Tenuta Santa Maria and the Valpolicella Consortium: 100 Years of Shared History

Founded in 1925 by a forward-thinking group of winegrowers, the Valpolicella Consortium was born out of a desire to defend the region’s exceptional viticultural heritage. Giovanni Battista Bertani, with his profound understanding of the land and innovative mindset, was one of the Consortium’s earliest advocates. Since then, his family—now at the helm of Tenuta Santa Maria—has carried this mission forward, adapting over time while staying true to its roots.

Valpolicella’s unique microclimate and diverse terrain have made it possible to preserve a remarkable range of ancient native grape varieties and to pass down centuries-old winemaking techniques. The region’s limestone and alluvial soils offer the ideal conditions to cultivate 18 indigenous varieties. In this article, you can discover Valpolicella’s main grapes – Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella – as well as an overview of lesser-known native grapes.

Traditional winemaking methods, dating back to Roman times, are still practiced today. Central to Valpolicella’s wine identity are two techniques: Ripasso, in which wine undergoes a second fermentation on Amarone grape skins, and Appassimento, where grapes are dried naturally on traditional arelle racks. These methods define the region’s red wine production, which includes four appellations:

The Valpolicella Consortium stands alongside producers, advocating for and protecting the region’s identity. Today, it represents over 2,200 winegrowers, 7,800 hectares of vineyards, and oversees 13 DOC and DOCG designations. For those like us who are committed to crafting wines that speak the language of land, time, and culture, the Consortium is an essential ally.

Valpolicella wines are renowned for their versatility, making them ideal companions for diverse cuisines around the world. This has helped fuel the region’s international success. Over the past decades, Valpolicella has seen a meteoric rise in prestige on the global stage. Gaetano Bertani, father of Giovanni and Guglielmo and one of the innovators of modern Amarone, played a key role in this ascent, bringing Valpolicella wines abroad since the 1960s.

That pioneering spirit lives on in Giovanni and Guglielmo Bertani, who continue to promote Valpolicella’s cultural and enological value in global markets.

This growing international acclaim has led the Consortium to constantly elevate quality standards and update its production regulations to meet the evolving needs of producers and consumers alike.

At Tenuta Santa Maria, we proudly support the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella in its ongoing mission—one rooted in quality, sustainability, and authenticity. We look toward the future with the awareness that we are part of a legacy still unfolding.

To achieve excellence in the vineyard, the Valpolicella Consortium is embracing environmental sustainability and regional wellbeing. A key initiative is the Sistema di Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata (SQNPI), the next evolution of the former RRR certification. This voluntary program promotes eco-friendly vineyard practices, social responsibility, and landscape preservation.

The SQNPI certification addresses growing consumer demand for wines that express a true sense of place, while fostering a healthier environment for everyone living and working in the Valpolicella region. Tenuta Santa Maria embraces these principles by reducing the use of chemical treatments and promoting biodiversity.

Another major initiative is the Consortium’s ongoing zoning project, aimed at mapping and valorizing the distinct valleys that make up the Valpolicella appellation. Based on a geomorphological study led by expert Giuseppe Benciolini, the zoning plan outlines 13 potential subzones, each with unique characteristics that reflect the broader Valpolicella identity while highlighting their individual terroirs.

This zoning effort will enhance transparency and offer wine lovers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Valpolicella wines.

Celebrating the centenary of the Valpolicella Consortium means honoring those who believed in the power of collaboration and a shared vision. For Tenuta Santa Maria, it means returning to our roots. A century later, Giovanni and Guglielmo proudly carry forward the legacy of Giovanni Battista and Gaetano, innovating with deep respect for tradition.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to an institution that has united producers, represented our region, and helped the Valpolicella identity flourish.

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