Monthly Archives: May 2013

Miami, Florida (July 24, 2013) – Domenico Zonin, Vice President of Casa Vinicola Zonin, has been appointed President of the Italian Wine Union (Unione Italiana Vini), on July 9^th, for a three-year term until 2016.

“I thank the Board of Directors for the trust – said Domenico Zonin – And for me it’s an honor and a privilege to hold this office, which will provide a further stimulus to give my contribution in support of the association.” Mr. Zonin continues to say,  “Our goal is to strengthen the presence of the Italian Wine Union in the most relevant institutional environments and at the most important events that affect choices of policies.”

Founded in 1895, the Italian Wine Union is the oldest and most respected association dedicated to Italian wine. Today the association represents over 500 companies and supports 70% of Italy’s wine export division. The Italian Wine Union is a society of innovative laboratories, services and information tailored to support wineries and companies associated with the wine industry.

About Casa Vinicola Zonin USA, Inc.

Casa Vinicola Zonin Italy wholly owns Casa Vinicola Zonin USA in addition to Casa Vinicola Zonin UK, Canada, China Germany; exporting to more than 90+ countries. A company with nine vineyards located in the seven most prestigious wine growing areas in Italy. The flagship winery, Castello D’Albola located in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico District, Rocca di Montemassi located in Maremma, Tuscany, Principi di Butera located in Sicily, Ca’Bolani located in Friuli, Castello del Poggio located in Piemonte/Asti, Tenuta IL Bosco located in Lombardia, Podere IL Giangio located in Veneto, Abbazia Monte Oliveto located in Toscana and Masseria Altemura located in Puglia. Each winery is dedicated to its own traditional wines and style.  https://zoninusa.com

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Casa Vinicola Zonin Plenty of News at Vinexpo 2013 (Stand AB 131, Hall 1): 

New Apulian Wines from Masseria Altemura and New Velluto Veneto Igt; Reinforced Partnership with Professor Denis Du Bourdieu; Wine Tourism Empowered and Green Values to be Shared.

Casa Vinicola Zonin is the largest privately owned wine company in Italy and one of the most popular in Europe, with an uncontested talent in creating “wine culture” outside of Italy. The Company distributes, sells and markets in over 100 countries the wines of its 9 Estates, locatedin Italy’ finest wine-producing regions. At Vinexpo Fair, highly regarded by the international key players of the world of wine, we present the following news:

• Opening of Masseria Altemura and New Apulian Wines: Last October 2012 Casa Vinicola Zonin celebrated the opening of Masseria Altemura, its new Estate in Salento, Puglia. We consider its high quality wines, with a very attractive packaging, the “ones to watch” in our portfolio.

• New Velluto wine: a Veneto IGT wine, crafted with a blend of Corvina and Merlot.Because consumers are limited to the interaction with Velluto’s wine bottle in stores, we felt we should present it with a tactile experience. We designed a 3D embossed foil label, with an important visual trigger and an invitation to interact with the bottle. The flowing V represents the lightness of a red velvety sik scarf, and brings life to the label. Velluto (“Velvet”) is a Veneto Igt and the name is a tribute to the Venetian merchants who popularized the silk trade since Roman times.

• Reinforced Strategic Consultancy of Professor Denis Du Bourdieu for our Estates Wines: The collaboration started in 1997 with the world wide famous wine maker Denis Dubordieu, Œnology Professor at the University of Bordeaux,is further strengthened, with the fundamental aim of improving knowledge in all phases of wine production and experimentation, in order to apply it within all the Estates of the Zonin Family, ensuring the highest quality for our wines.

• A priority for Casa Vinicola Zonin is wine tourism. Each Company’s Estate constantly improves its hospitality services, winning a growing number of Italian and International wine lovers, in search of new terroirs, flavors and authentic traditions. The latest figures have pointed out, that wine tourism is strongly increasing, surpassing the $ 5 billion euros in sales in 2012. Zonin’s Estates confirm the trend, reaching a total of 100,000 visitors per year. Significant examples of this success are: Tenuta Ca’Bolani, in Friuli, which registered a 25% increase in visits in the last year among Italians, Austrians and Swiss; Castello d’Albola, in Chianti Classico, had in 2012 15% more visits, with a growing number of French, American, German, British and Brazilian tourists. Feudo Principi di Butera, in Sicily, has doubled the number of its visitors. Michele Zonin, VicePresident of our Company, will give insight into our wine tourism practices on June, 19^th, at Vinexpo Conference “‘Best Wine Tourism Practices in the Great Wine Capitals’.

