A new chapter opens for Cantine 4 Valli. On 24 September 2026, the historic Piacenza wine company announced the transfer of its majority stake to the young married couple Robert Addis and Francesca Carini. He is American, an investor in the agri-food sector. She was born in Piacenza. Both previously worked as consultants at McKinsey & Company.
This is the largest winery in the province of Piacenza and the sixth largest in Emilia-Romagna, according to the Corriere della Sera ranking of 27 August 2026 of the top 120 Italian wineries by 2025 turnover. The numbers are significant: over 10 million bottles a year, exports to more than 30 countries and over 140 years of history. The previous owners, however, are not leaving the stage. The founding Ferrari and Perini families will keep a stake and key roles, ensuring continuity for a tradition now in its fifth generation.
Continuity and new international ambitions
The deal is all about operational continuity. Addis and Carini will take on active roles in the company, alongside Stefano Perini, who remains Chief Executive Officer. The new owners’ goal is clear: to open a new phase of international growth while protecting the winery’s territorial heritage. To do so, the winery can count on its own production infrastructure, IFS certified since 2016. From here, the new owners want to expand global distribution and strategic retail partnerships. Without forgetting, of course, the award-winning portfolio of premium and flagship wines, starting with Il Poggiarello.
The voices of the new owners
But what convinced the couple to invest in Cantine 4 Valli? Robert Addis stated:
“What drew us to Cantine 4 Valli is the company’s absolute dedication to wine quality, at every single price point. They have built something rare, balancing a highly scalable and efficient production infrastructure with the care needed to produce fine, award-winning wines. Our goal is to actively build on these foundations, giving our team the resources it needs to excel in the main international markets, and to grow the prestige of our brands.”
For Francesca Carini, on the other hand, the acquisition is a deeply personal commitment. The aim is to bring the historic wine culture of her hometown to the global stage:
“Piacenza boasts a wine heritage dating back to the Roman Empire, yet our incredible native grape varieties are still a hidden treasure for much of the world. Building on a legacy of over 140 years together with the founding families is a profound responsibility. We are thrilled to work with Stefano and this exceptional team to share the authentic stories and top-level wines of the Piacenza valleys with an ever wider global audience.”
Stefano Perini also welcomes the new operational partnership:
“Bobby and Francesca bring a sophisticated level of international strategic expertise but, even more importantly, they share our deep respect for the territory and for our people. Having them actively involved in the company ensures that C4V’s identity remains intact as we move confidently towards new and ambitious markets.”
Cantine 4 Valli, from 1882 to today
Founded in 1882, Cantine 4 Valli is now in its fifth generation. It is the leading producer in Piacenza and the sixth largest in all of Emilia-Romagna. The company has its roots in an ancient wine region and runs an IFS-certified production plant. Its portfolio is diversified and award-winning. It ranges from accessible, high-quality commercial lines such as Borgofulvia, 4Valli and Perini & Perini, to the prestigious flagship wines of Il Poggiarello. Today C4V produces over 10 million bottles a year and promotes native grape varieties and authentic Emilian winemaking tradition in more than 30 countries.
