The story of Santa Margherita

Count Gaetano Marzotto dreamed of people, nature, and technology working in synergy. He was a visionary, as agriculture had yet to be mechanized. In 1935, his dream came to life when he began revitalizing an abandoned parcel of land in the Venetian countryside. He chose the location well — this had been a region of fine vineyards since Roman times. He would bring it back to its former glory, employing new agricultural science and honoring his commitment to the needs of the locals. Such an inspirational place could only bear one name — that of his one true love, his wife Margherita. And so Santa Margherita was born where alpine rivers cut through sun-drenched hills on their winding journey to the Mediterranean.

Pioneers in the wine world

Santa Margherita was the trendsetter in the global phenomenon of Pinot Grigio as it is known today: in 1961 Santa Margherita presented a "new" Pinot Grigio, characterised by the white vinification. In 1961 the Count Gaetano Marzotto had the great intuition to innovate the vinification technique of Pinot Grigio, avoiding any contact between the must and the grape skins during the pressing. This was the so-called “in white” vinification and the beginning of a new style of Italian whites: the Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita was born.

Less than twenty year later Pinot Grigio became a status and a cult wine in the US market. Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita is still today the most famous Italian Pinot Grigio, a real worldwide success.

Also, Santa Margherita was one of the pioneers in turning Glera grapes from the hills of Valdobbiadene into a sparkling wine: in 1952 Santa Margherita believed in making Glera into a sparkling wine and in the potential of Prosecco. Santa Margherita is namely proud to be among the pioneers of the vinification of Glera grapes since the beginning.

The people

They believe that creating memories and celebrating life with quality wines, food, family, and friends is what truly matters. After all, wine is about people: the locals who tend to the vines, the master artisans in the winery, and the fine wine lovers. These people are why they always strive for the highest quality in growing, crafting, and distributing. 

Ethical considerations and social responsibility to the region have been priorities for the company since the day it was founded. From the very beginning Santa Margherita shared a connection to the land and the people who live and work on it, always combining business objectives with social and ethical responsibility. If you share their passion, we hope you’ll share their wine with the people who matter most to you.

Sustainable practices

Santa Margherita was founded on a personal and sincere dedication to environmental preservation. While maintaining devoted to their Italian heritage, they hold their entire organization to the greatest standards of social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Their approach to winemaking is environmentally responsible, centered on the use of natural products and growth methods that maintain the vines' health and well-being. Copper and sulphur are used in their growing procedures, as well as compost generated from clipped plants to enrich the soil at their Chianti Classico production site.

Most winemakers would tell you that the less grapes and vines are manipulated, the greater the quality of wine produced. They agree with this remark, but they also support the employment of non-invasive, soft technologies to boost output and efficiency. They use organic land management techniques that benefit the ecosystem in the long run.

Their winemakers use "ultra organic cultivation" in Chianti Classico, which eliminates the use of traditional chemical pesticides, and they hand-harvest 90% of their grapes in Veneto to retain freshness and delicate tastes. They will be ready for their Global Organic Certification in the near future.

They are always investing in new resources and technology to assist them produce high-quality vegan products that are both sustainable and high-quality. Years ago, they stopped using animal by-products in an effort to be more attentive and aware of sustainable and responsible practices. During filtration, they only use vegan-friendly bentonite clay, as well as yeast and vegetable-derived ingredients. They only deal with vegan suppliers to ensure that these requirements are met throughout the whole production process.

They only use energy that is obtained entirely from renewable sources. Their winery in Portogruaro is totally self-powered, with 6,500 square feet of solar panels. They generate 360,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year, which is comparable to burning 145 tons of coal. This reduces their CO2 emissions by 190 tons, demonstrating their commitment to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, 10% of their total Pinot Grigio production (1.5 million bottles!) is certified carbon-neutral.

They are guided by the principle of “Zero Kilometer” and its positive consequences on the environment and society. They reduce their carbon footprint, which reduces their environmental impact. Their grapes are farmed on their estate vineyards, which encircle the property. They make our own wine bottles rather than relying on other vendors. In fact, recycled glass accounts for up to 65% of their green glass.