An organic winery where biodiversity, tradition, and native vines define a unique expression of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
October 7, 2025 (Dolegna del Collio – Gorizia, Italy) — Nestled on the highest hills of Collio, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Tenuta Stella stands as a beacon of organic winemaking and sustainable viticulture, proudly safeguarding and promoting the region’s native grape varieties.
Founded in 2009 by entrepreneur Sergio Stevanato, the estate today is led by CEO Alberto Faggiani and enologist Erika Barbieri. Together, they uphold a philosophy rooted in authenticity, uncompromising quality, and deep respect for the environment.
From its vineyards in Scriò, Dolegna del Collio, at an altitude ranging between 120 and 270 meters, Tenuta Stella cultivates 15 hectares organically, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The vines grow on Collio’s distinctive Ponca soil, a mix of marl and sandstone that gives freshness, minerality, and longevity to the wines. With the Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south, the vineyards benefit from fresh breezes and wide diurnal temperature shifts that enhance aromatic complexity and balance.
“We see ourselves as custodians of this land,” says Erika Barbieri. “Working with organic methods and focusing on native grapes means protecting biodiversity and ensuring that our wines remain authentic expressions of the Collio. For us, sustainability is not a passing trend, but a responsibility.”
This commitment has been acknowledged through the DiversityArk certification, which highlights Tenuta Stella’s active role in preserving and monitoring biodiversity in the vineyard. Collaborations with local beekeepers, the adoption of circular farming practices, and innovative approaches like Ecomethod, reducing CO₂ emissions through sustainable plant nutrition, all testify to an environmental approach that goes beyond viticulture.
“Our mission is to make wines that tell the story of this place,” adds Alberto Faggiani. “Native Friulian varieties such as Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Friulano have an extraordinary ability to translate terroir into the glass. By respecting the natural cycles of the vineyard, we allow the land to speak for itself.”
Tenuta Stella’s identity is rooted in this balance between heritage, viticulture and biodiversity. More than a winery, it is a living ecosystem where nature, culture, and wine coexist in harmony, and where every bottle carries the voice of Collio.
