As fall entertaining and holiday celebrations approach, wine lovers are increasingly looking beyond familiar labels for bottles with a story behind them. Italy’s multigenerational wine estates offer both: distinctive wines and family histories that stretch across generations.
From Tuscany to Sicily, these four estates bring something different to the autumn and holiday table.
San Polo: A Tuscan Match for Fall Flavors
In Montalcino, San Polo farms one of the cooler, higher-elevation areas of the region, producing Brunello di Montalcino known for its savory character and aging potential. The wines are a natural match for hearty fall dishes, including porcini crostini, braised short ribs and truffle risotto.
The estate is owned by sisters Carlotta and Caterina Allegrini, daughters of wine icon Marilisa Allegrini, who became the first Italian woman to appear solo on the cover of Wine Spectator. Their family history provides another layer to a Tuscan wine story centered on tradition and women in wine.
Ceretto: The Host Gift With an Italian Twist
For holiday hosts, Ceretto in Piedmont offers an easy pairing of two regional specialties. The family’s Barolo or Barbaresco can be paired with Relanghe, its single-origin hazelnut chocolate line.
The combination makes a natural holiday gift while highlighting the culinary traditions of Alba. Head Winemaker Alessandro Ceretto can also speak about the family’s approach to biodynamic farming and its connections to art, architecture and gastronomy.
Famiglia Cotarella: Reds for Holiday Feasts
Big holiday meals call for wines that can hold their own against rich dishes. Famiglia Cotarella’s Montiano, a structured and concentrated Merlot, offers one option for hearty meals such as prime rib. The estate also produces Cabernet and Ferentano, made with a native Italian grape.
The winery is now led by the third-generation Cotarella sisters, creating an unusual all-female leadership structure within a major Italian wine house.
Tenuta Regaleali: Sicily’s Historic Pour
Sicily continues to attract attention from travelers and wine enthusiasts, and Tenuta Regaleali offers a connection to the island’s history. The estate has been farmed by the same family since 1830, while its Rosso del Conte, first produced in 1970, has become one of Sicily’s recognized collectible reds.
The estate is also certified through Sicily’s SOStain sustainability program, adding an environmental dimension to its story.
Together, these estates offer more than bottles for fall and holiday celebrations. They connect the dinner table to generations of Italian winemaking, regional traditions, family ownership and evolving approaches to sustainability.