Cooperativa
/koh-op-er-ah-TEE-vah/Winery owned collectively by grape growers.
Full Definition
A cooperativa (cooperative, cantina sociale) is a winery collectively owned by member grape growers who share equipment, facilities, and marketing. Quality varies widely - some cooperatives produce excellent wines at value prices; others focus on volume. Important in regions with small landholdings like Alsace, Trentino, and Languedoc.