Tommasi Family Estates Expands in Puglia with Acquisition of Tenuta Eméra and Cantina Moros

The Tommasi family has announced a significant expansion of its presence in Puglia with the acquisition of Tenuta Eméra in Lizzano and Cantina Moros in Guagnano, Lecce. This move follows the retirement of Claudio Quarta, a respected figure in Italian winemaking, who has entrusted these estates to the Tommasi family. Alessandra Quarta, who has played a key role in her family's wine business since 2012, will continue to work alongside the Tommasi family to support the ongoing development of the Masseria Surani project.

Claudio Quarta began his winemaking career in 2005 after leaving a successful career as a researcher and pharmaceutical entrepreneur in the United States. He returned to his native Salento to pursue his passion for wine, focusing on innovation, research, and sustainability while respecting local traditions. His daughter Alessandra brought international experience to the business, helping to drive its growth and reputation.

Tommasi Family Estates has been active in Puglia since 2012 with Masseria Surani in Manduria, an area known for Primitivo DOC wines. The estate started with 55 hectares of vineyards at Tenuta Espéra and later expanded by another 45 hectares in Lizzano, adjacent to Tenuta Eméra. The recent acquisition from Claudio Quarta will allow Tommasi to further expand its offerings and strengthen its position in the region.

Pierangelo Tommasi, General Director of Tommasi Family Estates, stated that this acquisition is an important opportunity for the family. With the addition of new winemaking and bottling facilities, their vineyard holdings now exceed 800 hectares across Italy. The expansion also supports the growth of wine tourism linked to Masseria Surani, offering visitors an authentic experience of Puglia’s culture and landscape. This complements Tommasi’s hospitality offerings at other estates from Valpolicella Classica to Montalcino and Basilicata’s Vulture.

The Puglian portfolio under the Masseria Surani brand now includes Tenuta Espéra in Manduria, which produces wines for fine dining that express the local terroir; Tenuta Eméra in Lizzano, focused on Primitivo DOC, Fiano, and Negroamaro Rosé; and Cantina Moros in Guagnano, known for Salice Salentino DOC Riserva. Tommasi Family Estates emphasizes local knowledge and is pleased that Alessandra Quarta will remain involved with Masseria Surani.

Alessandra Quarta commented that since taking over leadership of her family’s company in 2023, she sought a strong partner to help meet global market challenges. She expressed confidence that working with the Tommasi family will create new opportunities for the region with a focus on sustainability and value.

With this acquisition, Tommasi Family Estates strengthens its Mediterranean vision by reinforcing its presence in three key Southern Italian wine regions: Salento with Masseria Surani, Basilicata’s Vulture with Paternoster, and Mount Etna in Sicily with Ammura. The company aims to showcase the diversity of Mediterranean terroirs through wines that reflect local identity and tradition on an international stage.

Tommasi Family Estates operates eight wine estates across seven Italian regions: Veneto (Tommasi), Lombardy (Tenuta di Caseo), Montalcino (Casisano), Maremma Toscana (Poggio al Tufo), Puglia (Masseria Surani), Basilicata (Paternoster), Umbria (a project in Orvieto), and Sicily (Ammura on Mount Etna). The group also has partnerships in Chianti Classico with La Massa and in Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Collio with Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore. Their mission is to produce wines that highlight each territory’s unique qualities.

The De Buris project further reflects Tommasi’s commitment to cultural heritage and winemaking excellence. It involves restoring Villa De Buris and producing Amarone Classico DOCG Riserva and Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC wines deeply rooted in Valpolicella Classica.

Four generations of the Tommasi family have built a legacy based on quality, respect for tradition, innovation, sustainability, and hospitality. Their dedication extends beyond winemaking to include hospitality ventures such as Villa Quaranta Wine Resort & Thermal SPA in Valpolicella, Albergo Mazzanti in Verona, and Agriturismo Poggio al Tufo in Pitigliano, Maremma Toscana. With this latest acquisition in Puglia, Tommasi continues its strategy of growth while honoring local traditions and promoting sustainable development across Italy’s most important wine regions.