BECOMING A WINE PRODUCER WITHOUT OWNING A VINEYARD OR A WINERY? TODAY, THIS IS POSSIBLE WITH THE “ADOPT A BARREL” PROJECT AT THE VALDIPIATTA ESTATE IN MONTEPULCIANO. IT IS A WAY TO MAKE ONE’S OWN PERSONALIZED WINE. EVEN WINENEWS HAS DONE IT…

From wine enthusiast to wine producer: a step that may seem impossible if one does not own even a square meter of vineyard nor even a shadow of a winery. But, today, this has become possible with the “Adopt a Vineyard” project launched by the Valdipiatta Estate, one of the top winemaking estates in the Montepulciano territory.
It is a truly unique idea that gives wine lovers the possibility to create their own personalized wine. It has even been done here at WineNews and, after much work and entertainment, the first wine is on its way. “We wanted to produce” – explained Alessandro Regoli and Irene Chiari, founders of www.winenews.it– “a limited edition wine to give as gifts to our closest friends for the holidays: a wine created with irony and playfulness but, also with professionalism and the experience of our wine tasters and journalists of our staff”.
The Valdipiatta estate, owned by the Caporali family, is one of the historic wineries of the territory. Today, it is run by Miriam, the daughter of the “founding father”, Giulio.
“This initiative” – affirmed Miriam Caporali – “was created because some of our long-time clients asked to take an active part in the production process of our wine, to become, if only for a short time, winemakers and to created their own special wine”. There are those who wanted to create a bottle to mark an important moment in one’s life, like marriage or the birth of a child. Or those who wanted to give a gift that is a bit more out of the ordinary.
The second one mentioned above, is the reason why WineNews decided to try its hands at winemaking, following a particular and fascinating process that lasted many months. “First, we were among the vineyards” – explained Antonio Boco and Franco Pallini, the editors of the WineNews newsletter – “selecting the varieties that we liked best; then in the winery, where we tasted different barriques and chose the blend (35% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot), up to the final choice of wine that best represents us. A process that was followed at each step by www.winenews.tv, which has become a small film that documents the genesis of each bottle”.
This is the first wine created by a web site in the wine sector, and it was a joyous experience for those who, usually the ones to talk about and criticize the wines made by others, decided to try the other side and actually make a wine.
A complex and elegant wine that demonstrates the personal drive and identity of the territory from which it comes, joined together with an international touch – a bit like WineNews itself, an editorial office in Montalcino, Tuscany that has its eyes on Italy and the world, recounting the important facts on wines from all over.