Our home for the week is the Bed and Breakfast of the Mustilli winery. The Winery is famous for being the birthplace of Falanghina (more on that below), a white wine popular throughout the world. The Winery and wine were even featured on Tucci in Italy (Season 2, Episode 1, Naples & Campania). See the trailer on Instagram.
An Unforgettable Venue
Located in the fairytale-like town of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, the beautiful Palazzo Rainone-Mustilli (or Dimora Storica) is the perfect base for our adventures.
Unpack Once
During our programs, we explore Sant’Agata de’ Goti along with some other nearby towns in the Sannio area. However, you only need to unpack once. We always return to the Mustilli Dimora Storica for the night and breakfast in the morning.
Our Activities at the Winery
A number of the activities on our programs take place at the winery. We have our welcome dinner there, tour the historic cellar, participate in a wine tasting, and on certain programs, even have a pasta making class.
The Feel of the Palazzo
The Mustilli Dimora Storica is a 17th century palazzo in the heart of Sant’Agata de’ Goti. While only a minute away from the main road and the town center, with its coffee bars and shops, it feels tranquil and secluded. The palazzo features a large, elegant salon, 18th century frescoes, several dining areas, a second-floor terrace, and a small upper terrace with a panoramic view of the town.
Historic Significance–The Birthplace of Falanghina
In the 1960’s, Leonardo Mustilli and his wife Marilì returned to Sant’Agata de’ Goti to restore the family winemaking tradition. Leonardo was interested in making wine from grapes native to the area. After experimenting with a number of varieties, he recognized that the Falanghina grape had the most potential. Leonardo is now known as ingegnere della Falanghina (the engineer of Falanghina).
The first bottle of Falanghina was produced in only 1979. Since then, it has quickly become one of the most popular white wines in Italy.
Leonardo and Marilì also transformed the family’s historic palazzi in Sant’Agata’s historic center into guest venues. A wine bar was created above the ancient wine cellars and the Palazzo Rainone became the Mustilli Dimora Storica. Events dedicated to art, music and culture are now held on the properties.
The winery is now led by Leonardo and Marilì’s daughters Paola and Anna Chiara.
Present Day
Paola oversees commercial management and hospitality while Anna Chiara is responsible for the cultivation of the vineyards and wine production. Naturally then, we’ll see much more of Paola. Paola usually welcomes us, gives us a tour of the ancient wine cellars, leads the wine tasting (of the Mustilli wines) and on programs where we make pasta in the Mustilli kitchen.
Isabella, Paola’s daughter, is a sommelier and often helps with the wine tasting. Other family members also lend a hand and we may meet them as well: Paola’s husband Maurizio; their son Mattia; and their two other daughters Mirella and Chiara.
The Rooms
The palazzo has four rooms with private baths and a suite—which includes two bedrooms, a brightly lit, large, shared living room, and a shared bath. All rooms have Wi-Fi and air conditioning.