• Green values are part of Casa Vinicola Zonin’s culture and philosophy. For us only care for the environment throughout the whole production process makes for high quality and sustainable wines. Since 2008, we have adopted a rigorous “green” business program. Recently our engagement was rewarded by the judges at The Drinks Business Green Awards: Carlo De Biasi – Chief Agronomist at Casa Vinicola Zonin – was awarded with the Green Personality of the Year Award.

For information:

Alessandra Zambonin – Press & Communication Manager – alessandra.zambonin@zonin.it – tel.+39 0444 640 290 / ­+ 39 348 9900019

News Release

For Immediate Release

On Thursday, May 9th, Wine Enthusiast celebrated the magazine’s 25th Anniversary with a “Red & White Bash” themed party – Belle Epoque Festival setting. The event took place at The Hudson Hotel in New York City.  100% of the ticketing proceeds went to benefit the Wine to Water charity— a non-profit aid organization focused on providing clean water to needy people around the world.

The event exclusively featured 90+ point Wine Enthusiast rated wines. Guests were served the following Zonin Family Estate wines- Rocca di Montemassi Rocca di Montemassi, Feudo Principi di Butera Symposio, Tenuta Ca’Bolani Aquilis, & Zonin Prosecco.

Check out  www.redandwhitebash.com for more info.

About Casa Vinicola Zonin USA, Inc.

Casa Vinicola Zonin S.p.A. in Italy wholly owns Casa Vinicola Zonin USA; a company of seven generations of winemakers with eleven estates located in the seven most prestigious wine growing areas in Italy. The flagship winery, Castello D’Albola located in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico District, Rocca di Montemassi located in Maremma, Tuscany, Principi di Butera located in Sicily, Ca’Bolani located in Friuli, Castello del Poggio located in Piemonte/Asti, Tenuta IL Bosco located in Lombardia, Podere IL Giangio located in Veneto, Abbazia Monte Oliveto located in Toscana and Masseria Altemura located in Puglia. Each winery is dedicated to its own traditional wines and styles. https://zoninusa.com  https://www.zoninprosecco.com

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Enduring Success for Zonin Prosecco and Zonin Estates Wines in Usa, Germany and Uk.

Absolutely Innovative Approach to the Chinese Market

At Vinitaly 2013 the family-owned wine company based in Veneto Region celebrates a very positive growth in export sales: 2012 export consolidated turnover of 105 milions Euro demonstrates that Casa Vinicola Zonin export quadrupled in the last five years.

Thanks to a true market oriented approach to international business -“tailoring” custom made business plans for each country – CVZ consolidates its leading position in key markets like Usa, Germany and Uk and constantly increases its presence in Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Russia, with a special interest for the upcoming opportunities of the Chinese market.

Excellent performances must be reported for Zonin Prosecco Doc, a traditional winning horse for Casa Vinicola Zonin: with a global average increase of 16% in 2012, the beloved sparkling wine of the “Italian Lifestyle” conquers Uk and Canada, followed by Germany and Usa. Among Italian Proseccos, Zonin Prosecco has the 7,5 % of market share in USA, 12,5% in Uk and more than 22% in UAE and 40% in Australia!

But Casa Vinicola Zonin’s strength is its multi-branded portfolio with dedicated range to OFF & ON trade and its wide assortment covering all the price segments from daily consumption
to top tier wines: in 2012 the Zonin Family Estate Brands confirmed to be worldwide recognized as a mark and guarantee of high quality, especially referring to the increasing presence on the international stage of Castello del Poggio (Piedmont), Rocca di Montemassi (Maremma), Castello d’Albola (Chianti Classico) and Tenuta Ca Bolani (Friuli). A recent re-organization of the Company’s Export Department was meant to support the awareness of Zonin Estates quality wines throughout the best restaurants and top venues of the world. The new Prestigious Account Division in less than 3 months was able to list the Estates’ Wines in more than 10 Michelin Stars restaurants and create a network with sommeliers of the most exclusive international venues.

