Banfi in Montalcino, for over thirty years, has been a point of reference for anyone in the world deals with wine production. Defined at the time as the largest project ever carried out in the production of quality wines, it was founded in 1978 thanks to the will of the Italian–American brothers John and Harry Mariani, already holders of Banfi Vintners, one of the most important companies in the United States that import wine. The property, located on the southern side of the town of Montalcino, occupies 2,830 hectares, of which 850 are home to specialized vineyards. They grow mostly local grape varieties (Sangiovese and Moscadello), in addition to a significant presence of other international varieties which fit perfectly into the habitat of Montalcino (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot).
The Directorate–General in Italy has been entrusted, since 2001, to Enrico Viglierchio. Determinants of corporate development are also the figures of Cristina Mariani–May, daughter of John, and James Mariani, son of Harry, in the business respectively since 1993 and since 1991.
Seriousness, professionalism and respect for the consumer are at the basis of the quality of the production of the Banfi wines. In 2001, the company has achieved the ISO 9001–14001 (quality system and environmental system), which regulates and ensures the relationship with the customers and with the territory where the enterprise operates. In 2006, the first winery in the world, has achieved the SA 8000, the international regulation aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of workers, ensuring compliance with ethics in the production of goods and services.
It is in this philosophy, based on the continuous pursuit of quality, that the construction of a new area of winemaking, Horizon, is included. The project, entirely conceived and developed in the company, consists of a series of devices and solutions of high level, from the vineyard to the winery, made to improve every single step of the production process. The focus of the project, and extremely innovative aspect from a technical point of view, are the 24 composite fermentation vats, which combine together, in a synergic way, the advantages of wood and steel.
