ep. 2551 Falling in love in Chianti with winemaker and author Gudrun Cuillo | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2551 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 221 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with Gudrun Cuillo to discuss the Chianti estate she and her husband brought back to life and her romance book inspired by the winery. Gudrun shares how they transformed the once-abandoned post–World War II borgo of Livernano into a magical retreat with a restaurant and boutique lodging, while also restoring Casalvento, the nearby winery. She explains the differences between the two estates, their organically farmed vineyards, and their collaboration with the University of Pisa to further sustainable vineyard practices. More about today’s guest: Gudrun Cuillo was born in Leibnitz, Austria. Soon after graduation, she joined the opera as an artist-in-residence for stage scenery and makeup. That work eventually took Gudrun to New York to continue her education.While enjoying traveling throughout the U.S., Gudrun came to Florida where she met Robert Cuillo, an Italian American entrepreneur and Broadway producer. They married and in the ensuing years they established Casalvento winery in Radda, Chianti, and restored the nearby medieval village of Livernano. Gudrun’s debut novel, “Casalvento, House of the Wind”, was published in 2023. Connect: Website (winery): https://livernano.it/ Website (book): https://gudruncuillo.com/, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borgolivernano/   More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website:  https://www.quaypress.uk   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk  https://www.vino.co.uk    https://www.quaypress.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!