Lessons from Langhe: How Aussie Dave Fletcher Found His Place in Italy’s Belt of Sanctity

I still remember the moment a close friend handed me a bottle of 2017 Barbaresco—Fletcher. The name stopped me in my tracks. Barbaresco, one of the crown jewels of Italian wine, and spiritual homes of Nebbiolo. And Fletcher? It didn’t exactly scream Italian heritage.

Curious, I started digging and soon uncovered the remarkable story of an Australian winemaker who had followed his passion all the way to Piedmont. Dave Fletcher, originally from Adelaide, found himself drawn to the magic of Italy, eventually becoming the head winemaker at Ceretto, where he played a pivotal role in refining their winemaking practices. But Dave’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He went on to establish his own label, Fletcher Wines—an expression of both innovation and deep respect for Piedmont’s traditions.

For Dave, Piedmont is a place of reverence—a "belt of sanctity," as he describes it—where the art of winemaking is a delicate dance between pushing boundaries and honoring history. He arrived as a determined and ambitious young winemaker eager to make his mark, and while he’s certainly done that, his journey has also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the legacy of those who came before.

It was a privilege to sit down with Dave and hear his reflections on Piedmont and the incredible path that led him there. A huge thank you to Dave for sharing his story.