On 14 April, from 10:00 to 11:00, Grapes of Change will host a panel discussion at Vinitaly, at the Coldiretti stand – a partner of the project – bringing together representatives from institutions, businesses and the cultural sphere of wine to address gender equality in the sector. As one of the leading international events dedicated to wine, Vinitaly provides the ideal context to reflect on the evolving role of women across the wine value chain and to discuss the need for structured analytical tools to better understand and support this transformation.
In recent years, women’s presence in the wine sector has grown significantly, both in entrepreneurial roles and in technical and communication positions. However, barriers to accessing decision-making roles and persistent inequalities continue to limit the full recognition of women’s contribution, with potential impacts on the competitiveness of the sector. To effectively address these challenges and fully harness emerging opportunities, there is a growing need for reliable and shared data. In this context, Grapes of Change is working towards the creation of an Observatory on gender equality in the wine sector. The Observatory aims to collect structured data, analyse women’s roles across the value chain, and support more inclusive policies and practices.
The panel, moderated by Laura Donadoni – journalist, wine educator and international communicator – will explore these themes through a multidisciplinary dialogue. The discussion will move from data to practice, from storytelling to institutional perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of the ongoing changes within the sector. Luisa Ortu (Confindustria Toscana Servizi, project partner) will present the structure, objectives and data collection approach of the Observatory, inviting stakeholders to actively contribute to building a shared knowledge base. The perspective of businesses will be brought by Dominga Cotarella, wine entrepreneur, who will share a concrete example of how inclusion, sustainability and social responsibility can be integrated into a production model, generating both economic and cultural value. Elvia Gregorace, teacher, writer and sommelier, will focus on the narrative dimension of wine, exploring how language, culture and imagery can evolve to better reflect the role of women and contribute to a more inclusive representation of the sector. From an institutional standpoint, Martina Semenzato, President of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry on Femicide, will highlight the importance of economic independence, work and professional networks in strengthening women’s position and preventing situations of vulnerability and violence. Diana Lenzi, Head of the Wine Sector at Coldiretti, a project partner, and wine entrepreneur, will provide insights into the transformation of the wine value chain, addressing key issues such as access to land and credit, leadership, innovation and generational renewal. Her contribution will underline how women’s participation represents a strategic lever for competitiveness and sustainability in the sector. The panel will conclude with an institutional address by Mariafrancesca Serra, President of Donne Coldiretti, the women’s movement of Coldiretti, who will reflect on agriculture as a cultural and social pillar and on the role of women in building communities, networks and the future of the wine sector.
The event will close with a tasting session, offering participants an informal opportunity to continue the discussion and further explore the topics addressed.
