The Valle d’Itria is a picturesque valley in the heart of Puglia, known for its iconic trulli houses and rolling vineyards. For over 2,000 years, this land has been a cradle of viticulture, thanks to its limestone-rich soils and the cooling breezes from both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Once flourishing with over 19,000 hectares of vineyards in the early 20th century, the region now nurtures less than 1,500. Despite this decline, dedicated farmers continue to cultivate indigenous grapes like Minutolo, Verdeca, and Susumaniello, keeping ancient traditions alive.

Choosing wines from the Valle d’Itria, helps preserve a unique landscape and a heritage that’s at risk of fading away.

At the heart of Lì Quì Dò is Lasorte Cuadra, founded by seasoned wine professionals Stephanie Cuadra and Roberto Lasorte. Stephanie, a California native and Georgetown University alumna, transitioned from journalism—where she covered significant events like Hugo Chávez’s presidential campaign—to the wine industry in 2010. She served as the head of worldwide communications and business development at the esteemed Tuscan winery Querciabella, known for its organic and biodynamic practices.

Roberto, with deep familial roots in Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, is the CEO of Querciabella and brings a wealth of viticultural knowledge and leadership. Together, they combine decades of international wine industry experience with a passion for revitalizing endangered agrarian traditions in Southern Italy.

Their personal connection to the land—buying back Roberto’s childhood home to support his family —fuels their mission to uplift over 1,000 family-owned vineyards in the region. Lì Quì Dò is not just a premium wine; it is a product of love crafted by visionaries dedicated to sustainability, community empowerment, and authentic quality.

UPAL Cantina Sociale di Cisternino stands as the sole surviving wine cooperative in the Valle d’Itria. Under the guidance of Angelo Soleti, a third-generation enologo (winemaker) whose family has led the cooperative from its inception, UPAL unites over 1,000 family-owned vineyards. These dedicated farmers employ generational wisdom and sustainable, agro-ecological practices, shunning synthetic agents and pesticides.

By partnering with UPAL, Lì Quì Dò is crafted from grapes nurtured through environmentally responsible methods, preserving ancient varietals and the region’s rich winemaking traditions. This collaboration not only produces exceptional wine but also uplifts local communities, safeguarding their livelihoods and cultural heritage.

While Lì Quì Dò’s eco-friendly boxed packaging reduces carbon footprint by up to 60% compared to traditional glass bottles, the true essence of our sustainability lies deep within the vineyards of the Valle d’Itria. Our wines are crafted from grapes nurtured by over 1,000 family-owned vineyards who have cultivated the land naturally for generations. These farmers employ ancient field blend techniques and agro-ecological practices, utilizing biodiversity-based solutions without synthetic agents or pesticides.

Our collaboration with the UPAL Cantina Sociale di Cisternino empowers these dedicated farmers. Despite not holding organic certifications—which are often financially inaccessible for small growers—they uphold sustainable methods passed down through centuries. Together, we preserve indigenous grape varieties and adapt collectively to the challenges of climate change and irregular growing seasons.

Lì Quì Dò offers more than just premium wine—it’s a tangible connection to a sustainable way of life. By choosing Lì Quì Dò, you’re supporting a community that values harmony with nature, cultural preservation, and ethical practices.