Roberta Corrà Receives Person of the Year Honor at Wine Enthusiast Awards 2025
On January 26, 2026, the 26th Annual Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards showcased the exceptional achievements within the wine and spirits sector at The Glasshouse in New York City. This year's ceremony celebrated not just the industry's successes, but highlighted a key figure who has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of Italian wine in the United States: Roberta Corrà. As the CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons, a leading importer and distributor of fine wines, Roberta was honored with the prestigious title of Person of the Year, an accolade that embodies her transformative impact on the industry.
Corrà's leadership transcends traditional boundaries, as she deftly navigates the complexities of a multi-generational organization while preserving the rich heritage of Italian wine. Her dual roles as Managing Director of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) and President of Consorzio Italia del Vino mark her as a formidable leader whose influence reaches from production to global market distribution. She has been instrumental in enhancing the relationship between Italy's esteemed wine producers and international consumers, particularly in a market as significant as the United States.
The United States has long been the largest export market for Italian wine, with wine exports valued at approximately €2 billion annually. Despite the challenges posed by changing consumption patterns, there is a notable surge in demand for premium wines and low-intervention styles, particularly among younger demographics such as Millennials and Gen Z. Under Corrà's guidance, GIV's offerings are strategically positioned to meet these evolving market expectations, ensuring that the traditional essence of Italian wine resonates with a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
Upon receiving her award, Corrà articulated the weight of her responsibilities during this transformative era. 'Leading Frederick Wildman & Sons amid significant changes in our industry has reaffirmed the necessity of strong alliances and shared objectives,' she remarked. Emphasizing that the legacy of one of the nation’s historic wine importers is a collective effort, she credited the passion and dedication of her extraordinary team for their shared success.
Roberta is committed to fostering engagement with younger audiences to prepare the wine industry for future challenges, advocating for authenticity and education in a way that genuinely appeals to today's consumers. 'To stay relevant, we must adapt to change, communicate in a way that resonates, and share timeless values of wine that encompass respect for the land, authenticity, and culture,' she highlighted in her speech.
A central tenet of Corrà's philosophy is her people-first approach, which underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration from vineyard teams to executive levels. She believes these elements are critical for long-term success. Furthermore, her dedication to professional development is demonstrated through her active role with LUISS Business School, where she participates on the Scientific Committee of the Wine Management Executive Program. This initiative aims to equip the next generation of wine professionals with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
As the wine industry faces profound structural and cultural shifts, Roberta Corrà's recognition in New York serves as a testament to the vital role of innovative leadership that marries tradition with evolution. Her commitment to responsible and inclusive practices continues to influence how Italian wine interacts with both global markets and future generations.
For more information about Frederick Wildman & Sons, a company founded in 1934 that has established a reputation for quality and innovation in the wine and spirits sector, please visit their website. The recognition of Roberta Corrà at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards underscores the powerful impact of dedicated leadership in shaping the future of the wine industry.
Corrà's leadership transcends traditional boundaries, as she deftly navigates the complexities of a multi-generational organization while preserving the rich heritage of Italian wine. Her dual roles as Managing Director of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) and President of Consorzio Italia del Vino mark her as a formidable leader whose influence reaches from production to global market distribution. She has been instrumental in enhancing the relationship between Italy's esteemed wine producers and international consumers, particularly in a market as significant as the United States.
The United States has long been the largest export market for Italian wine, with wine exports valued at approximately €2 billion annually. Despite the challenges posed by changing consumption patterns, there is a notable surge in demand for premium wines and low-intervention styles, particularly among younger demographics such as Millennials and Gen Z. Under Corrà's guidance, GIV's offerings are strategically positioned to meet these evolving market expectations, ensuring that the traditional essence of Italian wine resonates with a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
Upon receiving her award, Corrà articulated the weight of her responsibilities during this transformative era. 'Leading Frederick Wildman & Sons amid significant changes in our industry has reaffirmed the necessity of strong alliances and shared objectives,' she remarked. Emphasizing that the legacy of one of the nation’s historic wine importers is a collective effort, she credited the passion and dedication of her extraordinary team for their shared success.
Roberta is committed to fostering engagement with younger audiences to prepare the wine industry for future challenges, advocating for authenticity and education in a way that genuinely appeals to today's consumers. 'To stay relevant, we must adapt to change, communicate in a way that resonates, and share timeless values of wine that encompass respect for the land, authenticity, and culture,' she highlighted in her speech.
A central tenet of Corrà's philosophy is her people-first approach, which underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration from vineyard teams to executive levels. She believes these elements are critical for long-term success. Furthermore, her dedication to professional development is demonstrated through her active role with LUISS Business School, where she participates on the Scientific Committee of the Wine Management Executive Program. This initiative aims to equip the next generation of wine professionals with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
As the wine industry faces profound structural and cultural shifts, Roberta Corrà's recognition in New York serves as a testament to the vital role of innovative leadership that marries tradition with evolution. Her commitment to responsible and inclusive practices continues to influence how Italian wine interacts with both global markets and future generations.
For more information about Frederick Wildman & Sons, a company founded in 1934 that has established a reputation for quality and innovation in the wine and spirits sector, please visit their website. The recognition of Roberta Corrà at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards underscores the powerful impact of dedicated leadership in shaping the future of the wine industry.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.