Tag: Umbria

A Montefalco 2025: Celebrating an Entire Region Beyond the Sagrantino Grape

The third edition of A Montefalco took place on June 17–18, 2025, in the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria. Building on the success of the reimagined event that began in 2023, this year’s celebration honoured not only the current vintage release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG but also the full diversity of wines produced across this exceptional region.

Alongside the 2021 release of the area’s flagship red, visitors experienced a comprehensive lineup of local wines, including Montefalco Bianco DOC, Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Passito DOC, Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC, all showcased in tasting rooms that welcomed both Italian and international press.

Participating Wineries

The 2025 event featured an impressive roster of over 40 participating wineries, including established names like Arnaldo Caprai, Antonelli San Marco, and Lungarotti, as well as emerging producers, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Montefalco’s wine heritage.

A Montefalco 2025 proved to be a standout celebration of this unique wine region, offering visitors the chance to explore not only the renowned Sagrantino grape but the entire portfolio of wines that make Montefalco so special. Highlights included dedicated events for accredited journalists and trade professionals: professional tasting rooms with extended hours and sommelier service, direct winery visits, the Gran Premio del Sagrantino national sommelier competition, and the unveiling of the commemorative artist label for the 2021 vintage.

Montefalco: Umbria’s Medieval Wine Capital

Perched high above the Umbrian valley and known as the “Balcony of Umbria,” Montefalco has earned its place among Italy’s most distinctive wine regions. Its medieval charm is matched by a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in the land’s mineral-rich, clay-limestone soils and Mediterranean-influenced climate. Sun-soaked days followed by cool evenings allow for the slow ripening and concentration that characterize wines of exceptional depth and aging potential.

Vineyards cascade along gentle hillsides that maximize sun exposure while protecting vines from harsh conditions. This unique microclimate, paired with expert viticulture, has made Montefalco a benchmark of Italian wine excellence.

The Indigenous Grapes That Define Montefalco

Sagrantino

The undisputed king of Montefalco, Sagrantino is one of Italy’s most powerful indigenous red grapes. With its thick skins and bold tannins, it produces intensely structured wines rich in dark fruit, spice, and minerality. Over time, its formidable structure transforms into elegance, making it one of the few Italian reds capable of long-term cellaring.

Sangiovese

In Montefalco, Sangiovese takes on added nuance from the region’s terroir. While retaining its bright cherry character and natural acidity, it gains complexity and structure, making it the perfect blending partner for Sagrantino in Montefalco Rosso.

Trebbiano Spoletino

This revived white variety thrives in the hills of Montefalco and Spoleto. Known for its balance of citrus, florality, and herbal intrigue, Trebbiano Spoletino showed its versatility at the event through several expressions: crisp DOC bottlings, elegant Superiore, vibrant Spumante, and luscious Passito dessert wines.

Grechetto

A full-bodied white that thrives in central Italy, Grechetto is known for its rich texture, stone fruit flavours, and nutty undertones. When paired with Trebbiano Spoletino, it adds dimension and complexity to Montefalco’s white wine offerings.

Wine Tourism in Montefalco

Montefalco has emerged as one of Umbria’s leading wine tourism destinations, attracting visitors eager to discover its blend of history, culture, and exceptional wines. The rolling landscape, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, offers an immersive Italian wine country experience.

Family-owned wineries open their doors to guests, offering personal insights into generations-old winemaking traditions and innovations that push the boundaries of indigenous varietals.

The Strada del Sagrantino

The region’s official wine route, Strada del Sagrantino, provides a curated journey through Montefalco’s top wine estates. From boutique producers to architectural landmarks, each stop reveals unique expressions of terroir, craft, and culinary connection. This route encapsulates the spirit of the region, where tradition meets contemporary excellence.

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2021: A New Vintage to Celebrate

The 2025 event presented the much-anticipated 2021 vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG in both traditional and blind tastings. Visitors were able to experience its complexity and potential firsthand.

The tasting program ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days, with sommelier-guided sessions held in the Sala Consiliare. Access was granted through pre-booked time slots via the “Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco” app.

Winery Visits at A Montefalco 2025

Lunelli / Tenuta Castelbuono

The Lunelli family, masterminds behind four diverse siblings (Matteo, Marcello, Camilla, and Alessandro), have built an impressive portfolio spanning from their original Trentino operations to Tuscan holdings at Tenuta Podernovo. Their empire extends beyond wine to include the Michelin-starred Locanda Margon restaurant, the historic Tassoni cedrata brand acquired in 2021, and Surgiva mineral water.

