Maurizio Zanella: philosophy of art patronage

Maurizio Zanella, who has led Ca’ del Bosco for several decades, has cultivated far more than exceptional sparkling wines. With a clear and thoughtful vision, he has elevated the Franciacorta winery beyond mere production, integrating contemporary art into the landscape. At Ca’ del Bosco, wine and art are not separate worlds but harmonious expressions of craftsmanship—each bottle and each sculpture tells a story of dedication, patience, and sensory depth.

With a poet’s sensibility and a pioneer’s resolve, Zanella’s approach to art patronage transforms every corner of the estate into a sanctuary of beauty and reflection. This philosophy finds expression in meaningful partnerships, such as the longstanding collaboration with Salone del Mobile, where design, sustainability, and the art of living well converge. Ca’ del Bosco stands as a testament to the belief that true luxury lies in the fusion of tradition and innovation—an invitation to slow down, to truly see, and to feel the enduring power of creativity intertwined with the land.

hube: Ca’ del Bosco is a family-rooted enterprise in a sector often seen as deeply traditional, yet under your leadership it has consistently embraced bold innovation and contemporary culture. How do you balance respect for heritage with the drive to break new ground, particularly through your engagement with contemporary art?

Maurizio Zanella: At Ca’ del Bosco, we believe that heritage and innovation go hand in hand, like two sides of the same coin. When I first started out, after visiting Champagne in the early 1970s, the focus in Italy was on producing large quantities of wine, rather than high-quality ones. But I wanted to change that and create premium sparkling wine here. Our love of contemporary art reflects this approach. Wine is a multisensory experience—you see it, smell it, and taste it. Sculpture is similar, as it engages your senses and catches your eye. Both require a careful selection process and a clear vision. By placing modern sculptures in our vineyards and cellars, we’re combining tradition and innovation, bringing together the old and the new. We’re creating a strong connection between the land, the wine, and the art, and that’s what makes it so special.

The way we see it, wine and art are not so different. They both require patience, skill, and attention to detail. And when you bring them together, something amazing happens. Our vineyards and cellars become a kind of gallery, where art and wine complement each other perfectly. It’s a unique experience, one that engages all your senses and leaves a lasting impression. We’re proud of what we’ve created at Ca’ del Bosco, and we think it’s a truly special place. By combining heritage and innovation, we’re able to create something new and exciting while still respecting the traditions of the past. It’s a delicate balance, but one that we think is essential to creating truly great wine. And when you visit us, we hope you’ll see what we mean. Our sculptures, our vineyards, and our cellars all come together to create an experience that’s unlike any other. So come and see it yourself—we think you’ll be amazed.