Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in the northern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia a few days ago. Many vineyards in the wine-growing areas of Colli Orientali and Collio were flooded or destroyed by landslides. After the cleanup efforts, the extent of the damage is now visible.

The wine villages most affected were Cormòns, Brazzano, Dolegna del Collio, Prepotto, and Romans d’Isonzo, where the Torre River overflowed its banks. A total of over 300 people had to be evacuated, several buildings were destroyed, and roads and utility lines were damaged. Two people died. Many wineries reported significant destruction to vineyards, cellars, and production facilities. Overall, damages in agriculture and viticulture amount to millions. The region has provided an emergency aid package of five million euros. Additional funds are to be allocated to medium- and long-term flood protection projects.

In particular, the Borgo del Tiglio winery in Brazzano di Cormòns is facing massive problems. The winery and storage were completely destroyed by the mud masses. "It feels like everything is lost," said winemaker Nicola Manferrari to the television station Rai. The damage is currently estimated at "several million euros." It is difficult to access the underground wine cellar, where about 150 barrels of the 2025 vintage are stored. But their rescue is the only chance to continue: "That is all we have left," Manferrari explained to the local press. The historic vineyard Ronco della Chiesa below Monte Quarin is also not yet secured. Currently, the area cannot be entered for safety reasons, according to Manferrari.

The Collio Consortium has also set up a donation account to support the affected winemakers. The Butussi winery in Corno di Rosazzo has launched a special campaign and is now selling 20,000 mud-covered wine bottles from their flooded cellar. Although the labels are damaged, the contents are perfectly fine, according to winemaker Valentino Butussi.

(ru – Image: Borgo del Tiglio)