Tenuta Santa Maria

The Bertani name represents centuries of wine-making experience. When brothers Gaetano and Giovanni
Battista Bertani founded the historic cellar in the second half of the 19th century, their efforts were built
upon an already firmly established viticultural heritage dating back to the 15th century. Combining their
deep respect for tradition and appreciation for the land with an innovative and courageous spirit for
quality wine-making, the two brothers gave birth to a highly successful enterprise that was quite
trailblazing for the Veneto of that era. They were the first in the region to bottle and sell typical Veronese
varieties such as Valpolicella Ripasso, Recioto and Soave on a large scale, and innovative cultivation
techniques (Guyot method for high-density, low-yield) and enological innovations (such as the Ripasso
method, a second fermentation of Valpolicella created by “passing over” Recioto grape skins) brought
them national and international recognition for winemaking quality.
In 2012, the historic Cantine Bertani family label was sold, resulting in the division of assets and formation
of “Agricola Gaetano Bertani e Figli,” a company comprised of the family patriarch, Gaetano (greatgrandson of founding brother Gaetano), and his two sons Giovanni and Guglielmo. In addition to the
acquisition of over 123 acres of vineyards spanning all three of Verona’s premier productions areas, the
venture allowed for the expansion of Tenuta Santa Maria estate wines, a project conceived by Gaetano
focusing on top echelon wines. In keeping with the innovative traditions of this renowned wine family,
Gaetano Bertani was among the first vintners in the Veneto to experiment with international grapes, giving
rise to a selection of labels produced from Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay that stand alongside the more
“classic” lineup of the region’s fine wines Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore and Amarone Classico
Riserva.
Until 2020, the continuation of this historic family winemaking tradition was steered by Gaetano Bertani’s
able hand, together with his two sons Giovanni and Guglielmo. After the sudden passing of the winery’s
head, Giovanni and Guglielmo have taken the helm, guided by years of extensive wine-making experience
with their father and a continuing drive for excellence and innovation. Dedication, passion and respect for
the vineyard combine with a constant pursuit of the latest advancements in oenological technology and
thirst for innovation to produce characteristics wines of timeless elegance, truly authentic expressions of
the territory. Combining traditional methods, advanced technology, exceptional vineyards and experience passed down through generations of family tradition, the Bertani family continues to produce wines that express, in Gaetano Bertani’s words, “elegance over strength; complexity as an expression of our terroir…because each wine should reflect its territory.”