Laura will be pouring UNDISCOVERED Italian wines on Tuesday, November 7 at Vinology in Houston. See details and registration info below.
Laura Ronca is one of the leading wine professionals working in Italian wine today. She travels all over the world as an ambassador for the many top brands that she represents. And lucky for us, her travels bring her to Texas every year.
We recently caught up with Laura (despite her demanding schedule!) and asked her to share some of her experiences working in Italian wine in the U.S.
How did you get your start in the business?
I started working in the wine business January of 2011 after an international career in radio and video productions. My first experience as export manager was with Azienda Agricola Drusian Francesco, which I still proudly represent proudly.
What kind of wineries do you work with?
Some of the boutique wineries that I work with are already imported in other states and are looking to expand their distribution. Others are not yet available here but will be soon.
What are your current goals for the American market?
My personal goal is to is connect with American wine lovers who are interested in discovering new products and getting to know more about the wineries behind the wines they taste. The ultimate goal, of course, is to sell the product to a committed distributor. But I am driven by the desire to tell the story and convey the passion and the commitment that lie behind every bottle of wine.
What trends are you seeing for Italian wine in the U.S. market today?
We already have heard that interest in Riesling is definitely growing as is interest in Sardinians varieties. I also see a new trend coming with Dertona Timorasso: 2018 will be a big year for Timorasso.
What do you like about working in Texas?
I like the similarity between Italy and Texas in terms of farming and ranching. Like Italians, Texans are hard-workers who love their land. And this culture makes it easier to share my passion for Italian wine and to tell the stories behind the wines themselves.
And as much I enjoy working in Houston, I am in love with Austin: I like the colors, the hills, the river, the music, the vibe and the backdrop of food trucks.
UNDISCOVERED ITALIAN
A tasting of a wide selection of Italian wines.
Vinology
November 7
5-8 p.m.
2314 Bissonnet St.
Houston TX 77005
