Defense of the Cotarella Family’s Image After the Report Program on Rai3
Written by Davide Gangi | Published in fatti, wine
Recently, the Report program on Rai3 covered the Cotarella Family and its Foundation, raising some issues that have caused concern. I believe that the claims made in the investigation risk unfairly damaging the image of a family that has always operated with dedication, seriousness, and transparency in the wine sector and social initiatives. For this reason, I feel the duty to express my thoughts, to prevent reality from being distorted and to ensure respect for the truth.
I have known the Cotarella family for many years, particularly Dr. Riccardo, for whom I have deep esteem and admiration. Together with Vinoway Italia, I conceived and organized the “Riccardo Cotarella’s Story” last June—an homage to his career and a documentary interview that will soon be available on Vinowayacademy.it.
I can affirm that their Foundation was established with the aim of promoting and supporting charitable causes, using the family’s passion for wine as a tool for raising awareness and funds. The events organized by the Foundation, such as charity dinners and the sale of fine wines, are intended to raise funds for social and solidarity initiatives, with the goal of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Over the years, the Foundation has raised resources for projects of great value, confirming the family’s commitment to creating a positive impact.
Alongside their charitable activities, the Cotarella family has always pursued a model of responsible and sustainable growth, striving to enhance their territories and contributing to improving the image of Italian wine worldwide. Their commitment is not limited to profit but is also reflected in their support for projects that promote food education, environmental awareness, and culture.
In the Report program, concerns were raised regarding the Cotarella family’s investments in Argentina, particularly in the province of Salta and the potential impact of these investments on the environment, specifically regarding deforestation. However, I do not find these claims to be supported by concrete evidence, and they seem distorted to me. The Cotarella family has always adhered to international standards of sustainability and work ethics, ensuring that all their operations are managed transparently and in compliance with both local and global regulations.
Regarding the management of their investments, I have not found any evidence suggesting unethical or environmentally harmful practices. On the contrary, the family has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a respectful approach toward nature and local communities, placing sustainability at the center of their strategic choices.
Another topic addressed by Report concerns the Verdeluce residence, a facility intended to host charitable activities. Although the program raised doubts about the opening timeline and the use of this structure, I believe it is important to highlight that projects of this scale, which aim to create long-term valuable spaces, require time to be completed. Delays in the implementation phase are entirely understandable for a project of such magnitude, which involves obtaining the necessary permits as well as organizing high-level events and activities. The Cotarella Family has always demonstrated its commitment to this cause, and there is no intention to evade the promises made.
The accusations made in the report risk severely damaging the reputation of the Cotarella Family, which has worked hard to build an image of seriousness and transparency over the years. I would like to emphasize that the family’s work is based on principles of integrity and respect and that every initiative has been conceived and carried out to bring real value to society.
Unfounded statements, if not properly contextualized, can undermine the trust of consumers, collaborators, and investors, harming a career built with passion, ethics, and seriousness. The truth is essential not only to protect the family’s image but also to defend the work of those who have always acted with the intention of doing good.
The Cotarella Family continues to pursue its mission with dedication, promoting excellence in the wine industry and making a concrete contribution to the improvement of society.
The accusations made by Report are not only unsupported by concrete facts but also risk obscuring the truth, damaging the image of a family that has always worked with fairness and commitment. It is essential that the public can distinguish between verified information and unfounded rumors in order to form a conscious and fair opinion.
Photo Credits: Vinoway Italia s.r.l.



