Mattia Binotto adds winemaker to his list of achievements
The worlds of wine and Formula 1 have long shared a close connection, with celebrated figures such as Maurice Trintignant, Jean Alesi, Jarno Trulli, and in smaller niches, Siegfried Stohr and Gabriele Tredozi, leaving their mark in both arenas. Now, another well-known name joins this list: Mattia Binotto, the Italian engineer leading Audi’s major Formula 1 project, has presented his own vintage wine, Animantica Chardonnay 2021, at the refined Frangente venue in Milan. The wine is produced by the Cantina Eleusi in Faedo, Trentino, which Mattia Binotto owns personally.
“In F1, I have always lived chasing fractions of a second, but with wine I enjoy the anticipation of the result, observing the rhythm of the seasons. Is it a business? No, it’s a pleasure that touches the soul because it’s something very personal, born after my years at Ferrari,” Mattia Binotto explained.
Limited first vintage and future plans
The first vintage is extremely limited, with only 2,300 bottles from the vineyards of San Michele all’Adige. In the future, Binotto may produce a white Pinot, alongside a new project at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. This meticulous preparation is all in anticipation of the “bubbles” Mattia Binotto will one day use to celebrate Audi’s first victory in Formula 1. It would be a beautiful moment, wouldn’t it?
In summary, Mattia Binotto’s venture into winemaking offers a rare glimpse into the private passions of one of motorsport’s most analytical minds. While the 2026 F1 season remains the ultimate target for his professional life, his success in the vineyards of Trentino proves that excellence is a habit, whether it’s applied to a power unit or a world-class Chardonnay.
As we wait for the first Audi-branded car to hit the grid in Suzuka, the launch of Animantica shows that even in the fast-paced world of racing, some things are simply worth the wait. Based on the craftsmanship shown in this first vintage, Mattia Binotto’s future in both the paddock and the vineyard looks exceptionally bright.
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