The digital revolution has arrived among the vineyard rows of Villa Sandi. The Veneto wine group has turned its vineyards into an intelligent ecosystem capable of integrating climate sensors, satellite imagery, drones and artificial intelligence algorithms into a single digital platform. The project covers more than 200 hectares of estate-owned vineyards across Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and aims to make agronomic management increasingly precise, sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change. The goal is not only to improve operational efficiency, but also to preserve grape quality, optimize the use of natural resources and support agronomists in identifying the ideal moment for harvest.
A digital network connecting all Villa Sandi estates
The project stems from a journey begun more than two years ago and now connects Villa Sandi’s entire vineyard heritage through a platform capable of collecting, analyzing and interpreting agronomic and climatic data in real time.
This digital infrastructure enables continuous monitoring of the vineyards and allows highly targeted interventions, with measurable results already visible in the reduction of plant protection treatments and water consumption.
The initiative also fits into the company’s broader sustainability strategy: all its vineyards are certified Biodiversity Friend, a standard dedicated to protecting biodiversity and promoting agricultural practices that respect ecosystems.
Sensors, electronic leaves and weather stations serving the vineyard
At the core of the intelligent ecosystem is an extensive network of monitoring tools.
Weather stations installed across the estates constantly record temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed, while so‑called electronic leaves monitor vegetation wetness.
These are complemented by soil sensors that analyze moisture levels down to around seventy centimeters deep.
The information collected flows into decision-support systems and is processed by artificial intelligence algorithms that provide operational guidance to agronomists.
Artificial intelligence does not replace human expertise — it enhances it
Technology is used as a support tool, not as a substitute for the experience gained in the vineyard.
“Technology does not replace human experience — it makes it more aware,” comments Leonardo Moretti Polegato, vice president of Villa Sandi. “Viticulture is built on observation, sensitivity and knowledge of the land. Today, we can complement this heritage of expertise with digital tools and artificial intelligence that help us interpret a remarkable amount of information, allowing us to better understand what each vineyard truly needs. This means intervening only where necessary, at the right moment and with the right intensity, improving grape quality while reducing environmental impact.”
A philosophy that places the complementarity between technological innovation and agronomic knowledge at its core.
Drones and satellites to observe the vineyard from above
Vineyard analysis is not limited to ground-level monitoring.
Villa Sandi uses drones and satellite imagery to observe the vegetative vigor of individual parcels and detect even minimal variations in plant development.
This mapping makes it possible to identify early signs of plant stress and plan selective interventions.
Aerial observation also helps determine the ideal harvest moment, maximizing the qualitative potential of each vineyard and each row.
Villa Sandi: fewer treatments and greater water efficiency
The benefits of the system are already tangible. Villa Sandi estimates a reduction of up to 20% in plant protection treatments thanks to the ability to intervene only when the vineyard’s actual conditions require it.
On the water front, constant monitoring of soil moisture has optimized irrigation, resulting in an average saving of around 10%.
These results are even more significant in an agricultural context increasingly affected by extreme weather events and recurring droughts.
Up to 70% water savings in the most advanced vineyards
The best performances are recorded in vineyards where digital management is integrated with advanced studies on soil composition and the use of the group’s “M” rootstocks.
These were developed through collaboration with the Wine Research Team and the University of Milan.
In these areas, water savings can reach 70% compared to neighboring vineyards, offering a concrete response to issues related to water stress and the growing pressure of climate change on viticulture.
Villa Sandi and a new frontier for wine quality
The intelligent ecosystem represents one of the most advanced expressions of Villa Sandi’s innovation journey. Behind the project is a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, oenologists and specialists who work daily to integrate new skills and technologies into vineyard management.
The goal remains to read the territory with increasing precision, preserve its natural balance and ensure — harvest after harvest — the highest possible grape quality.
