Fontanafredda is owned and run by a bank, the Monte dei Paschi Monte dei Paschi di Siena. The bank acquired the estate from Emanuele Guerrieri di Mirafiori, illegitimate son of King Vittorio Emanuele II, in 1931. Fruit is primarily sourced from 70 plus hectares of vineyards which are owned by Fontanafredda, the remainder coming from several hundred local growers with whom the firm have long-term contracts.

The Fontanafredda estate is a major player in Piedmont, turning out massive quantities of Barolo, Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba and other Piedmontese DOCs. At the top of the tree are the single vineyard Barolo wines, La Rosa, Lazzarito, La Delizia and La Villa. There are also standard Barolo and Barbaresco cuves. In addition the firm also produces Asti and other sparkling wines, (made by Talento Mthode as well as the Charmat method - secondary fermentation in tank), as well as Grappa di Moscato, Grappa di Nebbiolo and the unusual concoction Barolo Chinato - a blend of Barolo and an alcoholic infusion of herbs and spices.