Level 1:

Leonardo da Vinci had a vineyard in Milan, Italy. It was a place where he grew grapes. People used to visit this vineyard to learn about da Vinci. But now, a very rich man named Bernard Arnault bought this vineyard. After he bought it, people are not allowed to visit anymore. But there is some hope. The rich man’s team said the vineyard may open for people to visit again.

Highlighted vocabulary words:

• Vineyard: A place where people grow grapes.
• Grapes: A type of fruit.

Level 2:

Leonardo da Vinci was not just a famous painter, he also loved growing grapes in his vineyard in Milan, Italy. This place was open for people to visit and learn more about da Vinci. But, a very rich man, Bernard Arnault, bought this vineyard. After that, he stopped allowing people to visit. Everyone was disappointed. But, Arnault’s team has given a little hope. They said that they might open the vineyard again for everyone.

Highlighted vocabulary words:

• Vineyard: A place where grapes are grown.
• Disappointed: Upset or sad because something did not happen or because something is not as good as expected.
• Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen.

Full Story:

Da Vinci’s Vineyard Closure: Billionaire Purchase Impacts Tourism

For centuries, art enthusiasts and history buffs have traveled far and wide to view the works of Leonardo da Vinci, a pioneering figure of the Renaissance era. His inventive genius extended beyond art, delving into science, anatomy, and even viticulture. Hence, the renowned Leonardo’s Vineyard (Vigna di Leonardo) nestled in the heart of Milan, has long been a cultural treasure and a popular site for tourists. This iconic place has been open to the public, enlightening visitors about the man behind the masterpiece, the “Last Supper”, and providing a glimpse into da Vinci’s life and his lesser-known passion of cultivating vines. However, recent developments have abruptly halted this cultural exchange.

In December 2020, the vineyard and its adjoining property, the Casa degli Atellani residence were acquired by French billionaire Bernard Arnault. As the CEO of LVMH, Arnault has frequently been listed amongst the world’s wealthiest individuals. His acquisition of Leonardo’s Vineyard has resulted in the vineyard and residence no longer being accessible to the public for tours, much to the dismay of cultural zealots worldwide.

Before being restricted, the historic vineyard was an immersive experience for visitors. They could explore the ancient vine roots unearthed by researchers in 2007, who subsequently replanted a smaller version of the vineyard. Interweaved with the rustling leaves and gnarled vines, the tales of the vineyard’s past, along with the exceptional historical narrative of da Vinci, provided an enriching experience.

Following Arnault’s acquisition, the narration of history ceased abruptly for visitors. Nevertheless, the new proprietor’s spokesperson did not rule out the possibility of the vineyard being reopened for the public. Although, the reel of its history has been paused momentarily, the relic of the Renaissance era may witness the light of the day sooner than expected.

Though there’s a glimmer of hope, Adriana Conconi Fedrigolli, the president of the Vigna di Leonardo, expressed her disappointment in a public letter, stating her concerns about the vineyard’s closure and the negative impact on Milan’s tourism industry. She particularly emphasized the vineyard’s cultural and educational importance, given that the global community has increasing interest in Leonardo’s life and works.

As it stands, the future of da Vinci’s vineyard is in a state of limbo. If the vineyard and residence do not reopen, the loss to the global cultural and artistic community is immeasurable. In a world where history and art often pave the way for mutual understanding, cultural exchanges like these are of paramount importance.

However, if Bernard Arnault’s team keeps its word about part of the estate being dedicated to public activities, one can only hope that the vineyard will once again open its doors, offering tourists the opportunity to step back into the fascinating life of Leonardo da Vinci, the viticulturist.

Highlighted vocabulary words:

• Viticulture: The cultivation or culture of grapes especially for wine making.
• Zealot: A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of religious, political, or other ideals.
• Proprietor: The owner of a business, or a holder of property.
• Relic: An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical interest.
• Limbo: An uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state or condition.
• Paramount: More important than anything else; supreme.

Questions:

Question: Why was Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard significant to tourists and historians?

Answer: Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard was significant to tourists and historians because beyond being a beautiful vineyard, it offered a unique insight into a lesser-known aspect of da Vinci’s life. It was also a conduit for understanding the Renaissance era and da Vinci’s wide-ranging genius.

Question: How has Bernard Arnault’s purchase of the vineyard impacted the public?

Answer: Since Bernard Arnault’s purchase of the vineyard, it has been closed off to the public. This has disappointed many people who valued the vineyard for its cultural, historic, and educational significance.

Question: Do you believe that Bernard Arnault should reopen Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard for public tours? Why or why not?

Answer: This question calls for a personal opinion. A possible answer could be: Yes, I believe Bernard Arnault should reopen the vineyard for public tours because it is a unique historical site that offers valuable cultural and educational experiences. Denying public access to such an important landmark deprives people of the opportunity to learn about Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance period.

Question: Given its cultural relevance, do you think the government should intervene to ensure places like da Vinci’s vineyard remain open to the public?

Answer: This question requires personal perspective. One possible answer could be: Yes, I do think government intervention is necessary in such cases. Historical and cultural landmarks like da Vinci’s vineyard are invaluable for education and cultural exchange. The government can enact policies to protect public access to such sites, fostering heritage preservation and societal learning.

Fill in the Blanks:

1. Leonardo da Vinci’s interest extended beyond art and into _______, the science of growing grapes.

2. The abrupt halt of public tours at Leonardo’s Vineyard was a disappointment to cultural ______ all over the world.

3. Bernard Arnault, the new _____ of Leonardo’s Vineyard, has not ruled out reopening it to the public.

4. Leonardo’s Vineyard, which tells tales from the Renaissance era, is a historical _____.

5. The future of da Vinci’s vineyard is in a state of ____, or uncertainty.

6. Cultural exchanges like tours at Leonardo’s Vineyard are _____ to understanding art and history.

Highlighted vocabulary words:

• Relic

• Zealot

• Limbo

• Paramount

• Viticulture

• Proprietor

Da Vinci’s Vineyard Mini Comprehension Test

Please answer the following questions to check your understanding of the article “Da Vinci’s Vineyard Closure: Billionaire Purchase Impacts Tourism.”

1. Who owned the vineyard in Milan, Italy, that is now off limits to the public?

• Bernard Arnault

• Leonardo Da Vinci

• Adriana Conconi Fedrigolli

• Milan’s mayor

2. When was the “Leonardo’s Vineyard” purchased by Bernard Arnault?

• 2007

• December 2020

• 15th century

• It wasn’t purchased, it was inherited

3. What was unearthed by researchers in 2007 in the vineyard?

• Da Vinci’s secret documents

• Ancient Vine Roots

• A hidden painting

• Gold

4. Which activity at “Leonardo’s Vineyard” was stopped after its purchase by Bernard Arnault?

• Wine Production

• Vine Plantations

• Public Tours

• Archaeological Research

5. Is there any possibility of the vineyard reopening for public tours?

• Yes

• No

• It’s uncertain

• The article doesn’t mention

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard significant according to the article?

2. How have cultural enthusiasts worldwide reacted to the closure of the vineyard?

3. Form an opinion: Should historical sites like da Vinci’s Vineyard remain open to the public despite change in ownership? Why or why not?

Keyword Mention

Please fill in the blanks with appropriate words from the article.

1. Leonardo’s Vineyard sits across the road from his “Last Supper” painting in the ________ Church.

2. Bernard Arnault is the CEO of luxury brand _______, ranked by Forbes as the richest person.