To celebrate International Women's Day, we've been in touch with some of the fantastic women we know working within the wine industry, for a series of interviews. Kicking off with the lovely Roberta Bricolo, owner of Italian winery, Cantina Gorgo...

Can you give us a bit on your background, please? (i.e. history of the estate, your position, your history in wine, etc.)

I am the current owner of the Gorgo winery, President of the Consortium of Custoza DOC wine appellation, and I inherited this great passion from my parents, Alberta and Roberto Bricolo, who founded the company in 1973 to pursue the dream of showing the world the value of our land located around the town of Custoza – Verona, in Veneto, Italy.

The love for these lands has always shaped my life over time (I am the only daughter and owner), and during my career as a lawyer in Bologna, I found myself wanting to return to my roots to realise my business idea—preserving the authenticity of the values of tradition handed down by my parents.

Returning to the winery in 2007, I studied, worked, and gained a broader vision, laying the foundations to realise a project that turned out to be forward-looking and innovative. Since 2014, I have been converting the entire production to ensure that only organic and certified grapes are produced. Today, thanks to this transformation, my winery offers unique and natural wines, capable of winning over consumers while respecting the health of the vines and the entire surrounding ecosystem. The style of the wines produced is modern, eclectic, and versatile, while remaining a faithful expression of the enchanting terroir of Lake Garda, which naturally imparts harmony, minerality, and sapidity.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day to celebrate our independence, our incredible potential, and our unfinished journey towards true freedom.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in wine?

It takes not only talent but also rigour, curiosity, study, and the humility to always keep learning.

Can you let us know one woman who has inspired you?

I can’t name just one—it’s more like a mosaic of outstanding women to remember, each for their intelligence, gentleness, courage, sacrifice, and elegance.

Wine and my winery are passions in my blood that don’t care about gender, and being a woman in this business is a challenge that is becoming more and more exciting.

How do you balance running a business with raising children or taking time out for family?

It is difficult, demanding, and full of sacrifices—always racing against time and having little left for oneself. That’s the reality, and there’s no point in telling another version. But the time spent with loved ones is lived so intensely, and the job satisfaction is so well earned that life takes on stronger colours.

Is there anything you would like to change about the wine industry for women of the future?

I would like to see more women in positions of power!

How important is it for women who work in wine to support each other?

It would bring great results—almost like having an extra gear! The ideal scenario: solidarity regardless of competition, giving each other extra opportunities, wanting to learn more about the personal stories behind the labels… and, ultimately, joining forces!

Outside of wine, what are your main passions, hobbies, or interests?

Travelling and outdoor sports.

Which Gorgo wine are you most excited about at the moment?

I’m crazy about my Chiaretto Bardolino rosé and also a white wine, Custoza Riserva DOC, which ferments in wood but matures in steel and barrels... it’s called ‘Sub 27’, named after the map reference of the land where I grow the grapes.
 

We couldn't agree more, and the Gorgo Chiaretto Bardolino Rosato is our current Wine of the Month (March 2025)!