Vineyards Magazine

From its first Sustainability Report and anniversary wines to the upcoming year of Pordenone as Italian Capital of Culture 2027, the Friulian cooperative celebrates a major milestone in the presence of institutional representatives and embarks on a new phase of renewal.

On Saturday 1st August, Cantina Rauscedo opened its doors to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The evening brought together members, employees, institutional representatives and guests to celebrate the cooperative’s journey and look ahead to the coming years with renewed momentum. The event marked the beginning of a programme of initiatives dedicated to the anniversary, which will continue throughout 2026.

The evening was hosted by Simon Staffler, an expert wine taster and a familiar face of Falstaff Italia, who welcomed guests and introduced a celebratory video specially created for the anniversary: a visual journey through the winery’s 75-year history, from its foundation in 1951 to the present day. 

The spotlight then turned to Cantina Rauscedo President Antonio Zuliani, who presented the cooperative’s first Sustainability Report, a document that demonstrates the company’s commitment to making the value it generates for its members and the local area increasingly measurable and transparent. 

“The renewal process we have embarked on is built around one fundamental principle: quality,” said Antonio Zuliani. “For this reason, we have strengthened our production structure by bringing in highly qualified new professionals who work alongside our long-standing staff, the people who have played a central role in the company’s growth over the years. At the same time, we have invested in the innovation of our production facilities and winery, with the aim of continuously improving the processes involved in grape handling and transformation. This commitment also extends to our members, whom we support through ongoing professional development, enabling them to fully express the value of the territory and further strengthen the identity of our wines. Only through continuous improvement can we consolidate the trust of our existing customers and win over new ones.”

Next to speak was General Manager Flavio Geretto, appointed to lead the cooperative just a few months ago and already a tangible sign of the new direction undertaken by Cantina Rauscedo. He presented the company’s future projects and outlined its development strategy for the coming years: a path that builds on the cooperative’s history while embracing an increasingly international and contemporary vision for the brand. 

The 75th anniversary coincides with a period of profound renewal for the cooperative’s image, involving its headquarters, hospitality areas and brand positioning. The process aims to strengthen Cantina Rauscedo’s identity by highlighting its history while embracing an international and contemporary outlook. 

During his address, Geretto also unveiled two commemorative magnums created especially for the anniversary – one Refosco and one Sauvignon, two varieties that are emblematic of Friuli’s wine heritage. Both feature a specially designed label celebrating Cantina Rauscedo’s 75th anniversary and were subsequently shared with guests during the evening. 

“Our 75th anniversary is a moment of reflection and awareness. We are proud of the journey that has brought us this far, but even more determined to build what we will become tomorrow. This confidence is rooted in an heritage that, over the past few months, I have come to know and appreciate even more deeply: a membership base with strong ties to the cooperative, a forward-looking governance structure, and a team whose technical, agronomic and oenological expertise ranks among the most highly qualified in Italy,” added Geretto. 

“The renovation of our headquarters is the first tangible sign of a broader project to enhance the image of the winery and the values of our community, because we believe that every major transformation must begin with its roots. We want to strengthen Cantina Rauscedo as a recognisable brand, one that can be shared and communicated internationally and showcase the value of Friuli and its wine heritage to the world. We are also preparing to embrace the important opportunity presented by Pordenone becoming Italian Capital of Culture in 2027, convinced that wine can be one of the most authentic ambassadors of our territory. We have a 75-year history behind us that gives us solid foundations; ahead lies the challenge of continuing to play a leading role in a rapidly changing wine world, where we increasingly compete with businesses of ever greater scale.

“In this context, collaboration is not an option but the surest path to creating shared value for our members, our territory and the entire supply chain. We do not see this anniversary as a destination, but as a responsibility we are taking on for the future of the winery and for those who will follow us. It is a challenge we intend to face with clear projects, consistent investment and a shared vision developed together with our members, our employees and our territory.”

The deep connection between Cantina Rauscedo and its local community was further underlined by the numerous institutional contributions throughout the evening. A video message from Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, conveyed his congratulations to the Friulian cooperative on reaching this important milestone, followed by a message from Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. 

The evening also featured contributions from MEP Alessandro Ciriani and Stefano Zannier, Regional Councillor for Agri-food, Forestry and Fisheries Resources of the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, who reiterated the institutions’ appreciation for Cantina Rauscedo’s role in the regional and national wine landscape. The series of institutional addresses concluded with Michele Leon, Mayor of San Giorgio della Richinvelda, who brought greetings from the local community that has hosted the cooperative for 75 years. 

The celebrations continued with the unveiling of a new work of art, discovered in the presence of artist Giorgio Celiberti, who explained its meaning and its connection with the history and territory of the cooperative. The moment was marked by a commemorative photograph with the company’s employees. 

Guests were then invited on a guided tour of the winery, offering an opportunity to discover first-hand the spaces and processes that have given life to Cantina Rauscedo’s wines for 75 years. The celebrations continued with a convivial buffet and a DJ set by Nico Bignucolo, who entertained guests and members late into the evening with music and cocktails, bringing the anniversary celebrations to a fitting close. 

With this event, Cantina Rauscedo paid tribute to a journey built over more than seven decades of cooperation, sharing with its members, institutions and local community a vision for the years ahead. The aim is to continue creating value for its members, promoting the territory and strengthening its role as a leading name in Friulian wine and among the outstanding producers of the Italian wine landscape. 

The evening marked the first of a series of events accompanying the 75th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026. The next appointment is scheduled for 7 October, when Cantina Rauscedo will host a conference dedicated to the future of the wine industry. The event will provide an opportunity to continue, together with members, institutions and the local community, the discussion and reflection initiated with this first anniversary event.