Arnaldo Caprai, historic entrepreneur and Sagrantino ambassador to the world, has died.
Arnaldo Caprai, a leading figure in Umbrian and national entrepreneurship, has died at the age of 92. He was known for transforming Sagrantino di Montefalco into an internationally renowned wine thanks to the winery that bears his name (for years now run by his son Marco).
Caprai was born in 1933 and began his career in textiles, also establishing himself as a collector of antique lace. In the 1970s he made the entrepreneurial breakthrough by buying a 40-plus-hectare estate in Montefalco with Sagrantino vineyards, realizing the great potential of the grape variety. His vision brought Umbrian wine to the world stage.
Labor Knight
For his contribution to agriculture, he was awarded the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro in 2002. His activities have had a significant impact on the economy and reputation of the Umbrian territory in the world wine scene.
Numerous messages of condolence were expressed by local institutions: the president of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti, recalled Caprai as “a figure of extraordinary vision and tireless promoter of the territory’s excellence.” Other institutional representatives called him a symbol of Umbrian excellence and an ambassador of Made in Italy.
The editorial staff of DoctorWine with editor Daniele Cernilli send their love to his wife Fiorella and children Marco, Luca and Arianna.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of San Feliciano in Foligno.