The Lunellis entered Umbria in 2000, initially working with leased vineyards before acquiring Tenuta Castelbuono in 2001. Their first Sagrantino harvest came in 2003. The estate’s crown jewel is the architectural marvel “Carapace,” designed in collaboration with renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro between 2005-2012. This turtle shell-inspired structure symbolizes four key elements: sacred profile, longevity, deliberate process, and power. At its heart sits the circular “Ziggurat” room, an inverted cone used for private tastings.

The estate produces approximately 130,000 bottles annually from 40 hectares, focusing exclusively on red wines in Umbria. Luca D’Attoma recently took over winemaking duties from Ruben De Laurentis, who managed the operation for 11 years.

Valdangius

Representing the new generation of Montefalco estates, Valdangius is a family-run winery led by Danilo Antonelli, with daughter Jessica and winemaker Alessandro Meniconi. This multigenerational collaboration reflects a balance of heritage and forward-thinking.

Terre de Trinci

Terre de Trinci holds a unique place in Sagrantino history as the cooperative that pioneered dry Sagrantino production. Founded in 1968, this cooperative of 100 members farms 120 hectares, plus an additional 50 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. In 1972, they released the first bottles of dry (non-passito) Sagrantino di Montefalco, helping establish what would become a DOCG in 1992.

Located in Foligno rather than within Montefalco’s borders, they’re the only consortium members authorized to vinify outside the denomination’s territorial boundaries due to their historical significance. The cooperative transitioned to member ownership in 1992 after initially being managed by the local agricultural consortium.

Antonelli San Marco

One of Montefalco’s most respected family estates, Antonelli San Marco has been a benchmark producer in the region for generations. The winery is known for both innovation and respect for tradition, particularly in their work with indigenous varieties.

Filippo Magnani

Montefalco 2024: A comprehensive review of the entire region beyond the Sagrantino Varietal

The second edition of Montefalco was held on June 12th and 13th in the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria. Anteprima Sagrantino was relaunched in 2023 to celebrate the current vintage release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and the wines produced in the area. This year, alongside the 2020 release Montefalco Bianco DOC, Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC, Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC were included in the tasting room.

Montefalco, the “Balcony of Umbria”

Montefalco, often referred to as the “Balcony of Umbria,” is renowned not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its exceptional vineyard terroir. Nestled in the heart of Umbria, this charming medieval town is surrounded by rolling hills that provide stunning panoramic views and ideal conditions for viticulture.

The unique terroir of Montefalco is characterized by a combination of clay-limestone soils, which offer excellent drainage and contribute to the complexity and richness of the grapes. The region’s mild climate, with its warm days and cool nights, ensures a slow and balanced ripening process, enhancing the concentration of flavors in the grapes.

The vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure, thanks to the gentle slopes of the hills, which also protect them from harsh weather conditions. This perfect balance of soil, climate, and topography creates a distinctive environment that shapes the character and quality of Montefalco’s wines.

Sagrantino and the other native grapes of Montefalco

Sagrantino
Sagrantino is the hallmark grape of Montefalco. This indigenous variety is known for its thick skin, which gives the wine a deep color and high tannin content. Sagrantino wines are robust, with intense flavors of dark fruit, spices, and earthy notes. The grape’s natural tannins and acidity allow for long aging, resulting in complex and structured wines.

Sangiovese
Sangiovese is another significant grape in Montefalco. It is often blended with Sagrantino and other varieties to create Montefalco Rosso. Sangiovese brings bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and subtle spice, making the wines approachable yet complex. This grape thrives in Montefalco’s terroir, producing wines that are both vibrant and well-balanced.

Trebbiano Spoletino
Trebbiano Spoletino is a notable white grape variety in Montefalco. Known for its fresh and vibrant character, this grape produces wines with citrus, floral, and herbal notes. Trebbiano Spoletino’s crisp acidity and refreshing profile make it a favorite for white wine enthusiasts.

Grechetto
Grechetto is another important white grape grown in the region. It is valued for its full body, rich texture, and flavors of stone fruits, almonds, and minerality. Grechetto wines are often blended with Trebbiano Spoletino to add complexity and depth.

The Cradle of Wine Tourism in Umbria

Wine Tourism in Montefalco
Montefalco is a top destination for wine enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to explore vineyards, wineries, and the winemaking process. The region’s picturesque hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, create a serene backdrop for wine tours and tastings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, learning about traditional and modern winemaking techniques directly from passionate producers.

