REMEMBERING THE ORIGINS OF OUR COOPERATIVE
Colli Fiorenti Cooperative Winery
The Cooperativa Colli Fiorentini was born in 1972, fueled by the courage and foresight of 23 founding members. In a short time, the company grew and flourished, achieving significant results in international markets while remaining deeply and inextricably rooted in its home territory.
As the years passed, our members grew older, some reaching retirement, while a new generation of young collaborators joined and worked alongside them. Throughout this compelling, at times arduous, but undeniably exciting fifty-year journey, the Colli Fiorentini team has remained cohesive. We have stayed true to our mission: to enhance the territory’s grapes to their fullest potential, working always in the best interest of our members.
Half a century of activity is a major milestone—the fruit of passion, tenacity, and dedication spanning generations. It is a legacy built on sacrifices, investments, difficult choices, and moments of crisis, but also on many successes that today bring us great satisfaction, reflected in the loyalty of our consumers.
A Path of Constant Development
The following is a summary of the historical journey of our winery—a path that has seen the company grow both in turnover and physical footprint, with the expansion of our cellar and storage capacity. We are proud to celebrate this milestone today with our members, our workforce, our customers, and our suppliers.
This presentation is dedicated to all of us: to the historical figures who guided us, those who stood by us in difficult times, and everyone who collaborated daily with enthusiasm to make these memorable 50 years possible, allowing us to look forward to the next fifty with confidence.
The history of "Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini"
In an era of national economic growth, the idea of a new cooperative structure took shape with the support of Ente Maremma and the collaboration of Coldiretti and the Unione Agricoltori.
The “Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini” has come a long way since its founding by 23 members on December 21, 1972, in Montespertoli.
The history of the Cooperative has unfolded across four presidencies:
- 1972 – 1978: Ferruccio Parrini
- 1979 – 1984: Luigi Calonaci
- 1984 – 2025: Ritano Baragli
- 2025 – Present: Fabrizio Ferretti
In these 50 years, the Cooperative has evolved from an initial 50 hectares and 500 tons (5,000 quintals) of grapes to a large integrated reality. Today, it brings together 300 members and 1,500 hectares, which in 2021 yielded 11,000 tons (110,000 quintals) of grapes, closing the 2020 fiscal year with a turnover exceeding 10 million Euros.
The 23 Founding Members
We honor those who started it all: Compagnucci Italo, Paoli Franco, Guardati Ugo, Berni Augusto, Casprini Nello, Benedetti Carlo, Bandinelli Luigi, Abati Armando, Scappini Gaetano, Doni Giuseppe, Fornai Ferruccio, Bandinelli Mario, Nardi Pasquale, Pini Alvo, Balducci Dino, Nesi Francesco, Parrini Ferruccio, Manetti Mario, Marconi Dante, Nesi Giuliano, Feliziani Ernesto, Latini Fernando, Ferretti Domenico.
Our first 50 years stand as a solid testament to ‘cooperation’—a foundation upon which we build the winery’s future every day, involving our customers, employees, partners, and our land.
This guiding principle was present even at the Cooperative’s dawn, as shown by the letters of our first president, Ferruccio Parrini. His constant search for new members bears witness to the spirit of cooperation and the foresight of our founders in protecting the growers and enhancing the value of their grapes.
In just three years, from 1972 to 1975, the number of contributing members quadrupled—proof of the project’s integrity. Despite initial skepticism, it convinced more and more growers, generating prosperity for the local community in which it operates.
Expansion and synergy
A “Small Steps” Policy: For 50 years, the winery has followed a philosophy of steady, incremental growth in a constantly transforming sector. This vision allowed us to overcome challenges and grow in membership, acreage, and production.
The Integration of Gambassi (1989): Synergy is a core value of our business. In 1980, the grape collection center in Gambassi was established to provide better service and higher quality. This collaboration led to the official merger on December 20, 1989, with the “Cantina Sociale Colline d’Elsa,” expanding our territory and production under the names Colli Fiorentini and Valvirginio.
The Olive Mill (1993): True to the spirit of solidarity and the need for diversification, on July 14, 1993, the Cooperative acquired the “Frantoio Cooperativo Colli Fiorentini” in Montespertoli. By supporting this mill during a difficult period and incorporating its members, the Winery successfully diversified into the production and marketing of high-quality olive oil.
Tradition and innovation:
our extended family
50 years of Cellar
Our journey was made possible by one fundamental factor: our people. Our employees, collaborators, and members are our community—our extended family.
The cooperative model gives a future to farms that might otherwise vanish from the market. We protect the land and ensure that our territory remains vibrant, productive, and proud.
