The Rasna Team

Dario Castagno

“Quality Selector” and Co-Founder

Dario Castagno is a local Chiantigiano who was born in the Wimbledon district of London, England. He lived there the first ten years of his life while his parents imported fine Italian wines to the U.K. An entrepreneur for over two decades, Dario has guided small groups of visitors to his favorite spots in Siena and the Chianti region of Italy, and his experiences doing so are vividly recounted in his first two books, Too Much Tuscan Sun: The Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide and A Day in Tuscany: More Confessions Of A Chianti Tour Guide (Globe Pequot Press). His third book, Too Much Tuscan Wine, is currently available in Italy only, with a U.S. publication date to be announced shortly.

An expert on the legends and lore of Tuscany, Dario also produces documentaries based on local history and traditions, and is often a guest on TV and radio shows, where he expounds on his passionate love for the area and shares his sense of humor and unique point of view on various topics. Since 2006, he has collaborated with the Relais Borgo Scopeto – a recently restored medieval hamlet—where he hosts guests for luncheons and events. An avid cyclist and long distance runner, Dario resides in the Tuscan village of Vagliagli. In addition to being an olive oil buff, he is a proud member of the Bruco Contrada in Siena.

Stefano Paganelli

“Direttore” and Co-Founder

Born in Siena in 1974, Stefano is in charge of the administration of Rasna, and in maintaining contacts with the olive growers and the mills. He holds a degree in ‘Economia and Commercio’ from the University of Siena. Quite an eclectic character, Stefano's background also includes being a rally driver, football player and a former fencing champion. He is a member of the Nicchio (Shell) Contrada in Siena, where he has always lived.

Laura Grover

Sales & Marketing Director

In charge of building an appropriate clientele in the U.S. and servicing their sales and marketing needs, Laura lives in West Hollywood, California. She has worked in the entertainment and publishing fields for almost two decades in a variety of marketing, editorial, project direction, public relations and client relations capacities. She grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Her background also includes a number of years as a chef and event planner. Her young daughter, Esther Rose, believes that Rasna Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes everything taste better, including scrambled eggs!