La Guardiense is one of Italy’s, if not the world’s, leading co-operative wineries. The co-operative was founded in 1960 by 33 farmers and now has around 1,000 members, who cultivate 1,500 hectares on hilly soils at an average height of 350 metres. The operation is overseen by head wine-maker Ricardo Cotarella, who is an Italian legend himself. The vineyards are in the sub-region of Sannio, which sits in the larger region of Benevento. It is volcanic, with rolling hills and vast plains which make for a unique microclimate, perfectly suited to the production of the equally unique, local varieties of Aglianico, Fiano, Falanghina and Greco. There is also a huge emphasis on environmental sustainability by making use of renewable energy from their own innovative photovoltaic system.