Dario Castagno

The Waldensian Trunk Dario Castagno

During the course of Covid19's lockdown, Dario Castagno haphazardly opens an antique trunk that had once belonged to a great aunt. As he spends his solitary days going through the content of portraits and documents, it transpires a captivating microcosm of the author's surprising Waldensian heritage. By turns celebratory and revelatory, the book is a bittersweet excursus through Dario's striking lineage and an uncanny alpine populace's history that endured pogroms and unspeakable prejudices for centuries. Dario Castagno is a local Chiantigiano, as well as a proud member of the Bruco (Caterpillar) Contrada in Siena. He lives a peaceful existence in the village of Vagliagli in Tuscany. For more than a decade, he guided small groups of visitors to his favorite spots in the Chianti region of Italy where most of his books have been set. Too Much Tuscan Sun- A Day in Tuscany- Too Much Tuscan Wine- An Osteria in Chianti-Seven Seasons in Siena (with Robert Rodi)-The District 9 of Chianti (with Fionn McCann)- The Miracle of Belpoggio- The Bromide in the Soup- Brunello for Breakfast- The Year of the Chicory- Somewhere in Chianti and The Waldensian Trunk. Today, apart from writing, he entertains his guests upon request at Fattoria Tregole winery and at the HQ's of his Contrada in Siena. For more information www.dariocastagno.com