Boutique services courtesy of Marotta Travel Co. can deliver an unforgettable visit to the historic Valpolicella winery of Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani, where authentic Italian charm awaits.
With travel and wedding seasons both underway, and whether you’re travelling to discover a new place or planning to celebrate a special event, Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the romantic setting for William Shakespeare’s tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, is well worth visiting. Beyond Verona in the nearby Novare Valley, another family’s rich legacy unfolds in a place where celebrating beautiful stories has become their business.
My latest adventure begins when I disembark at the Verona train station. Romina, Events Director of Villa Mosconi Bertani and her English setter, Romeo, greet me warmly and we set out for Villa Mosconi Bertani, just outside of Verona in the heart of the legendary Valpolicella wine region. It’s absolutely fitting that this complex, whose 18th-century neoclassical estate has captured the interest of so many wine enthusiasts, is home to one of the most historic wineries in Valpolicella, Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani.
Arriving at Villa Mosconi Bertani and stepping through its gates is like walking into a storybook where history, art and nature are exquisitely intertwined. The majestic and quietly elegant villa is nothing short of breathtaking. Its neoclassical façade, set against its verdant landscape, is a proud emblem of centuries past, and behind the main villa a secret garden unfolds. The garden, a much- sought-after location for wedding and event planners from around the world, is a masterpiece of natural beauty and the perfect backdrop for a fairy-tale weddings, corporate gatherings and photo shoots.
The Bertani family’s attention to detail is evident in every corner of the estate. Guests are warmly invited to discover Villa Mosconi Bertani and Tenuta Santa Maria firsthand through organized guided tours and tastings — immersive experiences that encompass tours of the estate, the winery and its monumental wine cellars, along with traditional culinary offerings and tastings of their acclaimed wines.
The Gaetano Bertani family and Tenuta Santa Maria: a rich heritage of innovation
The Bertani family can trace its viticulture roots back to the 1500s; with formal operations starting in 1735, they are Verona’s oldest winemakers and among the oldest in Italy. The family’s vision was simple: quality over quantity would be the future of Valpolicella wines. They were pioneers in transitioning to bottled wine and exporting at scale worldwide. Almost a hundred years ago the family’s winery also broke from convention in another way by producing Acinaticum 1928, of which only a few bottles have survived and are still available. This wine is considered the father of what is known as Amarone — the Bertani family’s contribution to Veneto wine-making is so significant that today, Tenuta Santa Maria and Amarone have become synonymous.
The story of the villa begins in the 16th century. It evolved and changed hands until the family purchased and restored it in the mid-20th century, making it the home of their Valpolicella Classica production. Today, Bertani brothers Giovanni and Guglielmo are the stewards of the legacy and carry on their commitment to the Valpolicella region, sustainable agriculture and ongoing research and development. Their exceptional wines are exported around the world, including to Canada, winning enthusiastic appreciation from wine lovers.
Tenuta Santa Maria is more than a winery or estate. It is a living legacy deeply woven into the fabric of Valpolicella and its community. It is a beacon of Italian winemaking excellence and a destination where history, nature and hospitality come together to create beautiful and unforgettable experiences.
