General Manager Antonio Donato: “We have always supported moderate and responsible drinking: those who come to taste our wines should do so with peace of mind and in compliance with the new Highway Code regulations.”
The wineries and agritourisms of Tenute del Cerro in Tuscany and Umbria are equipping themselves with breathalyzers, devices that measure blood alcohol levels by analyzing exhaled air. This concrete initiative aims to promote road safety and raise awareness of the risks associated with driving under the influence, in light of the new Highway Code that recently came into effect. While blood alcohol limits and the related penalties remain unchanged from the previous legislation, the renewed focus on prevention and increased controls make it even more urgent to educate the public on moderation and rule compliance.
The breathalyzer will be available to guests at all of the Group’s estates — Fattoria del Cerro in Montepulciano, Colpetrone in Montefalco, La Poderina in Montalcino, Tenuta di Monterufoli, and Tenuta di Montecorona in Umbertide. These locations regularly host wine tasting events featuring the wines produced on-site. The device will also be available to patrons of the Antica Chiusina restaurant at Villa Grazianella and La Miniera in Monterufoli, both currently closed for a brief winter break.
“The Tenute del Cerro Group has always promoted responsible and mindful drinking,” emphasized Antonio Donato, General Manager of the Group. “By introducing breathalyzers at our facilities, we aim to offer an additional service to protect our guests and encourage them to enjoy the wine-tasting experience safely,” added Donato. “This gesture sends a clear message: the culture of wine should never be separated from respect for the rules and a sense of responsibility toward oneself and others. We are convinced that self-regulation and awareness can make a difference.”
Although legal parameters remain unchanged — with a limit of 0.5 g/l for regular drivers, 0 g/l for novice and professional drivers, and penalties ranging from license suspension to fines and, in severe cases, arrest — the new regulatory context has heightened risk awareness and the frequency of checks.
The use of breathalyzers at Tenute del Cerro seeks to encourage more responsible behavior during the tasting experience, promoting informed choices from the very beginning. This initiative reflects the Group’s concrete commitment to fostering a wine culture that celebrates the pleasure of taste and conviviality without compromising safety. Equipping tasting venues with alcohol testing devices represents a step forward in raising consumer awareness and serves as a virtuous example of how wineries can actively contribute to road safety prevention.
The use of the breathalyzer will be entirely voluntary and conducted upon the visitor’s request, ensuring complete respect for their privacy. Should the results indicate levels above the legal limits, Tenute del Cerro will provide all necessary support, ensuring assistance and safety without compromise.
