Cantina Capellini

Cantina Capellini is a family-run winery with a legacy of winemaking that spans seven generations. Located in the charming hilltop village of Volastra in the Cinque Terre, the winery is currently led by Luciano Capellini, who learned the art of winemaking from his father, Oreste, and his grandfather, Bernardo. Luciano is joined by his son, Mirco, who, despite being raised in Parma, has always considered this slice of the Ligurian coastline home, and Mirco’s wife, Laura.

Volastra, where the Capellini family has always lived, is a village that has gracefully adapted to the influx of tourism while preserving its soul. It is a place where ancient farming and winemaking traditions remain central to its identity. The village offers breathtaking views—from the sky above to the sea below — and is surrounded by vineyards supported by legendary dry stone walls. This unique landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and designated a National Park in 1999, provides the perfect backdrop for the Capellini family’s winemaking endeavors.

At Cantina Capellini, wine is made with the same patience and dedication passed down through generations, blending traditional techniques with modern advancements in viticulture and winemaking. The winery has recently undergone a gradual digital transformation, introducing small but effective changes while staying true to its core values. A longstanding dream of creating a wine tasting space directly in the vineyards overlooking the sea has also been realized, offering a special place where travelers and wine enthusiasts can gather to enjoy and appreciate the family’s homegrown products.

Volastra, perched on a hill above Manarola at around 330 meters above sea level, is a village deeply intertwined with the landscape of the Cinque Terre. Surrounded by vineyards, Volastra played a crucial role in shaping this iconic region, known for its stunning terraces like those in the Valle dei Pozzi and Costa da Posa. These terraces, where the grapes for Cantina Capellini's wines are grown, are a testament to the village's strong agricultural roots, which have now become a significant tourist attraction. Despite the influx of visitors, Volastra has retained its authentic character, making the rich peasant culture its centerpiece.

Cantina Capellini produces several distinct wines that capture the essence of this unique terroir:

- Sciacchetrà: A historic straw wine made primarily from Bosco grapes, with small amounts of Albarola and Vermentino. This aromatic wine is traditionally reserved for special occasions and is perfect for meditation and celebration.

- Cinqueterre DOP: The classic white wine of the region, made from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes. This wine embodies the scents and flavors of the Cinque Terre and is known for its crisp and intense profile, making it a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of dishes.

- Vin de Gussa: A unique wine that undergoes a "ripasso" process, where the pressed skins from Sciacchetrà are re-used in the fermentation of Cinque Terre DOP wine, resulting in a distinctive expression of the terroir.

- Menestrun d'Ua: A red wine that reflects the historical practice of cultivating red grape varieties in a region primarily known for whites. This wine is a blend of various red grapes, creating a complex and enjoyable "minestrone" of flavors.

These wines are a direct expression of the land, crafted with a deep respect for tradition while embracing the natural beauty of the Ligurian coast.