Enrico Tedeschi Joins Family Winery as First of New Generation to Enter Business

In January, the Tedeschi winery in Pedemonte di Valpolicella, Italy, will welcome Enrico Tedeschi as the first member of the new generation to join the family business as an employee. Enrico, the son of Antonietta Tedeschi and the eldest of seven cousins, marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of this historic Valpolicella winemaking enterprise. The move is part of a broader plan to gradually integrate all members of the next generation into the company, ensuring continuity and development for one of the region’s most respected family-owned wineries.

Enrico brings a background in law and experience from high-level professional environments. His expertise includes legal, managerial, and strategic skills developed over years of work outside the wine industry. He also has a strong personal connection to wine, having grown up in the family business and cultivated a passion for viticulture and winemaking. In his new role, Enrico will focus on developing the Tedeschi brand within the Italian market. He will support strategic and commercial decisions and aims to connect with younger audiences through a contemporary approach that reflects current trends.

Antonietta Tedeschi, who owns and manages the winery with her siblings Sabrina and Riccardo, said that Enrico’s arrival is part of a carefully planned process involving study, experience, and responsibility. She emphasized that integrating Enrico is only the first step in a larger project that will eventually see all members of the new generation take on roles within the company. According to Antonietta, this approach ensures that the values established by their father—respect for tradition, commitment to quality, and dedication to their territory—will continue to guide Tedeschi into the future.

The Tedeschi winery has been a fixture in Valpolicella for generations, known for its Amarone and other classic wines from the region. The decision to bring in younger family members comes at a time when many Italian wineries are facing succession challenges. Industry data shows that about 70% of Italian wineries are family-owned, but only 30% successfully transition to the next generation. The Tedeschi family’s structured approach aims to avoid common pitfalls by preparing successors through education and hands-on experience before they assume leadership roles.

Enrico’s entry into the business is expected to help Tedeschi adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core identity. The winery plans to balance tradition with innovation by encouraging dialogue between generations. This strategy is seen as essential for staying relevant in both domestic and international markets.

The integration of new family members also reflects broader trends in Italian wine tourism and marketing. Younger consumers are showing increased interest in authenticity, sustainability, and direct engagement with producers. By involving Enrico and eventually his cousins, Tedeschi hopes to strengthen its appeal among these groups while preserving its reputation for quality.

As Enrico begins his work at the winery this month, he joins a team committed to both honoring its past and preparing for future challenges. The Tedeschi family believes that this generational transition will reinforce their connection to Valpolicella’s land and culture while opening new opportunities for growth in an evolving global wine market.