Hey there!
Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a virtual visit to a truly exceptional place in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Castello di Buttrio. It’s more than just a historic castle and winery; it’s a testament to a family’s dedication to preserving heritage, cultivating unique wines, and offering hospitality that deeply respects both the land and its guests. I had the pleasure of speaking with Alessandra Felluga, who shared the story and philosophy behind this remarkable FVG estate.
A Labor of Love: Revitalizing a Historic Gem
The Felluga family took on a property rich in history but where the castle itself had become a “ruin, abandoned after the war, suffering slow and continuous degradation until 2007-2008 when I, Alessandra, put my hand to it.” Alessandra emphasized that restoring such structures is “an act of respect for our history, our territory, our culture.” The meticulous restoration was done in close collaboration with the Soprintendenza (Italy’s heritage authority), striving to remain faithful to the building’s authentic character, using traditional materials like Roman lime. “For me, this isn’t just a recovery, but a gesture of respect for our past”.
While modern comforts are seamlessly integrated, the priority was always the integrity of the historic structure. She sought solutions that respected the original architecture, even if it meant navigating complex requirements to preserve it. This “maniacal” attention to detail, as Alessandra described it, extended to every aspect, from hand-cleaning old tiles to saving every piece of history possible. “I didn’t want to throw anything away. Every piece had a story to tell.”
Sustainable Roots: From Historic Vineyards to Daily Practices
Castello di Buttrio’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its care for its historic vineyards, some dating back to the 1930s and 40s. These “columns of time,” featuring indigenous Friulian varieties like Friulano, Malvasia, Verduzzo, and Ribolla Gialla, are cultivated with profound respect. “We use natural products and equipment, mechanical weeding, and dedicated pruning for each plant,” Alessandra explained. Some plots are even tilled by hand (zappatura a mano), and grapes are harvested into small crates after careful selection. “If these vines have been here for nearly 100 years, it means they’ve found their place.”
They even propagate new plants from cuttings taken from these old vines, ensuring their legacy continues. They prioritize natural methods, aided by their hilltop location with good breezes that keep vines dry.
This philosophy extends throughout the estate:
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Wood from their land for the fireplaces.
- Photovoltaic panels on the winery (though not on the protected castle itself).
- Biodiversity: Trees within vineyards are left standing; they monitor local animal life.
An Immersive Experience: Slow Tourism, Wellness, and Wine
Castello di Buttrio offers a holistic experience, perfect for “Slow Tourism”:
- Accommodation: Choose between the elegant Hotel de Charme within the castle (featuring unique details like a staircase from an early 20th-century Trieste cruise ship) or the rustic-chic Agriturismo ‘Tra Le Vigne’ at the foot of the Pampinutta hill, both offering stunning vineyard views.
- Wellness: A refreshing pool in the castle garden, a secluded Finnish sauna with glass walls overlooking the vineyards, and massages offered in a quiet castle tower.
- Unique Products: Their “Le Sûr” line features artisanal Friulian-inspired products.
Weddings at Castello di Buttrio: Where the Event Belongs to the Place
A core philosophy guides events: “We always try to make the event correspond to the place, not that the place corresponds to the event.” This means respecting the historic structure. “You can’t come here and hammer nails everywhere for garlands into a centuries-old chestnut beam,” she explained. “We must all respect the structure.” This respect, however, creates the magic.
For weddings, they cater to around 100-130 guests to ensure comfort, especially with a Plan B for rain. International couples, particularly from Austria, Germany, the UK, and Americans with Friulian roots, often choose Castello di Buttrio for multi-day celebrations. “They stay with us, enjoy wine tastings, explore the region… it becomes an immersive experience.” While they provide lists of trusted local florists, caterers, and musicians, couples have the freedom to choose, with the gentle request to feature the estate’s own exquisite wines.
Advice for International Couples
Alesandra’s advice is heartfelt: “Come here and feel at home. Feel the castle embrace you, become part of the place, immerse yourselves. If you have this sensation, the event will be a success because it becomes part of the place’s story.” She loves seeing guests relax completely, “coming downstairs in their pajamas for breakfast,” truly making the castle their home for a few days.
The Future: Doing Better, Always
For the future, Alessandra says the main project is “to do even better what we already do, to always improve our services.” They host events like historic car tours and small concerts, but the focus remains on enhancing the existing quality and unique atmosphere of the Castle.
A Place Where Love, History, and Hope Resonate
Castello di Buttrio truly embodies how a deep respect for history, terroir, and natural rhythms can create not just exceptional wine and hospitality, but also a profoundly sustainable and authentic setting for a wedding. It’s a place where the past is cherished, the present is savored slowly, and the future is cultivated with care – a philosophy that resonates beautifully with Love Grows Hope.
Discover more about Castello di Buttrio: http://www.castellodibuttrio.it/
The credits for all the photos in this post belong to Castello di Buttrio.
Looking for more advice on your sustainable wedding venue in Italy? Get in touch with me!
If you’d like to know more on how to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint, read my article on the subject!
Daniela
