Fattoria Paradiso is located on a sun-drenched hill near the medieval town of Bertinoro, in the heart of Romagna. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea from the first slopes of the Tosco-Romagnolo Apennines, the estate enjoys a privileged position where history, landscape, and viticulture have been intertwined for centuries.
The winery extends over 100 hectares, with soils rich in chalk and tufa that are particularly suited to the cultivation of rare and indigenous grape varieties. Among these, Barbarossa stands as the estate’s flagship wine, alongside Cagnina, Albana Gentile di Bertinoro, Pagadebit, and Sangiovese di Romagna. The vineyards are divided into ten distinct crus, each characterized by a remarkable diversity of soils, including volcanic tuff, sulphurous rock, yellow sands, blue clay, marine fossils, and limestone.
Sustainability has long been a core value at Fattoria Paradiso. The winery is organically certified and committed to reducing its environmental impact through concrete actions, such as using bottles with reduced glass weight and sourcing over 90% of its energy from renewable resources. These choices reflect a philosophy that places respect for the land at the center of every decision.
The estate has also benefited from the guidance of some of Italy’s most respected winemaking consultants, including Giacomo Tachis, Roberto Cipresso, and Carlo Ferrini. Their expertise helped shape a style that combines tradition with precision, always allowing the territory to remain the true protagonist.
The story of Fattoria Paradiso’s most emblematic wine began in 1954, when Mario Pezzi discovered an unusual vine in an old vineyard scheduled for removal. Intrigued by the grape’s freshness and sweetness, he sought scientific analysis from leading Italian institutions. DNA testing later confirmed that the vine did not belong to any known variety, suggesting either an ancient, uncatalogued grape or a natural cross. Mario decided to preserve and propagate it, and in 1968 the first wine was produced under the name Barbarossa, inspired by the red-bearded emperor who once lived in the castle of Bertinoro.
The historic manor that houses the estate dates back at least to the 15th century and possibly earlier, to Roman times. Once owned by the aristocratic Ugarte Lovatelli family, it became part of the Pezzi family heritage at the end of the 19th century. Over the years, the estate has welcomed artists, intellectuals, and public figures, earning a reputation as a cultural salon of Romagna, where wine, art, and history continue to meet.
