On January 4, 2026, the wine world bids farewell to Arnaldo Caprai, who passed away at the age of 92. A central figure in Italian entrepreneurship, Caprai bridged artisanal tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on both the textile and wine industries. From lace to Sagrantino, his career spanned seven decades of excellence in Made in Italy, shaping a legacy that transformed Montefalco’s native grape into an international icon.
“Our father was an optimist and a generous man,” his children shared. “He taught us to always look forward, to believe in enterprise and development.”
From Textiles to Global Recognition: The King of Lace
Born in 1933, Caprai began his entrepreneurial journey at 22, selling household linens. In 1964, he opened his first artisanal knitwear workshop, and by 1968, he founded Maglital, later known worldwide under the Cruciani brand.
In the 1970s, he created an integrated supply chain and launched the Textile Arts Museum Collection, now considered the most important globally. In 2007, he inaugurated the first Virtual Museum of Textile Arts, earning the Guggenheim “Business & Culture” Award.
Arnaldo Caprai: The Father of Modern Sagrantino
Caprai’s global fame is tied to Sagrantino di Montefalco. In 1971, he purchased 42 hectares in Val di Maggio Estate and began a visionary project to revive the native Umbrian grape, then nearly forgotten.
Through relentless pursuit of excellence and process innovation, the Arnaldo Caprai winery became the leader in Sagrantino production, bringing Montefalco wines to the world’s most prestigious tables. Today, the winery produces around one million bottles annually, a testament to a vision that turned a local variety into a global symbol.
Knight of Labor and a Legacy of Excellence
On June 2, 2003, Arnaldo Caprai was named Cavaliere del Lavoro (Knight of Labor) for Agricultural Merit by the President of the Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi—a recognition that crowned a career dedicated not only to economic success but also to responsibility toward the land and future generations.
Today, under the leadership of Marco Caprai, the winery continues to innovate with a focus on sustainability and quality, producing wines that tell the story of Umbria to the world. From Sagrantino to Grechetto, every label reflects a philosophy that unites tradition and modernity.
