Bertinoro – Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Nestled on the sun-drenched ridge of Montemaggio in the heart of Romagna, just five miles from the Adriatic Sea, Giovanna Madonia crafts wines that capture the soul of her land. The estate spans 14 hectares at altitudes between 200 and 350 meters, where vineyards share the landscape with olive groves and wild forest. Here, cooling sea breezes meet limestone-rich clay and marl soils—ideal conditions for producing elegant, expressive wines.

Winemaking runs deep in Giovanna’s family. Her Sicilian-born grandfather planted vines post–World War II, her father helped establish the Romagna Wine Consortium, and in 1992 Giovanna began a new chapter by replanting the vineyards with carefully selected clones and reviving the traditional Alberello (bush vine) system. This old-school approach creates naturally lower yields, better sun exposure, and stronger vine resilience.

Today, Giovanna works alongside her daughters, continuing a legacy of meticulous, artisanal production. Every grape cluster is hand-selected, and all winemaking takes place in the family’s historic 18th-century underground cellar, where wood, concrete, and modern steel coexist to bring precision and personality to each wine.

The estate focuses on local varieties, including Albana and Sangiovese, which shine in both still and passito styles. In 2014, Giovanna made history when her Neblina—a dry Albana—earned the first-ever Tre Bicchieri award for the variety, a breakthrough moment for the region.

Giovanna's wines are refined, site-driven, and full of character. Her use of minimal intervention, respect for tradition, and commitment to environmental harmony result in wines that are both vibrant and age-worthy. With the guidance of renowned winemaker Attilio Pagli, and labels illustrated by iconic Italian cartoonist Altan, her wines tell a story that’s as joyful and soulful as the land they come from.

When you pour a glass of Giovanna Madonia, you pour generations of passion, terroir, and quiet revolution in Romagna winemaking.