Rising out of a 125 hectare expanse of pristine olive trees, Castello Tudisco boasts a rich history rivaled only by the richness found in the fruit we cultivate.

Originally founded by the Tudisco family circa 1480, construction of the castle was completed for the family’s patriarch upon his return from his voyage with Christopher Columbus.

Dedicated to producing both wine and olive oil, the early years marked the development of a small surrounding community who survived by harvesting the fruit. In fact, modern day southern Italy still echoes this culture and lifestyle.

Time passed, and a new chapter was written in the history of the land when the Tudisco Family passed its holdings on to the Daquino Family.

During this period of estate ownership, the land remained a fertile source of both oil and wine; however, the real impact of this period came from the literature composed within the castle walls. It was here, while using the castle as his primary residence, that renowned poet Tomasso Daquino composed his famous poem Felice Tarantian. Additionally, with in these walls, Daquino founded and operated Academia di Leodacci, a university dedicated to the study and advancement of literature and culture. Taranto became the center of cultural advancement due to the teachings and scope of this university.

Upon the death of Tomasso Daquino, the castle underwent a pivotal change in its function. It was at this time, the Catholic Church was embroiled in its task of carrying out the Inquisition. It was dictated that wine vineyards be destroyed as its product, wine, led to behavior deemed unacceptable in the eyes of the church. It is this reason that today the land is used solely for the production of olive oil.

Around 1600, the Castle and surrounding land was acquired by the Dallavalva family. The Dallavala family held true to the mandates of the church and continued to produce only the finest olive oils.

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