Carpineto – European Winery of the Year; Giesen – Innovator of the Year;
Luigi Bosca – New World Winery of the Year
September 10, 2025 (Glen Rock, NJ) — Opici Wines & Spirits, fourth-generation national importer, is proud to announce that three esteemed wineries across its portfolio have been nominated for Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 Wine Star Awards: Carpineto for European Winery of the Year, Giesen for Innovator of the Year, and Luigi Bosca for New World Winery of the Year.
“We are thrilled by this prestigious recognition from Wine Enthusiast for three of our winery partners,” said Don Opici, CEO of Opici Wines & Spirits. “We are honored to represent them in the U.S. and appreciate their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and integrity—values that are at the heart of our philosophy at Opici.”
Founded in Tuscany in 1967 by the Sacchet and Zaccheo families, Carpineto is led today by second-generation Antonio Zaccheo and winemaker Caterina Sacchet. With 1,235 acres across five carbon-neutral estates in Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, Brunello, Maremma, and Alto Valdarno, the winery is celebrated for elegant, age-worthy wines rooted in precision farming and sustainability. Reflecting the families’ commitment to preserving their artistic, cultural, and natural heritage, Carpineto offers a wide range of visitor experiences, including their recently opened Wine Machines, a museum showcasing the history of wine through more than 160 historic objects at their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano estate.
Brothers Theo, Alex, and Marcel Giesen founded their namesake winery in 1981, building it into one of Marlborough’s most dynamic wineries with a broad portfolio for every occasion—from their highly awarded Clayvin Single Vineyard wines to the popular Giesen Estate range. Inspired by today’s preference for mindful drinking, Giesen also offers its pioneering 0% non-alcoholic wine collection, which is the #1 premium non-alcoholic wine brand in the U.S. by value.* Crafted using the winery’s proprietary spinning cone technology, the Giesen 0% wines preserve the aroma, flavor, and structure of the original full-strength wines. Giesen recently launched 0% Spritz Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé in 750ml bottles and 250ml slim cans in 4-packs.
Since established in 1901, Luigi Bosca in Mendoza has been guided by four generations of the Arizu family, who have collectively shaped both the estate’s legacy and the evolution of Malbec. Led today by Alberto Arizu, the winery was the driving force behind the creation of the Luján de Cuyo DOC, which brought international recognition to the region’s distinctive terroir. With vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley, Luigi Bosca continues to refine Malbec while also producing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that rank among the world’s finest. As a member of the Argentine Business Council for Sustainable Development (ODS), the winery champions environmentally responsible practices across its vineyards and cellar, reflecting its rich heritage and commitment to the future.
About Opici Wines & Spirits
Opici Wines & Spirits is a fourth-generation importer and producer with family roots in the wine business dating back to 1913. Led by Don Opici as CEO, the company features a growing portfolio of over 50 brands from around the world. The philosophy behind the Opici name remains the same today as it was over 100 years ago: a commitment to excellence, quality, and building meaningful relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees. For more information, please visit opiciwinesandspirits.com.
*Source: Nielsen Wine Scan Data, 5/17/25 – Reflects Giesen as the #1 premium non-alcoholic wine brand in the U.S. above $12 by value.
