The historic Tenuta Vallombrosa in Castelrotto was the magical backdrop for an evening dedicated to two elements that significantly contribute to Ticino's identity: its winemaking tradition and wine tourism. In this context, the award was given to Angelo Trotta, director of Ticino Tourism, the title of Quattromani Ambassador, an award that recognizes his contribution to the promotion of the canton's food and wine heritage.
The honor, awarded as part of the Swiss Premium Wine project, aims to highlight individuals who have distinguished themselves in promoting wine culture and regional excellence. In Trotta's case, the choice was motivated by his dedication over the past seven years to the growth and promotion of Ticino's wine tourism offerings.
The jury's choice
The title was awarded by a jury composed of the journalist Alberto Dell'Acqua, creator of the Quattromani project, together with producers Angelo Delea, Feliciano Gialdi and Claudio Tamborini, figures who have contributed significantly to the birth and development of one of the most representative wines of the canton.
The decision takes on a special significance because it comes from two individuals who, for over twenty-five years, have collaborated on a project capable of transcending traditional competitive pressures. Through a shared vision and a strong spirit of collaboration, they have created a label recognized far beyond the region's borders.
The success of Quattromani
Quattromani represents an almost unique case in the Swiss wine sceneThe wine is in fact born from the union of the best Merlot grapes from the main vineyard areas of Ticino: Mendrisiotto, Lugano, Locarno and Tre Valli.
The blending of these diverse territorial expressions yields a product that embodies the distinctive characteristics of the canton's various regions, becoming over time one of the main ambassadors of Ticino's winemaking quality both domestically and abroad.
The project transformed a collaboration between producers into a recognizable brand, a symbol of excellence and innovation in the winemaking sector.
An anniversary linked to the origins of Ticino Merlot
The 2026 edition of the ceremony took place in a particularly significant year for the canton's viticulture. It marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Ticino Merlot, a history rooted in Malcantone.
The Tenuta Vallombrosa estate occupies a central place in this story. It was here that the doctor and winemaker Giovanni Rossi (1861-1926) introduced and developed the cultivation of Merlot, helping lay the foundations for what would become one of the canton's most iconic wines.
The coincidence of the historic anniversary and the awarding of the recognition to Angelo Trotta gave the evening an even stronger symbolic value, connecting the past, present, and future prospects of the sector.
A toast to solidarity
During the meeting, the 2023 Quattromani was tasted, a vintage that also carries a social message. The producers have chosen to dedicate this vintage to the Ticino Winter Relief Foundation, thus supporting solidarity activities aimed at people in need.
The initiative follows the previous year's, when a special vintage of Quattromani was allocated to support the reconstruction of the Maggia Valley after the events that had struck the region. Through tangible financial contributions, the project demonstrated how the world of wine can also become a tool for supporting and reaching out to local communities.
The strategic value of wine tourism
Angelo Trotta's appointment highlights the increasingly important role of wine tourism within Ticino's tourism offering. Experiences related to wine, local products, and the discovery of rural landscapes represent one of the most dynamic segments of the sector today.
Promoting wineries, vineyards, and gastronomic traditions not only helps attract visitors, but also strengthens the link between cultural identity, local economy, and regional promotion.
In this context, the recognition awarded to Castelrotto takes on the significance of a tribute not only to a person, but to a vision that sees Ticino's winemaking heritage as one of the most effective tools for describing the canton in Switzerland and beyond.
In the picture:
The producers: Feliciano Gialdi, Angelo Delea, and Claudio Tamborini surround Ambassador Angelo Trotta with journalist Alberto Dell'Acqua.