The Strada del Sagrantino
The Strada del Sagrantino is a well-established wine route that weaves through the Montefalco region, highlighting its premier wineries and vineyards. This scenic route offers a comprehensive wine tourism experience, featuring:

Vineyard Tours
Travelers can visit some of the most renowned vineyards in Montefalco, where they can walk through the rows of vines, learn about the unique terroir, and understand the meticulous care that goes into cultivating the grapes.

Wine Tastings
Along the Strada del Sagrantino, visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, including the celebrated Sagrantino di Montefalco and Montefalco Rosso. These tastings often include guided sessions with winemakers, providing insights into the characteristics and production methods of each wine.

Culinary Experiences
The Strada del Sagrantino also emphasizes the connection between wine and local cuisine. Many wineries feature on-site restaurants or partner with nearby eateries to offer food and wine pairings, showcasing Umbrian culinary delights that complement the region’s wines.

Montefalco 2020 Vintage report

Vineyard Conditions:
The 2020 vintage in Montefalco was marked by a dynamic climate. A mild and dry winter gave way to an early spring with above-average temperatures. However, an unexpected cold snap brought snow, frost, and hail to some areas. Persistent, heavy rainfall in May and June provided an excellent water supply, helping the vines endure the extreme summer heat, especially in July. The end of August saw a shift to cooler and more humid conditions, resulting in a relatively late harvest. By the end of September, the dry climate yielded healthy, perfectly ripe, and well-balanced grapes.

Cellar Results:
The balanced and gradual harvest of 2020, particularly for later-ripening varieties such as Sagrantino and Trebbiano Spoletino, allowed for the highest quality grapes to be brought into the cellar. Despite some areas being affected by spring frosts and hail, the overall quantity of the harvest was notable. The resulting wines from this vintage are exceptional, showcasing perfected pulp maturity, vibrant and dynamic profiles, and impeccably mature tannins. The wines are not only appealing now but also have strong potential for long-term aging, making the 2020 vintage a standout year.

Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries of Montefalco

Scacciadiavoli
A landmark estate in Montefalco, Scacciadiavoli has been producing wine since 1884 and was bought by the Pambuffetti family in 1954. Scacciadiavoli means “to cast out the devils,” and is taken from a local 19th century exorcist who was known to use wine while performing his rituals. Today, the winery is a state-of-the-art 4-level facility allowing for gravity flow throughout the entire production. A visit to the winery will include a guided tour and a selection of tastings to choose from paired with Pambufetti family products or even lunch.

Pardi
The three Pardi brothers, Alfredo, Francesco, and Alberto started making wine in 1919 at the local hospital in Montefalco. Eventually their wines were shipped all over Italy, including the Vatican. Today their great-grandsons Gianluca Rio and Alberto Mario keep the family tradition alive. With 11 hectares of vines, they grow the local varieties Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino, but also international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay.

Le Cimate
Le Cimate winery represents the culmination of over 200 years of agricultural dedication by the Bartolini family. Beginning with farming in the 1800s, transitioning to viticulture in the 1960s, and strategically purchasing land in 1992, the family finally began building their winery in 2011. Located at 400 meters and nestled against the Martani Mountains, the winery benefits from an excellent diurnal temperature shift and regular winds that keep the vines healthy. Surrounding their 23 hectares of vineyards are 33 hectares of olive groves and 15 hectares of hazelnut orchards. Utilizing the latest technology, the winery produces wines from an impressive array of grapes, including native varieties and international favorites such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tabarrini
Giampalo Tabarrini, the fourth generation of his family, took control of their agricultural estate in the late 1990s and transformed it into the winery it is today. His vision is focused on terroir, with three bottlings selected from distinct vineyard parcels to highlight their unique expressions. In addition to 15 hectares of vineyards, the estate includes olive groves and wheat fields, from which they produce their own stone-ground flour, perfect for making pizza, pasta, and desserts.

Lungarotti
Founded in the 1960s by Giorgio Lungarotti, the family estate is located in Montefalco and Torgiano, just 30 minutes northwest of Montefalco towards Perugia. The winery is a family affair, now run by Giorgio’s two daughters, Chiara and Teresa. Their mother, Maria Grazia, was a pioneer in wine tourism, creating the region’s first wine museum in the 1970s and, more recently, an olive and olive oil museum. Teresa was one of Italy’s first female oenologists, and her children, Francesco and Gemma, manage the estate’s sales and events. All their wines have been organic since 2010.

