Catching Fireflies

In the bestselling tradition of Under the Tuscan Sun and Driving Over Lemons. Following an extended bout of hard city life, Tony Rocca and his wife, Mira, decided that some of the really important things in life were missing — good food, plenty of sunshine and a relaxed approach to life. Despite Tony’s name, however, their decision to move to Chianti was not based on any knowledge of the Italian language or culture. Tony and Mira set about raising a loan to purchase Collelungo, the dilapidated property they had set their hearts on converting into an “agriturismo” hotel. Complications and misinterpretations followed hot on the heels of each other, and before long they found themselves in debt to the Monte dei Paschi bank to the tune of one billion lire. Finding that drumming-up business was a tougher task than anticipated, the Roccas realized that other avenues would have to be explored to increase their income. It was when Mira persuaded Tony to experiment with the vines on their property that their dream began to bear fruit. What follows is a heart-warming story of success, and integration into a community through persistence, good humour and sheer hard work.