What Nardini Distillery does

Nardini Distillery (Distilleria Nardini S.p.A.) is Italy's oldest continuously operating distillery, founded in 1779 by Bortolo Nardini in Bassano del Grappa and family-held through seven generations. The company produces grappa, liqueurs, aperitifs, amari, and ready-to-drink cocktails by distilling grape pomace (marc) using three proprietary methods: pot still (caldaiette), bain-marie water bath, and continuous column distillation. Its technical lineage includes three industry-first innovations: steam distillation (1860), double rectification (1919), and vacuum steam distillation (1963), the last of which preserves sensory characteristics by volatilizing alcohol at lower temperatures. The product range spans entry-level Grappa Bianca (from €12 for 35cl) to ultra-premium limited editions such as the Single Cask 22 Anni (€195, capped at 3,240 numbered bottles). Sub-brands include the Selezione Bortolo Nardini premium line, Garage Nardini (osteria/cocktail bar concept), and a Gin line introduced in recent years.

Nardini operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce (nardini.it/shop, Italy-only delivery), retail at the historic Grapperia al Ponte overlooking Ponte Vecchio in Bassano del Grappa, guided distillery tours with tastings, and B2B sales to international bars and restaurants for mixology use. Pricing is publicly disclosed across formats (35cl, 70cl, 100cl, miniature), with free shipping on orders above €40. The company is a member of Les Henokiens, the exclusive association of bicentenary family businesses, and its Grapperia is classified among Locali Storici d'Italia. Operations are organized across multiple Bassano del Grappa sites (historic HQ, batch distillery, retail Grapperia, research/cultural space "Le Bolle Nardini" designed by Massimiliano Fuksas) plus a continuous-flow production facility in Monastier di Treviso.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: spirits and liqueur sales (e-commerce and retail), branded merchandise and gift boxes, and distillery tour/tasting experiences. The company has no external investors, no disclosed funding rounds, no M&A activity, and is structured as a privately held S.p.A. registered in Italy (VAT 04285140242). It maintains an active mixology program with international bartender collaborations, cocktail competitions, and a published cocktail recipe database (originating with The Grappa Handbook in 2006), positioning grappa as a premium cocktail ingredient beyond its traditional after-dinner consumption context.

Name

Nardini Distillery

Legal name

Distilleria Nardini S.p.A.

Website

https://nardini.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

1779

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Italy's oldest continuously operating distillery (founded 1779), family-held for seven generations, producing grappa, liqueurs, and aperitifs via proprietary distillation methods and selling direct-to-consumer through e-commerce, historic retail, and tours.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spirits (Grappa and Liqueurs)

NAICS

Distilleries (312140), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC), Distilleries (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAG), Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD)

Keywords

• Grappa production
• Spirits manufacturing
• Aged riserva grappa
• Italian liqueurs
• Distillery tours

Headquarters

HQ city

Bassano Del Grappa

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Spirits and Liqueurs Sales: Nardini generates primary revenue from manufacturing and selling grappa, liqueurs, aperitifs, amari, and specialty spirits through its e-commerce platform and retail locations. Products range from entry-level Grappa Bianca to premium aged riserva expressions including single cask editions.
2. Accessories and Merchandise: Sale of branded merchandise including gift boxes, shot glasses, flasks, stainless steel mugs, t-shirts, and the N-gel hand sanitizer (grappa-based). These items complement the core spirits business and serve as both direct revenue and brand ambassadors.
3. Distillery Tours and Experiences: Revenue from guided tours of the Grapperia Nardini, which include tastings of Nardini products. Tours are available in Italian and English, Tuesday-Saturday, by reservation only.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nardini Distillery is Italy's oldest continuously operating distillery, founded in 1779. It manufactures and sells grappa, liqueurs, aperitifs, and bitters made from grape pomace (marc), using a combination of proprietary distillation techniques including vacuum steam distillation, double rectification, and three distinct still methods. Products range from entry-level white grappa to aged riserva expressions aged up to 22 years in Slavonian oak, alongside specialty liqueurs such as Amaro, Acqua di Cedro, Mandorla, Tagliatella, and Mezzoemezzo aperitif. Distribution occurs through own e-commerce, the historic Grapperia Nardini retail/tasting location, distillery tours, and international bar/restaurant channels.

