Stefano Chiarlo receives the Lanze Vino 2026 Award
The recognition, presented by the Town of Castagnole delle Lanze, celebrates Stefano Chiarlo’s contribution to promoting Barbera and the Piedmontese wine territory in Italy and around the world.
Stefano Chiarlo has been awarded the Lanze Vino 2026 Award, presented by the Town of Castagnole delle Lanze as part of the historic Festa della Barbera, an annual event that brings together wine lovers and industry professionals to celebrate one of Piedmont’s most emblematic grape varieties and the deep connection between wine, community and territory.
For the past 46 years, the award has honoured individuals who, through their work and vision, have helped promote the prestige of the region – and especially of Castagnole delle Lanze – along with the culture of Barbera, both in Italy and internationally. Previous recipients include some of the leading figures of Italian wine, among them Angelo Gaja, Bruno Ceretto and Giorgio Rivetti.
The 2026 edition pays tribute to Stefano Chiarlo for his contribution to the qualitative growth and international positioning of Piedmontese Barbera, and in particular for his work with Nizza DOCG, an appellation he has helped establish as one of the grape’s most authoritative expressions.
“Receiving an award connected to Barbera has a particularly deep meaning for me, because this grape variety represents a fundamental part of our family and entrepreneurial history,” Stefano commented. “We have always believed in its extraordinary expressive potential, in its ability to tell the story of Piedmont through authenticity, elegance and longevity, and to earn, over time, growing recognition on international markets as well. This is an achievement I share with my family and with everyone who has been part of this journey with us.
The award ceremony was accompanied by a gesture rich in symbolic value: Stefano was invited to bottle the year’s first bottle of Barbera d’Asti from Castagnole delle Lanze, using a traditional corking machine that pays tribute to the area’s winemaking heritage.
The recognition also carries special meaning in memory of Luigi Bianco, with whom Stefano shared a relationship of friendship and mutual esteem, and Marco Cortese, both central figures in promoting the territory and creators of the Adotta un filare nelle Lanze project.
“I believe one of wine’s noblest qualities is its ability to create lasting connections between people, places and shared visions. The history of Piedmontese wine teaches us that the most meaningful achievements come when people work together toward something greater than themselves. Receiving this award from a community so deeply connected to Barbera makes this moment even more special.”