Home » Italy Travel News » Wine Star Awards 2025 Roberta Corrà’s Leadership in Expanding Italy’s Wine Legacy Earns Her Coveted “Person of the Year” Nomination
Published on
September 12, 2025
Roberta Corrà, CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons and Managing Director of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), has recently been nominated for Person of the Year at the 2025 Wine Star Awards by Wine Enthusiast. This prestigious nomination honors exceptional leaders who have made transformative contributions to the wine, spirits, and beverage industries. The Wine Star Awards recognize individuals who have significantly shaped these industries with their vision, leadership, and far-reaching influence. Roberta’s nomination reflects her remarkable impact on both the U.S. wine market and the international wine community. Her ability to lead two major organizations in the wine sector highlights her as one of the industry’s most influential figures.
Roberta’s Transformative Role in the U.S. Wine Market
Under Roberta Corrà’s leadership, Frederick Wildman & Sons has become an essential force in the U.S. wine market, particularly in promoting Italian wines. As the company’s CEO, Roberta has driven its growth by expanding its portfolio, creating crucial connections between Italy’s top wine producers and American consumers. The company has evolved into a trusted and prominent name in the industry, with a strong reputation for offering quality wines that cater to the sophisticated tastes of U.S. consumers. Roberta’s keen understanding of both the Italian wine landscape and the evolving needs of U.S. customers has been pivotal in shaping the company’s success.
Moreover, Roberta’s influence extends far beyond Frederick Wildman & Sons. She also holds the role of Managing Director at Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), which is Italy’s largest and most financially successful wine group. With operations spread across 11 regions in Italy, GIV oversees more than 1,600 hectares of vineyards and has achieved a remarkable turnover of €212 million. Roberta’s leadership has been integral in establishing GIV as a leading player in the global wine industry, strengthening Italy’s position in the international wine market. The group’s portfolio includes iconic wine brands such as Bolla, Lamberti, Nino Negri, and Re’ Manfredi, all of which contribute to Italy’s growing global reputation for quality winemaking.
Breaking Barriers for Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Roberta Corrà has defied expectations and broken barriers as one of the very few women holding such influential positions in the wine sector. With a background in law and business organization from SDA Bocconi, Roberta has proven that women can lead with both authority and empathy. Over the course of her career, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate both the corporate world and the complexities of the wine industry, successfully leading major companies to new heights.
Roberta’s leadership is not confined to just Frederick Wildman & Sons and GIV. She has taken on key leadership roles in several European companies, including Granarolo Suisse in Switzerland, Carniato Europe S.A. in France, and GIV CZ Sro in Eastern Europe. Additionally, she has worked with Phildan Inc. in Canada, expanding her global influence. Roberta’s pioneering role has paved the way for more women to hold leadership positions in the wine industry, inspiring the next generation of women to rise to leadership roles and make a significant impact globally.
Roberta’s Efforts to Promote Italian Wine Globally
Roberta Corrà’s career has been largely dedicated to promoting Italian wine and strengthening its global position. As President of the Consorzio Italia del Vino, she has been instrumental in championing Italian winemaking traditions and supporting 25 prestigious Italian wine producers. Roberta’s leadership within this organization has helped ensure that Italy’s rich wine heritage continues to thrive and expand across the world, despite increasing competition from other wine-producing nations.
Furthermore, Roberta’s recent appointment to the Scientific Committee of the Wine Management Executive Program at Luiss Business School in Italy reinforces her commitment to shaping the future of Italy’s wine sector. The program is designed to mentor the next generation of professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to take on strategic roles within Italy’s wine companies. Roberta’s involvement ensures that she is passing on her expertise, leaving a lasting legacy that will influence Italian winemaking for years to come.
Combining Strategy with Empathy
What sets Roberta Corrà apart from other leaders is her unique ability to combine strategic thinking with a deep sense of empathy. While making business decisions that ensure long-term success, she has been able to cultivate a corporate culture based on trust, communication, and human connection. Roberta’s leadership style fosters a work environment where both creativity and business success are nurtured, making her leadership not only effective but also meaningful.
Her success stems from the way she navigates the balance between business strategy and building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and consumers. Roberta’s approach has allowed Frederick Wildman & Sons and GIV to thrive while fostering a sense of community and mutual respect in her workplace. She has demonstrated that empathy and strategic thinking can go hand in hand, creating an environment where both employees and businesses can grow and succeed.
Roberta Corrà: A Role Model for Future Generations
Roberta Corrà’s nomination for Person of the Year at the 2025 Wine Star Awards has not only highlighted her immense contributions to the wine industry but also her role as a role model for women in business. Her work at Frederick Wildman & Sons and GIV has transformed the global wine industry, not just through innovation but through her dedication to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of wine leaders.
Roberta’s leadership has demonstrated that women can lead multinational organizations and break down the barriers that often exist in industries like wine, proving that empathy and vision can drive industry-wide change. Her accomplishments go beyond personal success; they inspire a global movement that encourages women to take leadership roles and contribute to shaping the future of the wine industry.
Her recognition at the Wine Star Awards serves as an acknowledgment of her achievements and a call for others to follow in her footsteps. It is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and its lasting impact, not just on businesses, but on cultures, communities, and economies worldwide.
The Effect on Wine Tourism and Global Travel
Roberta Corrà’s influence extends far beyond the walls of boardrooms and wineries—it also has significant implications for the wine tourism industry. As Italian wines become more recognized globally, the appeal of Italy’s wine regions continues to grow. Travelers from around the world are increasingly flocking to Italy to explore historic vineyards, experience the region’s winemaking traditions, and taste the exceptional wines that Italy has to offer.
As Italy’s wine exports rise, there will undoubtedly be an increased demand for luxury wine tours and wine-focused travel experiences. Roberta’s leadership in helping to promote Italian wines has directly contributed to making Italy a premier destination for wine lovers worldwide. This influx of wine tourism will create new opportunities for local wineries, tourism agencies, and businesses focused on wine travel. With more travelers seeking immersive experiences in the world of wine, the impact on Italy’s economy and the global tourism industry will be profound.
This growth in wine tourism is expected to not only boost local economies but also create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the hospitality industry, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and transportation services catering to wine enthusiasts. The expansion of wine tourism will reinforce Italy’s reputation as a world leader in wine culture, offering new ways for travelers to engage with the country’s heritage.
Roberta Corrà’s Lasting Legacy
Roberta Corrà’s nomination for the 2025 Wine Star Award is a recognition of her remarkable influence on the global wine industry. Her leadership of Frederick Wildman & Sons and Gruppo Italiano Vini has not only shaped Italian wine’s presence in the U.S. but also ensured that Italy remains a dominant force in the global wine sector. Through strategic leadership, empathy, and a commitment to mentorship, Roberta has transformed both the companies she oversees and the industry as a whole.
Her influence extends beyond business, leaving a legacy that will impact wine tourism, global markets, and future leaders in the wine industry. Roberta Corrà’s vision for Italian wines has contributed to Italy’s economic growth, while her leadership continues to inspire generations of professionals across the globe. Through her work, she has proven that visionary leadership, paired with empathy and mentorship, can create lasting positive changes that extend far beyond the world of business, impacting cultures, industries, and even economies worldwide.
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