Welcome to Episode 2264 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Michele Longari IWA interviews Francesco Assini of Ca’ Stelle Winery. Nestled in the heart of the Campania region, Ca’ Stelle is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Today’s learning objectives:

To explore the historic varieties of Castelvenere and its winemaking traditions.
To understand the challenges faced by wine producers, both historically and recently.
To reflect on the significance of modern and innovative business management strategies in the wine industry.

Co-Moderator – Michele Longari

Ten years ago, Michele Longari was a Computer Engineer in Emilia Romagna, Italy, but his true passion for wine and food inspired him to explore Italy’s culinary traditions. He enrolled in the professional sommelier diploma course with the Italian Sommelier Association, initially without plans to take the final exams. However, as his love for wine grew, he completed his AIS Sommelier Diploma in 2013.

That same year, Michele moved to the UK to pursue an MSc in Wine Business Management at the Royal Agricultural University. While finishing his dissertation, he joined Hay Wines, an independent British wine merchant. Now, eight years later, he serves as Purchasing Director, responsible for purchasing strategy and imports management.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheletlongari/

Website: https://haywines.co.uk/

About the guest:

Francesco Assini’s journey in the world of wine began in his family’s vineyards, where a deep passion for winemaking took root. Growing up surrounded by dedicated wine producers, Francesco developed a love for the craft of transforming grapes into exquisite wines. His commitment to personal and professional growth led him to earn a Bachelor’s in Management and a Master’s in International Business, studying in various renowned locations, including Benveneto, Joensuu (Finland), Parma, and Vilnius (Lithuania).

Before returning to his family’s winery, Ca’Stelle, Francesco gained valuable experience in financial consulting at Deloitte. However, the traditional office environment and limited responsibilities did not align with his ambitious vision for the future. Today, Francesco is dedicated to Ca’Stelle, focusing on expanding the winery’s exports and integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into its operations. His innovative approach aims to not only elevate the winery's success but also contribute positively to the environment and community.