Product overview

Nardini Distillery is Italy's oldest distillery, operating since 1779, producing grappa, liqueurs, aperitifs, and specialty spirits. The core product line centers on Grappa Bianca (classic white grappa) and Grappa Riserva (aged in Slavonian oak), available in multiple age expressions (3, 5, 7, 15, and 22 years). The portfolio includes the Bortolo Nardini Selection premium sub-brand, plus liqueurs (Amaro, Acqua di Cedro, Mandorla, Tagliatella, Rabarbaro), aperitifs (Mezzoemezzo, Bitter), ready-to-drink products, and accessories/merchandise. The company operates an e-commerce platform for direct sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Selezione Bortolo Nardini: Premium grappa line representing the ultimate expression of over two centuries of tradition and innovation in distillation.
• Bolle Nardini
• Garage Nardini

Products and services

• Grappa Bianca Classic white grappa produced using three distillation methods (pot still, bain-marie, and column), featuring floral and fruity aromas. Available in 35cl, 70cl, and 100cl formats.
• Grappa Riserva 3 Anni Aged grappa rested for a minimum of 3 years in Slavonian oak casks, with warm, soft, elegant characteristics and subtle wood scents.
• Grappa Riserva 5 Anni Selezione Bortolo Nardini Premium aged grappa from the Selezione Bortolo Nardini line, matured at least 5 years in Slavonian oak barrels, with cocoa, vanilla, and cherry notes.
• Grappa Riserva 7 Anni Selezione Bortolo Nardini Rich and persistent aged grappa aged at least 7 years in Slavonian oak casks, with vanilla, marasca cherry, and wild berries notes.
• Grappa Riserva 15 Anni Selezione Bortolo Nardini Highly aged grappa aged at least 15 years in Slavonian oak barrels, with vanilla, ripe fruit, tobacco, and cinnamon notes. Recommended pairing with cigars or dark chocolate.
• Grappa Riserva Single Cask 22 Anni Selezione Bortolo Nardini Limited edition ultra-premium grappa aged for 22 years in a single Slavonian oak cask (barrel 326), certified by the Master Distiller. Limited to 3,240 numbered bottles priced at €195.
• Grappa Extrafina Selezione Bortolo Nardini Smooth, elegant white grappa from the Selezione Bortolo Nardini line with floral and fruity nuances. Won 'Outstanding' Gold Medal and the Grappa Trophy at IWSC 2021.
• Amaro Nardini Bitter herbal liqueur balanced with citrus, licorice, peppermint, and orange notes, made with gentian root, orange, and peppermint.
• Acqua di Cedro Citrus liqueur made from citron peel infusion, with transparent crystalline appearance and intense cedar perfume. 29% ABV. Best served chilled at -12°C.
• Mandorla Almond liqueur combining grappa with almond essential oil and marasca cherry distillate, with a fragrant, dry profile and sweet aftertaste.
• Tagliatella® Registered-trademark liqueur with fruity, spicy, and harmonious profile featuring floral nuances and fine spice notes, created from blending cuts stored in jars at the Grapperia since the late 18th century.
• Virtù di Rabarbaro Aromatic liqueur with bitter Oriental scents and a characteristic brown color, featuring herbal rhubarb notes.
• Mezzoemezzo Nardini Original Nardini aperitivo with smooth, bittersweet herbal character featuring rhubarb notes with citrus and bitter overtones. Best served cold with soda water in equal parts.
• Bitter Nardini Bitter liqueur with herbal notes created from orange, gentian root, and Roman absinthe, with a bright red color.
• Mezzoemezzo Bitter Soda (Ready-to-drink) Ready-to-drink 20cl format (10% ABV) of the Mezzoemezzo aperitif with characteristic rhubarb notes and citrusy, bitter scents.
• Nardini@Home: Mezzoemezzo Cocktail Kit Home cocktail kit containing one 100cl bottle of Mezzoemezzo, three 20cl bottles of Cortese Soda, and six glasses for serving. Priced at €41.
• Gift Boxes and Accessories Gift packaging featuring the historic Nardini label, including wooden gift boxes, tin containers, t-shirts, shot glasses, flasks, mugs, and other branded merchandise.
• Guided Distillery Tours and Tastings Guided tours of the Grapperia Nardini including tastings of Nardini products. Available in Italian and English, Tuesday through Saturday, by reservation through [email protected] or +39 366 6792892.

