About us
We plant trees under whose shade we will never sit
Avignonesi was founded in Montepulciano in the 1970s, within an agricultural tradition that looks toward the future.
Today, the estate, owned by the Saverys family, extends over more than 300 hectares between Montepulciano and Cortona, with vineyards entirely estate-grown and cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles.
Our philosophy is grounded in a simple and rigorous idea: to make wine starting from the land, respecting time, place and the responsibility toward what comes next.
Past and Future
Avignonesi takes its name from a noble family of the 16th century, reflecting a cultural connection with Montepulciano. In the 1970s, the modern estate was established. In 2009, Virginie Saverys began the transition to biodynamic farming and expanded the estate.
Today, Avignonesi is an agricultural, human and cultural ecosystem guided by a long-term vision.
With the transition from Virginie Saverys to her children, Basile and Eline Aloy, in 2024, Avignonesi enters a new phase of conscious continuity.
A generational step conceived not as a rupture, but as the natural evolution of a long-term vision, grounded in agriculture, responsibility and cultural depth. Basile and Eline carry forward a legacy built over time, bringing a contemporary perspective that strengthens the commitment to the land, to people and to Avignonesi’s role as an agricultural and cultural reference, today and for future generations.
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The vineyard
La Stella
The new La Stella vineyard aims to counter monoculture by creating a functional ecosystem to produce high-quality wine that is more resilient to climate change. The layout of the vine rows is designed to reduce soil erosion and employs an innovative cultivation system that improves disease prevention, water efficiency, and worker ergonomics.
The vineyard is grafted with several local Sangiovese selections, and 5% of the vines have been replaced with resilient shrub hedges. “Married” vines, a historical agroforestry system, are also present, promoting coexistence between crops. Resistant fruit varieties such as pomegranates, almonds, peaches, and pears are integrated to diversify production. Geese will help control weeds without compacting the soil. An ecological corridor runs through the vineyard, slowing water runoff and connecting the area to the nearby park, creating an ecological network across the entire property.
The Cellar
Since 2013, Lodola has been our centre for vinification and ageing, a few kilometres from Le Capezzine. Here, each parcel is vinified separately to preserve its identity and character. We vinify exclusively estate-grown grapes, following a process that combines technical precision with a careful listening to the material.
Amphorae, stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs, barriques, large casks and caratelli are tools in service of the wine, never its protagonists.
Time – whether short or long – is an integral part of the process.
The Voices
We believe in transparency, shared knowledge and excellence as a daily practice.
Being a good ancestor means leaving the soil better than we found it.
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“I love wine because it makes me smile. I love its dynamism, its moodiness. Wine is just like a person: its personality changes according to the situations, to the weather. It mirrors all the external conditions, like a living being…”
From left to right:
members of the Saverys family, represented by Basile Aloy, Carmen Christiaansen and Eline Aloy;
alongside Avignonesi’s Executive Committee: Suzie Alexander – Hospitality Director, Matteo Giustiniani – CEO, Alessio Gorini – COO,
Claudio Benvenuti – CFO, Gaetano D’Afflitto – Commercial Director, Daniele Carlini – CMO.
Basile Aloy – Presidente, Carmen Christiaansen – Le Capezzine Sr Advisor, Eline Aloy – Board Member, Suzie Alexander – Hospitality Director, Matteo Giustiniani – CEO, Alessio Gorini – COO, Claudio Benvenuti – CFO, Gaetano D’Afflitto – Commercial Director, Daniele Carlini – CMO.
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“I love wine because it makes me smile. I love its dynamism, its moodiness. Wine is just like a person: its personality changes according to the situations, to the weather. It mirrors all the external conditions, like a living being…”
Certifications
We are a Benefit Corporation and a B Corp. Our practices are certified organic and biodynamic.
For us, sustainability is not just a message, but an ongoing, practical commitment.
Furthermore, as a Benefit Corporation, Avignonesi is committed to pursuing specific common benefit purposes and operating in a responsible, sustainable and transparent manner towards people, the local community, the environment and all its stakeholders.
Discover our common benefit purposes here.
Our Impact Reports
JEDI – Declaration and Action Plan
JEDI stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. This document brings together our public commitment and a multi-year plan that links every action to one of the three areas of the JEDI journey, making its purpose, deadline, resources, responsibility and status explicit.
Press
Here you will find press coverage, awards, and official materials.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact us.
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The New York Times
In a 2024 The New York Times article Avignonesi is highlighted among fewer than 100 B-Corp Wineries in the world. -
Decanter
In an in-depth feature on the revival of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Decanter recognised the role of Avignonesi in championing single-vineyard expressions. -
Town & Country Mag
In a piece on Italy’s most biodiverse vineyards, Town & Country spotlighted Avignonesi’s La Stella estate as a model of regenerative viticulture. -
Robert Parker
Avignonesi was awarded the Robert Parker Green Emblem, a recognition given to only a few wineries worldwide for their outstanding commitment to sustainable winegrowing.