“The weakness of Italian wine is not the product, but the company structure.”
This provocative insight from Pierpaolo Penco, Head of Wine Business at MIB Trieste School of Management, set the stage at Vinitaly 2026 for the presentation of the study: “The role of women in the transformation of governance and leadership models in wine companies.”
The findings reveal a clear trend: female leadership is no longer just a matter of representation: it is a concrete driver of organizational evolution, making companies more robust and future-oriented.
The study highlights how female leadership is facilitating a paradigm shift toward more structured governance, where coordinating diverse skills and delegating responsibility become the new standard for success.
In this context, high-level education, such as MIB Trieste’s Wine Business Management program, is essential for transforming winemaking passion into solid, scalable business organizations.
While the path forward is clear, challenges remain, particularly in balancing access to top-tier roles and modernizing leadership within large cooperative structures.
This provocative insight from Pierpaolo Penco, Head of Wine Business at MIB Trieste School of Management, set the stage at Vinitaly 2026 for the presentation of the study: “The role of women in the transformation of governance and leadership models in wine companies.”
The survey, conducted in collaboration with the National Association ‘Le Donne del Vino’, reached over 150 associates representing the entire supply chain .
The sample is as follows:
The sample is as follows:
- 50% Entrepreneurs
- 30% Managers
- 20% Consultants and Professionals
Over 70% of the respondents hold a University Degree.
Over 70% of the respondents hold a University Degree.
The findings reveal a clear trend: female leadership is no longer just a matter of representation: it is a concrete driver of organizational evolution, making companies more robust and future-oriented.
Moving Beyond the “Lone Leader” Model
The traditional Italian wine business model, often centered on a single charismatic and centralized decision-maker, is reaching its limits in today’s complex global markets.The study highlights how female leadership is facilitating a paradigm shift toward more structured governance, where coordinating diverse skills and delegating responsibility become the new standard for success.
Strategic Drivers for Future Growth
Companies with strong female leadership show a significant commitment to three strategic pillars:- Long-term Vision: Adopted by over 80% of respondents
- Sustainability: Ranked as a top priority by more than 75% of the sample
- Human Capital: Approximately 78% actively invest in talent retention and continuous training.
Education as a Bridge to the Future
As emphasized during the event, competitiveness is no longer measured solely in the vineyard, but in the ability to plan, delegate, and empower people.In this context, high-level education, such as MIB Trieste’s Wine Business Management program, is essential for transforming winemaking passion into solid, scalable business organizations.
While the path forward is clear, challenges remain, particularly in balancing access to top-tier roles and modernizing leadership within large cooperative structures.
Vinitaly Presentation
