Text by: SW Team
Castelcucco, Italy – October 13, 2025 — Matteo Forner, a popular Italian winemaker and local politician, died in a horrific accident at his family’s vineyard in the Treviso region after being crushed by a grape press. He was 44 years old and just days away from celebrating his 45thbirthday.
The incident occurred on the morning of October 10 at the Pat del Colmèl winery, located in the small town of Castelcucco. Forner had entered the large industrial wine press to clean it following the grape harvest. According to multiple reports, including The Drinks Business, People Magazine, and The Sun, a suspected power outage may have caused the machine to shut down temporarily. Tragically, as Forner worked inside the press, power was suddenly restored, and the machinery restarted automatically, trapping him around the neck.
His father, who was nearby at the time, witnessed the event and immediately called for emergency services. Despite the rapid arrival of first responders, there was nothing they could do—Forner was pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the most popular pneumatic wine presses on the market.
Forner was widely known in the local community not only as the head of his family’s vineyard but also as an elected councillor for Castelcucco. His death has sent shockwaves through the local winemaking industry and beyond. Described by friends and colleagues as "a truly precious person," he had played a key role in both the region’s viticulture and civic life.
Authorities from the Treviso Public Prosecutor’s Office have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on whether safety protocols were properly followed. A preliminary charge of manslaughter has been registered as a procedural step, though no individuals or entities have yet been named.
The Pat del Colmèl winery, known for its traditional methods and small-scale production, has suspended operations as the family mourns their loss.