Arnaldo Caprai
Founded in 1971 by Arnaldo Caprai, a textile entrepreneur, the winery was passed to his son Marco in 1988 when Marco was only 21. Marco has expanded the estate from just 12 acres to a thriving 370-acre vineyard. Early on, he chose to drastically reduce the quantity of grapes to focus on quality. Believing in Sagrantino’s full potential, he began exporting dry Montefalco Sagrantino to the U.S. even before it achieved DOCG status, paving the way for an international revival of Sagrantino. The state-of-the-art winery in Montefalco offers multiple tours and tastings on its panoramic terrace or in the vineyards.

Antonelli
Originally owned by the Bishop of Spoleto for over 600 years, the property was bought by Francesco Antonelli in 1883. Today, the Antonelli estate spans 430 acres in the heart of the Montefalco territory. The variety of terrain, from rich clay deposits to rocky limestone, results in several microclimates, with each plot expressing its own nuances. The cellars are completely underground, allowing for the use of gravity flow during production. The grapes, mostly Sagrantino and Sangiovese for reds and Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino for whites, are all organic. Visitors are welcomed in the beautifully restored antique farmhouse, Casale Satriano, which includes six apartments and a swimming pool.

Romanelli
Originally owned by the Bishop of Spoleto for over 600 years, the property was bought by Francesco Antonelli in 1883. Today, the Antonelli estate spans 430 acres in the heart of the Montefalco territory. The variety of terrain, from rich clay deposits to rocky limestone, results in several microclimates, with each plot expressing its own nuances. The cellars are completely underground, allowing for the use of gravity flow during production. The grapes—mostly Sagrantino and Sangiovese for reds and Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino for whites—are all organic. Visitors are welcomed in the beautifully restored antique farmhouse, Casale Satriano, which includes six apartments and a swimming pool.

Tenuta Bellafonte
Located just outside Bevagna, Tenuta Bellafonte was started by Peter Heilbron, a successful businessman from Milan who fell in love with Umbria and the unique terroir of Montefalco. The winery is dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity, using solar panels and a biomass boiler to minimize environmental impact. Both the wine production facility and cellar are underground, blending seamlessly with the landscape. The vineyards are surrounded by forests and a massive olive grove with 2,500 trees, which are used to produce their own olive oil. They grow Sagrantino, Sangiovese, and Trebbiano Spoletino grapes. A large country estate was built to welcome visitors, offering seven charming bedrooms, a lush garden, and an indoor pool.

Cantina Tudernum
Established in 1958 by a group of vineyard owners who decided to join forces to market their wines as a cooperative, they grew from only a few hectares of vines to the 400 hectares they have today. Since the 1990s, they have invested in quality and technological improvements to produce an impressive variety of wines in both modern and classic styles, including rare native varieties.

Anteprima Sagrantino 2023 – Exploring the wonderful wine escape of Umbria more seriously, Filippo Magnani

One of Italy’s most unique native varieties, and Umbria’s flagship grape “Sagrantino” was showcased on April 19th and 20th in the charming town of Montefalco at the 2023 Anteprima Sagrantino. The Anteprima Sagrantino is an opportunity each year for wine professionals to rediscover this symbol of Umbria’s heritage. This year was the release of the 2019 vintage of Montefalco di Sagrantino DOCG which requires 3 years+ of aging before it can be released onto the market. Although it always takes centre stage, it is surrounded by the reputed neighbours: Montefalco Bianco DOC, Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC, Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco
Rosso Riserva DOC.

The town hall of Montefalco, also known as “Ringhiera dell’Umbria” or railings of Umbria for its perched position overlooking the countryside, was transformed into a magnificent tasting room that welcomed Italian and international press. Since 2015 the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco has organized this event in the village of Montefalco.

A New Vision for Montefalco

This year the Consortium presented a new initiative that shifts the focus from “Anteprima Sagrantino” to “A Montefalco”. This new name represents a change in perspective that offers a more holistic expression of Montefalco as a “Land of Wine”. No longer just Sangrantino or an Anteprima event, “A Montefalco” is meant to show visitors the evolution of the numerous native varieties in addition to Sagrantino that the region expresses today.

