When Frank Sinatra walked into a restaurant, there was one thing he expected: “They better have Bolla.” The Italian winery from Veneto had captured his heart—especially their iconic Amarone della Valpolicella.
But Bolla is much more than a celebrity favorite. It’s one of Italy’s most historic wineries, with over 140 years of winemaking tradition, innovation, and international acclaim.
A Winery Rooted in Veneto
The story of Bolla began in 1883 in the small town of Soave, just east of Verona. Abele Bolla produced his first wine for guests at the family’s trattoria. As word spread and demand grew, the winery expanded its range and production. By the 1930s, Bolla had started exporting wines abroad, and by the 1950s and ‘60s, it became one of the first Italian wine brands to make a serious impact in the U.S.
During that time, Bolla’s Amarone became a favorite among American wine lovers—and a staple in high-end restaurants. It didn’t hurt that a certain Frank Sinatra, with his legendary influence, helped elevate Bolla to icon status.
Pioneers of Amarone
Bolla was one of the first to commercially produce Amarone della Valpolicella, playing a key role in establishing the style as a premium wine with global appeal. They were also early adopters of labeling bottles with vintage and origin—something that’s now standard in the modern wine industry.
Today, Bolla’s portfolio includes a wide range of classic Veneto wines such as:
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Amarone della Valpolicella
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Valpolicella Ripasso
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Soave Classico
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Bardolino
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Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
With more than 1,200 hectares of vineyards and strong relationships with local growers, Bolla remains deeply connected to the Veneto region and its traditions.
Sinatra and the Golden Age of Glamour
Bolla’s connection to Frank Sinatra is more than a fun fact—it’s part of the brand’s legacy. During the golden days of Las Vegas, it was Bolla Amarone that graced the dinner tables where Sinatra and the Rat Pack gathered. According to legend, Sinatra would only dine at restaurants that had Bolla on the wine list.
This connection helped turn Bolla into a symbol of style, elegance, and la dolce vita—bringing Amarone into the spotlight as the wine of choice for refined, modern hedonists.
A Classic Brand Looking Forward
Despite its long history, Bolla is far from a relic. The winery has undergone major modernization, both in terms of production and sustainability. Today, Bolla is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and implementing eco-friendly practices in both vineyards and winemaking.
Since 2009, Bolla has been part of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV)—one of Italy’s largest wine groups—but the winemaking still takes place with its heart firmly rooted in Veneto. The focus remains on balancing tradition with innovation, continuing to craft wines that reflect both time and place.