A new priority for the internationalization of Casa Vinicola Zonin is the complex Chinese market, consisting of large metropolitan areas as well as the so called “secondary” cities. Despite of the global crisis, China is a constantly expanding market, where sales of wine increased of 21% in 2012. In order to better support its Chinese importers, Casa Vinicola Zonin hired two Country Managers of Chinese nationality in the last months, with the goal of being the ambassadors of the Zonin brand and the Zonin Family Estates brands, values and propositions in China, committing to consumers through the right messages, attitude and positioning. Interest for China dates back in time for Casa Vinicola Zonin: 1996 was the year in which the Company began to explore the Chinese market in a pioneering way and in 2005 it developed G3, a project empowered with Torres family (Spain) and Baron Philippe de Rothschild (France) to promote the excellence of European wines in emerging markets like China through events, tastings and press conferences with the aim of creating a “Old World” system to penetrate the market.

After positioning its wines in the main metropolitan areas, Casa Vinicola Zonin declares its goal of discovering the taste preferences of the upcoming consumers of the “secondary” cities of China. This big Country with vast economic and cultural differences, is characterized by heterogeneous gastronomic traditions and new wine consumption opportunities can be proposed.

Massimo Tuzzi, Chief International Officer of the Company, says “We are conducting an in depth market research on 18 Chinese medium cities to understand the taste of current and potential consumers. Our goal is to be able to anticipate consumers needs in a market that continues to evolve and to propose the most suitable wine for new Chinese wine lovers from the different areas of China. We don’t want to make the mistake of considering China as a great and unique market “.

In an appealing Country where only the 2% of the population currently represents the wine market, Casa Vinicola Zonin wants to conquer new consumers, passing onto them the value of “Made in Italy” high quality. Gambellara, April 7^th 2013

You can meet us at Vinitaly 2013- VeronaFiere:

Casa Vinicola Zonin Pav. 4 Stand F5 

Feudo principi di Butera Pav. 2 Stand 60D-72E 

Rocca di Montemassi Pav. D “Maremma Wine Shire” Stand E1 – E2, Desk n° 7

For information:

Alessandra Zambonin – Press & Communication Manager – alessandra.zambonin@zonin.it – tel.+39 0444 640 290 / ­+ 39 348 9900019

 In constant growth, the Company based in the Veneto in 2012 registered ­+ 13% of turnover, 

hired staff under 35 years of age, promoted wine culture thanks to social media and 

contributed to enhance the wine tourism in 7 Italian Regions

Despite of the critical period for the economy, in 2012 Casa Vinicola Zonin recorded an increase in its turnover of 13% compared to 2011, with 140 million Euros, and the Company proves to be solid, dynamic and in continuous growth:

• Employment has risen in the last year and 10 young professionals all under 35 years of age were hired in the areas of technical production, marketing, communication, export and financial controlling, paying big attention to educational and workshops for the new recruits.

• Among other traditional tools to promote the Company’s brands and wine culture, for Casa Vinicola Zonin social media has become a fresh, original and effective way to communicate its values and to relate to consumers in a closer and relaxed environment. Facebook and Twitter target especially young consumers, although it is becoming a common place for a more mature public, as it is seen as an easy, inexpensive way to stay tuned with the world. Constantly updated, our Facebook sites comprehend all our brands, from the institutional Casa Vinicola Zonin, to Zonin Prosecco and all the wineries.

• Sustaining wine producing areas is a key aspect of Casa Vinicola Zonin’s philosophy and the most recent example of this approach regards Puglia: the Zonin Family acquired Masseria Altemura Estate in 2000 and last October 2012 inaugurated it, after important intervention on the winery and on the landscape. As result of an investment of several million Euros, now Masseria Altemura employees 70 people from the local community in the winery and 130 hectares of vines are cultivated, rediscovering native varieties and techniques.

