VINEKA Winery
Vineka was founded in 2016, with a mission to bring the world great Puglian wines from Salento and the Valle d’Itria, while at the same time boosting the local area by reawakening its untapped potential. Since then, the project has grown through the purpose of its founder, Guglielmo Zito. Guglielmo has shaped Vineka into his own personal venture, envisioned and developed with pride.
Guglielmo Zito
Born in Martina Franca, Guglielmo first got a taste for winemaking when he studied the basics of agroeconomics at a young age, gaining hands-on experience right here in the Valle d’Itria. He went on to work as an export manager in London before setting up his first business in 2009, importing wine to the United Kingdom and later to central and northern Europe.
In 2016 he decided to focus on personally supervising every step of the production process and moved back to his hometown in the Valle d’Itria. There, he and his partner Milda Andrikonyte began producing his first Puglian wine label, VINEKA.
An evolving story
The team at Vineka has remained steadfastly committed to sustainable winemaking. We have moved away from large volume sales, choosing instead to work closely with the local area, drawing on the expertise of established growers. Alongside the first label, Vineka, two other labels were created: ZITO and ITALY. Both have been successful in both Italy and beyond, capturing the attention of wine buyers on both sides of the Atlantic searching for high quality food and beverage businesses.
Today, Vineka is active on the Italian and international market, offering a carefully balanced collection of Puglian wines that ranges from the simplicity of local tradition to the exclusivity of fine wines.
Vision
VINEKA winery wants to introduce wine lovers to some iconic grape varieties native to Salento, such as Primitivo di Manduria, Susmaniello as well as the historic, almost forgotten Verdeca, a true gem found right here in “trulli country”. Our dedication to the craft of winemaking is, above all, a homage to the Valle d’Itria, where we produce sustainable wines that are emblematic of the area’s traditions and authenticity.
Our projects currently in progress include putting together a selection of wine tasting experiences that will also embrace aspects of local history, wellbeing and nature in the Valle d’Itria; expanding our catering services for weddings and events, and perfecting our plans to offer new, exclusive premium wines.
