Born in the Chianti Classico region and growing up with the values of cooking food with ingredients all from within 1 kilometer of our home shaped who I am today. And if you accompany this meal with a great glass of wine, now you have been introduced to my world.

I am a Man from Chianti, a man with a rustic but sincere personality. I wish to share with you those wonderful emotions I still feel today when I prepare a “pinzimonio” or simply look outside my window.

Andrea Anichini is an artist who crafts his plates with simple, organic, local ingredients creating unique and exquisite meals with just a handful, “one or two ingredients” as he likes to say.

Federico Marconi was born in Siena in the fuzzy Seventies, and since then, he has always been in motion. Having long lived abroad and traveled to countless countries, Fred is truly a World citizen with a broad and multi-faceted understanding of different cultures, languages, and countries.

By day, Fred is the Executive Trip Manager and expert guide for the Tuscany Region, as well as being a trained Sommelier with a true love for wines.

By night*, he is a true *Rockstar* to the bone. He is the lead singer of a band where his other side is able to come out. Lastly—and like the rest of us—he is a pickleball fanatic. Fred fell in love with the sport in the early 2020s when there was little to no sign of Pickleball in Tuscany and he began building “guerrilla courts” to be able to play. One of his greatest claims to fame is having built the first ever pickleball court in Tuscany in 2021 in an abandoned parking lot.

Amy is the Founder, Owner, and Director of diVino Tours of Italy and has been running the business since 2003. Originally born in Boulder, Colorado, she has lived in Italy for more than 35 years now and as a result, has a one of a kind perspective on travel—and life—in Italy. Being both bilingual and bi-cultural, she is uniquely qualified to share her experience with people who are seeking a deeper understanding of the Italian lifestyle.

Amy personally hand crafts diVino’s Custom Tours, where she works with each individual traveler, creating one of a kind itineraries catering to each client’s unique interests and needs. Though her trips are gourmet in nature she also weaves unique art and history experiences into her tours and arranges exclusive events throughout Italy at www.divinotours.com

Besides running diVino Amy also owns an organic farm and olive grove in Le Marche where she produces a rare varietal of olive oil, wines, honey, and blackberry jam. Her site is at: www.costadigiano.com

I’ve been completely obsessed with Pickleball for the last six years. I love both the social aspect of open play as well as the intensity of competing in high-level tournaments. I’ve participated in tournaments nationwide, including the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Pickleball Nationals.

In 2023, I secured gold in mixed doubles and singles at the APP Qualifier in Mesa, Arizona, earning Golden Tickets to Nationals. In November of 2023 at Nationals, I finished 6th out of 40 teams in Men’s doubles and 7th in singles in a field of 25. But beyond medals and finishes, my true passion lies in coaching and helping others improve. Pickleball, to me, is an exploration of learning and potential, where the court becomes a laboratory for experimentation and self-expression within the sport’s boundaries.

Most of all, I absolutely love this game and my student’s say that my enthusiasm is contagious and helps energize and motivate them to continue to improve their games.

Lee Whitwell has a distinguished career and has made significant achievements in the sport, including being voted MVP for the Major League Pickleball in both the 2021 and 2022 season.

Often referred to as “Lady Gibraltar”, Lee has had a trailblazing career in pickleball. She is celebrated not only for her outstanding performances but also for her vibrant personality and dynamic presence both on and off the courts. Consistently voted as fan favorite, Whitwell’s background and experience in pickleball have made her a prominent figure in the community, inspiring many up-and-coming players with her coaching, her story, and her accomplishments both on, and off, the court.

An avid coach, Lee has run clinics all over the world, from the US to China, Mexico to Europe. The same passion she brings to the courts shines through in her dynamic, and accessible, teaching style.