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At The Wine People, we believe that sustainability is not a destination, but an ongoing journey, which is shaped by concrete actions and accountability. We are proud to highlight our commitment to sustainability by supporting our partner North South Wines’ Champion Status in the Harpers Sustainability Charter, an initiative that brings together UK drinks industry businesses, collectively working towards a more sustainable, transparent and collaborative future across the entire supply chain.

What does being part of the Charter mean for us?

Long-term commitment
For over three years, we have actively supported this pathway, reinforcing our determination to grow responsibly and measurably over time, something that underpins our partnership with North South Wines.

Commitment to the UK market
Alongside our Equalitas certification, our participation reflects an approach to sustainability that goes beyond national borders, actively involving our export markets - particularly the UK.

Using our voice to drive change 
Through Stefano Girelli’s direct contribution, we actively engage in the international sustainability dialogue within the wine trade, taking part in roundtables and initiatives. This commitment is further strengthened by his role as a shareholder in North South Wines.

The Harpers Sustainability Charter promotes a practical and measurable approach to sustainability, tracking companies’ progress across key areas such as emissions reduction, renewable energy, packaging, welfare, inclusion, and social responsibility.

Being part of this network means sharing best practice, helping to raise industry standards, and creating value across the entire supply chain. For us, sustainability means acting responsibly today to generate lasting value for tomorrow.

This year, our annual The Wine People Team Building event took us to a truly special destination: Sicily. From 21 to 23 May, we spent three days connecting, learning and sharing experiences in one of Italy's most remarkable wine regions, strengthening relationships across our team while deepening our understanding of the territories that are at the heart of our business.

During the event, we had the opportunity to visit Santa Tresa and Cortese, our two wineries that share our commitment to quality, sustainability and responsible stewardship of the land. Together with the Sicilian team and Plastic Free Italia, we decided to turn our team-building experience into a meaningful environmental action that would leave a positive legacy for the local community and landscape.

The result was remarkable: 700 kg of waste collected and removed from the surrounding environment.

This achievement highlights not only the scale of the litter problem affecting natural areas, but also the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses, organisations and individuals work together towards a common goal.

Turning Team Building into Environmental Action

At The Wine People, we believe that sustainability must go beyond commitments and translate into tangible action. That is why we were proud to collaborate with Plastic Free Italia, Santa Tresa and Cortese on an initiative aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural environment surrounding these vineyards.

Beyond the clean-up itself, the activity provided an important opportunity to raise awareness about plastic pollution and encourage more responsible everyday behaviours that can help reduce our environmental footprint.

Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The initiative contributed to five of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda:

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, by helping to remove litter from the environment and promoting active community participation.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, through awareness-raising around plastic pollution and the adoption of more sustainable behaviours.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action, by taking practical steps to protect the environment and encourage positive change.
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water, by preventing waste from reaching rivers, coastlines and seas, helping to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land, by supporting the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

Working Together for a More Sustainable Future

We would like to thank Plastic Free Italia for their support and organisation of the initiative, and the teams at Santa Tresa and Cortese for their hospitality, collaboration and shared commitment to sustainability.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone at The Wine People who took part with enthusiasm, energy and team spirit. Despite the Sicilian sunshine and the effort involved, the satisfaction of achieving such a meaningful and measurable result together made the experience even more rewarding.

For us, creating value also means caring for the territories, communities and environments that shape the world of wine. This experience reminded us that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can create a positive impact that extends far beyond their day-to-day work.

This year's The Wine People Team Building brought us to a truly special destination: Sicily.

From 21 to 23 May, colleagues from across the company came together to share experiences, strengthen relationships and deepen their understanding of the people, places and projects that make up The Wine People. More than a team-building event, these three days represented an opportunity to connect with the origins of some of our wines, experience first-hand the territories in which we operate and reinforce the values that guide our work every day.

Getting closer to Santa Tresa and Cortese

A key part of the experience was dedicated to exploring Santa Tresa and Cortese, our two Sicilian wineries located in the heart of the Vittoria area.

For our team, this was an opportunity to see first-hand the passion, expertise and dedication that drive these businesses every day. Walking through the vineyards, visiting the production facilities and meeting the people behind the wines allowed us to gain a deeper appreciation of the work that takes place throughout the year to produce wines that express the identity of this unique territory.

Beyond the wines themselves, the visit highlighted the strong commitment of both wineries to sustainability, biodiversity and responsible land stewardship—values that are deeply embedded in The Wine People's vision.

Discovering the value of the Vittoria and Ragusa territories

Understanding a wine means understanding the place from which it originates.

Throughout the event, we explored the landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage of the Vittoria and Ragusa areas, gaining a richer understanding of the environmental and human factors that make this part of Sicily so distinctive.

