Founded in 1665 by the Spanish Duke Oronzo, Earl of Lemos, in the Italian region of Puglia, Leone de Castris has been exporting wine since the beginning of the 19th century. Leone de Castris’ wines are the product of culture, innovation, and a tradition of dedication and passion that has been observed for centuries; 1943 marks the first year of production for Leone de Castris’ Five Roses Rosato. Their Five Roses Rosato is the first rosé ever bottled in Italy and the first rosé ever sold in the USA. For several generations each de Castris had five children and from here derived the name “Five Roses.” Outside of their famous rosé, the winery also produces a wide range of red and white DOC wines (Salice Salentino, Primitivo di Manduria) and interesting IGT Salento and Puglia wines.
Leone de Castris’ entire range of wines has been awarded and received prestigious recognition from all over the world. Their products are present not only in European markets, but also in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, etc.
Located close to the winery is Leone de Castris’ high-end hotel and restaurant, “Villa Donna Lisa,” where they host guests and Italian and foreign delegations that come to visit the winery. For centuries Leone de Castris has worked only in Puglia producing only Apulian products. While this could be viewed as a limitation for some, for Leone de Castris is a specialty they are proud of. Their mission is to make the most high-quality products possible in the land in which we are born and raised.