Top 10 Grappa Distilleries in Italy
Grappa is an Italian spirit distilled from the pomace (grape skins, pulp, and pips) remaining after winemaking — historically a peasant byproduct, today a sophisticated category with strict EU geographic protection. Modern grappa ranges from young, fragrant single-grape expressions to long-aged barrel-matured grappas that rival fine cognac. Production concentrates in the north (Veneto, Friuli, Trentino, Piedmont) but extends throughout Italy.
1. Nonino (Friuli)
Distilleria Nonino in Percoto, Friuli, is the most influential modern grappa producer. The family (now led by Cristina, Antonella, and Elisabetta Nonino) revolutionised the category in the 1970s by distilling single-grape, single-vineyard, freshly-pressed pomace — what they call "monovitigno." The Cru Monovitigno, Riserva, and the Ùe (a unique fermented-grape brandy, not technically grappa) define the range.
2. Romano Levi (Piedmont)
The late Romano Levi in Neive — known as the "wild angel" — was the most legendary artisan grappa producer of the 20th century. His hand-drawn labels and small batches from Piedmontese Barbaresco pomace are intensely collected. Production continues at the family distillery.
3. Berta (Piedmont)
Distillerie Berta in Mombaruzzo, Piedmont, specialises in long-aged grappas — Magia (8 years in oak), Roccanivo (12 years), Casalotto (15 years), and others. The most sustained programme of cask-aged grappa in Italy.
4. Marolo (Piedmont)
Distilleria Marolo in Alba was founded in 1977 by Paolo Marolo. Single-vineyard Barolo and Moscato grappas are core; the Grappa di Brunello and Grappa di Barolo Riserva are among the most refined northern Italian expressions.
5. Poli (Veneto)
Poli Distillerie in Schiavon, Veneto, runs the Bassano del Grappa Museum (Poli Museo della Grappa) — the only museum dedicated to grappa. Sarpa, Po' di Poli, and the Cleopatra (a long-aged riserva) are core.
6. Bocchino (Piedmont)
Distilleria Bocchino in Canelli has been making grappa since 1898. The Sigillo Nero is the entry; Cantina Privata, Riserva 20 Anni, and the rare older releases climb the range.
7. Mazzetti d'Altavilla (Piedmont)
Mazzetti d'Altavilla in Altavilla Monferrato has been distilling continuously since 1846. The Grappa di Barolo, Moscato, and various aged grappas define the historic range; the small-batch single-cru releases are collector items.
8. Capovilla (Veneto)
Distilleria Capovilla in Bassano del Grappa is Italy's most respected artisan brandy producer — also makes fruit brandies (acquaviti). The grappas are characteristically dry, intense, single-vineyard productions.
9. Pojer e Sandri (Trentino)
Pojer e Sandri are wine producers in Faedo, Trentino, who also make exceptional grappa from their estate pomace. The single-grape Müller-Thurgau and Traminer Aromatico grappas show a more Alpine, herbal character distinct from the Friulian or Piedmontese styles.
10. Vittone (Piedmont)
Distilleria Vittone in Castiglione delle Stiviere produces grappa from local Trebbiano and Croatina pomace. Smaller-scale operation than the famous names; quality is among the most consistent in the artisanal segment.
Keep exploring
Grappa production geography is heavily clustered in northern Italy — Friuli, Veneto, Trentino, Piedmont — though grappa is made throughout the country. Bassano del Grappa (with the Poli museum) is the obvious anchor for a grappa-focused trip. The interactive map shows the distribution. Many of the best distilleries offer tastings by appointment; the harvest-time visits in October show the freshest pomace handling.