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For Guerrieri Rizzardi, 2025 was a season marked by climatic challenges, new investments, commercial milestones and important recognitions—elements that confirmed the strength of a story deeply rooted in its territory and, at the same time, capable of looking far ahead.
A vintage that reflects new wine trends
The 2025 harvest once again followed an unpredictable rhythm, shaped by a climate that alternated intense rainfall with bright, clear days. This required constant attention and swift decision-making, sometimes leading to earlier harvests that turned even Sundays into picking days in order to preserve quality. A race against time that ultimately proved rewarding, giving rise to wines that, even in this complex vintage, perfectly reflect current market trends — more moderate alcohol levels, freshness, aromatic balance and excellent drinkability.
From the crisp, aromatic white wines of Soave to the rosés and reds of Lake Garda, and on to Valpolicella, each area expressed its own nuances, united by a common thread: a harmonious profile that meets contemporary tastes without sacrificing the personality of the territory. Early tastings of wines still in progress already point to this direction, with promising spicy notes, especially in the reds.
Appassimento in the drying rooms: the heart of Valpolicella
In the Valpolicella drying rooms, autumn marked the beginning of the slow, measured drying process—one of the most defining stages of our work. Grapes harvested between late August and mid-September rested under optimal conditions. The first pressings began in November, while part of the grapes from the pergolas in Negrar di Valpolicella will continue their journey until January. The future Amarone wines already show depth and fragrant fruit notes, ready to begin their ageing in oak, which will accompany them over the coming years.
Sustainability: investments that create long-term value
For Guerrieri Rizzardi, sustainability is not a statement of intent but a concrete path that embraces agriculture, logistics and the development of people.
In the vineyards, investments have been made in tools that make work more precise, sustainable, reducing waste, and improving vine care. New equipment allows us to avoid chemical weed control, and gradually we are replacing plastic ties with biodegradable materials made from plant fibres or paper.
Training remains a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. An advanced pruning course, combining theory and practice, involved the pruning teams from the three estates, strengthening essential skills for vine health and the future quality of the harvest. It is an investment in people, many of whom have been working with the company for decades.
On the production side, the new automated warehouse at the Bardolino production site represents a decisive step toward more efficient, safer and more sustainable logistics. With over 620 pallets managed through shuttle systems, intelligent controls and full traceability, it allows faster storage, larger production batches and more time for bottle ageing for wines that require it—an improvement that directly impacts the quality of the final product.
Markets, hospitality and wine tourism: a year of growth
The year 2025 marked strong international expansion, beginning with Guerrieri Rizzardi’s first participation in Wine Paris and Vinexpo Asia—strategic events for strengthening distribution. Several new markets including Bulgaria, Ukraine and South Korea, were added to the commercial network, while in the United States the company’s presence remains solid despite tariff-related challenges, thanks to long-standing relationships built on trust.
Wine tourism continues to show an increasingly positive trend: those who arrive at our estates are seeking an authentic experience, far removed from quick “hit-and-run” visits, and are eager to truly understand the history of the wines and the people who produce them. Despite the decline in German tourism around Lake Garda, we welcomed more visitors than last year (+5%), with an increase in guests from the United Kingdom and the United States. Interest in more comprehensive and in-depth tasting experiences is steadily growing, guiding guests toward the estate’s top-tier labels. A result that confirms how quality, when communicated with care, is able to generate value and long-term loyalty.
Awards and Recognition: Excellence Confirmed
2025 was also a year rich in national and international recognition.
Among the most significant:
A special recognition came from the world of hospitality: Rambaldi Apartments received the Global Best of Wine Tourism Award, celebrating destinations capable of transforming travel into a complete cultural experience. Located in the heart of Bardolino, this distributed residence—created from the historic cellars and ancient properties of the Rizzardi family—stood out for its ability to unite authenticity, attention to detail and a deep connection with the territory. A place where history and architecture engage in dialogue with contemporary hospitality, offering guests a stay that naturally extends the wine experience lived in the cellar.
The Garden of Pojega, in its first full year of opening after a long restoration, recorded a record number of visitors, welcoming guests from all over the world and becoming the setting for exceptional events, including a visit by Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Lollobrigida, and filming for the Rai 1 television programme Linea Verde.
Looking Ahead
The year 2025 has shown that every vintage can bring new challenges as well as new opportunities. Guerrieri Rizzardi approaches 2026 with the same vision that has guided the family for centuries: to preserve tradition, innovate responsibly and share wine as a cultural, social and human experience.
