Meet the Experts Behind The Wine Partners
At The Wine Partners, we believe that great wines deserve to be discovered, and passionate wine lovers deserve insider access to Italy’s best-kept secrets.
We are a team of experts, connoisseurs, and industry professionals, with deep industry connections and a wealth of hands-on experience — from managing wineries to earning prestigious certifications.
But more importantly, we’re wine lovers and partners in a journey of discovery. Are you ready to join us?
Our Team of Connoisseurs
We travel across Italy’s legendary regions, meeting with producers, tasting hundreds of wines, and carefully curating only the most remarkable bottles for our members. And while our core team leads this mission, we’re not alone.
Thanks to our close ties with top industry professionals, each offering we present to you is vetted by a network of experts dedicated to bringing you the very best.
Mauricio – Founder & CEO
A global wine traveler and Italian Wine Ambassador, dedicated to bridging the gap between wine lovers and undiscovered producers.
Mauricio founded The Wine Partners after noticing a frustrating gap in the market — too many incredible wines were being overlooked because they weren’t on the radar of importers. On his travels through the world’s top wine regions, he saw two major problems:
Wine lovers crave the hidden gems you discover while visiting a wine region, and boutique producers don’t have adequate visibility with the right audiences.
So, he built The Wine Partners to bring them together.
Mauricio is certified as an Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) by Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) — a global certification held by only 430 experts worldwide, with just 9 in Brazil. His expertise, along with his strong relationships across Italy’s inner wine circle, ensures that members receive selections worthy of true connoisseurs.
Matteo – Winemaker & Italian Wine Specialist
General Manager of Castell in Villa, with 15 vintages in Piedmont and Chianti Classico and deep ties to Italy’s winemaking community.
Matteo has spent his career working hands-on in the vineyards and cellars of many of Piedmonts finest producers and now in one of Chianti Classico’s most renowned estates. Now on his 15th vintage, he brings a winemaker’s perspective to The Wine Partners, ensuring every selection we offer is well-crafted and reflects the highest standards of its region.
His deep, expert knowledge of Italian wine helps guide our selection process — choosing top-quality producers, vintages, and styles for our members. His long-standing relationships with top winemakers and up-and-coming talent give us unparalleled access to wines most people will never hear about.
Francesco – Enologist & Sustainability Expert
A PhD in viticulture, bringing a fresh perspective on innovation, sustainability, and the next generation of Italian winemaking.
With a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Francesco is more than just a wine expert — he’s helping shape the future of Italian wine. His ongoing PhD research focuses on making viticulture more sustainable, specifically by reducing the environmental impact of vineyard management.
At The Wine Partners, Francesco ensures that our selections aren’t just exceptional — they represent the future of winemaking. He works closely with producers who are pushing boundaries, preserving heritage, and crafting wines with integrity. His fresh perspective keeps our team ahead of the curve, always seeking out the most exciting new discoveries.
More Than a Wine Club — Discover the People and Stories Behind the Wine
Wine is more than what’s in your glass — it’s a journey of discovery. That’s why we aren’t just about delivering great wine. We use our expertise to introduce you to the people beyond the bottles and expand your knowledge of Italian wine. Join our community of passionate wine lovers who want to learn, explore, and drink better.
Your next great discovery is waiting. Let’s uncork it together!
