The Colli Bolognesi Wines Consortium was established on 2nd July 1971 on the initiative of some local producers, it has not commercial purposes, but is intended solely to defend and protect the production of DOC wines, to promote the spread of vineyards suitable for the environment, to implement action for the knowledge of the merits of the wines produced in the district and to encourage commercial exploitation.
With the Decree of the President of the Republic of 29th July 1975, the Designation of Controlled Origin of the Colli Bolognesi Wines was recognized, with the corresponding product specifications regarding four white wines: Sauvignon, Bianco, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico, and two red wines: Barbera, Merlot.
On 12th February 1985, always with Presidential Decree, the existing specifications were changed, including among the protected wines Pignoletto and Cabernet Sauvignon.
On 1st September 1993, with Presidential Decree, even Chardonnay was approved and included among the safeguarded wines.
On 8th November 2010, with Presidential Decree, the Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto Designation of Controlled Origin recognized by decree of the Ministry of Agricultural Policies of 4th August 1997, was recognized as Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto Designation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin.
With the Ministerial Decree of 6th June 2011 the rules of production of the Colli Bolognesi wines with Designation of Controlled Origin were changed with the inclusion of the sub–area "Bologna".
The production area of the Colli Bolognesi Wines only includes municipalities in the hills: in the province of Bologna, the entire administrative territory of the Municipalities of Monteveglio, Savigno, Castello di Serravalle, Monte S. Pietro, Sasso Marconi, Marzabotto, Pianoro and partly those of Bazzano, Crespellano, Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna, San Lazzaro di Savena, Zola Predosa, Monterenzio.
In the province of Modena, part of the administrative territory of the Municipality of Savignano sul Panaro.
