Chinedu Rita Rosa’s journey is a story of courage, passion, and purpose. Originally from Nigeria, she has built an inspiring career that bridges continents and cultures through the universal language of wine. What began as a personal curiosity grew into a lifelong mission to make the wine industry more inclusive, educational, and accessible to new markets around the world.
Chinedu Rita | CEO | Vines By Rosa Bordeaux
Today, based in Bordeaux, she continues to inspire others with her vision of diversity, mentorship, and innovation. At EliteX, we are proud to have Chinedu Rita Rosa as part of the edition: Impactful Leaders in Wine Industry, 2025.
Her connection with wine began in Nigeria, where she shared bottles with friends and family long before she realized it could become a profession. Influenced by her late first husband’s wine business, Chinedu’s curiosity about the craft deepened. She attended VINEXPO in Bordeaux in 2000, an experience that transformed her perspective. Captivated by the region’s deep traditions, she went on to study wine formally in Bordeaux and Champagne, setting the foundation for a remarkable career that would later make her one of the most recognized African women in the global wine scene.
After returning to Nigeria, Chinedu co-founded the country’s first high-end French wine cellar, introducing new experiences to a market just beginning to embrace fine wines. In 2015, she moved permanently to Bordeaux with her husband and daughters, calling the city her true home-a place that both challenged and shaped her. The journey was not without obstacles. Entering a male-dominated industry in France, she often faced skepticism about her place as a Black woman and a foreigner. But she refused to let prejudice define her path. Instead, she built the Bordeaux Business Network, which ran successfully for six years, laying the groundwork for her current venture, Vines By Rosa.
“The word ‘No’ does not exist in my dictionary. If the door is closed, find a window-or break a wall if you must.”
This powerful statement defines Chinedu’s resilience. She has turned rejection into motivation, using each challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger and prove that passion knows no boundaries.
Vines By Rosa was born out of her desire to bridge the gap between wine producers and emerging markets like Africa, where the potential for growth is immense. She saw that producers often lacked understanding of African consumers, while importers struggled to connect with the traditions and expectations of the global industry. Through Vines by Rosa, Chinedu has created a bridge between these worlds, helping both sides learn from one another and build lasting relationships. Her work is not just about selling wine-it’s about storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. Education remains central to her mission. She believes responsible drinking begins with understanding and respect.
“Getting drunk is not the purpose of drinking; appreciating the story and the craft behind every bottle is.”
Through her programs, she ensures consumers and distributors learn about the history, terroir, and craftsmanship that define fine wines. By working only with partners committed to ethical and educational values, she promotes mindful enjoyment and long-term appreciation over indulgence.
Beyond business, Chinedu is passionate about mentorship and diversity. Together with her friend, author and wine critic Jane Anson, she co-founded Bordeaux Mentor Week-a nonprofit program that celebrates diversity in the wine world. Each year, the program selects talented professionals from across the globe to spend a week in Bordeaux, learning directly from mentors and industry experts. In just four years, they have hosted over 30 students from more than 20 countries, many of whom come from non-wine-producing regions. Supported by organizations like The Gerard Basset Foundation, Penfolds, and 67 Pall Mall, Bordeaux Mentor Week was recognized as the Best Education and Knowledge Sharing Program in 2024. The initiative reflects Chinedu’s belief that talent and passion can come from anywhere, and that mentorship is the key to building an inclusive industry.
Chinedu also supports Afro Wine Week in South Africa, founded by Tuanni Price, a movement that highlights people of African descent and other underrepresented groups in the global wine industry. These partnerships mirror her personal values-collaboration, authenticity, and inclusivity. For her, success is never individual; it’s built through shared knowledge and mutual respect. Collaboration, she believes, creates growth and resilience, especially in emerging regions that are still defining their place on the global map.
Her approach to wine is unique because it blends tradition with innovation. While respecting time-honored European methods, she embraces modern technologies, sustainable farming, and new consumer trends like organic and non-alcoholic wines. She believes the future belongs to those who combine authenticity with adaptability. This philosophy guides her work as she helps producers and importers navigate evolving markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America-regions with young, dynamic populations eager to explore global wine culture.
“Wine is not just about taste-it’s about connection, culture, and the stories we share.”
This belief runs through every aspect of Chinedu’s work. Her Nigerian roots and international experience give her a distinctive voice in an industry that often feels exclusive. Through her communication style, she simplifies the complex language of wine, making it accessible to those who didn’t grow up with it. Her storytelling approach brings warmth and personality to her brand, making it memorable to clients and communities alike.
Looking ahead, Chinedu envisions a wine culture that is open, diverse, and globally connected. At Vines by Rosa, she continues to break stereotypes and open doors for underrepresented groups, proving that wine belongs to everyone, regardless of where they come from. Her goal is to inspire the next generation to find their place in the world of wine-to learn, collaborate, and innovate fearlessly.
For young professionals aspiring to join the field, her advice is simple: learn constantly, seek mentors, and stay true to your path. The road may be long and sometimes lonely, but with the right community and purpose, success is inevitable. Chinedu’s journey stands as a reminder that passion, when combined with perseverance and vision, can transform not only a career but an entire industry.