In the shadow of the majestic Dolomites, the Lunelli Family crafts some of the world’s finest sparkling wines.
Located in northern Italy, in the small town of Trento, Ferrari Trento looms large. Here, in the foothills of the Italian alps, the third generation, family-owned company produces Italy’s most awarded sparkling wines, continuing a tradition begun in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari. Named five times as “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year” by The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, Ferrari Trento and its luxury wines have rarely needed an introduction, yet the Ferrari logo is now more unmistakable than ever, thanks to the company’s partnership with Formula 1® racing as the “Official Sparkling Wine of Formula 1®.”
Seen on the winner’s podium as the official toast of F1®, Ferrari Trento (no relation to the car manufacturer) provides the celebratory bubbly sprayed by and upon the auto racing victors. The popular Netflix series Drive to Survive has also served to increase the brand’s exposure. “For the first time, an Italian sparkling wine steps onto the podium of all Formula 1® Grands Prix, playing a part in one of the most iconic moments in sport,” Matteo Lunelli, president and CEO of Ferrari Trento, says. “Our collaboration with Formula 1® is based on shared values, such as a world class pursuit of excellence in every detail, innovation, and passion. It is a great source of pride for us at Ferrari Trento and, I believe, a testament to the global appreciation of Italian excellence.”
Additionally, the partnership is fortified by a desire to give back, well-illustrated by the two entities’ auction of a Ferrari F1® Podium Jeroboam bottle, signed by all of the drivers at the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship who would have participated in May’s canceled-due-to-flooding Imola Grand Prix. The auction, held June 6 on the F1® Authentics platform, supports Emilia-Romagna flood victims. (Throughout the F1® season, proceeds from the auction of signed Jeroboams (by the three winners) are donated to Race Against Dementia.)
Lunelli is part of the third generation familial foursome of siblings and cousins that leads not only Ferrari Trento but also the Lunelli Group which includes various other vinous ventures. The foursome’s grandfather Bruno Lunelli was selected by the heir-less Giulio Ferrari to succeed him in 1952. Today, Matteo, Marcello, Camilla and Alessandro Lunelli steer the company as ambassadors of the Italian Art of Living. And while anyone can enter the world of Ferrari Trento by enjoying a bottle of their sparkling wine, to truly appreciate the company vision, a visit to the brand’s home base is a must. Here, in this authentic and charming city of Trento, along the picturesque Adige River, the Lunelli family’s gracious hospitality is both palpable, and palatable.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: LUXURY DESIGN HOTELS DEFINE 21ST CENTURY HOSPITALITY IN ITALY’S MOST DESIGN-DRIVEN CITIES
A visit to Ferrari Trento includes learning about its more than one hundred years of history, seeing the places where its award-winning wines are produced, strolling through its atmospheric dark, silent cellars, and learning how Italy’s finest sparkling wines are made. And of course, a taste(s) of the products right from the source, from the popular Maximum line of Blancs de Blancs and Rosé, to the outstanding Perlé Line, to the supremely elegant Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Trentodoc.
Visitors can also enjoy the opportunity to dine at Ferrari Trento’s sublime Michelin-starred Locanda Margon, where Executive Chef Edoardo Fumagalli offers a culinary experience like none other. Each of the multi courses within his prix fixe menus showcase whimsical (and delicious) creativity, such as a delicate, edible butterfly perched upon a bowl of freshly cut flowers, or a tiny, bite-sized chicken resting on a bed of equally tiny roasted potatoes. Fumagalli’s cuisine finds its inspiration in three particular pillars: fine ingredients, experienced technique, and a freedom of expression that is so beautifully demonstrated in a colorful plate of flavored butters that resemble the meal’s grand finale bon-bons and minardise. Naturally, Ferrari Trento’s sparkling wines provide perfect pairings for each “surprise and delight” course.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EXPLORING REGGIO EMILIA, THE HEART OF ITALY’S ‘FOOD VALLEY’
Beyond this wealth of culinary indulgence, a visit to Ferrari Trento is not complete without a tour of the Lunelli family’s historic Villa Margon which serves as the winery’s hospitality center. High on a hill, overlooking their Trentino vineyard acreage, the Lunellis have restored this 16th century manse to its original splendor, opening it and its park-like grounds to the public. Outside, a centuries old forest surrounds. Inside, vividly colorful and virtually unrestored frescoes document the life of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, with often surprising humor. The entire property is a beautiful gift from the Lunelli family to their Trento community, and shouldn’t be missed.
My Trento stay exuded a refreshing, throwback vibe. While it does not attract the crowds of more well-known Italian cities (think Florence, Rome, and Venice) the small town is a central hub for outdoor enthusiasts who hike and climb the nearby mountains and cycle the miles long, Adige river-adjacent bike trail that runs from Verona to Austria. Like most European cities, Trento is café-centric, finding residents enjoying plenty of al fresco imbibing and dining. Grand Hotel Trento, across from picturesque Piazza Dante, provides comfortable accommodations with a complimentary and bountiful breakfast.
©2023 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
