A work of art that contains wine
When wine meets art, the result is not just a product, but an immersive cultural experience. 
Cantina Zaccagnini, an Abruzzo winery that joined the Argea group – wine hub created by Clessidra Private Equity – in 2023, has made this combination its distinctive feature.
The history of the winery, founded by Marcello Zaccagnini in 1978, is deeply intertwined with a passion for contemporary art, giving rise to a unique journey strongly characterized by creativity and sustainability..
Zaccagnini's cultural journey officially began on May 13, 1984, when the famous German artist Joseph Beuys chose the winery as the location for his iconic event “Defense of Nature.” From that moment on, Zaccagnini no longer limited himself to simple wine production, but established himself as a point of reference for art and culture in the area, promoting a philosophy based on respect for the environment and the indissoluble bond between man and nature.
At the heart of this philosophy is the famous “tralcetto,” a strong and distinctive symbol of the winery's craftsmanship. This small vine shoot, hand-tied to each bottle, has become the true icon of Zaccagnini, concretely representing the link with nature and craftsmanship. It was thanks to a bottle of Tralcetto - which the artist described as “a work of art with wine inside” - that Joseph Beuys came into contact with Cantina Zaccagnini. Innovative and instantly recognizable packaging has allowed the brand to clearly differentiate itself on international shelves, becoming a real driver of communication and premium positioning.
However, the winery's artistic passion does not stop at packaging, but extends to every aspect of production and the experience offered to visitors. The winery itself is conceived as an artistic journey that intertwines winemaking tradition and contemporary installations: from land art works located among the vineyards to paintings and sculptures housed among the barrels used for aging and refining the wine. Works by famous artists such as Mimmo Paladino, Pietro Cascella, and David Bade help transform a visit to the winery into an immersive cultural experience.
Many of these masterpieces are the result of the “artist residencies” project: for several years now, Zaccagnini has periodically hosted international artists who live and work for several months between the winery and the vineyards. Immersed in the production environment, the artists have the opportunity to draw inspiration from the territory and wine culture, creating works that remain on the estate, further enriching its cultural heritage.
This project not only promotes a continuous exchange of ideas and creativity between artists and the company, but also represents an important initiative of contemporary cultural patronage. Among the most famous works created by guest artists in Bolognano is “Pulcino,” an extraordinary installation created in 2006 by artist David Bade and located in the middle of the vineyards. The work has become a recognizable and iconic attraction, testifying to how art can transform and enhance even a landscape as beautiful as that of the Abruzzo hills.
From a strategic point of view, the link with art has allowed Zaccagnini to come into contact with an audience sensitive to beauty and culture, enhancing the Abruzzo region through an authentic and engaging narrative. However, art for Zaccagnini is not a marketing tool, but has become an integral part of the winery's intrinsic value, strengthening its prestige and authenticity around the world.
