Why ABFV Italy chose a quarry for its new Bolgheri winery

ABFV is certainly no stranger to ambitious winery projects, with the company operating in Uruguay, Argentina, the United States, Australia, France and Tuscany.

The Cantina Meraviglia project has involved an old quarry, left unused for decades, being transformed into a production site for exceptional Bolgheri wines.

"Cantina Meraviglia is a territorial redevelopment project, a declaration of love for this area: the winery is the result of entrepreneur Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni's vision, driven by the desire to restore beauty and value to a wounded and forgotten place, transforming it into a symbol of territorial and cultural rebirth," comments managing director Enrico Viglierchio. "The quarry had been abandoned since the 1980s. It was a scar on the landscape. ABFV is a project driven by the vision of its founder, Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni: wine is not just a product, but an expression of culture, values, beauty, hospitality and community, and this winery is the embodiment of that vision."

"More than vineyards, more than estates, every destination reflects a philosophy of heritage, culture, and sustainable luxury," he continues. "It’s not about luxury for its own sake – it’s about coherence. If our wines are made with precision, integrity, and excellence, then every guest experience should reflect those same values."

Blending in

One important aspect of the winery is that it was designed to not intrude upon the landscape, tucked into the old quarry, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.

"Because the new winery was intended to be part of the landscape, but not dominate it," explains Viglierchio. "This was for both aesthetic and environmental reasons. Many standards were met to ensure that the winery would not impact the environment and the natural ecosystem. Like the DarkSky stand: it defines guidelines for responsible outdoor lighting, aimed at minimising light pollution and preserving natural darkness for stargazing, wildlife, and human health."

Sustainability is a large part of the philosophy behind the winery's design.

"The Cantina Meraviglia project is based on three pillars – environmental, social, and economic sustainability – which represent the very essence of the ABFV model," notes Viglierchio. "Among the measures implemented are: rainwater management to reduce erosion and sedimentation, reduction of light pollution in accordance with DarkSky standards, green roofs, smart energy systems, and environmental comfort for workers and visitors."

Tourist destination

As well as being a production site, the intention for Cantina Meraviglia, which is due to reopen this month, is to offer a good visitor experience, with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea as well as tours and tastings.

"Cantina Meraviglia reopens to the public in March, Monday through Friday for the first month, and then every day of the week, including weekends, starting in April. Guests can choose from a variety of experiences, some of which include a jeep tour or a vertical tasting of old vintages. Visitors can also enjoy a quick lunch or snack at the Wine Bar of Tenuta Le Colonne, near the winery. More than producing wine, we seek to create experiences that reflect the spirit of each place, where visitors can feel the soul of the vineyard," says Viglierchio.

Bolgheri, at least from an international perspective, is not as well known by tourists compared to the likes of Chianti and Montalcino, but this coastal zone of Tuscany could well become a popular destination in the near future.

"Bolgheri is a magnificent area with incredible potential. There is the countryside, the sea, many high-quality food and wine products, a consistently mild climate, and a soft light that caresses everything," remarks Viglierchio. "All the ingredients are there, along with many beautiful and unique wineries that can attract tourists, not only during the high season as it is now, but also throughout the year."

The pursuit of excellence

ABFV Italy won Winery of the Year in the most recent edition of Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide, and its Chianti Classico estate Dievole is a member of the Top Italian Wines Roadshow. Given the attention to detail the company has given to Cantina Meraviglia, quality is clear at the business' heart.

"Excellence for us means carrying out projects where wine is intertwined with themes of sustainability, five-star hospitality, and the search for uniqueness that is culturally and historically linked to our territories of origin. It’s about a philosophy that harmonises innovation, tradition, and hospitality," says Viglierchio. "The new winery embodies all of this and is also the result of vision, passion, courage, and the desire to leave a legacy to the territory."