• A priority for Casa Vinicola Zonin is also wine tourism. Each Company’s Estate constantly improves its hospitality services, winning a growing number of Italian and International wine lovers, in search of new terroirs, flavors and authentic traditions. The latest figures have pointed out, that wine tourism is strongly increasing, surpassing the $ 5 billion euros in sales in 2012. Zonin’s Estates confirm the trend, reaching a total of 100,000 visitors per year. Significant examples of this success are: Tenuta Ca’Bolani, in Friuli, which registered a 25% increase in visits in the last year among Italians, Austrians and Swiss; Castello d’Albola, in Chianti Classico, had in 2012 15% more visits, with a growing number of French, American, German, British and Brazilian tourists. Last but not least, Feudo Principi di Butera, in Sicily, has doubled the number of its visitors. Gambellara, April 7^th 2013

You can meet us at Vinitaly 2013- VeronaFiere:

Casa Vinicola Zonin Pav. 4 Stand F5 – Feudo principi di Butera Pav. 2 Stand 60D-72E 

Rocca di Montemassi Pav. D “Maremma Wine Shire” Stand E1 – E2, Desk n° 7

For information:

Alessandra Zambonin – Press & Communication Manager – alessandra.zambonin@zonin.it – tel.+39 0444 640 290 / ­+ 39 348 9900019

Casa Vinicola Zonin is more and more involved in Sustainable Viticulture. 

New Eco-Activities presented at the upcoming Prowein and Vinitaly

Respect and care for the environment are part of Casa Vinicola Zonin’s culture and philosophy.

Only precise attention to detail in every phase of winemaking, from the vineyard to the bottle, produce top class wines. Similarly, only care for the environment throughout the whole production process makes for high quality and sustainable wines.

Since 2008, we have adopted a rigorous sustainable business program. New key points of our constantly self – renovating “green” activities are:

• INNOVATIVE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Water is a valuable resource. It is a non-renewable asset whose availability is reducing and changing in relation to climate change and population growth. Casa Vinicola Zonin has adopted innovative irrigation systems, which ensure maximum efficiency of the use of water resources. Each irrigation system has a pressure bomb, also known as, Scholander bomb, which monitor the water levels of vines and ensures that the water is strictly used for irrigation purposes in order to maintain quality of grapes.

• GREEN MANURE: Our Castello d’Albola and Rocca di Montemassi Estates have re-introduced the traditional technique of green manure, which is a mixture of legumes and grass that is necessary for organic agriculture. Using the green manure technique in the vineyards, have decreased the use of mineral fertilization and agricultural machinery.

• PLANT MATERIAL CONTROL: The level of sustainability achieved in Zonin Estates regarding the management of pesticide treatments and storage of products has been an example to many Italian wine producers who consider us a market leader in this sector. All of our plant materials are strictly controlled and analyzed in laboratories. PCR Real-time is an innovative system that is used to monitor plant materials for potential virus.

• FORECASTING MODELS: All Zonin Estates have a control unit for meteorological data, which is located in the International Centre for Agrometeorology based in Switzerland. Provincial and regional monitoring networks collect the information. To reduce the use of pesticides and avoid unnecessary interventions, we carry on treatments according to the data coming from monitoring pathogens and parasites from the indicated forecasting models.

• BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL WITH TRICHODERMA SPP: Biological control is a method of controlling pests (including insects, mites, weeds, etc) using other living organisms. To ensure our plant fitness we use Trichoderma spp, a kind of Fungi that cause disease in insects (known as entomopathogenic fungi)and prevent wood desease

• MATING DISRUPTION: at Feudo Principi di Butera, Masseria Altemura and Rocca di Montemassi, in order to protect our vineyards from the dreaded vine moth larvae – that can cause significant damages to grapes – without using insecticides, we contain the populations of

this insect with a technique called “mating disruption” .In order to be fertilized, the female moths release of sex hormones (or pheromones) that enable males to locate them more easily. So, we place a number of diffusers that release a high dose of female pheromones in our vineyards. These pheromone traps confuse male moths and prevent them from finding their mates. Since there is no mating, the eggs aren’t fertilized, and don’t hatch. This hormone is absolutely safe. In fact, it’s nothing more than a reconstituted “smell”. These diffusers are placed in the spring before the moth starts flying.

