A winery of her own
A once male-dominated field has opened the door to talented women
Giuditta possesses a slender figure and a face adorned with delicate, ethereal creases that say everything about her new outdoor life.
In the past, she had a different life when she worked as a researcher at CNR for a long time. After years of studies and research, she hit a roadblock. Consequently, she returned to her roots - an enchanting piece of land in the Marche region that has been in her family for generations.
Thus, she transformed into a farmer-entrepreneur who faced the unpredictable weather, the laborious task of tending to the soil, and the extensive winemaking regulations.
Her property lies atop a ridge spanning two provinces, Ancona and Pesaro-Urbino, which shows breathtaking sea views or vibrant hills with groves everywhere you look.
There is always a light air flowing through Giuditta’s property, influencing her wines made from the local grape variety, Verdicchio, which shows a sapidity unknown to wines from the plains.
Meanwhile, Marika is a former athlete who participated in rhythmic gymnastics competitions until age 22. She continues to be part of that world as a teacher.
Despite coming from a winemaking family, Marika’s interests in sports and her occupation as a clerk steered her away from the wine industry.
An unexpected layoff caused her to return to the fold. She reconnected with her family business for a while and ended up remaining to manage the small winery in Castelplanio in the province of Ancona.
Visitors from there can enjoy breathtaking views of the fields, slopes, and hills while savoring the exceptional wines produced there.
Finding women like Marika and Giuditta leading wine estates is more common today, but it was only sometimes the case in the past.
Women have worked in agriculture for a long time, but men usually held the prime responsibility because they inherited the land.
In recent times, significant transformations have occurred.
The patriarchal mindset has waned, and in some cases, the absence of male successors has created opportunities for women who have demonstrated their abilities to an extent that cannot be ignored.
The presence of female producers has grown alongside the increasing number of women choosing careers as sommeliers, wine merchants, or winemakers.
This has led to a significant increase in the representation of women in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.
An organization was established in 1988 to promote the recognition of women's contributions to the wine industry. Known as "Donne del Vino" (Women of Wine), this association brings together women from various fields, offering them a platform to connect, exchange their experiences, and receive training. It provides a sense of camaraderie, assuring them that they are not alone in their profession. The Association started with 20 members. Today, there are more than 1,000 from all over Italy.
When you travel to Italy, you can witness firsthand the significant contribution women make to the world of wine by exploring the wineries owned and operated by producers or where women have leadership positions.
I have a particular fondness for small-scale producers, as my loyal followers know. Therefore, I encourage you to discover these hidden gems–small wineries run by women. This experience will leave a lasting impression on your memory.
If you see the Women of Wine Association logo at a winery, you can trust that you are in the excellent hands of capable and caring women.
Would you like to meet Giuditta and Marika?
If you answered yes, visit the Marche Region in Central Italy, which is easily accessible from Bologna and Rome airports. Falconara, the local airport, is a hub for international flights from London and Munich.
You can reach their wineries via the A14 highway from northern Italy or State Road 76 from Rome by car.
How can Piccolo Centro help you?
A journey should be filled with meaningful connections and engaging interactions with the locals in your destinations. This is the objective of Piccolo Centro: to assist you in exploring the genuine side of Italy through carefully crafted itineraries and immersive activities.
I curate culinary and oenological experiences that enable you to connect with residents who enjoy sharing their culture rather than merely catering to tourists in Le Marche and beyond.
Feel free to contact me for enrichment calls (if you are a self-planner) or to enquire about wine & gourmet tours and experiences.