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Vespa Vignaioli – A Passionate Ode to Manduria and Primitivo
Apulia
August 6, 2025
Wine Blogs

Vespa Vignaioli per Passione sprang to life in 2014 when television journalist Bruno Vespa, inspired by his mentor Luigi Veronelli, transformed his passion into an artisanal winery together with his sons Alessandro and Federico. Situated at the restored Masseria Li Reni near Manduria in Puglia, this elegant 16th‑century estate now sprawls across approximately 46 hectares—with some 34 hectares dedicated to vines, including Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Fiano.
Set in Manduria’s iron-rich clay soils and cooled by Ionian Sea breezes, the vineyards incorporate both modern spurred cordon training and the traditional ad alberello bush method for older vines—each technique helping to express the full depth and typicity of native varieties. Under the guidance of renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, the estate blends meticulous farming with expressive winemaking to produce wines of elegance and complexity.
Vespa Vignaioli has grown into an accomplished ambassador for Puglia—both preserving local tradition and bringing contemporary finesse. With wines served at events like G7 summits and exported to over 25 countries, the estate is proof that thoughtful winemaking can bring southern Italy’s terroir to global tables.