The Varnelli family placed great emphasis on artisanal quality, and many recipes have been passed down through generations.
The Varnelli Distillery was founded in 1868 by Giuseppe Varnelli in Penne, in the Abruzzo region, and is one of Italy’s most traditional distilleries. From the very beginning, the company specialized in producing herbal liqueurs and Amari, with a strong focus on using regional herbs and plants from the Apennines. The first product that brought the distillery fame was the classic Varnelli Amaro, an herbal bitter that is still produced today according to the original recipe. The Varnelli family placed great emphasis on artisanal quality, and many recipes have been passed down through generations.
Throughout the 20th century, the Varnelli Distillery steadily grew, extending its influence beyond the Abruzzo region. The distillery combined traditional production methods with modern techniques to consistently maintain the high quality of its liqueurs. In addition to the classic Amaro, Varnelli continuously expanded its portfolio, introducing aperitifs, fruit-based liqueurs, and spirits for cocktails. The Varnelli brand thus became synonymous with Italian herbal expertise and Alpine aromatics.
Today, the Varnelli Distillery is internationally recognized and exports its products worldwide. In addition to the traditional Varnelli Amaro, the portfolio includes specialties such as Argalà – Aromatic Bitter and Anisette Varnelli. Despite globalization, the distillery remains true to its roots: careful selection of raw materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and the combination of tradition with innovation are central to every production. Varnelli products are highly regarded not only in Italy but also worldwide in bars, restaurants, and private collections.
