Giuliano Rossi has been named the new president of Vinarius, the Association of Italian Wine Shops. The announcement was made in Milan, marking a significant change for the organization that represents more than 120 wine shops across Italy and abroad. Rossi takes over from Andrea Terraneo, who led the association for 12 years and is credited with expanding educational programs and fostering professional growth among members.
Rossi, born in Rome in 1971, brings a background as a sommelier, entrepreneur, and wine shop owner. He has been involved with Vinarius since 2013 and joined its board in 2022. He is the first president from the category of wine shops that offer on-site tastings, reflecting a shift toward recognizing the role of hospitality in the wine retail sector. The last Roman to lead Vinarius was Marco Trimani, who served from 1991 to 1996.
In his first statement as president, Rossi expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s leadership and emphasized his commitment to education and cultural promotion within the wine sector. He said he aims to give voice to all aspects of Italian wine shops, from sales to tasting experiences. Rossi described Vinarius as a point of reference for those who see wine as heritage and experience, not just a product.
Rossi’s professional roots are in Rome’s Piazza Esedra, where his great-grandparents opened the Odeon Bar Café-Concert in 1915. This venue became a local landmark for generations. Building on this family legacy, Rossi has developed his own businesses: he has owned La Fiaschetta wine shop and restaurant since 2001 and The Garage Bistrot since 2020. He trained as a FIS Sommelier in 2004 and earned an Executive Master Sommelier title in 2019. His expertise extends to olive oil as an EVO Oil Sommelier and to cuisine as an executive chef.
On June 2, 2025, Rossi reopened Café Odeon – Bar à Vin in Marina di San Nicola, exactly 110 years after his great-grandparents launched the original Odeon Bar. This project reflects his vision of wine shops as places of culture and community.
The new Vinarius board includes Vice Presidents Domenico Terruli from Martina Franca and Silvia Angelozzi from Alba Adriatica. Other board members represent cities across Italy, including Eboli, Terni, Santa Giustina Bellunese, Latiano, Orzinuovi, Milan, Trieste, and Legnago.
Vinarius was founded in 1981 to promote and protect specialized wine shops throughout Italy. The association supports its members through training programs, study trips to various wine regions in Italy and abroad, internships, and participation in industry events such as conferences and fairs. Every two years it organizes the “Premio Vinarius al Territorio” award to recognize excellence in the sector.
The association also maintains relationships with its French counterparts and regularly surveys its members to monitor market trends and consumer preferences. With Rossi at the helm, Vinarius plans to strengthen its network of wine shops, support professional development, and promote Italian wine culture both domestically and internationally. The organization’s total turnover approaches €50 million annually.
Rossi’s appointment signals a new phase for Vinarius as it adapts to changes in consumer behavior and seeks to reinforce the connection between tradition and innovation in Italian wine retailing.
Dining and Cooking