From Tradition to Triumph – Cantina Valpolicella Negrar Strengthens Valpolicella’s Status as WTA Region of the Year
One of the oldest cooperatives in the Valpolicella region – Cantina Valpolicella Negrar – has secured an outstanding third place overall at the Weinwirtschaft CO_OP Contest 2026. This achievement comes in a landmark year for Valpolicella, which was named Wine Travel Awards Region of the Year making the cooperative’s success a shared victory for the entire appellation and its winegrowers.
Cantina Valpolicella Negrar’s recognition highlights not a single label, but the exceptional quality and consistency of its entire portfolio – a testament to the cooperative’s historic role in shaping Valpolicella’s identity and excellence.
Now in its 16th edition, the competition brought together 106 cooperative wineries from around the world. A panel of independent international experts blind tasted 636 wines, with each winery submitting six wines – one per category, from entry‑level to premium – to assess winemaking mastery across all price segments.
The awards were officially presented at the end of June in Deidesheim, in Germany’s renowned Palatinate wine region. The competition is conceived and organised by Weinwirtschaft – one of Europe’s leading wine trade publications and a key reference for buyers, importers and professionals across the German and Northern European markets.
“We are truly honoured to receive this recognition,” said Giampaolo Brunelli, President of Cantina Valpolicella Negrar. “This achievement is the result of the daily commitment and dedication of all our grower members. It demonstrates the strength of the cooperative model in consistently delivering wines of outstanding quality while competing successfully at the highest international level.”
The Wine Travel Awards team – which has visited Cantina Valpolicella Negrar several times – warmly congratulates the cooperative and wishes it continued success.
*Cantina Valpolicella Negrar
Founded in 1933 by seven winegrowers determined to protect their work during a challenging period, the Cantina has remained faithful to its mission – safeguarding the territory, enhancing its identity and preserving its excellence. Today it produces around ten percent of all Amarone Classico in the appellation, confirming its central role in the story of Valpolicella.
With more than 140 hectares of certified organic vineyards, an annual production exceeding eight million bottles and a presence in sixty‑two countries, Cantina Valpolicella Negrar stands among the most respected and recognised names in the Italian wine landscape. Its collective history – carried forward by 245 winegrowers – continues to evolve through a governance capable of embracing change without losing identity.
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Photo: facebook.com/CantinaValpolicellaNegrar, WTA