In the sun-drenched heart of Salento, where limestone soils meet the gentle caress of the sea breeze, lies a place where wine is not merely produced, but truly lived: Cantina San Donaci. Founded in 1933 by twelve visionary winemakers who dared to share their passion with a wider audience, this historic winery embodies the spirit of collective strength and unwavering commitment to quality.
What began as a bold idea soon blossomed into a remarkable success story. More and more growers joined the Cantina, drawn by the power of collaboration. Today, the winery counts around 300 dedicated partners, whose efforts enable the processing of up to 30,000 quintals of grapes each year – a testament to enduring continuity, even in times when the wine sector faced considerable challenges.
Cantina San Donaci is a master of marrying tradition with technological finesse. State-of-the-art vinification systems, temperature-controlled fermentation and gentle pressing techniques allow the wines to reveal their full aromatic depth. Maturation in oak barrels lends each cuvée its signature elegance – warm, layered and structurally refined – admired by connoisseurs across the globe.
Yet true quality begins in the vineyard. Across 320 hectares in the renowned Salice Salentino area, vines flourish on clay-limestone terraces, perfectly adapted to the hot, dry southern climate. The diversity of microclimates is harnessed with precision: grapes from the finest plots are vinified separately, allowing each parcel’s distinct character to shine through in the bottle.
The Cantina takes particular pride in preserving the Alberello Pugliese – a traditional bush vine that stands like a sculpture in the landscape. This ancient method, ideal for varieties such as Primitivo and Negroamaro, ensures optimal ventilation and care, and plays a vital role in shaping the expressive nature of the wines.
Guided by expert agronomists who advise member growers from pruning to harvest, a harmonious interplay of nature, knowledge and passion unfolds. The Cantina rewards this dedication through a rigorous quality system, analysing every grape delivery and remunerating according to grade – a clear commitment to excellence.
Cantina San Donaci is more than a winery. It is a cultural legacy, a driver of innovation, and a poetic expression of Salento itself. Its wines tell stories – of sun and stone, of community and patience, of origin and future. Each sip is an invitation to experience Apulia with all the senses.
Cantina San Donaci S.c.a.
Via Mesagne 62
72025 San Donaci (Brindisi)
Italia
+39 0831 681005