Sustainability is another important theme of the event. The Consortium launched its “Sangreentino” initiative that provides electric cars and bikes to transport visitors to the wineries and on other tours. The project plans for 30 charging points to be available at different wineries. In addition, 31% of wineries have received or are transitioning to organic and biodynamic certifications. Their sustainability practices also include solar systems, biomass boilers, botanical gardens and ecological corridors to protect bees and promote biodiversity.

Montefalco – Land of Wine

Montefalco lies in the heart of Italy surrounded by hilltop vineyards and historic villages. Its character is defined by its authenticity and unique terroir. As a part of the country’s only landlocked region its rivers, lakes and hills provide a variety of elevations and soils. Add to that its Mediterranean climate, and the result is wine with balance, depth and complexity. Most of the grapes grown here are native and have been thriving for over a thousand years. And of course, one grape has become a symbolic expression of the Montefalco terroir “Sagrantino”.

Sagrantino and the other grape varieties of Montefalco

Sagrantino is inextricably linked to Montefalco’s past and future. The name is said to be derived from ‘falco sagro” or ‘sacred falcon’. Legend recounts that in the 13th century Sagrantino wine was used to cure the dying falcons in the area much adored by the emperor Federico. Perhaps not a coincidence then that this would become the most famous wine from Montefalco or “Falcon’s Mountain’. In 1992 Montefalco Sagrantino was
awarded DOCG status. Sagrantino was traditionally made in a sweet ‘passito’ style but its dry version has now earned it a place among Italy’s best red wines. This thick-skinned grape is low yielding with a lot of tannin, structure and intensity which also gives it excellent aging potential. This tannic power is harnessed through the required aging process for DOCG certification.

But as the Montefalco wine producer’s Consortium demonstrates in its inclusive approach to promoting the wines of Montefalco, Sangrantino is just one of several local grape varieties to be discovered. For example, Trebbiano Spoletino and Grechetto are among the white wines that should not be missed. Trebbiano Spoletino can be surprisingly rich and structured with both fruity and savoury elements that are delivered with refreshing
acidity. There are also Sangiovese-based reds produced under the Montefalco Rosso DOC. These can vary from fresh and fruity with herbaceous undertones to more structured wines aged in barrique. You can find reds and whites alike in a dry style or sweet made in
the ‘passito’ method.

The Epicentre of wine tourism in Umbria

Montefalco has been known as the “Land of Wine” since the Middle Ages.
Evidence that vines were present in the area date back to 1088. These native grape varieties have evolved in harmony with local traditions and culture making this land of wine an incredible place for wine enthusiasts to visit. The region has seen rapid growth of small, dynamic estates over the past decade. They are supported by the Consortium and the combined determination of the local hospitality, restaurants, heritage sites and fellow
wineries to promote the area and its great qualities, especially after the pandemic.

The ‘Associazione Strada del Sagrantino’ is one of the main bodies promoting tourism along the wine road to these five towns: Montefalco, Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria and Gualdo Cattaneo. Not only do they all have deep rooted wine traditions, but they also offer rich history, beautiful architecture, and tasty local specialties. For example, the
Museum of Montefalco is a treasure trove of art and a reference point for Umbrian history, tradition and painting. The Rocca Sonora is a fortress that stands in the main square of Gualdo Cattaneo as an emblem of the territory’s fortified defence system. San Francesco Church in Giano dell’Umbria has some incredible frescoes by the reputed painter
Giovanni di Corraduccio. And the uniquely shaped Piazza Filippo Silvestri in Bevagna is one of Umbria’s most attractive medieval squares.

Here is a selection of wineries to visit with memorable tasting experiences and many lodging options:

Scacciadiavoli
A landmark estate in Montefalco, Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli has been producing wine since 1884 and was bought by the Pambuffetti family in 1954. The name means “cast out the devils”, taken from a local 19th century exorcist who was known to use wine while mperforming his rituals. Today the winery is a state-of-the-art four-level facility allowing for gravity flow throughout the entire production. Winery visits consist of a guided tour and
different tastings to choose from paired with Pambufetti family products or even lunch.

Scacciadiavoli – Montefalco Grechetto Doc 2022
Brilliant, yellow colour. Intense flavour of ginger with a scent of apricot.
Fresh, balanced palate with good persistence. The acidity matches well with the fruit. I enjoyed it!

Pard
Founded in 1919 by three brothers, Alfredo, Francesco, and Alberto. The brothers commenced making wine in the local hospital in Montefalco. Eventually, their wines were exported throughout Italy, including the Vatican. Today their great-grandsons Gianluca Rio and Alberto
Mario kept the family tradition alive. With their 11 hectares of vines, they grow the local varieties Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino, but also international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay.