• SOLAR ENERGY: Casa Vinicola Zonin Estates produce up to 40% of their own energy using photovoltaic solar energy panels. In order to reduce their visual impact on the Estates’ landscape, the panels have been hidden from view and placed on the rooftops of barns and cellars. Our Estates using efficient energy saving methods are Tenuta Il Bosco (40%), Castello del Poggio (31 %), Tenuta Ca’ Bolani (19 %), and Feudo Principi di Butera (14%).

• PRECISION FARMING: A farming management concept based on observing and responding to intra-field variations with the goal of optimizing returns on inputs while preserving resources. Castello d’Albola and Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Estates practice precision farming techniques in their vineyards.   Maps with infrared technology are used to define plant vigor in the fields, which displays when to water or fertilize the vineyards. Using this technology saves energy and resources.

• GPS SYSTEMS: Furthermore, all of the Estates use a satellite positioning system such as a GPS, which locates the best area to plant in the vineyards through satellite imagery and information technology. Thus, conserving both energy and resources.

At the upcoming Prowein Fair in Duesseldorf, Casa Vinicola Zonin will present its “green” projects and Sommelier Sebastian Wilkens will lead a tasting with our “sustainable” wines at Prowein Forum 7.1, on Sunday, 24th March at 4 p.m.

Furthermore, Casa Vinicola Zonin promotes and actively participates in two of Italy’s national sustainability wine projects: Magis (www.magis.me) and Tergeo (www.tergeo.it). At Vinitaly, in Verona, we will have Magis’s Stand (Pad 7 stand B8)at our disposal on Tuesday, 9^th April ,from 4 pm to 6 pm to explain our increasing involvement in sustainable agriculture.

Casa Vinicola Zonin is the largest privately owned wine company in Italy and one of the most popular in Europe, with an uncontested talent in creating “wine culture” outside of Italy. The Company distributes, sells and markets in over 100 countries the wines of its 9 Estates, located in Italy’ finest wine-producing regions. Casa Vinicola Zonin is an increasingly important player on the international stage, a leader in the export of wines from Italy to such countries as the United States, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, the Benelux area, Switzerland and Australia.

For information:

Alessandra Zambonin – Press & Communication Manager – alessandra.zambonin@zonin.it – tel.+39 0444 640 111 / ­+ 39 348 9900019

The Zonin Family and Its Values

Zonin is the name of Italy’s largest family-owned wine company and one of the most important in Europe, celebrating the diversity of Italian wine from Italy’s major wine regions. A family business and a business of families, with a passion for winemaking, and the mission to produce the highest quality Italian wine available to all wine-lovers. Having strong ties to the land for the past seven generations,

The Zonins have been “Vintners since 1821”. Alongside President Gianni, his sons Domenico, Francesco and Michele have nowadays executive roles in the company, for technical and production management, sales & marketing and financial control.

Casa Vinicola Zonin owns 9 wine estates located in 7 wine regions of Italy for a total of 4,000 hectares (9,884 acres) of properties, 2,000 (4,942 acres) of which are vine planted. The Zonin family owns their own vineyards, grows their own grapes and bottles their wines at each estate, supported by the consultancy of the world wide famous wine maker Denis Dubordieu, Œnology Professor at the University of Bordeaux, and by the expertise of one of the largest staff of oenologists and agronomists in Europe. The Zonin Family is environmentally driven and aims to continue enhancing sustainable viticulture, through a total traceability system of the wine production cycle. Study on grapes and vines, together with constant innovation and attention to market trends and market opportunities, allow Casa Vinicola Zonin to capitalize on the years of activity in the wine business and, at the same time, to open up to new challenges of globalization.

Company Brands: Zonin Label and The Estates

Casa Vinicola Zonin, based in Gambellara, in the heart of the Veneto Region, produces the well known Zonin label wines and is the core and support of its Estates, located in the most highly regarded winemaking regions in Italy and the US: Castello del Poggio in Piedmont, Tenuta Il Bosco in Lombardy, Tenuta Ca’ Bolani in Friuli, Castello d’Albola, Rocca di Montemassi e Abbazia di Monte Oliveto in Tuscany, Masseria Altemura in Apulia, Feudo Principi di Butera in Siciliy e Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia – USA. Each Casa Vinicola Zonin winery is an independent production unit, strongly linked to its territory of belonging, and has its own vinification, aging cellar and bottling facilities on site, in order to safeguard traditions and guarantee a standard of excellence.

