Wine Not? Vineyard Manager Gaia Giuliacci Talks about the Birth of a Wine Tradition at Antognolla

As Antognolla launches its own wine production, we spoke with Gaia Giuliacci, the passionate vineyard manager behind this bold venture. In our conversation, Gaia shares the story of the first harvest, her vision for crafting exceptional wines, and how her deep Umbrian roots have shaped her as a wine professional.

Growing up in Umbria, one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, Gaia was introduced to wine much like many others in Italy, as an extension of daily life, intertwined with the rituals of family and friends. Gaia recalls spending time with her grandparents, learning to appreciate wine, not just as a drink but as a symbol of Italian tradition and craftsmanship.

For her, wine is more than just a product; it’s a story, a connection to her family, her heritage, and the land itself. In December 2020, Gaia stepped into the role of Antognolla’s vineyard manager with determination and a clear vision: to produce wines that not only honoured their Umbrian roots but also told a unique story of their own.

Starting from Ground Zero

Working alongside the renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella and a team of dedicated professionals Gaia embarked on an ambitious three-year journey. In 2021, the first vines were planted, and by 2023, Gaia and her team had successfully completed the full plantation, covering a total of 8 hectares of land. ‘At Antognolla Estate, we did not inherit a winemaking tradition, as the estate’s vineyards were uprooted many years ago. However, we restored old plots to recreate that tradition,’ she explains.

Mr Cotarella scouted the land carefully, identifying the perfect plots with the right exposition, soil conditions, and microclimates for viticulture. It wasn’t just about planting vines; it was about selecting the right varieties and nurturing them into a product that would reflect the distinct terroir of the region.

The first harvest in 2023 was a small but significant step, a collection of Chardonnay grapes, followed by the bottling of the wine for sparkling wine production in 2024. This marked the beginning of a long journey. It wasn’t just about the first bottles that would be produced in the coming years; it was about establishing something deeper: not just a legacy and a vision for local wine production but also a shared passion for Antognolla residents, visitors, and locals to enjoy for years to come.

‘We had to begin by understanding the land, by selecting the right varieties for this specific place’, Gaia shares. ‘We planted Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, among others, but what we are really creating is a wine that tells the story of this land, of the work we put into it, and the future we are building.’

Getting Fully Immersed in the Wine Experience

While the wine itself is central to the vision, Gaia is also committed to creating an immersive experience that connects guests with the process. Future residents and guests are welcome to explore the land, participate in harvests, and enjoy the fruits of their labour in a unique setting.

With a resort in the works, guests will be able to enjoy dedicated events and tastings and a selection of customised wine bottles – experiences that Gaia believes will help them understand the art of winemaking and, more importantly, its place in the Umbrian landscape.

‘We’re not just about making wine,’ Gaia explains. ‘We want people to experience the land, the culture, and the process. Wine is about connection – with the people, the land, and the history that comes with it.’

The project is still in its early stages, but Gaia’s enthusiasm is infectious. For her, it’s not about rushing to produce the next big thing but about creating something that will stand the test of time.

‘We’re in a start-up phase’, she says with a smile. ‘But that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a long-term project. We’re not in it for quick results; we want to build something sustainable and meaningful.’

As the vineyard matures and more wine is produced, the estate is also considering the possibility of a wine club for future owners of the villas on the estate.

Umbria’s Unique Potential

In a country known for its iconic wine regions – Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto – Umbria often flies under the radar. But for Gaia, this is part of its charm. ‘Umbria is still a hidden gem. The land here is stunning, the views are breathtaking, and the potential for great wines is enormous’, she explains.

Gaia notes that, although the area does not have an established winemaking tradition, the grapes they have selected, such as Merlot, are already showing promising results. The first Merlot harvest was particularly surprising, with its colour and taste indicating a high-quality wine that needs time to mature. ‘We see the potential in a region that produces such fine wine. It reflects the quality of the resort’, she says.

’What we’re creating here is more than just wine,’ she concludes. It’s about building something that’s truly ours, something that reflects the land, the people, and the culture of Umbria.’