Enzo Maccioni - Farmer and Gamekeeper

Enzo was born in Lajatico, 20 miles from Borgo Pignano, and has spent his entire life living and working in the Tuscan countryside. Enzo is responsible for tending all Borgo Pignano’s arable lands and forests and does so with paternal pride. His close connection to the countryside means he also manages the local hunting reserve.

 

Antonio Usan - Beekeeper and head of the Organic Kitchen

Gardens Antonio is our resident bee expert and has a personal connection with Pignano’s bee colonies. He manages the estate’s beehives and the production of our organic honeys. Antonio’s work with the bees can be seen first-hand during one of our farm tours. Beside his life-long immersion in beekeeping, Antonio has also developed a deep knowledge of biodynamics gardening. He grows traditional Tuscan plants from heritage seeds and his work underpins the estate’s self-sufficiency. Antonio is delighted to help guests understand the natural techniques he employs to manage the vegetable gardens.

 

Barbara Cautillo - Riding Instructor

Our riding instructor Barbara was born in Rome and has been a horse enthusiast from an early age. Barbara has successfully competed in several years' of equestrian competitions and is a certified ENGEA equestrian guide. Barbara offers guests the opportunity to discover Pignano’s land by exploring the hidden lanes and tracks on one of our well-trained horses. An experienced and knowledgeable guide, Barbara organizes horseback excursions for experienced riders, beginners and children. Lessons for beginners are conducted in our full size horse arena.

 

Vincenzo Martella - Chef de Cuisine

Vincenzo began his professional career at 17 in his native Puglia. His artfully prepared homegrown dishes are the result of a life devoted to his culinary obsession. Before joining Borgo Pignano Vincenzo developed his craft in fine hotels and resorts such as Villa Cora in Florence and Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. Vincenzo is a naturally creative chef with an exceptional eye for detail. He selects only the freshest ingredients and works in collaboration with Pignano’s gardeners on his seasonal menus.

 

Lisabetta Matteucci - Head Herbalist

Lisabetta is an experienced Herbalist who graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Urbino University. She is also a certified naturopath. Lisabetta is responsible for nurturing and transforming our aromatic plants for guests to enjoy. Having lived and worked in many environments, she has always enjoyed time spent in the countryside and the pleasure she gets from her work is evident in the Borgo’s soaps, lotions and essences.

 

Francesco Rossi - Mixologist

Francesco the "Hipster Mixologist" carefully blends his signature cocktails using hand-picked herbs and flowers from Pignano’s gardens. Each drink is a unique work of art, that captures the essence of Tuscany in each beautifully presented drink. Francesco can often be found collecting aromatic plants and home-grown ingredients in preparation for his delicious seasonal cocktails. In his spare time, Francesco is a keen fisherman and loves to spend his time at the coast.