While on his honeymoon in Tuscany, Will received a message from a friend about an energetic young winemaker in Montalcino who was taking the reins at his family’s winery and seeking help breaking into the US market. Driven by his natural curiosity and passion for championing the next generation, Will persuaded his wife, Poppy, that a little wine tasting was in order while they were in the area. A few days later, they spent an unforgettable afternoon at Villa Le Prata, where they met Edoardo Losappio and learned about his vision for the future of his family’s estate. Will left with a strong sense that he had to help Edoardo share his wine with a wider audience. Just a few months later, the first pallet of Villa Le Prata Brunello di Montalcino was on its way to the Small Victories warehouse.

Villa Le Prata is a small artisanal winery in the heart of Montalcino, with less than three hectares of vineyards located in the highest area of the region, at an altitude of 500-550 meters above sea level. Founded by Professor Massimo Losappio, who planted the first vineyard in 1987, the winery is now run by the third generation of the family. Here, the production philosophy is centered on biodiversity, organic viticulture, and respect for the terroir, enhanced by vineyard parceling and the use of indigenous yeasts. The wines strive for elegance and freshness (we think they succeed), reflecting the altitude, the complexity of the soils, and the minimalist approach that defines every stage of work in the vineyard and the cellar.

What makes Villa Le Prata truly exceptional is its privileged position in Montalcino's upper reaches, a location that proves increasingly valuable as climate change impacts the region. These high-altitude vineyards benefit from cooler nights that preserve acidity and aromatics, allowing Edoardo to produce Brunellos of remarkable precision and longevity while maintaining moderate alcohol levels.

The estate's three distinct vineyard parcels, each with unique soil compositions, provide Edoardo with a complex palette from which to craft his wines. Villa Le Prata's flagship Brunello di Montalcino combines fruit from all three sites, creating a wine that balances power and finesse in a way that's increasingly rare. Their Brunello Riserva, produced only in exceptional vintages, spends additional time in large Slavonian oak casks, developing profound complexity while preserving the wine's essential character.

The Losappio family's intimate connection to this land extends beyond wine—Villa Le Prata has operated as a small inn since the 1980s, offering guests immersive experiences that deepen appreciation for Montalcino's unique terroir. This holistic approach reflects their belief that understanding context enhances enjoyment, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Small Victories' commitment to producers who prioritize substance over spectacle.