I N E A D A R T
Rediscovering an Ancient Story
O N A A V A D T H E S V E N H A N D M A I D S
In medieval Monteriggioni, eight women were believed to be protective figures and bearers of good fortune: Donna Ava Zenovi dei Lombardi, whose existence is historically documented, and her seven handmaids, whose presence blends myth and legend. Together, they helped the people and welcomed travelers.
This is a nearly forgotten story that we have rediscovered and brought back to life thanks to the talent of a local artist, Maria Chiara Viviani, who was previously featured in one of the catalogs of renowned Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi. Viviani envisioned the faces of these eight women, creating a mural inside our winery, which later inspired the labels of Poggio ai Laghi wines—lucky charms for those who choose them, just like the positive figures we wish to celebrate.
The walls of our winery echo the story of these eight women, brought to life through a life-size mural by Valdelsan artist Maria Chiara Viviani. Donna Ava and her seven handmaids (Lucilla, Oletta, Nina, Arania, Aranda, Arella, and Firmina) are immortalized inside the Poggio ai Laghi winery, embracing the wines dedicated to them and greeting visitors with a sense of joy.
The labels of the wines dedicated to the seven handmaids were also designed by Maria Chiara Viviani, creating a unique collection rich in meaning.
“In every sip of our wines, you will find the good fortune we have grown in these vineyards.”
Maria Chiara Viviani
H E A R T I T
Artist Maria Chiara Viviani graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and specialized in the painting techniques of the 14th-century Tuscan workshops. She has participated in numerous private and collective exhibitions, including I Mille di Sgarbi in 2021.
Always in love with Poggio ai Laghi, she decided to create a dedicated artwork for Poggio ai Laghi wines and to design the labels for the seven handmaids, further strengthening the already deep bond between the Tuscan winery and its land.