Who are we

Antica Erboristeria dott. Cappelletti

The herbalist Antica Erboristeria dott. Cappelletti, producer of bitters, liqueurs, and grappas, is not a novelty set up in response to the renewed interest in the preparation of herbs or the recent trend of ‘back to nature and genuine products’, but was in fact founded as far back as 1906. This explains why along with modern steel tanks, the traditional hand presses are still used in production.

This family- run company, proud custodian of secret formulas that were passed down from the old herbalist to the grandchildren, remains, however, receptive to new trends and current market demands.

Outlining the story of this long period means also reflecting on the history of our territory and its evolution that occurred through the forging of a cultural and human heritage which in the case of our business is represented by three key people: Giuseppe Cappelletti, the founder; Ferrante and Gianpaolo Cappelletti, who further developed the company and adapted it to the changes over time.

1906 - 1909

Born in Ciago di Vezzano, a small village situated on the scope of Mount Gazza, a short distance from Trento, in 1880, Giuseppe Cappelletti as a boy began to collect and sell the curative herbs growing on his mountains, learning along the way the secrets and traditions of the older, wiser herbalists. In 1909, he and his brothers founded a company, located in Oss Mazzurana, Trento, “to sell wholesale and retail natural herbal remedies”. The company moved to its historical premises in Piazza Fiera in the 20s.

1920 - 1954

In 1920 was founded the chemical-industrial facility of Dr. G. Cappelletti in Piazza Fiera, where Elisir Novasalus was first produced at that time.

In 1954 Giuseppe Cappelletti died.

1959

In 1959 the company is run by his nephew Ferrante Cappelletti, a qualified herbalist and ardent proponent of the cultivation of medicinal herbs in the mountains, he engaged in a constant dissemination and education on these topics, contributing advice and formulas to simple-to-understand publications.

1968

The business grew and in 1969 the production department was moved to the plant in Ravina, near Trento. At the same time the shop in Piazza Fiera was still running. The product range was increased and so along with bitters also grappas, sweet liqueurs and Brulè Bacchus were produced.

1973-1998

Gianpaolo, Sandra (until 1994) and Corrado (until 1998), sons and daughter of Ferrante, took over the business together.

These were the boom years: Novasalus T-shirts, hats and classroom rulers could be seen everywhere, from sport arenas to public offices. Cappelletti was synonmous with Novasalus and viceversa.

Liqueurs production was supported by a successful new line of natural cosmetics products. The company’s range of operations multiplied and so the heirs divided up their responsibilities.

1998

Gianpaolo Cappelletti ran the liqueurs sector – the sole business unit still active today. A man of great culture, eclectic and with an immense love of life and his work, he had long been the public face of the company, investing in the community, sports and politics.
Blessed with a great intuition and acumen, he reinvigorated production with new ideas and products. When the plant in Ravina became too small, Gianpaolo, regardless of his health problems, started the building of a new facility in Aldeno, whose completion he did not survive to see. Luigi, Gianpaolo’s son, started working in the business: it is the beginning of the 4th generation

2001

The company moved from Ravina to the new facility in Aldeno.

Maddalena, sister of Luigi, started working in the business. Gianpaolo suddenly died and Tiziana, his wife, was involved in the business, too.

2009

100 YEARS OF ANTICA ERBORISTERIA

2009: Antica Erboristeria celebrated its centenary, before getting the official date of 1906 as year of foundation.

2020: Cappelletti’s products reach the 5 continents

2023: are launched the new shop and the new tasting rooms “Cappelletti Domus”

New headquarters

Viale Europa 9 - Aldeno (tn)

The new headquarters, with adjoining shop and new event hall .

Our contacts

We are open Monday to Friday
from 8 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and
from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (offices until 5.30 p.m.).

Opening for visits on Saturdays is by appointment only.