Fora Wines

Fora Wines – Natural Winery in Veneto

Fora Wines is a natural wine project founded by two friends, Giovanni Bottazzi and Simone Fanton, in the Colli Berici hills of Veneto, Italy. The name "Fora" is derived from the Venetian dialect, meaning "out" or "outside," reflecting their philosophy of working in harmony with nature and the open spaces of the vineyards. Their mission is to restore the balance between man, vine, and soil, focusing on the recovery of the local territory they cherish. The vineyards are located in Nanto, a sun-kissed area known for its unique terroir. Fora Wines practices organic viticulture, avoiding chemicals, and harvests the grapes manually to ensure quality and sustainability.

🌿 Philosophy & Practices

Fora Wines is committed to natural winemaking, emphasizing minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. They utilize natural yeasts for fermentation and avoid the use of chemicals, focusing on the health of the soil and the vines. The wines are produced only when the time is right, leading to unique expressions each year that reflect the vintage's character. Their approach is rooted in a deep respect for the environment and a desire to produce wines that authentically represent their origins.

🍇 Vineyards & Terroir

The vineyards of Fora Wines are situated in Nanto, within the Colli Berici region, known for its unique geological formations and favorable microclimate. The estate cultivates two indigenous grape varieties typical of the area: Garganega, a white grape known for its sunny and pleasant nature, and Tai Rosso, a red grape noted for its fine and spicy characteristics. The vineyards are managed with care, focusing on biodiversity and the natural balance of the ecosystem. The manual harvesting ensures that only the best grapes are selected for winemaking.

🍷 Notable Wines

  • Pontaron: A white wine made from Garganega, showcasing the fresh and vibrant expression of this Venetian grape. It offers notes of honeysuckle, Asian pear, and citrus, reflecting the sunny disposition of the variety.

  • Bagarre: A red wine produced from Tai Rosso, presenting a fine and spicy profile typical of the grape. It embodies the character of the Colli Berici terroir.(

• • Bidon! Bidon!: A sparkling rosé made from Tai Rosso, offering a lively and expressive profile. It captures the playful and dynamic nature of the variety.

 
  • Where to Find Fora Wines

    Producer’s Online Store (Via Wivood)

    • Wivood, based in Schio (VI), represents Fora and sells:

      • Pontaron – approx. €18

      • Bagarre – €19.50

      • Bidon! Bidon! – €19.50

      • They list the registered office in Schio and provide contact: Via Lago di Lugano, 15 and Via Pasubio, 85Wivood.

    Specialty Retailers

    • CoolVines (Newark, USA): Sells Fora, Pontaron (~$35) CoolVines Newark.

    • Delli (UK-based curated food & drink site): Offers Pontaron (~£30) DELLI.

    • Gnarly Vines (Brooklyn, NY): Stocks 2023 Fora Bidon! Bidon! (~$28) GNARLY VINES.

    • Stranger Wines and Spirits (Brooklyn, NY): Offers Fora Pontaron 2021, details their Colli Berici origin strangerwinesnyc.com.

    • SÉN (London): Features Fora wines like 2022 Pontaron and 2022 Bidon! Bidon!, though may sometimes show as out-of-stock senlondon.com.

    Natural Wine Platforms