Irpinia is a geographical and cultural region in the province of Avellino, in the Campania region of Southern Italy. Known for its rugged, green landscapes, it was originally colonised by the ancient Greeks and was part of Magna Graecia before the arrival of the Romans. This part of Italy was known as Oenotria, the land of wine, and it is still renowned today for the quality of wine produced here.

A South that feels like the North in terms of climate, vegetation, and mentality, Irpinia features dense forests, clay and tuff soils, and altitudes ranging between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Here, grapes ripen slowly, lulled by the cool of the night and the ever-present sun of the day.

Donnachiara produces Irpinia’s three DOCG wines—Fiano di Avellino, Taurasi, and Greco di Tufo—as well as the traditional Aglianico and Falanghina wines. The Donnachiara vineyards have been in the family for a century and a half, though the label was only established in 2005. The modern winery is connected to 27 hectares of estate vines with ancient origins.

With an almost entirely female-led operation, the current CEO is Ilaria Petitto, and the winery was founded by her mother, Chiara, who named the venture after her great-grandmother, also named Chiara. Winemaking is under the stewardship of Riccardo Cotarella, president of Assoenologi (the Association of Italian Winemakers), known for his deep experience across Italy and his artful blending of terroir knowledge with meticulous precision.

For more information please visit donnachiara.com