Fourth-generation Puglian winery recognized for its commitment to biodiversity, indigenous grape varieties and climate resilience

LEPORANO, Italy, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Varvaglione 1921, the fourth-generation family-owned winery from Puglia, Italy, has been nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Award for Environmental Advocate of the Year, recognizing the winery's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity and the preservation of Puglia's indigenous grape varieties. The annual Wine Star Awards honor individuals and companies making outstanding contributions to the wine, spirits and beverage industry, with this year marking the 27th anniversary of the award.

For the Varvaglione family, environmental advocacy is deeply connected to the preservation of Puglia's winemaking heritage. Varieties such as Susumaniello and Negroamaro are central to the family's history and identity, and Varvaglione has made their preservation and promotion a key part of its work. Through this commitment, the winery is helping safeguard Puglia's unique viticultural heritage while exploring new ways to protect its biodiversity and ensure its continued vitality.

"I am deeply honored to see Varvaglione 1921 recognized by Wine Enthusiast as a nominee for Environmental Advocate of the Year. For our family, caring for the land and preserving Puglia's unique biodiversity have always been closely connected to our identity as winemakers. This nomination is a meaningful recognition of the work our entire team has undertaken to protect our heritage while looking toward the future. We are proud to continue investing in research, biodiversity and sustainable practices that can help ensure Puglia's vineyards remain vibrant for generations to come," said Marzia Varvaglione, Owner of Varvaglione 1921.

At the heart of this work is Varvaglione's biodiversity vineyard, an experimental field dedicated to studying the potential of grape varieties from across the Mediterranean and Balkans. The vineyard hosts more than 500 grape varieties, creating a living resource for research into viticultural biodiversity, heritage preservation and climate resiliency. In May 2026, Varvaglione 1921 further expanded this work by acquiring Casino Nitti, a historic property where the family is cultivating minor and Balkan grape varieties and developing a new experimental field dedicated to biodiversity. Through these initiatives, Varvaglione is looking beyond the varieties traditionally associated with Puglia to better understand the genetic diversity that could shape the future of viticulture.

That commitment to long-term environmental stewardship also extends to the winery itself, where Varvaglione has invested in renewable energy and continues to support research and share knowledge around sustainable viticulture. Together, these initiatives reflect the family's belief that protecting Puglia's natural resources and winemaking traditions are inseparable from ensuring the region's future.

Founded in 1921 by Cosimo Varvaglione, Varvaglione 1921 is now led by the family's fourth generation. For more than a century, the winery has remained rooted in Puglia, with a focus on expressing the character of the region through its native grapes and distinctive terroir. Today, the family continues to balance this heritage with forward-looking research and environmental initiatives designed to preserve Puglia's vineyards for generations to come.

Varvaglione 1921's nomination for Environmental Advocate of the Year underscores the winery's belief that the future of Puglian wine depends not only on producing exceptional wines, but on protecting the biodiversity, heritage and natural resources that make the region unique.

About Varvaglione 1921

Varvaglione 1921 is one of the leading and fastest developing wineries of Puglia, thanks to a winning combination of native grape growing and winemaking expertise spanning four generations, proactive entrepreneurship, and a strong presence on both the domestic and foreign markets. Varvaglione 1921 addresses an international audience of wine lovers who are looking for a different, modern Italian and Puglia wine experience. Varvaglione 1921 key products such as Papale and Papale Linea Oro offer consumers a new way to approach Primitivo and other traditional grapes in an innovative and unforgettable way.

About Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Companies is the ultimate source of innovation and information around wine. Founded in 1979 by Adam and Sybil Strum, the family-owned company is composed of Wine Enthusiast Commerce and Wine Enthusiast Media. Wine Enthusiast Shop provides premium wine-lifestyle products, reaching millions of consumers globally via direct mail, an e-commerce site, and a business-to-business division. Wine Enthusiast magazine is an award-winning print publication and online resource that showcases wine news, food trends, and more than 25,000 ratings and reviews annually. Wine Enthusiast events include the annual premier Wine Star Awards gala. In 2024, the company launched a travel division, which includes the Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel. Together, Wine Enthusiast Companies is the indisputable hub for everything wine. We bring wine to life.

About Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Awards

Each year, Wine Enthusiast celebrates the most influential members of the wine, spirits, and beverage world at the annual Wine Star Awards. This year marks the 27th anniversary of honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the industry. There are 16 categories for the 2026 Wine Star Awards. Four of the categories will have a named winner. The other 12 categories include a list of nominees exemplifying dedication and innovation to the success and growth of the wine, spirits, and beverage sector. The nominees were nominated by members of the Wine Enthusiast media team, including the global sales, events, marketing and editorial divisions. The 2026 Wine Star Award winners will be honored at the 27th annual black-tie gala in January 2027.

Media Contacts
Julia Forschino
jforschino@colangelopr.com

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