Carlo Bigai is a young and exceptionally talented winemaker. His family estate, A Mi Manera Winery, is located in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, in close proximity to Venice, on the world-renowned terroir of Lison.
On February 22, 2026, Carlo Bigai will host a wine dinner at Trattoria Toscana. On this occasion, we spoke with him about their winery, their past, the region, and their future plans.
Tell us a bit about the A Mi Manera winery! When did you start, and who founded the estate?
“It’s a 12-hectare family estate, where around 60,000 bottles of wine are produced each year. Our story began back in 1956: the Bigai family has been cultivating the vineyards here for four generations."
“We work in Veneto, in Lison di Portogruaro, just a few kilometers from Venice. At our core, we are driven by a deep respect for nature and a love for Italian winemaking. We strive to combine the knowledge inherited from our ancestors with modern technology, creating wines that truly have soul and a story to tell.”
What makes your wines special?
“The secret lies in attention and patience. Everything starts with selecting the must, then we decide what suits it best—whether it’s amphora, wood, concrete, or steel tanks. We don’t want to force the wine; we simply guide it along its path. We ferment spontaneously and never rush the process, so our wines remain naturally low in sulfites and truly authentic. We are especially proud of our Biodiversity Friend certification, which proves that for us, biodiversity and the health of the land are not just words, but an integral part of our everyday work.”
What are the characteristics of this part of Veneto, the Lison area?
“Veneto itself is all about diversity, but our area—Eastern Veneto—is special due to its proximity to the sea. The Adriatic breeze and mineral-rich soils give our white wines a freshness and character that are hard to find elsewhere. Lison is a historic area, where winemaking has always been about balance and refinement.”
Looking back, what have been the most important milestones? What are you most proud of?
“This year we are celebrating our 70th anniversary, which in itself is a huge milestone in a family’s life. We have received many awards over the years, but if I had to highlight one moment, it would be June 1986: that’s when Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan visited us. To this day, it remains a kind of ‘golden page’ in our family history, and it was an important confirmation of our quality.”
What was it like growing up in a winemaking family?
“It’s a way of life deeply connected to the land and the seasons. As a child, you don’t learn about nature from books—you see the spring pruning, the work of summer, then comes the excitement of harvest, followed by the quiet of winter. You learn early on that your hands will get dirty and your mornings will start early. But that moment when you taste the grapes straight from the vine, or when you catch the aroma of fermenting must in the cellar—it makes everything worthwhile. This profession teaches you that good things—whether it’s wine or life itself—require time and patience.”
What exactly is your role at the winery now?
“As an owner, of course I have insight into everything, but I primarily work as an export manager. I’m responsible for international markets, while always keeping a close eye on the vineyards and the cellar as well—so that we never compromise on quality.”
What are your plans for the coming years?
“We aim to make our production even more sustainable. We want to offer wines through which people can experience a touch of the Italian lifestyle as well as our traditions. We’re not afraid of modern technology either, if it helps preserve the authentic character of our wines. Our goal is balance: to respect the past while remaining open to the solutions of the future.”
What should guests at our wine dinner pay attention to when tasting your wines?
“Don’t just look for the aromas—seek the person and the landscape behind the wine. We strive for every bottle to tell a piece of our story and reflect the care with which it was made. Taste the unique character of our wines and discover the true face of Veneto within them!”
