The Valpolicella-based family acquires the Lizzano and Guagnano wineries. Alessandra Quarta remains involved in the Masseria Surani project in Puglia, strengthening the link with the territory and ensuring production continuity.
After nearly twenty years in the business, Claudio Quarta announces his retirement from the wine world. The Apulian entrepreneur is entrusting the Tommasi Family with two of the estates that defined his winemaking journey: Tenuta Eméra in Lizzano and Cantina Moros in Guagnano, in the province of Lecce. His daughter, Alessandra Quarta, will remain alongside the Venetian family to oversee the development of the Masseria Surani project, already active in Manduria.
CLAUDIO QUARTA, IN SALENTO SINCE 2005
Claudio Quarta’s winemaking journey began in 2005. At the time, he left a career as a researcher and pharmaceutical entrepreneur in the United States to return to Salento, his homeland. The family turning point came in 2012 when his daughter Alessandra joined the business. The production approach is based on research and innovation, intertwined with tradition and sustainability. This combination has characterized the Lizzano and Guagnano wineries.
TOMMASI IN PUGLIA
The Tommasi Family has been present in Puglia since 2012 with Masseria Surani in Manduria. It has 55 hectares dedicated to Primitivo Doc, expanded over the years with 45 hectares in Lizzano. The acquisition of Tenuta Eméra and Cantina Moros consolidates their presence in the region and expands the group’s viticultural heritage. Today, it exceeds 800 total hectares across Italy.
«Masseria Surani is now strengthened with a new vinification and bottling cellar — emphasizes Giancarlo Tommasi — and the wine tourism project linked to an authentic Puglia is growing. This completes the hospitality mosaic from our estates in Valpolicella to Vulture, all the way to Montalcino.»
CONTINUITY
Since 2023, Alessandra Quarta had been leading the family group. «I was looking for a solid harbor — she highlights — to face the challenges of global markets. I am certain that together with the Tommasi Family we can develop the project started with my father, creating new opportunities for the territory with a sustainable perspective.»
PUGLIA PORTFOLIO
With the new acquisition, Tommasi Family Estates’ Apulian operations will merge under the Masseria Surani brand. The portfolio now includes: Tenuta Espéra in Manduria, dedicated to labels for the restaurant industry. Additionally, it includes Tenuta Eméra in Lizzano, focusing on Primitivo Doc, Fiano, and Negroamaro Rosé; and Cantina Moros in Guagnano, guardian of the Salice Salentino Doc Riserva.
MEDITERRANEAN PROJECT
The Veronese family’s strategy adds another piece in Salento, alongside Vulture in Basilicata with Paternoster and Etna with Ammura. The stated goal: to showcase the richness of Mediterranean territories with wines capable of uniting tradition and identity on an international scale.
