In the Apulian wine landscape, Cantina Coppola stands as one of the region’s oldest and most fascinating wineries, preserving a winemaking tradition that dates back to the 15th century.
Located in Gallipoli, in the heart of Salento, this historic estate is the result of more than five centuries of passion, passed down through generations of the Coppola family.
A story spanning more than five centuries
The origins of the winery date back to 1489, when Laura Cuti brought the “Li Cuti” estate into the Coppola family through marriage, beginning a long tradition centered on viticulture — especially the cultivation of Negroamaro, the iconic grape variety of Salento.
Since then, the winery has never interrupted its activity, a rare continuity that has allowed the family to build a deep connection with the land and its traditions while also embracing innovation and the modern wine market.
Wine production and the estates
Cantina Coppola’s production is spread across several estates located between Gallipoli, Alezio, and Sannicola — areas renowned for their winemaking heritage.
Among the most important estates are:
- Tenuta Li Cuti, the historic heart of the winery, entirely dedicated to Negroamaro vineyards;
- Tenuta Patitari, a larger and more diverse estate featuring vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands;
- Tenuta Santo Stefano, characterized by varied soils and beautiful views over the Ionian Sea;
- Tenuta Doxi, the center of production for the Alezio DOC wines.
The vineyards’ proximity to the winery allows the grapes to be processed immediately after harvest, preserving freshness and quality.
The wine collection includes reds, whites, rosés, reserve wines, and traditional-method sparkling wines, all authentic expressions of the Salento territory.
Among the standout labels are wines based on Negroamaro and Primitivo, grape varieties that perfectly embody the local wine identity and are crafted through a combination of traditional methods and modern techniques.
A winery between tradition and contemporary design
The winery’s current headquarters are located within the Tenuta Patitari Torre Sabea estate, just a short distance from the sea.
The site was once home to old stables, a hay barn, and a rural farmhouse, and today has been transformed into a modern and functional space covering around 1,000 square meters.
The architectural project carefully converted the historic rural structure into a place where production and hospitality coexist harmoniously.
The winery includes:
- production and storage areas;
- a wine room dedicated to tastings and wine sales;
- a company museum featuring historic winemaking tools;
- panoramic terraces and outdoor spaces;
- guided routes through the barrel rooms and production areas.
This approach reflects a contemporary vision of the wine business, where sustainability, hospitality, and visitor experience play a central role.
Tastings and wine experiences
Cantina Coppola is far more than just a production site — it is a true wine tourism destination.
The winery offers guided tours and tastings that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the family’s story, discover the winemaking process, and explore the history behind the estate.
Among the experiences available are:
- themed tastings dedicated to the winery’s different wine collections;
- wine journeys focused entirely on Negroamaro and its many expressions;
- complete wine tours paired with local gastronomy;
- dinners and special events held directly among the vineyard rows.
Within the estate, visitors can also find the restaurant Al Vigneto, where local cuisine is paired with the winery’s wines in a stunning setting overlooking the vineyards, with the possibility of dining outdoors among the vines.
A vision between past and future
Cantina Coppola 1489 is a perfect example of how a historic winery can evolve without losing its identity.
The balance between deep roots, respect for the territory, and openness to innovation has allowed the winery to become an important reference point in the Apulian wine scene.
And it is precisely in this harmony between memory and modernity that the winery’s most authentic value can be found: a place where wine is not only produced, but also told, experienced, and shared.
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