Born in Puglia into a family of jurists, Raffaele Augelli initially pursued a career in law, earning a degree in Jurisprudence from the University of Parma and later completing a Master’s in International Taxation. He began working in Milan for a major tax firm, contributing to a European VAT harmonization project. But it was a study stay in Boston, undertaken to improve his English, that permanently changed his perspective.
In the United States, he discovered a more pragmatic and meritocratic work culture — but, above all, a new awareness: the universal value of Italian wine, perceived abroad as a symbol of elegance and authenticity. That realization led him to change direction and dedicate himself entirely to the world of wine.
Back in Italy, he embarked on a journey of training and discovery that first took him to Sicily, for an initial hands-on experience, and then to Bordeaux, where he completed an MBA in Wine Marketing & Management and obtained the three WSET certifications. The French experience offered him a comprehensive understanding of the industry — “the best example of regional branding in the world of wine,” as he likes to define it.
After his time in Bordeaux, Raffaele returned to the United States, working in New York in purchasing management, winery relations, and sales. Upon returning to Italy, he joined leading companies such as Rivera in Puglia and later Allegrini in Valpolicella, where he served as Export Director until 2023, contributing to the group’s international growth and strategic development. During this time, he also achieved key milestones — including bringing the first Amarone in history to the Place de Bordeaux and earning 100 points from Decanter magazine for its inaugural release.
In parallel, he collaborated with Domini Castellare di Castellina, developing international positioning projects — among them, introducing Castellare to the négociants of the Place de Bordeaux.
Since early 2024, he has officially served as Chief Commercial Officer of Domini Castellare di Castellina, a distinguished wine group uniting Tuscany and Sicily through iconic labels such as Castellare di Castellina, Rocca di Frassinello, Feudi del Pisciotto, and Gurra di Mare.
Alongside his managerial role, Raffaele maintains a strong connection with Bordeaux, where since 2019 he has been teaching in the MBA in Wine Marketing & Management, helping shape a new generation of professionals and fostering a meaningful exchange between Italian and French wine cultures.
For Raffaele Augelli, being a commercial director today means much more than selling wine: it’s about interpreting global trends, anticipating change, and guiding companies through what he calls a “phase of identity redefinition” for the wine industry. According to him, the renaissance of wine depends on four key directions: exploring new markets, making wine more accessible, transforming its communication language, and deeply understanding the modern consumer.
“The point isn’t to react to a difficult moment, but to rethink wine for the world that’s coming — a world that will likely change forever,” he says.
It’s a challenge he faces every day with the same passion that once led him to trade his robe for a glass.
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