Tag Archive for: Marilisa Allegrini

Honouring International Women’s Day with Wine, and Women of the vine!

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019
The ladies of Zonta Club of Oakville.

International Women’s Day, or IWD is an annual celebration of women’s achievements,

On March 5th we were honoured to be the emcees for an IWD event, Zonta Celebrates in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation with funds specifically directed to the issues of women’s health.

A global celebration that is marked around the world with festivals, conferences, fundraisers and fun runs. This March 8thmarked the 108th anniversary of IWD. With the first gathering happening in 1911 in the city of New York supported by over a million people from Switzerland, Denmark, Austria and Germany. 

The mandate of IWD is to rally for gender equality and to honour and celebrate the achievements of women across the globe.  Gender equality in the wine business we thought. Hmm… how are we doing ladies, in this traditionally dominated male industry? We recently had the opportunity to explore that very question. 

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019
100 years

Zonta International is a global organization of more than 29,000 members in close to 1,200 Zonta clubs in 63 countries. Since 1919 these ladies, advocates for women’s rights, have been working together to improve the lives of girls and women, for 100 years!

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019

The Zonta Club of Oakville, one of these esteemed clubs hosted this spectacular celebration and fundraiser. It was an extraordinary evening, of passion and compassion with close to 600 guests in attendance. 

Catriona Le May Doan

The highlight of the evening was when keynote speaker two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner, the fastest women on ice Catriona Le May Doan approached the podium.

She spoke of her victories and her challenges both on the ice and off, in her past and in the present. As a woman in sport, was it a level playing field? Here’s what Catriona had to say “It was for me in my sport but in the last seventeen years, the inclusion of women in other sports and teams has made an improvement but still has a way to go”.  And for us in the world of wine, is there equal opportunity? We personally have seen a greater presence of women in our field. Back in 2002 when we started there were far fewer ladies. Fast forward many more female wine makers, viticulturists, sommeliers, marketing executives and writers are populating the business.  Plus…. do women have better palates? Ah, the $64,000 question!  We learn from Catriona that she too has a great love and appreciation for a fine glass of red wine! Besties forever!

The Wine Wall

Speaking of wine, over to the Wine Wall, what a fabulous collection of wines, wine baskets, and wine related accessories all auctioned off to the highest bid in our silent auction. A big thanks to the many sponsors and private individuals for their generous donations!

Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy
Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy

         For this International Women’s Day, we thought we would introduce you to one remarkable woman in our field.  

She is Marilisa Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini, one of the most respected and highly acclaimed wineries of Italy located in the storied wine growing region of Valpolicella. Allegrini is world-renowned in particular for their exceptional production of the iconic wine Amarone. She is known as the “Voice of Amarone” and has been often described as a “Wine Star”. 

 Marilisa is the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of one of the most respected and famous wine magazines in the world, The Wine Spectator. Since the early 1980’s Marilisa has been traveling the world sharing her passion for both the wines of Allegrini and the region of Valpolicella. 

We had the opportunity to meet with Marilisa and asked if she would tell us a little more about the company and her role.

We learn that the Allegrini family has been involved with grape growing and winemaking since the 1500’s handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations. 

Its roots lie in a small village Fumane de Valpolicella located just north of Verona in north-eastern Italy. The family played a prominent role in the local community as one of the most important landowners, involved in agricultural work and upholding local traditions.  

The company took a proverbial giant step in growth with the 5thgeneration Allegrini at the helm Marilisa’s father Giovanni.

 ‘It was” Marilisa goes on to explain with great admiration “the intelligence and hard work of her father. An instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices. That was integral in leading the way to modern winemaking and earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today. Allegrini and Amarone della Valpolicella! 

Just one example of many, he was one of the first producers to change the style and the methodology of making Amarone. Once little known, with a profile reminiscent of a port, to the prestigious and delicious wine it is today produced with dried grapes. 

            Today we discover that Allegrini’s Amarone, with son Franco as the winemaker since 1983 is considered the benchmark and the style new winemakers look to emulate. 

 Allegrini was also one of the first to develop several cru vineyards including La Poja, reviewed here below.  

As we continue to chat Marilisa emphasizes how it is all about the land. How connected she and her family are to both the history and present of Valpolicella. The company’s holdings are impressive. They include several of the villages in the original (classico) region of Valpolicella.  The company’s philosophy  is to produce single vineyard wines made with local grape varieties. 

            The tireless Marilisa, a world-traveling ambassador for Allegrini and Valpolicella. She has been credited with taking an already famous company to new heights. And as a bold and brave CEO, along with brother and winemaker Franco, they’ve taken on new challenges and exciting acquisitions! To Tuscany, first in Bolgheri and then Montalcino.  

We had the opportunity to enjoy two Allegrini wines at a recent get together.

The first one of particular pride and joy to Marilisa, with a special connection to her late father, the wine La Poja. 

La Poja is a single vineyard spectacular wine, which comes from a specific parcel of land, the prestigious La Grola vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico area. Marilisa tells us that not long before her fathers passing Giovanni acquired this parcel. A piece at the top of the famous hill of the La Grola vineyard, 2.65 hectares  “at great financial effort”. He believed so strongly in this location and the characteristics of the soil. 78% chalk and with great mineral content in its ability to produce exceptional wines with great structure and aging potential. Today La Poja is the crown jewel of “Grand Cru expression” of Allegrini. It rounds out their stupendous line up of wines including their Valpolicella, Palazzo della Torre and their iconic Amarone to name a few.

LA POJA  $110.00  VINTAGES 

La Poja, single vineyard, single varietal made with 100% Corvina. 