Casa Vinicola Zonin around the World: the Process of Internationalization

Casa Vinicola Zonin is the company that distributes, sells and markets the brands belonging to the Zonin Family in Italy and abroad . 75% of total sales revenue is exported to over 100 Countries and the process of internationalization is in continuous development.

Casa Vinicola Zonin has adopted a much more market oriented approach to international business, “tailoring” custom made business plans for each country, with the belief that each market is different and unique. In key countries like United States and United Kingdom two independent business units were incorporated – Zonin USA and Zonin UK – in order to perform all the main functions from sales and marketing to importation; in Tokyo shares were recently acquired in a Japanese distribution company and important investments in China and Brazil are currently being planned.

The mission of each of these new projects is to achieve a leadership role in the different international markets by providing wine solutions directly “from the vineyard to the glass” and by ensuring the highest quality experience for all wine enthusiasts in all customer segments.

Casa Vinicola Zonin Spa in Figures

• Consolidated Turnover 2012: 140 million euro (+ 13 % vs. 2011)
• Vineyards Owned in 2012: 2.000 hectares
• Bottles produced 2012: 40 million (in multiple formats)
• Export 2012: 75% – over 100 countries in 5 continents
• Main markets: USA, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, Japan, UK, BENELUX, Canada, Korea
• Employees 2012: 239 (included controlled UK and US units)
• President: Gianni Zonin

You can meet us at Vinitaly 2013- VeronaFiere:

Casa Vinicola Zonin Pav. 4 Stand F5 

Feudo principi di Butera Pav. 2 Stand 60D-72E 

Rocca di Montemassi Pav. D “Maremma Wine Shire” Stand E1 – E2, Desk n° 7

For information:

Alessandra Zambonin – Press & Communication Manager – alessandra.zambonin@zonin.it – tel.+39 0444 640 290 / ­+ 39 348 9900019

News Release

For Immediate Release

Zonin wines received 2012 IMPACT “HOT BRAND” Award

Miami, Florida (May 2, 2013)- Zonin is an Impact HOT BRAND Award winner for 2012. The prestigious achievement was honored at an award presentation and cocktail reception at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America- 70^th Annual Convention & Exposition 2013 on Sunday, April 28, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida.

M. Shanken Communications- leading publisher in the U.S. wine & spirits industry known for the following publications: Wine Spectator, Impact, Market Watch, Food Arts, and Cigar Aficionado- presents this award every year to established and upcoming brands that achieve a drastic increase in sales growth in the market. Zonin, importer Zonin USA, depleted 280,000 cases exceeding the minimum 250,000 nine-liter case depletions requirement for 2012 Hot Brand Award.

Awarded Zonin brand consists of the following wines: Winemaker’s Collection, Zonin Prosecco leads the sparkling category followed by Zonin Rosé, Zonin Baccorosa, Zonin Asti, and the Zonin Jewels: Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore, Amarone della Valpolicella, Barolo.

As a HOT BRAND Award winner, Zonin is considered one of the leading Italian Sparkling Brands in the U.S. market– from 2003 through 2010 roughly imported 100,000 cases and saw 45 percent growth increase in 2011, while nearly doubling numbers to 280,000 cases for 2012. In April 2013 issue, Impact magazine stated “Zonin, however, has proven to be a particular standout, achieving the highest growth rate of any imported wine Hot Brand. Last year, the label grew 93 percent and roughly doubled its volume to 280,000 cases.”

About Casa Vinicola Zonin USA, Inc.

Casa Vinicola Zonin S.p.A. in Italy wholly owns Casa Vinicola Zonin USA; a company of seven generations of winemakers with eleven estates located in the seven most prestigious wine growing areas in Italy. The flagship winery, Castello D’Albola located in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico District, Rocca di Montemassi located in Maremma, Tuscany, Principi di Butera located in Sicily, Ca’Bolani located in Friuli, Castello del Poggio located in Piemonte/Asti, Tenuta IL Bosco located in Lombardia, Podere IL Giangio located in Veneto, Abbazia Monte Oliveto located in Toscana and Masseria Altemura located in Puglia. Each winery is dedicated to its own traditional wines and styles. https://zoninusa.com  https://www.zoninprosecco.com

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