Historic Roots in Valpolicella

Santa Sofia winery is nestled in the picturesque Veneto region, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich winemaking heritage. The winery's headquarters, Villa Santa Sofia, was designed by the celebrated architect Andrea Palladio in 1560 and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

By the mid-1800s, Santa Sofia was already celebrated for its exceptional Valpolicella wines.

The winery sources its grapes from meticulously selected vineyards on the best-exposed hillsides, ensuring optimal quality. The tradition of winemaking at Santa Sofia dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, with parts of the original cellars still in use today for aging wine.

Global Reach and New Ventures

Santa Sofia has successfully expanded its presence, exporting wines to over 50 countries worldwide. Recently, the winery acquired a new vineyard in Briago, Valpantena, bringing its total estate to 53 hectares. Here, the winery cultivates Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, producing a diverse range of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The Begnoni family passionately upholds this rich winemaking tradition.

A Leader in Veronese Winemaking

Over the years, Santa Sofia has evolved from a small estate known for quality to a prominent player in the Veronese winemaking scene. Under the guidance of Giancarlo Begnoni, the winery follows a “strategy of excellence,” emphasizing traditional methods and the creation of outstanding regional wines.

Experiences to book at Santa Sofia Winery

Top reviews

Fabio C
November 19, 2017
Very nice place, with adegas more than 500 years old. Best wines and tour in English and Italian with tasting. Very interesting and with friendly staff.
Laura W
September 14, 2021
We popped in spontaneously and were warmly welcomed. We did a lovely tasting that was well explained. The Palladian Villa next to the winery is privately owned and not accessible. However you can take a glimpse through the window of the wineshop!
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Location

Location Via Ca' Dedè 61 Frazione Pedemonte Di Valpolicella, San Pietro In Cariano, 37029, Italy

Region

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Spoken Languages

Services

Pets Allowed
Parking

Visiting Hours

Monday - Friday
09:30 - 12:30, 14:00 - 17:30
Saturday
10:00 - 13:30, 14:00 - 17:30
Sunday
closed

Wine types

Red Wine
White Wine
Rose Wine
Orange Wine
Sparkling Wine
Sweet Wine
Fortified Wine
Spirits

Grape varieties

Corvina
Corvinone
Rondinella

Other wineries in Veneto

Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about Santa Sofia Winery

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Santa Sofia Winery.

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Reviews (9)

andrea ciotti
Reviewed on January 20, 2025

Fantastic place, especially if you go to the old part of the cellar, the wine is excellent 👍

Review provided by Google

MALUMAMI
Reviewed on February 21, 2023

Santa Sofia, a prestigious historic brand, was founded in 1811 and is based in Pedemonte, a hamlet of San Pietro in Cariano, in the classic Valpolicella, and in the only villa of Andrea Palladio in the Veronese area. The origins of Villa Santa Sofia date back to 1560, when the nobleman Marcantonio Serego entrusted himself to the genius of the architect Andrea Palladio. Its winemaking tradition has even more distant origins: the cellars date back to three different historical periods, the oldest of which dates back to 1300 by the monks who resided in the church dedicated to Santa Sofia, where today the large oak barrels from Slavonia are kept and where Amarone, Valpolicella Superiore Montegradella and Valpolicella Ripasso mature. Below the Palladian villa are the 16th century cellars with 225-litre Allier oak barriques for the aging of the Amarone Gioè, Arlèo, Predaia and Recioto della Valpolicella wines. The most recent construction dates back to 1700 and today houses the steel tanks for the aging of the youngest and freshest wines. The vineyards extend over 38 hectares. Since 1967 the company has been owned by the Begnoni family, who take care of both the agronomic part and the winemaking. The family recently invested in Valpantena, buying vineyards in Briago. The red wines of Santa Sofia are harmonious and have great structure. The drying of the grapes in the drying room for Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone takes at least 100 days. At Santa Sofia you can breathe history, in the garden of the villa, strolling among the centuries-old trees and the water features desired by the landscape architect, and perceiving all the elegance and nobility of the place while sipping a glass of their wines. Among the wines produced, harmonious and with great structure, are Amarone della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore Montegradella, Valpolicella Ripasso, Arlèo, Predaia and Recioto della Valpolicella.

Review provided by Google

Luca Rimoldi
Reviewed on August 4, 2022

Very beautiful cantina producing beautifully sharp and traditional wines from Valpolicella. They focus TRULY on making their grapes the hero in the bottle/glass - their Valpolicella Superiore and Amarone Gioè are stellar!

Review provided by Google

Laura W
Reviewed on September 14, 2021

We popped in spontaneously and were warmly welcomed. We did a lovely tasting that was well explained. The Palladian Villa next to the winery is privately owned and not accessible. However you can take a glimpse through the window of the wineshop!

Review provided by Google

André Christensen
Reviewed on August 4, 2021

Wonderful visit, excellent wines!

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Sofia Winery

Where is Santa Sofia Winery located?

Santa Sofia Winery is located in Valpolicella, Italy

What type of wines does Santa Sofia Winery produce?

Santa Sofia Winery produces Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine, Orange Wine, Sparkling Wine, Sweet Wine, Fortified Wine, Spirits.

What grape varieties do they plant at Santa Sofia Winery?

At Santa Sofia Winery, they cultivate Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella.

What languages do they speak at the Santa Sofia Winery?

At Santa Sofia Winery they speak English.

Do they produce organic wines at Santa Sofia Winery?

No, Santa Sofia Winery is not an organic wine producer.