Tuscany & Taste / Tartufo e Vino Toscana
Bringing the Heart of Tuscany to London
Tuscany and Taste began in 2020 as a bold venture to bring authentic Tuscan truffle excellence to London. In 2025, the founders achieved their long-held dream of opening their first truffle boutique and wine bar, Tartufo e Vino Toscana — a milestone made possible through £84,000 in growth finance from Let’s Do Business Finance.
A Taste of Home, Reimagined Abroad
In the midst of global uncertainty in 2020, partners Marco Ponsicchi and Egizia Gargini decided to create something beautiful from a difficult year. United by their Italian heritage and love of authentic Tuscan cuisine and spirit, they wanted to bring the taste of home into new markets.
“We wanted to give 2020 a new purpose,” Egizia recalls. “So we decided to create something that spoke to who we are and where we come from.”
From that vision, Tuscany and Taste was born, the first brand in London entirely dedicated to truffles and high-quality truffle-based products. Rooted deeply in the Tuscan gastronomic tradition, the brand’s mission was simple yet profound: to promote the excellence of their homeland and to support artisans and chefs in preserving authentic flavours.
“We believe in the simplicity of the taste,” says Egizia. “Tuscan cuisine is about real flavour — nothing is overpowered by sauces or condiments. It’s about letting ingredients shine.”
The Dream Takes Shape
The decision to bring Tuscany and Taste to London wasn’t a coincidence, it was an informed choice. With deep knowledge of the global food industry, Egizia and Marco recognised London as the world’s food capital: a place where culinary trends are born, and where the finest products can gain international recognition. Not ones to shy away from a challenge, Marco and Egizia then took on an uphill battle, launching their first key product.
“We chose to begin with the Tuscan product that was the most expensive, the most difficult to find, the most difficult to deliver and something that had a very niche client base,” Egizia admits with a smile. “We had just arrived in the UK and knew no one. We couldn’t have given ourselves a bigger challenge.”
Hard Work, Cold Mornings, and Truffle Aromas
The early months were tough. Tuscany and Taste began by focusing on London’s food markets from the bustling weekend markets to outdoor fairs. Rain or shine, the team would set up the stall, offering truffle tastings and stories of Tuscany to curious Londoners.
“It was very, very tiring,” Egizia laughs. “Early mornings, rain, wind, snow — but we loved it. It gave us the chance to do what we love the most, connect with people.”
Those market days became their foundation. Meeting customers face to face gave them invaluable feedback and helped them fine-tune their range. “We got the most extensive and precise market research ever,” Egizia explains. “Every reaction, every comment helped us understand what products resonated with the UK Market.”
Through those interactions, they also built a loyal community from Michelin-starred chefs and private clubs to truffle-loving foodies. “We don’t work on numbers,” Egizia says firmly. “We work on quality and service. Everyone is treated like a king.”
Over time, Tuscany and Taste grew into more than just a brand. It became an invitation to rediscover the authentic pleasure of food and wine. Their products, imported exclusively from Tuscany, became a bridge between two worlds: the rustic authenticity of Italy and the cosmopolitan sophistication of London.
A New Chapter: Tartufo e Vino Toscana
After five years of markets and events, Tuscany and Taste reached a pivotal milestone. In November 2025, they opened their first physical store — Tartufo e Vino Toscana, a luxury truffle boutique and wine bar located in Hammersmith, West London.
This marked a new phase for the brand: a refined space where customers could not only purchase truffles and fine Tuscan wines but experience them in a true Tuscan setting.
“We wanted it to feel authentic — like the small places back home,” says Egizia. “Where you can buy your daily wine, enjoy a charcuterie board, and share a table with friends.”
Facing the Challenge of Growth
Opening the boutique, however, required more than passion, it required capital. “When you decide to step forward, you need finance,” Egizia explains. “There’s a lot to do — find the right location, pay deposits, lawyers, and of course, stock.”
To secure the funding they needed, Marco and Egizia turned to BizBritain and met Gary Lennon, who introduced them to Let’s Do Business Finance, a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI). There, they worked closely with Business Advisor Gary Belton, who helped them navigate the process of securing a British Business Bank’s Community Enable Fund (CEF). The additional £18,800 secured were extensions of Start Up Loans they had attained to launch their original markets and events-based business, gained via BizBritain.
Gary Lennon BizBritain (left) Gary Belton, Let's Do Business Finance (Right)
“When first being introduced to Marco Ponsicchi and Egizia Gargini, it was very clear that their passion, vision and product were going to make the next step of their growth a success. I was delighted that working with Gary Lennon at BizBritain we were able to provide funding to open their first store. On visiting the store on their opening night, it was amazing to see their dreams come to reality.”
“It was amazing to work with both Garys,” Egizia recalls. “We had already worked a lot on our project, but having someone to talk through it with helped us feel secure in our predictions. Gary Belton was immediately very positive and enthusiastic about our project. He was always available and responsive — even when he was on holiday, he made sure someone was there for us. It all ran really smoothly.”
The Community ENABLE Fund (CEF), delivered by the British Business Bank, is designed to help social impact lenders—such as Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs)—access the funding they need to better serve businesses in underserved communities. By strengthening these not-for-profit lenders, the programme increases the availability of finance for small and medium-sized enterprises that may struggle to access mainstream funding. Through this support, entrepreneurs like Egizia and Marco can secure the finance they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Looking Ahead
With the opening of Tartufo e Vino Toscana, Tuscany and Taste has positioned itself as a leader in London’s luxury truffle market.
Their long-term vision doesn’t stop in London. “We always wanted something small and repeatable,” Egizia says. “The idea is to bring this model to other areas in London, other cities and, one day, other countries.”
From two Tuscan dreamers in 2020 to a thriving gourmet brand five years later, Tuscany and Taste embodies the essence of resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence. Through every challenge, they have stayed true to their philosophy:
We believe in real taste — the kind that connects people, tells a story, and makes every meal an experience.”
To find out more about Tuscany and Taste visit https://tuscanyandtaste.co.uk/
To visit the shop see https://tartufoevino.com/
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