Heritage is the foundation upon which great winemaking is built. From centuries-old family estates to modern pioneers carving their own legacies, the concept of heritage in wine is ever-evolving. In the world of wine, heritage can be seen in two distinct ways: the deep-seated traditions of family-run wineries, where knowledge and expertise have been passed down through generations, and the "found heritage" of newer winemakers who are forging their own legacies by blending historical practices with contemporary techniques. Both approaches honour the past while embracing innovation, ensuring that the world of wine remains as rich and diverse as ever.

Family Heritage: A Legacy Rooted in Time

For many wine producers, their heritage is one of generational stewardship, where the land, techniques, and traditions have been handed down like heirlooms. This family-driven passion has allowed wineries to maintain consistency, preserve unique winemaking methods, and cultivate a deep respect for their terroir.

One of the most notable examples of this is Bertani, based just outside Verona, Italy. In the late 1930s, with war on the horizon, the winery blocked off sections of its cellars to hide its back vintages, some dating as far back as the 1880s. Tragically, during the war, all the workers who knew of this secret perished, and with them, the location of the hidden cellars was lost. It wasn’t until the 1970s, during an expansion, that these treasures were rediscovered. Today, visitors can walk what is known as "the longest wine walk in the world," experiencing the winery's history from the most recent vintage back to the 1880s—except for the years when war disrupted production.

The Trimbach family also exemplifies this rich tradition. Established in 1626, the Alsatian winery has been in the hands of the same family for over 12 generations. They have maintained a steadfast commitment to quality, producing wines renowned for their balance, elegance, and longevity. Their Rieslings are considered some of the finest in the world, reflecting the family's unwavering dedication to their craft.

Another fascinating story of heritage comes from the Humberto Canale winery in Argentina. At the turn of the 20th century, Italy was struggling with poverty and job scarcity, while Argentina sought skilled immigrants to help develop its agricultural sector. The Canale family made the journey, bringing vine rootstocks intended for raisin bread production. One brother, however, saw the potential for winemaking. Over five generations, the winery has grown into one of Argentina’s most respected producers. Meanwhile, the Canale bread and fruit bread brand remains a household name in Argentina, similar to Hovis in the UK.

Our Director of Sales for Scotland, North West & North East England, Les Somerville said,

“One of my favourite things about working with our wineries is understanding where we sit in the history of that producer and the responsibility we have to bring the journey to life. When we are doing training with customers and are able to overlay this level of history, it is quite an incredible experience. They start to look at the wine, the bottles, and the history in a very different way, and it opens their eyes to it not just being a readily available product but something that has grown and developed over a long, long period of time with many hands making the journey of the brand to where it currently sits. We have a wealth of stories from our producers.”

Found Heritage: Honouring the Past, Innovating for the Future

While some winemakers inherit their legacy, others create their own, weaving together historical techniques with fresh perspectives and ideas. These visionaries respect the old ways but are unafraid to challenge convention, proving that heritage is not just about longevity or history—it’s about evolution.

At Bodegas Verum in Spain, tradition meets reinvention. The family behind Verum has a long history of fine winemaking, but Elias, the current winemaker, is dedicated to reviving old Spanish varietals like Mazuelo, Graciano, and Albillo.

Our Territory Manager, Laura Bennett said her favourite fact of all those she shares with customers is that “He (Elias) employs ancient techniques, such as using his grandfather’s amphoras  (around 125 years old!), to create wines that are both a nod to the past and a statement for the future. I was lucky enough to see them in person and capture a photo on a recent producer visit, they are an extraordinary sight.”

In South Africa, Ken Forrester took an unconventional path into winemaking. A restaurateur by trade, he purchased a vineyard in 1994 and learned the craft through hands-on experience, mentorship, and an intuitive understanding of the land. His dedication is evident in his meticulous approach to hand-picking every grape—an astounding 11.4 million individual snips of the secateurs per harvest. His commitment to careful farming practices has led to the creation of wines that are not only exceptional but also entirely vegan.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Chaffey Wines showcases another form of found heritage. Historically, the Chaffey family grew grapes to sell to renowned wineries like Penfolds. Now, the next generation has flipped the script, becoming winemakers themselves and purchasing grapes from the very farmers they once supplied. This full-circle transformation highlights the evolution of winemaking heritage—maintaining the family’s agricultural roots while stepping into the creative process of crafting their own wines.

Honouring Heritage, Embracing the Future

Whether passed down through generations or built from the ground up, heritage in winemaking is a story of passion, perseverance, and innovation. Traditional family wineries carry the weight of history, preserving time-honoured practices while adapting to modern advancements. Meanwhile, newer producers carve out their own paths, drawing inspiration from the past but forging ahead with new ideas.

What unites them is a deep respect for the craft and a commitment to creating wines that reflect not only their origins but also their vision for the future. In this ever-changing industry, heritage is not just about where you come from—it’s about where you are going. All producers experience different journeys but all with quality craft and tradition never far from their thoughts.