World-renowned musician Sting and his actress-director wife Trudie Styler have become respected members of Tuscany’s deeply-rooted wine community. The powerful pair - featured on the cover of Wine Spectator’s April issue, which hits stands March 15 - discuss their journey to transform an idyllic home into a thriving winemaking business.

The couple’s long search for real estate in Tuscany ended in 1997 at Il Palagio. Over the years, the couple has restored the house, replanted its vineyards and launched a boutique winery based on biodynamic and organic principles. Though Sting and Styler make no pretense of being winemakers, their stewardship has given new life and prestige to an estate that formerly produced bulk wines. Their team has produced outstanding wines, and Sting and Styler have become part of the local community.

“Through passion and commitment, Sting and Trudie have been able to produce truly excellent wine,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “Many of their bottlings have earned outstanding reviews in our official blind tastings. We are delighted to share their story with our readers.”

“When we first became stewards of this historic property, the vines were in total disrepair. We knew we wanted to maintain the tradition and agriculture of the estate and so we began renovation of the vineyards,” said Styler. “The vineyards have been expanded and this magnificent endeavor has been more rewarding than Sting and I could ever have imagined.”

Il Palagio - which continues to grow, both as an estate and a brand—has become a gathering place. The estate often hosts the couple’s families and friends, along with musicians, actors, film and theater producers, philanthropists and intellectuals. It’s also a place for Sting to think, get inspired, bring people together and play music, as he has recorded five albums in its attic studio.

On April 9, Il Palagio will be one of 100 producers selected by Wine Spectator to participate in OperaWine: Finest Italian Wines, the marquee event of Vinitaly, Italy’s largest wine fair.

About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches more than 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 18,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Comm., Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.