Claudia Callegari | Founder | Callegari Wine
Claudia Callegari was born in Northern Italy and professionally shaped in Tuscany, a place where wine is not just a drink but a way of life. Her early career began at Banfi in Montalcino, where she spent more than twelve years learning the depth and detail of the wine industry. Later, she expanded her experience with Allegrini’s estates in Bolgheri and Montalcino, further strengthening her knowledge of both tradition and innovation in Tuscan winemaking. Eventually, she chose to take a leap and carve her own path.
Today, she leads Callegari SAS, through which she runs Toscana Wine Club, Toscana Wine Retreat, and offers marketing consultancy to small family wineries. For Claudia, wine has never been just a product. To her, it is always a story waiting to be told. At EliteX, we are proud to have Claudia Callegari as part of the edition: Impactful Leaders in Wine Industry, 2025.
Her passion for wine is deeply rooted in her academic and personal choices. With a master’s degree in Gastronomic Sciences, she has always been fascinated by fine food and high-quality wine. What drew her most was the way wine connects cultures, people, and experiences across the world. Wine, she believes, has a power that few other products can claim—the ability to start conversations, build bridges, and create memories.
“Wine is not just a product, it’s a story waiting to be told.”
Looking ahead, Claudia sees the global wine industry moving towards authenticity, sustainability, and education. Consumers today are more curious, asking for transparency and stories behind the labels. At the same time, digital platforms are reshaping how wine is marketed and purchased. While technology is a valuable tool, Claudia insists that human connection must always remain at the center of this evolution.
For her, innovation is crucial but must be handled with care. In vineyards, it means adapting to climate change with new techniques while maintaining quality. In marketing, it means reaching global audiences with digital tools without losing authenticity. In distribution, it means embracing e-commerce but not forgetting the value of personal recommendations. To Claudia, innovation is only worthwhile when it serves identity and strengthens the uniqueness of each winery.
Sustainability is another pillar of her work. She collaborates with small producers who are already committed to organic practices, biodiversity, and protecting the land. To Claudia, sustainability is not just environmental—it is also cultural. By educating consumers on the value of small-scale winemaking, she supports those who safeguard landscapes and traditions.
Education runs through every part of her journey. Through tastings, retreats, and newsletters, she teaches people to appreciate wine as culture, not just consumption. She believes that when people understand the craftsmanship behind each bottle, responsible drinking comes naturally. To her, savoring wine slowly and respectfully is part of the true experience.
At the same time, education is also a personal commitment for Claudia. Over the past two years, she has dedicated herself to studying, training, and completing the WSET Diploma, one of the most prestigious professional qualifications in the wine world. This achievement reflects not only her dedication to continuous learning but also her desire to bring even greater knowledge and credibility to the people and producers she works with.
Tradition and modernity also play a constant balancing act in Claudia’s philosophy. Many wineries she works with still use age-old methods like large Slavonian oak barrels or cement tanks, while also adopting modern vineyard management practices and organic farming. The goal is always the same: preserve authenticity while meeting the expectations of today’s wine lovers.
“Innovation is valuable only when it serves identity.”
For the future, Claudia sees major opportunities in the United States and Asia. While the U.S. remains strong for premium Tuscan wines, Asia’s younger consumers are bringing new energy and curiosity to the market. At the same time, wine tourism in Tuscany continues to grow, but Claudia stresses the importance of quality tourism that values authentic experiences rather than mass visits.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Starting her own business brought her face-to-face with financial and administrative struggles. Numbers, tax deadlines, and spreadsheets were not her natural strengths, and at first she tried to manage everything alone. But she soon realized the power of delegating and surrounding herself with professionals she trusted. That decision gave her the freedom to return to what she does best: creating connections and experiences around wine.
Collaboration is another value she strongly upholds. For Claudia, no small winery can thrive in isolation. Partnerships with distributors, educators, and other producers are essential for growth. She has seen firsthand how the most successful initiatives are born when people join forces and build networks that amplify strengths.
As a leader, Claudia is guided by clarity, resilience, and accountability. She believes a leader must set a vision, remain consistent even in uncertain times, and take responsibility for decisions. Yet, she balances this with empathy and open communication, values she considers essential in the relationship-driven world of wine. Technology, from AI to digital platforms, is shaping the industry, but Claudia remains cautious. She believes these tools must be used to amplify authenticity, not standardize it. The future belongs to those who embrace technology without losing their identity.
What makes Claudia stand out in the crowded wine world is her independence and personal approach. Every wine she selects is chosen because she truly believes in it, not because of commercial agendas. Her clients trust her precisely because of this transparency. She does not just sell bottles—she shares stories, experiences, and connections that can be felt in every sip.
“Education is at the heart of everything I do.”
For young professionals dreaming of entering the wine industry, Claudia’s advice is clear: treat wine as both a passion and a business. Knowledge of vineyards is important, but so are marketing, finance, and management. She encourages aspiring talents to build networks, find mentors, and embrace lifelong learning.
Her vision for the future of wine culture is one of authenticity, inclusivity, and resilience. She wants to see a world where small producers can thrive globally, where consumers demand transparency and sustainability, and where wine is embraced as culture rather than just a commodity. Through her work, Claudia Callegari continues to shape this vision—one glass, one story, and one connection at a time.