Cantina di Venosa flies to China to open new markets

After participating in QWine at Qingtian and roadshows in Shenzen and Chengdu, Cantina di Venosa announced initial commercial agreements for entry into China in 2026. China would become its eleventh export market. The cooperative was then present in ten markets across northern Europe, Canada and the United States. Exports represented 220,000 bottles, equal to 10% of the 2.2 million-bottle total; Europe accounted for 60% of exports.

Bottled production had increased by 169% in five years. Existing capacity could support as many as 5 million bottles. Commercial Director Antonio Teora linked the export programme to higher value for the cooperative's 350 members and the Vulture community, while President Francesco Perillo emphasized continuing improvement in quality, innovation and sustainability.

The international programme accompanied a €3.4 million redevelopment in Venosa, including €1.25 million of PNRR funding. A partially underground hospitality wing of 1,100 m² on two levels was scheduled to open between late 2026 and early 2027. It would physically connect the original 1957 winery with the facility created after the 1980 earthquake.

The plans included a meeting room, 150 m² of tasting areas, a small kitchen and a 400 m² terrace. Six multilingual hospitality staff were to be hired. The existing shop generated approximately €700,000 annually from direct sales; the new hospitality facilities were projected to at least double that figure in their first year and recover the investment within six to seven years.