Cantina Beato Bartolomeo is in Italy's Breganze region. It focuses on Breganze DOC wines. The winery has been part of the area for over a thousand years. It grows grapes on land once home to villas by Andrea Palladio.
121 winegrowers set up the cooperative on Valentine’s Day in 1950. They combined their love of winemaking with farming. The winery is named after The Blessed Bartolomeo di Breganze, a 13th-century friar and Bishop of Vicenza.
The winery's vineyards are at the foot of the Asiago Plateau. They are surrounded by mountains and run from Thiene to Bassano del Grappa. The area has gentle hills with vines and cherry blossoms. This makes it perfect for growing grapes.
The cooperative has grown a lot. It now has around 700 members. They work hard to promote Breganze DOC wines. The winery's high standards have lasted for centuries. Breganze wines got DOC status on 18th July 1968. This helped them reach more markets.
Today, Cantina Beato Bartolomeo uses modern winemaking technology. It aims to improve every part of the production. Agronomists advise on grape growing and farming practices. The grapes are checked when they arrive. Members are paid based on grape quality. This encourages them to grow fewer, better-quality grapes.
The winery makes about two million bottles a year. It makes over 70% of Breganze DOC wines. Its modern facilities and deep underground cellar keep the wines fresh.
The cooperative has a Board of Directors. It is managed by Elvio Forato, an experienced winemaker. The winery team has 25 people. They are committed to maintaining the winery's legacy and quality.
Visitors can explore the barrel cellar, built in 1970. It is 2,500 square metres and 15 metres underground. This is perfect for ageing wine. The cellar has 132 oak casks, 200 barriques and barrels made from oak and steel.
Guests can end their tour with a wine tasting in the barrel cellar. They can enjoy the history and taste of Beato Bartolomeo wines. These wines show the Breganze region's wine tradition.