Published on
September 12, 2025
Roberta Corrà has been named a Person of the Year nominee for the 2025 Wine Star Awards, hosted by Wine Enthusiast. The Wine Star Awards honor influential leaders who have made significant contributions to the wine, spirits, and beverage industry. As the CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons and the Managing Director of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Roberta’s work has been nothing short of transformative, both in terms of market growth and brand visibility.
Her remarkable achievements span across continents, with a particular focus on enhancing Italy’s standing in the global wine industry. Under her leadership, Frederick Wildman & Sons and GIV have experienced substantial growth, making her one of the most powerful and influential women in the Italian wine sector.
Leading Frederick Wildman & Sons to New Heights
As the CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons, Roberta has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s position in the U.S. market. Frederick Wildman is renowned for representing some of Italy’s best wine producers. Under her strategic guidance, the company has been able to expand its portfolio, delivering premium Italian wines to American consumers. This success story is not just about expanding product lines but about cementing relationships between Italy’s most respected wine producers and their U.S.-based consumers.
Frederick Wildman has become more than just a distributor; it is now a vital link between two worlds—Italy’s rich winemaking traditions and the American consumer’s evolving palate. By successfully navigating this dynamic, Roberta has played a pivotal role in advancing Italian wine in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
Gruppo Italiano Vini: Expanding Italy’s Wine Legacy
At the helm of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Italy’s most successful wine group, Roberta has overseen the growth of a wine powerhouse with a €212 million turnover. GIV boasts an impressive portfolio, managing 15 wineries across 11 of Italy’s most prestigious wine-producing regions. Under her stewardship, GIV has elevated its global presence, bringing a wealth of iconic Italian brands such as Bolla, Lamberti, Nino Negri, and Re’ Manfredi to the forefront of international markets.
This expansion not only increases Italy’s global wine exports but also reinforces Italy’s cultural and economic relevance in the global wine industry. GIV is now Italy’s highest revenue-generating wine group, a testament to Roberta’s strategic vision and commitment to quality.
A Trailblazer for Women in Italy’s Wine Industry
Roberta Corrà’s influence in Italy’s wine industry is particularly significant given the industry’s male-dominated leadership landscape. As one of the very few women leading at the highest echelons of Italy’s wine sector, her rise is an inspiring story of empowerment. With a background in law and business from SDA Bocconi and years of experience in multinational corporations, Roberta has established herself as a leader who blends strategic acumen with empathy.
Her career trajectory reflects a passion for both business and the preservation of Italy’s wine culture. Roberta’s ability to balance both aspects has made her a role model not only in Italy but across the globe.
Mentorship and Shaping the Future of the Wine Industry
Beyond her roles at Frederick Wildman and GIV, Roberta’s commitment to the future of the wine industry is evident in her efforts to mentor young professionals. Her recent appointment to the Scientific Committee of the Wine Management Executive Program at Luiss Business School reflects her deep investment in shaping the next generation of wine industry leaders. This program is designed to equip young talent with the strategic skills needed to drive the future of Italian wine companies.
Her mentorship and forward-thinking leadership are laying the foundation for a new wave of wine professionals who will carry forward Italy’s wine legacy with innovation and passion.
Global Leadership Beyond Italy
Roberta’s influence isn’t confined to Italy. Her leadership spans several regions, with roles in companies such as Granarolo Suisse in Switzerland, Carniato Europe S.A. in France, and GIV CZ Sro in Eastern Europe. She is also the president of Consorzio Italia del Vino, an organization that brings together 25 of Italy’s top wine producers. These international appointments demonstrate her ability to lead on a global scale, building bridges across markets and cultures while ensuring that Italy’s wine remains synonymous with excellence.
Roberta Corrà’s Lasting Impact on the Global Wine Industry
As a nominee for the 2025 Wine Star Awards Person of the Year, Roberta Corrà’s achievements are a testament to her leadership, vision, and enduring impact on the wine industry. From expanding market reach to preserving Italy’s cultural heritage, Roberta’s leadership has become the gold standard in the wine industry.
Her legacy goes beyond just growing market share; it’s about fostering innovation, shaping future leaders, and leaving a lasting mark on the global wine landscape. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a blueprint for women in business and the wine industry alike.
A Visionary Leader in the Wine Industry
Roberta Corrà’s career has been marked by groundbreaking success and unwavering dedication to Italy’s wine heritage. Whether through her strategic leadership of Frederick Wildman & Sons, the growth of Gruppo Italiano Vini, or her role in mentoring the next generation of wine professionals, Roberta has set a benchmark for excellence in the wine world. As she is rightfully honored as a nominee for the 2025 Wine Star Awards, it is clear that her influence will continue to shape the future of the global wine industry for years to come.
Image Credit: Frederick Wildman & Sons
