Veneto estate celebrates 50 years of organic

Veneto-based estate Fidora has marked the 50th anniversary of its use of organic viticulture with the opening of a new cellar in Valpolicella.

Purchased in 1927 by Ferruccio Fidora, the estate in Civranetta underwent its conversion to organic in the 1970s under the stewardship of his son Guido Fidora.

Guido Fidora was one of the farmers to contribute to drafting the first regulations which would later develop into the European Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on the organic production of agricultural products.

His son, Lorenzo Fidora, would lead the acquisition of other properties in Valpolicella Classica and eastern Valpolicella, as well as in Valdobbiadene, that are also now managed organically.

Today the 400 hectares in Valpolicella and Venice are under the fourth generation, Lorenzo Fidora’s son Emilio Fidora, and are planted with classic Valpolicella varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.

Coinciding with the milestone anniversary, which makes Fidora one of the longest practicing organic-certified wineries in Italy, a new cellar is operating after three years of construction work.

Covering approximately 4,000 square metres, the new gravity winery in San Pietro in Cariano, Verona is four storeys tall. At the top is the fruttaio, where the grapes are stocked, with vinification rooms and the barrel ageing room beneath. There is also a warehouse and tasting room. In an effort to keep it self-sufficient, there are also photovoltaic panels to supply the energy demands of the building.

Although parts of the winemaking process for the 2023 vintage took place in the new winery, the 2024 harvest will see production take place from start to finish in the new building.