Perched on the highest hills of Collio in Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Tenuta Stella has emerged as a compelling model of organic winemaking rooted in biodiversity, tradition, and place. Located in Dolegna del Collio, in the province of Gorizia, the estate offers a distinctive expression of one of Italy’s most respected white-wine territories, where nature and viticulture are deeply intertwined.
Founded in 2009 by entrepreneur Sergio Stevanato, Tenuta Stella is today guided by CEO Alberto Faggiani alongside enologist Erika Barbieri. Under their leadership, the winery has remained firmly committed to authenticity, environmental responsibility, and uncompromising quality. Every decision, from vineyard management to cellar practices, reflects a belief that great wine begins with respect for the land.
The estate’s 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards stretch across the Scriò area of Dolegna del Collio at elevations between 120 and 270 meters. Here, vines grow without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, allowing the surrounding ecosystem to thrive naturally. The soils are composed of Ponca, a historic mix of marl and sandstone that is central to Collio’s identity, lending wines notable freshness, minerality, and aging potential.
Geography plays a defining role in the character of Tenuta Stella’s wines. The vineyards sit between the Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south, benefiting from steady breezes and pronounced temperature shifts between day and night. These conditions help preserve acidity while enhancing aromatic depth, particularly in the region’s native grape varieties.
Biodiversity is not treated as a concept but as a daily practice at Tenuta Stella. The estate holds DiversityArk certification, recognizing its active efforts to preserve and monitor plant and animal life within the vineyards. Partnerships with local beekeepers, circular farming methods, and the adoption of innovative approaches such as Ecomethod, designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through sustainable plant nutrition, further reinforce its environmental commitment.
At the heart of Tenuta Stella’s philosophy is a dedication to native Friulian grapes, including Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Friulano. These varieties are cultivated as direct reflections of the Collio landscape, shaped by climate, soil, and careful human stewardship rather than interventionist techniques.
More than a winery, Tenuta Stella functions as a living ecosystem where agriculture, culture, and sustainability coexist. Each bottle serves as a quiet testament to Collio itself, carrying forward a vision in which wine is not only produced, but responsibly cultivated for generations to come.