Since Etruscan times, Montepulciano has been at the centre of the wine trade in Tuscany. With quotations reaching back in time from Tito Livio to Poliziano, from Voltaire to Alexandre Dumas right up to Thomas Jefferson, the enological culture of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has carved out a unique journey for itself. A history and a uniqueness which were sealed by the creation of the DOC in 1960 and the DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in 1980.
In fact, it was in the 80s that the estate’s story started to enfold thanks to the passion of its founder, Rudi Bindella, grandson of the pioneer Jean Bindella who at the beginning of the 1900s with only two horses started transporting flagons of wine and then introduced the famous Tuscan flask of wine to Switzerland. Rudi Bindella, explored and developed the family activity by starting to instruct those around him, importing and distributing excellent Italian products in the Swiss market, opening restaurants in the most important Swiss areas. During his studies in Italy, he discovers Montepulciano where he decides to become a winemaker and set up his own estate.
The Vallocaia Estate represents a unicum of this prestigious winemaking area: it is the Nobile of today but most of all, the Nobile of what will be.
From its two large glass windows, the lovely landscapes and the noble profile of Montepulciano dominate. The blood-red sunsets and the crests, that follow on from one another create a picturesque succession worthy of the brush of a Renaissance artist.
The Tenuta Vallocaia has a special character. Today, it is a modern winery with an ancient heart, encapsulated in an architecture which exalts its functions and its beauty. It is permeated with light which amplifies its considerable, exposed, internal spaces. A place where wine, art, history, passion and people live in a dynamic equilibrium, dedicated to creating wines that are the best way to tell the tales of this land in the heart of Italy.
At the Tenuta Vallocaia, one breathes the Energy of the Future, one experiments, one speaks with the land to understand its character and transfer it to its wines in order to project it towards a modern, sophisticated and more elegant style.
Rudi Bindella buys a small property in the historic centre of the winegrowing production of Montepulciano: Vallocaia, in the area of Argiano, comprising of little more than a ruin and two and a half hectares of vineyards.
The purchase of another important portion of land in the area of Sanguineto: Santa Maria.
Expansion of the property at Vallocaia with neighbouring olive groves and woodlands to diversify the productions and improve biodiversity.
Market launch of the first vintage of Vino Nobile of Montepulciano Bindella, harvest of 1985.
The production is enriched by Vin Santo of Montepulciano Dolce Sinfonia, a traditional wine obtained by the drying of local white grapes.
Purchase of the vineyards of Fossolupaio in the area of Paterno. Giovanni Capuano, present manager of the estate becomes a part of the firm, sharing his vision and productive philosophy of Rudi Bindella.
First year of production of Rosso Montepulciano Fossolupaio.
The Vino Nobile of Montepulciano I Quadri 2000 arrives, produced by a single Sangiovese vineyard.
The first vineyard of Sauvignon Blanc is planted.
Release of the first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc Gemella, the 2007.
Purchase of Camparone in the area of Cervognano.
Presentation of Vallocaia 2010, the first production as a Reserve of the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano produced by the best vineyards of Vallocaia.
Beginning of the renovation of the Vallocaia Estate, including an underground cellar and a new hospitality area.
The building works on the new winery of Vallocaia are completed.
Market launch of the first vintage of Gemella Rosato, the 2017.
Purchase of the new property in the area of Casalte.
Start of the labour on the new hospitality centre.
The Vinotheque and the Vallocaia cuisine open their doors to guests.
Vallocaia Estate celebrates its 40th anniversary.