La Faretra announces the acquisition of the winery Querce Bettina, one of the historic producers of Montalcino, confirming its intention to invest in one of the symbolic territories of high‑end Italian wine. The transaction, finalized in the second half of 2025 with the support of the law firm Bird & Bird, opens a new chapter for the estate led by Massimo Guercilena, CEO of the agricultural company based in Gavorrano.
“Montalcino is a unique heritage, where identity and evolutionary potential coexist in an extraordinary way,” says Guercilena. “With this acquisition, we want to safeguard and enhance Querce Bettina, guiding it along a path of growth consistent with its history and investing in quality, sustainability, and full respect for the surrounding environment. The operation allows us to launch new projects and developments today, ensuring continuity and protection of the winery’s identity. Our goal, beyond guaranteeing the production of excellent wines, is to safeguard the land and its resources, transforming every bottle into an authentic expression of the territory.”
A Strategic Operation in the Heart of Montalcino: History and Production Profile of Querce Bettina
Founded in 1992, Querce Bettina is located on the southwestern slope of Montalcino, at 440 meters above sea level, in an area that combines favorable exposures and environmental richness. The property extends over 29 hectares, with one hectare dedicated to Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and 1.4 hectares to Rosso di Montalcino DOC, alongside olive groves, arable land, and Mediterranean scrubland. The name refers to an ancient local legend tied to the oaks surrounding the estate, symbols of protection and continuity.
The vineyards were planted in 1999, the cellar was built in 2005, and the first Brunello was released in 2009, marking the beginning of a quality‑driven path developed in accordance with organic farming principles.
Querce Bettina: Production, Style, and New Oenological Leadership
Production at Querce Bettina focuses on Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello, with a Riserva produced only in the finest vintages. Completing the estate’s portfolio are a Grappa di Brunello and an organic extra virgin olive oil.
Leading the new production phase is oenologist Giacomo Tonini, tasked with elevating a stylistic potential that blends classicism with contemporary finesse. The winery produces around 15,000 bottles per year, with a strong international orientation: 70% of production is destined for foreign markets. Renovation and expansion work is underway to align the structure and processes with the qualitative vision of the new ownership.
Territorial Identity and the Future Vision of the New Ownership
For La Faretra, entering Montalcino represents an investment in the quality and recognizability of a territory that, on the international stage, remains one of the most solid in terms of the prestige and reputation of the Brunello brand.
The focus remains on enhancing Sangiovese Grosso and the pedoclimatic characteristics of the southwestern slope, where altitude, temperature variation, and biodiversity shape a distinctive profile.
The announced strategy aims to keep Querce Bettina’s production identity intact, strengthening it through an approach oriented toward sustainability, respect for natural cycles, and safeguarding the land—cornerstones of La Faretra’s corporate vision since its foundation.
