Departures of note

Emidio Pepe (1932 – 2026) was an Italian viticultural entrepreneur from Abruzzo. In 1964 he founded the Pepe winery in Torano Nuovo, Teramo, where he introduced innovative practices that reshaped the region's wine production. His focus on native Abruzzo grape varieties, especially Montepuliano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano, earned his wines international acclaim and positioned the winery as a global model of authenticity and quality.

Pepe's vision combined rigorous production standards with a deep respect for the land, influencing generations of winemakers across Italy. He was frequently praised by political and agricultural leaders for promoting Abruzzo's terroir on the world stage. His contributions helped raise the profile of Italian wines and supported the economic development of his region.

At the time of his death at age 94, Pepe was regarded as a revolutionary figure in enology, remembered for his dedication to tradition, innovation, and the promotion of regional identity through wine.