Quantifiable outcome

• Grappa Extrafina won 'outstanding' gold medal and 'Grappa Trophy' (highest recognition) at IWSC 2021
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Massimiliano FuksasminorOthersRenowned Italian architect who designed 'Le Bolle Nardini', a modern architectural complex unveiled in 2004 for the 225th anniversary of the company. The building, located within the company park, serves as a research laboratory and cultural promotion space for grappa culture.
• Pietro PorcinaiminorOthersLandscape architect who designed the Nardini company park in the early 1980s, where the Le Bolle complex is located.
• International Bartenders and MixologistscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince the early 2000s, Nardini has collaborated with the best international bartenders to promote grappa in mixology. The collaboration includes cocktail competitions (e.g., Ghent 2018), recipe development, and published works like 'The Grappa Handbook' (2006) by Marcin Miller containing over 40 recipes.
• Les HenokiensminorOthersExclusive international association of bicentenary family companies. Nardini has been a member since its founding in 1779, validating its status as a continuously family-owned business for over 240 years through 7 generations.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Strega Alberti: Italian liqueur producer founded in 1860 in Benevento, maker of the famous Strega liqueur. Comparable as a long-established family-owned Italian spirits brand with premium liqueur portfolio, gifting occasion focus, and historic distillery tourism draw.
• Fernet-Branca: Iconic Italian bitter/amaro producer (Fratelli Branca) founded in 1845 in Milan. Comparable as a long-established Italian family-owned spirits maker with global brand recognition, aperitivo/bitters category overlap with Nardini's Amaro and Bitter lines, and similarly strong heritage-driven marketing.
• Distilleria Marolo: Italian grappa distillery founded in 1977 in Alba, Piedmont. Direct competitor in premium and aged grappa production with similar craft positioning, single-varietal offerings, and gift-oriented packaging targeting specialty retail and on-premise.
• Luxardo: Italian family-owned liqueur and maraschino producer founded in 1821 in Torreglia. Comparable heritage Italian liqueur/spirits brand with a similar family-stewardship narrative, premium artisanal positioning, and overlapping cocktail/bartender channel distribution worldwide.
• Poli Distillerie: Family-owned Italian grappa and distillates producer founded in 1898 in Schiavon. Direct peer in artisanal Italian distillation with overlapping aged grappa range, family heritage branding, and craft positioning targeting mixology and gifting occasions.
• Distilleria Berta: Italian family-owned grappa distillery founded in 1947 in Mombaruzzo, Piedmont. Comparable as a craft grappa specialist with premium aged riserva range, family heritage narrative, and selective international distribution targeting connoisseurs.
• Nonino Distillerie: Italian family-owned grappa distillery founded in 1897 in Friuli. Nonino is the most direct competitor to Nardini in premium and aged grappa, with similar family heritage, distillation innovation history, and mixology-led international positioning (Nonino Quintessentia Amaro, single-varietal grappas).

Broad incumbents

• Rémy Cointreau: French multinational premium spirits group (Rémy Martin, Cointreau, LOUIS XIII). Comparable as a global premium spirits incumbent operating in the ultra-premium and aged-spirits categories where Nardini's Riserva and Single Cask lines compete for similar gifting and collector occasions.
• Davide Campari-Milano: Listed Italian spirits company headquartered in Milan with extensive aperitivo and bitter portfolio. Comparable as a large-scale Italian spirits operator competing for the same aperitivo and bitter consumption occasion that Nardini's Mezzoemezzo and Bitter Nardini target.
• Campari Group: Italian multinational spirits group (parent of Davide Campari-Milano) with broad premium spirits portfolio including Aperol, Campari, Appleton, Wild Turkey, and Grand Marnier. Overlaps with Nardini's aperitivo and spirits range but operates at vastly greater scale and international distribution — a benchmark for what successful international premium spirits expansion looks like from an Italian base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Distilleria.Nardini
• Instagraminstagram.com/distilleria.nardini
• Xx.com/grappanardini
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/distillerianardini1779

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nardini Distillery