Barefoot on Grapes

In the heart of the sun-baked Tuscan countryside, a revolutionary dream takes root. Luca and Marco, two passionate and free-spirited men, are more than business partners and lovers; they are architects of a sanctuary. They establish Naked Wines of Italy, a vineyard born from a radical philosophy: that the finest wine, like the truest life, comes from stripping away everything artificial. They work their land in harmony with nature, their nakedness a powerful symbol of a life lived without barriers, where the sun, the soil, and the human touch are the only essential ingredients.

Their idyllic world of vine-tending, intimate dinners with their eclectic "circle of trust," and sensual, swinger-friendly travels seems like paradise. But this deeply personal freedom quickly becomes a provocation. The traditional village of Sant'Andrea reacts with a torrent of whispered gossip and judgmental stares. A threatening, anonymous note stuffed in their mailbox escalates into a terrifying act of sabotage—a fire that threatens to destroy the very heart of their vineyard and their future.

Facing external threats is one thing, but their greatest challenge emerges from within. When a viral blog and a glamorous magazine feature catapult them to international fame, the relentless demand and scrutiny begin to fracture their once-unshakable bond. Luca, the soul of the operation, fears their authentic philosophy is becoming a packaged spectacle. Marco, the pragmatist, struggles to balance their dream with the brutal realities of a booming business. Their conflicting visions lead to a devastating rift that threatens to end their partnership and their love for good.

From the passionate, sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the judgmental silence of a conservative winemaking symposium, Luca and Marco are forced to confront a world that often rejects their truth. Yet, in their darkest hours, they discover a hidden network of kindred spirits and unlikely allies, including a wise local priest who offers unexpected support. They learn that their fight is not just for their own happiness, but for a legacy of acceptance.

Through seasons of struggle and triumph, they must rediscover the core of their promise to each other. Can their love withstand the pressures of the outside world? Can they transform scandal into respect and isolation into community? Their journey culminates in a profoundly moving "continuation" ceremony at dawn, a naked vow of eternal partnership sealed not with rings, but with a river stone buried in the soil of their land—a promise as enduring as the earth itself.

Barefoot on Grapes is a sweeping, sensual, and deeply emotional 41-chapter saga that explores the raw, messy, and beautiful complexities of love, identity, and freedom. It is a tale of defiance and resilience, where the crushing weight of tradition is met with unyielding authenticity. This is a story for anyone who has ever dared to dream differently, who has fought for the right to love openly, and who believes that the richest flavors in life—and in wine—are born from honesty, struggle, and the courage to be completely, vulnerably, and gloriously naked.

Follow Luca and Marco as they nurture their vines and their relationship, proving that from the ashes of fear and prejudice, something more beautiful and resilient can always rise.