Mourning in the wine world, Pia Donata Berlucchi has passed away

Pia Donata Berlucchi, class of 1942, 'Woman of Wine' and Lady of Franciacorta, the Brescian wine district to which she dedicated entrepreneurial vision, cultural commitment and profound dedication to the territory, died last night. For decades at the helm of the family business, Freccianera - Azienda Agrcola F.lli Berlucchi, founded in 1927 by her father Antonio Berlucchi in Borgonato di Corte Franca (not to be confused with Guido Berlucchi).

"She brought with her years of experience, a profound love for her family, tireless dedication to her work, and the determination and decisive character of an 'iron lady', united, however, with the grace, elegance and savoir faire of a noblewoman from another era. In her, strength and sensitivity, determination and grace coexisted: qualities that made her a luminous and unforgettable figure on the Italia entrepreneurial scene,' the company expresses its condolences. In the last years of her life, she chose to change her presence within the family business, without ever failing in her discreet but fundamental role as President of Azienda Agricola Freccianera, F.lli Berlucchi and custodian of its values and history.

Pia Berlucchi led the Associazione delle Donne del Vino, holding the position of national president from 2004 to 2009 and making a decisive contribution to the growth and consolidation of the role of women in the wine sector in Italia, also in the role of councillor.

During his professional career, he has also held important positions in the institutional sphere, including the role of Brescia member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Italia, and Vice President of Onav, the National Organisation of Wine Tasters.

Pia Berlucchi gave strong support to the Co.N.V.I. (National Consortium of Italian Wines) project to promote knowledge of wine in schools.
"Her passing," the Wine Women's Association emphasised in a note, "leaves a profound void, but also a solid legacy of rigour, passion and commitment, which will live on in the work of those who continue her journey. Many women wine entrepreneurs remember her constant presence at the association's ritual closing dinner at Vinitaly, where she was a driving force both in moments of professional discussion and on the dance floor, always with indomitable irony.