Thieves stole 30,000 bottles of wine worth approximately €5 million from a storage facility belonging to Marchesi Antinori, one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries, in what authorities describe as the country’s largest wine heist on record. The theft occurred at the company’s facility near Cortona, Tuscany, over the weekend of September 7–8, 2024, and was discovered on Monday morning.
The stolen bottles included high-value vintages such as Solaia, Tignanello, and Guado al Tasso, with retail prices ranging from €150 to €500 per bottle. The thieves disabled the winery’s alarm system and surveillance cameras before using the company’s forklift trucks to load the wine onto two large trucks. Authorities have not made any arrests and continue to investigate the incident.
Marchesi Antinori, a family-run winery founded in 1385, confirmed that the stolen bottles were part of a shipment prepared for foreign distributors. The company has alerted customers worldwide to be cautious of offers outside official sales channels, warning that the stolen wine may be resold through unofficial markets.
Investigation and Response
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area, as Tuscan roads are equipped with numerous cameras. The winery’s chief executive, Renzo Cotarella, stated that the theft was highly organized and suggested the thieves may have had inside knowledge of the facility’s operations. Cotarella expressed hope that some of the stolen bottles could be recovered, noting that the sheer volume of merchandise would be difficult to move undetected.
The theft follows a series of similar incidents in Italy this year, including a July heist at Castello Banfi, where 3,300 bottles were stolen. Authorities are examining whether the same criminal group may be responsible for multiple wine thefts across the region.
Background on the Stolen Wines
The stolen bottles included:
- Solaia: A flagship wine produced in limited quantities, often fetching thousands of pounds per bottle for rare vintages.
- Tignanello: A highly regarded Tuscan red blend.
- Guado al Tasso: Another premium label from the Antinori portfolio.
The stolen wines were from the 2023 vintage, a year described by Cotarella as exceptional for quality. The winery, which exports to 170 countries, reported €263 million in revenue last year.
Ongoing Efforts
Marchesi Antinori has not disclosed whether the stolen wine was insured. The company is cooperating with law enforcement and has urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the sale of high-end Italian wines. No further updates have been provided by authorities at this time.