Our Winery
Founded in 1965, our winery unites three generations of winemaking passion: 10 hectares of hillside vineyards at 400m altitude in Mottola, hand harvesting, and a dedicated family.
Three generations, one land: the story of Cantine Dalena in Mottola
Cantine Dalena was established in 1965 through the resilience and vision of founder Pietro Dalena (father of current owner Domenico). The first generation managed all aspects of agriculture, planting the initial 5 hectares primarily with Primitivo vines.
In 2007, the second generation with Domenico Dalena made the strategic choice to focus exclusively on viticulture, processing estate-grown harvests. Today, the third generation is represented by Pietro Dalena (son of Domenico) who directs the cellar, technological innovations, and customer relations. Anna meticulously manages packaging and bespoke wedding favors, while Valerio assists in cellar operations. They work alongside renowned professionals: a team of oenologists and agronomist Dr. Giuseppe Tauro.
"Crafting wine with devotion means listening to the silence of the vines, the breeze blowing from the Ionian Sea, and the voice of the earth. Only then is a wine born with a true soul."
Dalena 1965
Guardians of Apulian Tradition
Family winemaking heritage since 1965: 10 hectares of vines at 400m altitude, strict hand harvesting, natural Charmat/Martinotti sparkling wines, and fine oak barrel aging.
Key Milestones
Over half a century of winemaking history, from agricultural roots to third-generation cellar mastery.
The Foundation by Pietro Dalena
Founder Pietro Dalena starts the estate, cultivating the land and establishing the first 5 hectares mainly with Primitivo grapes.
Viticultural Specialization with Domenico
Domenico Dalena (second generation) leads the transformation, focusing entirely on viticulture and estate-bottled vinification.
Expansion to 10 Hectares and Native Varieties
The vineyards expand to 10 hectares, embracing native Apulian varieties: Negroamaro, Montepulciano, Bianco d’Alessano, Verdeca, Maresco, and Fiano.
Martinotti Method & Oak Barrel Aging
Adoption of natural Charmat/Martinotti re-fermentation for sparkling wines and first-passage 225L French oak barrique maturation.
The Third Generation with Pietro
Pietro Dalena leads the cellar, customer relations, and innovations; production grows up to 75,000 bottles alongside bespoke wedding favors.
Who We Are: The People Behind Cantine Dalena
A family united by love for our land, supported by trusted team members and certified specialists ensuring absolute quality in every bottle.
Domenico Dalena
Owner & Vineyard ManagerSecond generation: since 2007, dedicated exclusively to the soil and tending our 10 hectares of vines in Mottola.
Pietro Dalena
Owner & Cellar MasterThird generation: directs winemaking operations, technological innovations, and customer relationships.
Anna Dalena
Packaging & Wedding FavorsWelcomes guests and designs handcrafted gift sets and bespoke wedding favors for ceremonies and weddings.
Valerio
Cellar OperationsValerio diligently assists through every stage of cellar handling and bottling.
Oenological & Agronomic Consulting
We partner with a team of oenologists to craft distinctive wines and Dr. Giuseppe Tauro (Agronomist) for soil science excellence.
The Estate from Above: 10 Hectares of Passion
An exclusive aerial perspective over our hillside vineyards and winery in Mottola, 400 meters above sea level.
The Terroir Alchemy
Mottola at 400m Altitude
Our 10 hectares are located on the western slopes of the Murgia hills near Lucania at 400m altitude: mineral-rich limestone giving freshness and longevity.
Ionian Breezes & Temperature Swings
Winds from the Ionian Sea and the Lucanian Apennines provide natural ventilation and high diurnal temperature shifts that enhance aromas.
100% Hand-Harvested Grapes
Grape picking is conducted exclusively by hand with meticulous cluster selection, ensuring only optimal fruit reaches the fermentation vats.