In 2020, a new adventure began. In collaboration with the Chiostro Sant’Elena Association, we started cultivating the ancient vineyard attached to the old convent and the beautiful church dedicated to Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, whose body, according to tradition, arrived in Venice from Constantinople in 1211. The vineyard overlooks that stretch of the lagoon marking the boundary between the southern and northern parts of the city, facing the island of Certosa. As it opens toward the lagoon, it is well ventilated despite being enclosed by walls.
With the red grapes of cabernet and other varieties still being identified, ripened in this charming setting, we produce Sant’E – Rosso di S. Elena, a pleasant and well-balanced wine. The white grapes present in the vineyard are table grapes and are enjoyed by the parishioners.
The Laguna nel Bicchiere Association was born from the curiosity of Flavio Franceschet, who in 1993 discovered the vineyards of the lagoon, particularly the garden-vineyard of San Francesco della Vigna on the island of Sant’Elena. He then began involving the middle school students where he taught in the exciting stages of winemaking, having them crush the grapes with their feet.