Our wine producers are at the heart of everything we do at Donzella Wines. Every vineyard we work with is a family-run business, chosen for their passion, quality and commitment to traditional winemaking across Italy. We build personal relationships with each producer to ensure every bottle we sell has real character and provenance.
We do not just work closely with one or two producers. We build personal relationships with every single vineyard we stock. That matters to us, and it shows in every bottle we sell.
Real Relationships, Not Middlemen
We meet our producers properly.
We visit their vineyards.
We speak to them directly.
We email regularly.
We know their faces, their families and their stories.
Many producers first reached out to us by post or email, looking for a genuine route into the UK market. They knew we were not a faceless distributor. They knew we cared about wine and education, not just sales.
Because of our wine events and tastings, we are able to offer something special – real exposure, real feedback and real customers who want to learn about what they are drinking.
Nicholas handles the online side of the business and front-of-house tastings, while Giovanni manages many of the long-standing supplier relationships. However, Nicholas is now also in regular contact with most of our producers – checking in, asking about new wines, discussing upcoming vintages and even wishing everyone happy holidays.
Maintaining these relationships is absolutely key. We treat our producers as partners, not transactions. We will always go the extra mile to make sure every relationship we build is gold standard.
Passion in Every Bottle
The winemakers we work with have true passion for their land, their grapes and the way they bottle their wines. That passion is expressed directly in the wine they produce, and our customers tell us straight away when they love a bottle.
We listen carefully to feedback. If customers love something, we buy more. If something does not land, we rethink it. From producer to our warehouse, every wine is carefully produced, sustainably and responsibly, while maintaining the highest possible standards.
We only support small producers who care about quality over quantity. Every vineyard we work with takes pride in their work, and it shows.
Small Town Vineyards With Big Character
Every producer we work with comes from a small town or village. These are not industrial operations. Many are multi-generation family businesses where grandparents, parents and children all play a role.
We actively refuse:
• Big factories
• Corporate brands
• Bulk wine operations
• Anything made for quick profit
If a wine does not have family character, it does not belong on our shelves.
We also reject:
• Poor quality bottles
• Bad labels
• Wines with no personality
Taste matters. Presentation matters. Story matters.
Bornvini – A Family Story Since 1954
One of our closest producer relationships is with Bornvini. Giovanni was introduced to them back in 2009 by a small-town sommelier. Since then, Sabrina from Bornvini has become a genuine friend to both Giovanni and Nicholas.
Bornvini was founded in 1954. We have met both the grandfather who started the winery and the new generation now making the wines. This is exactly what we love – tradition meeting modern thinking.
What makes Bornvini special:
• Small production
• Hand-harvested grapes
• Organic methods
• Family-run across generations
A standout fact about Bornvini is their speed and professionalism. On one occasion, they managed to pick, pack and ship two pallets of wine to us within just five days. From vineyard to England in under a week. That level of care and efficiency is rare.
Cantine Mediterranee – Close to Home
Cantine Mediterranee holds a special place for us because it is located close to the village where Giovanni grew up. This makes the relationship deeply personal.
These are not just suppliers.
They are neighbours.
Friends.
People we have known for years.
Fantastic vineyard.
Fantastic people.
Outstanding wines.
Working with producers so close to Giovanni’s roots keeps the heart of Donzella Wines firmly in Italy.
Campania – Where It All Begins
Campania is more than a wine region to us. It is home.
Giovanni grew up there, and both he and Nicholas absolutely love showcasing wines from this region whenever possible. It is one of Italy’s most underrated areas and produces some truly powerful wines.
One of our favourite grapes from Campania is Aglianico. Often called “the Barolo of the South”, it is bold, structured and full of character. It is Campania’s secret treasure – and one we are proud to introduce to our customers.
Strong.
Powerful.
Complex.
Yet fresh and exciting.
These are the wines people remember.
How We Find New Producers Today
In the early days, Giovanni used to travel directly to vineyards to taste and collect stock himself.
Today, things have changed.
Producers now contact us directly.
They send samples.
They ask to be stocked.
We never go to trade shows.
We do not work through agents.
Everything comes through real conversation and tasting.
Sometimes customers ask us:
“Can you get this wine?”
That is how our range has grown organically to over 160 bottles. We buy in small quantities first, test the response, then scale up if people love it.
What We Refuse to Stock
We are very clear on what we do not sell:
• Factory wine
• Corporate brands
• Anything made for quick profit
• Wines with no soul
• Poor presentation
• Bad labelling
If the label is bad, it is rejected instantly.
If the wine is not exciting, it is rejected.
If there is no story, it is rejected.
Simple.
Why This Matters
When you buy from Donzella Wines, you are not just buying a bottle. You are supporting:
• Family vineyards
• Small farmers
• Traditional methods
• Real people
Every bottle has:
• A place
• A face
• A story
That is what wine should be.
