Cupertinum: The Historic Wine Cellar of Copertino, Puglia
Founded in 1935, a cooperative of passion that writes the history of Copertino D.O.P. through generations of winemaking excellence — including the world‑first Vineyard on the Castle.
✦ 300+ member winegrowers · 400 hectares · 1 million bottles annually ✦
Founded in 1935, Cantina Cupertinum was born from the vision of 36 winegrowers. Today, it counts over 300 members and stands as a model of socio-economic development in Puglia. Under the guidance of winemaker Giuseppe Pizzolante Leuzzi and President Francesco Trono, the winery produces 1 million bottles annually, preserving a heritage that spans nearly a century.
✦ From the historic cellars of Copertino to the ramparts of the Castle — discover the winery that has redefined the art of winemaking in Salento. ✦
A Legacy Since 1935
The story of Cupertinum is inseparable from the history of Copertino itself. Founded by 36 pioneering winegrowers, the cooperative has grown into one of Puglia's most respected wine institutions. Today, over 300 families cultivate vines on approximately 400 hectares of sun-drenched terrain, united by a shared passion for quality and tradition.
The winery's longevity is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Copertino community, who have passed down viticultural knowledge for generations.
The Terroir and Vineyards
The Copertino D.O.P. is famous for its "Terra Rossa" (red soil) over limestone. This iron-rich, mineral-dense soil, combined with the gentle breezes from both the Ionian and Adriatic seas, creates a unique microclimate ideal for producing structured, elegant wines.
Across 400 hectares, the cooperative grows the iconic grapes of Salento: Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera, using the traditional Alberello Pugliese (bush vine) training system — a low-yield, high-quality method that produces wines of remarkable concentration and character.
The Vineyard on the Castle: A World-First Project
One of the most extraordinary initiatives of Cupertinum is the "Vigneto sul Castello" (Vineyard on the Castle), a project realized in collaboration with the Superintendence of Lecce and the direction of the Castello di Copertino.
Historical documents testify that as early as the 16th century, the upper parts of the ramparts and walkways of the Castello di Copertino were used as hanging gardens and cultivated with vineyards. In 2014, this ancient tradition was revived: 200 vines of Negroamaro Cannellino — an ancient, early-ripening variety — were planted on the castle's bastions using the traditional Alberello Pugliese system with quincunx row arrangement.
This unique project, without precedents in Italy or abroad, creates a virtuous territorial circuit between quality production, culture, and tourism. The grapes harvested each year are vinified separately, and the bottles produced are auctioned, with proceeds financing further territorial enhancement projects.
The Iconic Labels
Cantina Cupertinum produces a wide range of wines that express the full potential of the Copertino D.O.P. terroir. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, passion, and the unique character of Salento's native grapes.
Copertino Rosso Riserva
The flagship wine, aged for 24 months in oak, showcasing the power and elegance of Negroamaro.
Vigneto sul Castello
A limited-edition wine from the historic vineyard on the castle ramparts — a true collector's piece.
Primitivo di Manduria
A rich, full-bodied red that captures the sun-drenched essence of Salento.
At a Glance: Cantina Cupertinum
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 1935 (36 founding members) |
| Current Members | 300+ winegrowers |
| Vineyard Area | Approximately 400 hectares |
| Annual Production | 1 million bottles |
| Key Varieties | Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Bianca |
| DOC Appellation | Copertino D.O.P. (established 1976) |
Insider Tip: When visiting Copertino, combine your winery tour with a visit to the magnificent Castello Angioino. Don't miss the chance to see the "Vigneto sul Castello" on the ramparts — a living testament to the deep bond between Copertino's history and its wine culture.
Copertino Wine Tour
Let us guide you through the historic cellars of Cupertinum and the unique Vineyard on the Castle. Taste the authentic expression of Copertino D.O.P. and fall in love with Salento's winemaking heritage.
BOOK YOUR COPERTINO TOURExperience the authentic taste of Copertino D.O.P. — where history, terroir, and passion meet in every bottle.
