The Winery

The first official document relating to the Rodaro winery dates back to March 23, 1846. At that time, the Rodaro family were small landowners in Friuli under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Part of their land had vines, but the true foundation of the Rodaro winery was established thanks to the daily dedication of Uncle Edo in caring for the vineyard and winery, along with the entrepreneurial spirit of his brother Luigi. The winery expanded when his son Paolo joined the enterprise and led the company. Today, Rodaro is one of the most dynamic wineries in the Friuli region

The original family farmhouse was expanded and modernized to house a cutting-edge winery powered exclusively by solar energy.

Paolo Rodaro

Paolo is a revolutionary winemaker—an independent thinker who prioritizes product quality over market trends. Driven by curiosity, he constantly explores new winemaking methods. Supporting him in this endeavour is his wife, Lara, a pivotal figure in Paolo’s life.

Sustainability

All Rodaro vineyards and wines are certified by SQNPI (National Quality System of Integrated Production), which signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability through reduced pesticide use. In March 2024, to celebrate the winery’s 178th anniversary, they created a “Forest of 100 Hugs,” where one hundred white hornbeam trees grow together in an embrace.

Territory

The winery is situated on the hills of Friuli in northeastern Italy, near the Slovenian border, and boasts 68 hectares of vineyards in the region’s most important DOCs. Some vineyards are near Bosco Romagno and Rocca Bernarda, at altitudes between 130 and 180 meters, benefiting from optimal exposure on land ideal for viticulture. Other vineyards lie in the Collio and Colli Orientali areas, resting on rare and precious soil, the ponca (layers of marly calcareous clay) rich in nutrients, alternating with draining layers of sandstone. These hills are blessed with gentle winds; the dry, fresh air from the Balkans and breezes from the Adriatic Sea caress the grapes during the harvest season. The significant temperature variations on the hills enhance the aromas found in the wines.