From the countryside to the coastline, from agricultural traditions to local communities, every experience reinforced the importance of preserving and enhancing territories that play such a significant role in our wines and in our identity as a company.

From Mount Etna to our first Etna Bianco

One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to Mount Etna, one of the world's most iconic wine-growing regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experiencing the volcanic landscape first-hand offered a unique perspective on the extraordinary conditions that make Etna wines so distinctive. The visit also included the production facility where our first Santa Tresa Etna Bianco is bottled, giving the team the opportunity to learn more about this exciting project and the journey behind bringing a new wine to market.

Seeing the territory, understanding its geology and meeting the people involved in the production process allowed us to connect even more closely with a wine that represents an important milestone for Santa Tresa and for The Wine People.

Turning team building into environmental action

Alongside learning and discovery, we wanted our time in Sicily to leave a positive impact on the territory that welcomed us.

Together with Plastic Free Italia and the teams from Santa Tresa and Cortese, we took part in an environmental clean-up initiative in the areas surrounding the wineries. Working side by side, we collected and removed an impressive 700 kg of waste from the local environment.

The activity demonstrated how collective action can generate tangible results while raising awareness about plastic pollution and environmental responsibility.

A shared experience that reflects who we are

Our Team Building in Sicily was much more than a company event. It was an opportunity to strengthen connections across teams, deepen our understanding of our wineries and territories, and contribute positively to the communities and environments that are part of our world.

Santa Tresa Rina Russa Frappato 2024 scores 95 points in Decanter – featured in the April 2026 “Italian Wine Special Issue”

A new important milestone for Santa Tresa: Rina Russa Frappato Terre Siciliane IGP 2024 has been selected by Decanter in its April 2026 edition, the “Italian Wine Special Issue” dedicated to Italian wines. and it achieved an outstanding 95-point score in the “Unoaked Italian Reds” panel tasting, confirming its place among the finest expressions of Italian unoaked red wines.

The panel of tasters highlighted the elegance and drinkability of this Frappato, with enthusiastic remarks:

“Wild strawberry and red cherry on nose and palate. Tart acidity and ripe tannins balanced with the smooth body. Good, lingering finish.”
(Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW)

“Lovely perfumed nose with cherry, raspberry and talcy florals. Fresh and juicy with just a hint of Turkish delight, yet a bone-dry, refreshing finish. This is utterly drinkable and a complete bargain.”
(Jason Millar)

“Fresh and vibrant style with some delicate strawberry and cherry notes, hints of rose and a touch of spice. Delicate and refreshing.”
(Stefan Neumann MS)

Santa Tresa Rina Russa Frappato Terre Siciliane IGP 2024 fully embodies Santa Tresa's philosophy: enhancing an indigenous grape variety through a contemporary, fresh and authentic style. Notes of strawberry, cherry and floral nuances combine with vibrant acidity and an elegant structure, making it a versatile and enjoyable wine.

This result in Decanter further strengthens Santa Tresa’s position among leading producers of high-quality Sicilian wines, rewarding our commitment to sustainable, environmentally respectful viticulture.

We are delighted to announce that two Nero Oro wines have been recognized at the renowned MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2026, one of the most respected international wine competitions.

The results:

Gold Medal
Nero Oro Grillo Appassimento Sicilia DOC 2025

Silver Medal
Nero Oro Nero d’Avola Appassimento Sicilia DOC 2025

These awards represent an important confirmation of the strength and the expressive Sicilian character of the Nero Oro range.

We’re proud to share that two sparkling wines from Santa Tresa: Il Frappato and Il Grillo have both received outstanding 90+ point ratings from Vinous Media, reviewed by Eric Guido.

These recognitions highlight the expressive character and refined balance of both cuvées.

Il Frappato di Santa Tresa - 90+
Described as highly expressive, Il Frappato impresses with floral perfumes, fresh mint and peach sorbet, carried by fine bubbles and vibrant acidity. Layers of ripe stone fruit and rosy inner florals linger toward a gently mineral, airy finish.

Il Grillo di Santa Tresa - 90+
Il Grillo opens with aromas of crushed nectarines and peaches, lifted by sweet herbs. Round and soothing on the palate, it balances bright acidity with subtle inner sweetness, finishing with candied citrus, hints of mint and outstanding freshness.

We are delighted to share that Santa Tresa and its Orisi Terre Siciliane were the focus of a feature on Studio Aperto MAG on November 27th.

The TV segment highlights the journey of Orisi, a once-forgotten Sicilian grape variety brought back to light thanks to Santa Tresa’s research and dedication to safeguarding local heritage.

A significant achievement for Santa Tresa, and an inspiring step forward in celebrating Sicily’s native varieties.

Watch the full segment here:
https://mediasetinfinity.mediaset.it/video/studioapertomag/un-vitigno-dimenticato_F313662701325C03