Born and raised in Drama, Greece, a northeastern town located in Eastern Macedonia, bordering Hungary, Mina Samouti was surrounded by the agricultural industries of winemaking and olive oil production while growing up. Upon completion of high school, she moved to Bordeaux, France to attend the University of Bordeaux, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Oenology and Viticulture.
In addition to honing her winemaking skills, she also met her now-husband, Matteo Giustiniani, who was also pursuing winemaking education. Upon completion of her degree, Mina had the opportunity to work at two storied estates in France; Chateau Margaux (Bordeaux), and Chateau Latour Blanche (Sauternes).
In 2010, the couple moved back to Italy, to Matteo’s family winery, Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani, located in the town of Lucca, in northwest Tuscany. Their goal was to restore the historic winery and pursue organic and biodynamic agriculture and winemaking. Part of this goal was realized in 2011 when the winery was certified organic by ICEA Italy.
Mina and Matteo share winemaking duties and are hands-on in every bottle of wine they make. Their aim is to promote the wines of this special region and support and employ organic and biodynamic winemaking and practices wherever possible, to reflect the best of the terroir.
They produce a variety of wines including: Vermentino, "Sebastiano" Red blend, Bianco (White Blend) and Rosso (Red Blend) from Colline Lucchesi, and "Vallebuia" Red Blend, two Rosé wines and a Toscana Bianco Pet-Nat from IGT Toscana.