Andrea D'Ambra
General Manager
“When you're happy drink to celebrate. When you're sad drink to forget, when you have nothing to be sad or happy about, drink to make something happen.”
D'Ambra Family
For a century and a half D'Ambra family has been united by a great passion for the vine and for wine: creativity, innovation and respect for tradition have been handed down for generations.
The history of D'Ambra wines is the history of a family which made of viticulture its own life. It all began at the end of the nineteenth century with Francesco D'Ambra, also known as Don Ciccio, passed to his sons Mario, Michele and Salvatore who in 1966 obtained the denomination of controlled origin for the wines of Ischia and continues to this day, in the sign of respect for the territory and continuous innovation.
The wine of Ischia is one of the most appreciated products in Naples at the end of the 19th century. So, Francesco D'Ambra, also known as Don Ciccio, born from a family of winemakers of the island, dedicated himself to his trade since he was young. Business prospered and allowed him to start a large company, based in the ancient Villa Garavini. In a short time, from Naples, Ischia's wines reached all Italy and abroad.
Don Ciccio was succeeded, in 1952, by his sons Mario, Michele and Salvatore and the company was transformed into D'Ambra Vini D'Ischia S.p.A., today a model winery. Biancolella, Forastera and Per' 'e palummo grapes are vinified and bottled with modern equipment; vineyards are purchased in the most renowned areas of the island, with a preference for local varieties; finally a new winery is built in Panza d'Ischia, one of the most important wine areas of the island.
In 1984 Mario D'Ambra, who became the sole owner of D'Ambra Vini, promotes a new conquest of national and foreign markets. He was succeeded by his three nephews, Riccardo, Andrea and Corrado, who continue the activity inspired to the principles of a greater selection of vineyards and to more and more characteristic products.
In 2000 the property passed to winemaker Andrea D'Ambra, the youngest of Mario's grandchildren, who takes the lead of a family tradition, started in 1888 by grandfather Francesco, and which is still alive after more than 100 years.
Andrea is now supported by his daughters Marina and Sara, the latter an enologist: the fourth generation of Casa D'Ambra which carries on a history with deep roots, never at the expense of their innovative spirit.
