Thousands of bottles of luxury wine valued at €5 million have been stolen from a renowned Tuscan winery in what investigators believe is the largest wine heist in Italian history. A masked gang consisting of at least seven individuals infiltrated the cellars of the historic, family-run Marchesi Antinori estate in Cortona. After disabling the alarm systems and security cameras, the perpetrators used company forklifts to load two large trucks with 30,000 bottles before fleeing the scene.
The thieves specifically targeted some of the estate's most sought-after labels prized by collectors, including Tignanello, Solaia, and Guado al Tasso, alongside 3,000 bottles of Barolo Ginestra, some in magnum sizes. Every bottle taken belongs to the 2023 vintage and commands retail prices ranging from €120 to €400.
The burglary took place on a Saturday as the hilltop enterprise prepared for a significant international shipment. Employees did not discover the missing inventory until arriving for work on Monday morning.
Renzo Cotarella, the chief executive of Marchesi Antinori, noted that the perpetrators demonstrated a high level of preparation, remarking that a crime of this magnitude and value is unprecedented in Italy. While expressing strong confidence that law enforcement will track down the stolen cargo given the region's extensive camera network, he acknowledged that the company's insurance policy does not cover wine losses of such staggering value.
Italian media outlets suggest that such elaborate operations require insider knowledge and meticulous planning, with the stolen goods likely destined for high-end restaurants, bars, or private collectors, though a sudden influx of the rare vintages could easily trigger suspicion. Established in 1385, Marchesi Antinori has issued warnings advising customers and buyers to exercise caution and avoid purchasing company products offered through unofficial channels as authorities pursue their investigation.