Avignonesi
Founded in 1974 by the historic Avignonesi family in Montepulciano, today this winery is one of the most important in Tuscany and Italy.
Since 2009 the winery has been owned by Virgine Saverys, a Belgian entrepreneur who has decided to make her passion for oenology and fine wines a true mission, in order to pursue ever greater excellence while respecting the surrounding environment.
In fact, at the heart of Avignonesi Winery there is a philosophy founded on the creation of organic products, obtained through biodynamic viticulture and sustainable agriculture. The winery’s excellence was confirmed in 2016 by the obtainment of the Organic Certification.
The vineyards of the Avignonesi Estate are located in Montepulciano and Cortona and extend for an area of approximately 175 hectares; Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced on the fields of Montepulciano, while Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced on other lands.
The main winery is located in the Lodola estate in Valiano di Montepulciano, while the vinsanteria, the place where the Vin Santo and the prized Occhio di Pernice are left to mature inside the caratelli, is located in the Le Capezzine estate in Cortona.
Only biodynamic preparations are used in the vineyard, and green manure is frequently used, a technique that improves soil fertility by sowing a pure herbaceous crop and then burying it once it has reached the desired stage.
During the vinification process, only indigenous yeasts are used, while the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels or French oak barriques.
The production includes: Nobile di Montepulciano (di Annata, in versions Caprile, Il Grasso, La Banditella, Oceano), Rosso di Montepulciano D.O.C., Avignonesi Da-Di Toscana I.G.T., Desiderio Cortona Doc Merlot, Grandi Annate, Capannelle – Avignonesi 50&50, Grappa di Vin Santo and grappa di Nobile di Montepulciano.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Avignonesi winery located and in what wine area does it produce?
Avignonesi is located in Montepulciano and Cortona, in Tuscany, with vineyards covering about 300 hectares. Vino Nobile is produced on the Montepulciano land, while at the Le Capezzine estate in Cortona, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown, and the vinsanteria is located where Vin Santo and the prized Occhio di Pernice age.
Who founded the Avignonesi winery? Is it still a family business?
Avignonesi was founded in 1974 by the historic Avignonesi family of Montepulciano. Since 2009 the winery has been owned by Belgian entrepreneur Virginie Saverys, who began converting the whole estate to biodynamic farming, earning organic certification in 2016.
What approach do they take in the vineyard and cellar at Avignonesi?
The winery applies biodynamic viticulture principles across all its vineyards, using only biodynamic preparations and frequently relying on green manuring to improve soil fertility. Only indigenous yeasts are used in the cellar, with aging in large Slavonian oak casks or French oak barriques.
What wines does Avignonesi produce?
Production includes several versions of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (including Caprile, Il Grasso, La Banditella and Oceano), Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, Desiderio Cortona DOC made from Merlot, as well as Vin Santo, Grappa and the IGT Da-Di.
Has the Avignonesi winery received major awards?
Yes: Avignonesi won Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide in 2025, confirming the quality achieved through the biodynamic path started by Virginie Saverys. The winery has also partnered with Colangelo & Partners to strengthen its presence in the US market.
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