Villa Russiz Winery: A Journey Through History and Wine

In the heart of the Collio Goriziano hills, Villa Russiz is not only one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries but also a historical setting of love and innovation. Founded in 1868, the story of Villa Russiz begins with the marriage of Elvine Ritter de Zahony and Count Theodor de la Tour Voivrè. This union marked not only the beginning of a family but also the birth of an oenological dream that extends to the present day.

Count Theodor, an expert agronomist and passionate viticulturist, immediately recognized the potential of the Collio region, characterized by its unique microclimate and mineral-rich soil. With a forward-thinking vision, Theodor introduced French vine varieties and developed pioneering techniques that enabled Villa Russiz to become a cutting-edge wine estate. Legend has it that the count, to surprise his wife, transported French vine cuttings hidden in bouquets of flowers. This love for the land and its fruits laid a solid foundation for a successful story.

During the First World War, Villa Russiz was transformed into a military hospital. After the conflict, Countess Adele Cerruti, thanks to her prestige and connections, contributed to the reconstruction of the agricultural estate, allowing its transition to Italy. Under the guidance of Edino Menotti, a meticulous restructuring of both the vineyards and the cellars began, with the aim of producing wines of the highest quality. In 1964, Villa Russiz became part of the Consorzio Collio, obtaining the DOC in 1968, thus confirming its commitment to excellence.

Today, Villa Russiz is internationally recognized for its award-winning wines. The range includes elegant white wines with fresh minerality, delicate rosés, and refined sparkling wines. The red wines, with their medium body and predominant fruity aroma, complete an offering that represents the essence of Collio. Their CRU wines, the flagship of the production, are the purest expression of the company’s culture, designed to enhance the unique characteristics of each grape variety.

But Villa Russiz is more than just wine. The property includes a neo-Gothic style villa-castle, designed between 1868 and 1872, which today houses administrative offices and courses from the international MIB School of Management. The mausoleum, built on the hill, is a tribute to the legacy of Count Theodor, while the historic park, with its concentric paths and wealth of tree species, offers a place of reflection and beauty.

Between 2009 and 2010, the park underwent meticulous restoration to recreate Count Theodor’s original design. Today, it is an environment that invites discovery, where every plant and path tells a part of the story of Villa Russiz.

Visiting Villa Russiz is an experience that goes beyond simple wine tasting. It is a journey through history, architecture, and nature. Each visit offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a world where love for the land, passion for wine, and attention to detail combine to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Villa Russiz is not just a winery; it is a symbol of excellence and a tradition that continues to thrive over time.