Le Cimate
Le Cimate winery is the culmination of over 200 years of dedication to agriculture by the Bartolini family. From farming in the 1800’s to viticulture in the 1960’s and then the strategic purchase of land in 1992, the family started to build their winery in 2011. Three generations contributed to its construction, including Grandfather Paolo who was President of the local community winery Colli Spolentini for more than 20 years. The
location at 400m nestled against the Martani Mountains provides an excellent diurnal shift in temperatures with regular winds to keep the vines healthy. Surrounding their 23 hectares of vineyards are 33 hectares of olive groves and 15 hectares of hazelnut orchards. The winery benefits from the latest technology and produces wines from an impressive array of grapes, both native varieties and international favourites such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tabarrini
Giampalo Tabarrini is the fourth generation who took control of his family’s agricultural estate in the late 1990’s and transformed it into the winery that it is today. His vision is thoroughly focused on terroir. Three of their bottlings are selected from distinct parcels among the vineyards to highlight their unique expression. In addition to their 15 hectares of vineyards they have olive groves and wheat fields from which they produce their own stone-ground flour perfect for making pizza, pasta, and desserts.

Cantine Lungarotti
Founded in the 1960’s by Giorgio Lungarotti, the family has an estate in Montefalco and Torgiano, just 30 minutes northwest of Montefalco towards Perugia. The winery is a family affair with Giorgio’s two daughters Chiara and Teresa now running the family business. Their mother Maria Grazia was a pioneer in wine tourism creating the region’s first wine museum in the 1970’s and more recently an olive and oil museum. Teresa herself was one of Italy’s first female oenologists and her children Francesco and Gemma manage the estate’s sales and events. All their wines have been organic since 2010 wine with good acidity.

Arnaldo Caprai
Founded in 1971 by Marco’s father Arnaldo Caprai who was a textile entrepreneur. In 1988 Arnaldo passed the reins to Marco when he was only 21. He has grown the winey from just 12 acres to a thriving 370-acre estate. Early on he made the choice to drastically reducing the quantity of grapes to focus on quality. Believing in Sagrantino’s full potential he began exporting dry Montefalco Sagrantino to the U.S. even before its DOCG status, paving the way for an international revival of Sagrantino. The state-of-the-art winery in Montefalco offers multiple tours and tastings on their panoramic terrace or in the vineyards.

Antonelli
Originally owned by the bishop of Spoleto for over 600 years, the property was bought by Francesco Antonelli in 1883. Today the Antonelli estate is spread out over 430 acres in the heart of the Montefalco territory. The variety of terrain from rich clay deposits to rocky limestone results in several microclimates with each plot expressing its own nuances. The
cellars are completely underground allowing for the use of gravity flow during production. The grapes, mostly Sagrantino and Sangiovese for reds, and Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino for whites, are all organic. Visitors are welcomed in the beautifully restored antique farmhouse called Casale Satriano which includes 6 apartments and a swimming
pool.

Devis Romanelli
Perched on San Clemente hill in Montefalco the Romanelli estate has been cultivating wine, olive oil, walnuts, and grains completely organically for over 40 years. Their love for this special terroir can be seen in everything they do from the Romanelli Nature Project which promotes sustainability and biodiversity to their eco-friendly approach to tourism. The winery is run today by the young and dynamic Devis Romanelli. He produces three special Cru wines that are a result of decades of research into the unique qualities of the different plots on the estate.

Tenuta Bellafonte
Located just outside of Bevagna, Tenuta Bellafonte was started by a successful businessman from Milan, Peter Heilbron, who fell in love with Umbria and the unique terroir of Montefalco. A good example of a winery dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. They use solar panels and a biomass boiler to avoid any environmental damage or waste. The wine production and cellar are both underground to blend in with the landscape. The vineyards are surrounded by forests and a massive olive grove of
2500 trees which they use to produce their own olive oil. Their vines include Sagrantino, Sangiovese and Trebbiano Spoletino grapes. A large country estate was built to welcome visitors with 7 charming bedrooms, a lush garden and an indoor pool.

Cantina Tudernum
Established in 1958 by a group of vineyard owners who decided to join forces to market their wines as a cooperative group. They grew from only a few hectares of vines to the 400 hectares they have today. Since the 90’s they have invested in quality and technological improvements to make an impressive variety of wines from both modern and classic
styles, also using rare native varietals.