The wave of mergers and acquisitions in Italian wine continues, and the latest chapter is being written in Puglia, where Cantine Paololeo, one of the region’s most prestigious producers, has announced the acquisition of the Candido winery, a historic name in Salento founded in 1929.
The deal not only preserves a cornerstone of local winemaking but also reinforces Paololeo’s vision of growth rooted in heritage, community, and continuity.
Preserving History, Empowering the Future
Located in San Donaci (Brindisi), the Candido winery has a production capacity of approximately 250,000 bottles and a deep legacy built across four generations. Rather than folding this identity into a generic brand, Paolo Leo, founder of Cantine Paololeo (established in 1989), emphasizes respectful stewardship:
“We are from San Donaci, and our heart is here. Acquiring a winery that is part of the town’s identity is both an honor and a responsibility. We will preserve its legacy and enhance its role as a wine and cultural destination.”
This acquisition follows a series of strategic investments by Paololeo aimed at reviving historic wineries and supporting local growers, such as the Alture project in Valle d’Itria and the recovery of the Cantina Sociale di Monteparano, which benefits 150 small-scale winegrowers.
The Vision: From Wine Heritage to Wine Tourism
More than just a business expansion, the integration of Candido is envisioned as a hub for wine tourism, education, and regional pride. With over 4 million annual visitors, Salento’s wine tourism sector is booming, offering the perfect backdrop for revitalizing historic estates into modern centers for experiential and sustainable tourism.
The Candido winery will not only continue production but will also evolve into a wine tourism destination where guests can experience the culture, history, and flavors of San Donaci and wider Salento.
Candido’s Iconic Wines to Continue
As part of its commitment to continuity, Cantine Paololeo will maintain and promote Candido’s emblematic wines:
- Cappello di Prete
- Duca D’Aragona
- Immensum
“These wines are part of Apulia’s winemaking legacy,” explains Nicola Leo, winemaker at Paololeo. “Our goal is to protect their identity while enriching them with an innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking approach.”
A New Chapter of Growth
The acquisition further fuels the strong trajectory of Cantine Paololeo. In 2023, the company reported:
- EUR 22 million in turnover
- 4 million bottles produced
In 2024, those figures rose to:
- EUR 23 million in turnover
- 5 million bottles produced
Looking ahead to 2025, with Candido now part of the group, the forecast is:
- EUR 25 million in turnover
- 5.5 million bottles produced
This represents a +8.5% increase over 2024, underscoring the economic and strategic value of integrating tradition with scalable growth.
Conclusion
The acquisition of the Candido winery by Cantine Paololeo reflects a model of growth through heritage, not homogenization. At a time when the Italian wine sector faces global challenges, this move champions local identity, sustainable development, and cultural tourism, ensuring that Salento’s rich wine history continues to inspire and thrive for generations to come.
Source: WineNews