Montepulciano, Italy – September 16, 2026 -- Avignonesi, Italy's largest fully biodynamically certified wine estate, has been nominated for European Winery of the Year in Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards, marking the estate as the sole Italian producer selected in the category.
Avignonesi stands as the only Italian nominee among European contenders
The nomination recognizes the historic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. producer for its scale of responsible viticulture and long-term land stewardship. Winners for the 27th annual Wine Star Awards will be announced at a black-tie gala in January 2027.
A 2009 ownership change triggered the estate's full biodynamic conversion
Founded in the 1970s, Avignonesi helped shape the modern development of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with Sangiovese at its core. Virginie Saverys acquired the estate in 2009 and initiated its conversion to organic and biodynamic agriculture, a transition that now spans more than 300 hectares farmed exclusively with estate-grown grapes.
Corporate structure has formalized the estate's sustainability commitments
Avignonesi became a Società Benefit in 2021 and earned Certified B Corporation status in 2022, extending its environmental focus into biodiversity, community engagement and responsible business governance. The estate's historic agricultural center, Le Capezzine, now functions as a combined hub for winemaking, hospitality and cultural activity.
Parcel-level research is reshaping the estate's winemaking approach
Avignonesi has intensified parcel-by-parcel study of its vineyards to produce more precise expressions of Sangiovese and Montepulciano's varied terroirs, blending Vino Nobile's traditional heritage with an emphasis on freshness and elegance.
"To be nominated as European Winery of the Year is a tremendous honor, particularly because it recognizes a journey that has involved every part of Avignonesi,