Cantina San Donaci: One of the Oldest Wineries in Puglia

Founded in 1933, one of the oldest and most prestigious cooperative wineries in the Brindisi province, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Salento.

Historic Cantina San Donaci Puglia — *Photo: Stefano Spagnolo - Salentowinetour*

The History: From 12 Pioneers to 300 Members

The story of Cantina San Donaci began 93 years ago, when a group of 12 visionary farmers decided to join forces to enhance the local economy. What started as a small entrepreneurial idea has grown into a major cooperative that today supports 300 local grape growers, preserving the authentic agricultural fabric of Puglia.

The winery serves as a bridge between ancient traditions and modern markets, ensuring that every bottle tells the story of the Salento territory.

Photo San Donaci Experience

A group of five friends smiling under a large blue umbrella in the middle of a lush green vineyard during a summer wine tour in San Donaci, Puglia. — Making memories in the vines: our guests enjoying a sunny day in the San Donaci countryside. Experience curated by SalentoWineTour.com.

A portrait shot of ripe Malvasia Bianca grape clusters hanging from an old, gnarled grapevine in the sunny countryside of Salento, Puglia, Italy, grown without fertilizers or herbicides. The background is a mix of other green vines and dry, tilled earth. — A taste of pure history: this beautiful cluster of Malvasia Bianca grapes comes from a thousand-year-old tradition in the Salento wine region. Discover the roots of unique, local wines. Photo by SalentoWineTour.com.

A group of four happy tourists standing in a long row inside the historic, 4-meter deep underground concrete wine fermentation tanks at Cantina San Donaci in Puglia, Italy, now converted into a barrel room for aging premium wines. — A hidden gem: our guests exploring the historic underground concrete fermentation tanks at Cantina San Donaci, a cooperative winery established in 1933, now repurposed as an exclusive barrel room. Experience organized by SalentoWineTour.com.

A smiling young woman holding a bottle of "Contrada del Falco," a premium Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera red wine blend, in the charming, history-filled wine shop of Cantina San Donaci in Salento, Puglia, Italy, featuring a red three-wheeler and a historic stone press pit. — Love at first sight! Our guest enchanted by the “Contrada del Falco” blend, a sophisticated mix of Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera. Discovering hidden treasures in the Cantina San Donaci wine shop. Experience by SalentoWineTour.com.

A group of happy tourists raising their glasses for a toast during a wine tasting at the historic Cantina San Donaci in Puglia, Italy. — Toasting to tradition! Our guests enjoying a selection of local wines at Cantina San Donaci, a historic cooperative winery established in 1933. Experience curated by SalentoWineTour.com.

Close-up of ripe Susumaniello grape clusters hanging from a Guyot-trained vine in the red clay and limestone soil of San Donaci, Puglia, grown without fertilizers or herbicides. — The essence of Salento: Susumaniello grapes thriving in the “Terra Rossa” (red soil) of San Donaci. Our vines are cultivated sustainably, respecting the perfect local climate. Photo by SalentoWineTour.com.

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Vineyards and Terroir

With approximately 320 hectares of vineyards, the winery processes between 50,000 and 60,000 quintals of grapes annually. This vast scale allows for an incredible diversity of microclimates and soil types, predominantly limestone-clay terraces.

Vineyards in San Donaci Puglia — *Photo Credit: Cantina San Donaci*

The vineyards are cultivated using both the traditional Alberello Pugliese (bush vines) and modern trellis systems. The focus remains on the native grapes of Puglia:

Red Varieties: Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera.
White Varieties: Malvasia Bianca, Chardonnay, Bombino, and Trebbiano.

Expert agronomists work side-by-side with growers to select the best techniques for pruning and soil management, ensuring top-tier grape quality.

Innovation in the Cellar

While proud of its history, Cantina San Donaci is a modern technological hub. The winemaking process involves:

Controlled Fermentation: Using automatic stainless steel submerged-cap fermenters.
Soft Pressing: To preserve the delicate aromas of the grapes.
Oak Aging: The heart of the winery is its atmospheric barrel room (bottaia), where French oak barrels refine the wine's character, adding depth and elegance.

Photo Gallery

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Slideshow of images from Cantina San Donaci

Iconic Labels and Production

Producing nearly 1 million bottles per year, the winery focuses on separate vinification for the most prestigious parcels to highlight specific territorial nuances. Their flagship wines include:

ANTICAIA: The award-winning Salice Salentino DOP line (Rosato, Rosso, and Riserva).
CONTRADA DEL FALCO: A powerful Salento IGP red, masterfully blending Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera.

At a Glance: Cantina San Donaci

Feature	Details
Foundation	1933 (12 founding members)
Current Members	300+ winegrowers
Vineyard Area	Approx. 320 hectares
Annual Production	Nearly 1 million bottles
Grape Processing	50,000 - 60,000 quintals/year
Key Varieties	Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Bianca, Chardonnay, Bombino

Insider Tip: When visiting Cantina San Donaci, ask to taste the ANTICAIA Riserva—it's the perfect expression of how traditional Negroamaro can evolve with elegance after careful oak aging. The view of the modern barrel room contrasted with the historic cellars is a photographer's dream.

Experience Cantina San Donaci with a local expert

Let us guide you through this historic cooperative, from the vineyards to the barrel room. Taste the award-winning ANTICAIA and discover the story behind every bottle.

BOOK YOUR SAN DONACI TOUR

Tagged cantine, Salento, wine tour