Elegant, rich and full bodied, seductive on the nose with intense aromas of black currant, juicy cherries, hints of spice, velvety on the palate with blackberry, cherry and hint of liquorice flavours ending with a luscious lingering finish.

PALAZZO DELLA TORRE $24.95

We so enjoyed this full bodied, delectable wine! With a seductive nose of blackberries, spice, hints of vanilla and milk chocolate, a rich intense mouth filling red wine, lots of black fruit, with hints of smoke and a chocolate-mocha flavour on the palate. We loved it!

We hope you all have the opportunity someday to enjoy the wines of Allegrini and the fruits of this amazing historic winemaking family! Hats off to Marilisa, and to all the ladies out there forging their way in this 108thanniversary year of International Women’s Day!

For more information on Allegrini wines and their availability please visit www.woodmanwinesandspirits.com

A glittering, golden evening celebrating International Women’s Day with Zonta Celebrates and Olympic Gold Medalist, Catriona Le May Doan.

International Women's Day
International Women’s Day
International Women's Day 2019 Audio Podcast with The Wine Ladies

The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast…Celebrating International Women’s Day 2019 With Three Remarkable Women! Follow Us At https://www.mixcloud.com/WineLadies/

Welcome to The Wine Ladies Taking Life One Sip at a Time, here on our audio podcast interviewing folks from all over the world about wine food and lifestyle!


We have a fantastic show for you today dedicated to all the women around the world. We honour you today ladies in celebration of International Women’s Day happening on March 8th. 
 
This is the 108th Anniversary of this very special day that celebrates the achievements, raises awareness and rallies for change for us ladies in all parts of the world and areas of life!
 
Thousands of events will take place across the globe, from concerts to conferences, to runs and festivals. It is truly a special day for us all to come together. 

On our show today we are thrilled and so proud to have the opportunity to chat with 3 remarkable women. To hear their stories, learn about their triumphs and challenges.

Our three guests on the show... Catriona Le May Doan, Kristina Shea and Marilisa Allegrini
Our three guests on the show… Catriona Le May Doan, Kristina Shea and Marilisa Allegrini
Olympic Gold Medalist in 2002 Winter Olympic Games. During her career, Catriona Le May Doan broke 13 world records. She is the keynote speaker, March 5th for Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation.

Our first guest…a true champion! You all know her. She has broken records, in fact over her career she broke 13 world records and won two gold medals at the Olympics. She is the fastest woman on ice. She is Catriona Le May Doan

Listen to Catriona Le May Doan at 4:26 minutes in the show.

Join us March 5th and perhaps share a glass of wine with our champion!

BID ON FABULOUS WINES IN SUPPORT OF THE OAKVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION.

A VERY BIG THANK-YOU TO OUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTORS TO THE WINE WALL.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR, RAPID-DOSE THERAPEUTICS 
KRISTINA SHEA

Kristina Shea
Kristina Shea

Our second guest, she too is brilliant, gorgeous, smart, an innovator in business and a supreme advocate for women, Kristina Shea.

She is the Head of Marketing & Communications for Rapid-Dose Therapeutics, a Canadian med-tech company. 

She will share with us three products that address very important needs of women today.
Such as ample sleep. There is some incredible research on this topic.
The importance of B12, with latest research on this too you will want to hear.
Plus, energy, or how to energize oneself. AS well as the importance of a good night’s sleep. How does insomnia impact our overall health?

All this deliverable in a unique and most effective way, called QuickStrip.

Listen to Kristina Shea at 16:29 minutes in the show.

MARILISA ALLEGRINI, VOICE OF AMARONE AND  CEO ALLEGRINI 

And to close off the show, another extraordinary woman. We turn to the world of wine.

Marilisa Allegrini. She is the CEO and owner of the historic wine producer Allegrini located in Valpolicella, Italy. She is the first Italian woman ever to grace the cover of Wine Spectator Magazine. Her winery was voted Italy’s Winery of the Year in 2016. She is known as the Voice of Amarone, been referred to as a Wine Star and truly is exactly that. All this in what has been traditionally  a male dominated industry. 
 We are thrilled to welcome Marilisa Allegrini to our show. 

Listen to Marilisa Allegrini at 29:40 minutes in the show.

Palazzo della Torre 2014
Palazzo della Torre 2014
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Allegrini La Poja 2011

Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day…Celebrating 108 years in 2019!

Introducing QuickStrip, the game changing delivery system.

Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy

Meet Marilisa Allegrini, wine women extraordinare…The Voice of Amarone.

 For this International Women’s Day, 108th Anniversary celebration we thought we would introduce you to one remarkable woman in our field. She is Marilisa Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini, one of the most respected and highly acclaimed wineries of Italy. It is located in the storied wine growing region of Valpolicella. Allegrini is world-renowned in particular for their exceptional production of the iconic wine Amarone. She is known as the “Voice of Amarone” and been often described as a “Wine Star”. 

 Marilisa is the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of one of the most respected and famous wine magazines in the world, The Wine Spectator. Since the early 1980’s Marilisa has been traveling the world sharing her passion for both the wines of Allegrini and the region of Valpolicella. 

We had the opportunity to meet with the dynamic CEO of what today is regarded as one of the leading producers not only in this region but also in Italy as a whole.

We asked Marilisa to share with us the story behind Allegrini.

We learn that the Allegrini family has been involved with grape growing and winemaking since the 1500’s handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations.

Its roots lie in a small village Fumane de Valpolicella located just north of Verona. The family played a prominent role in the local community as one of the most important landowners, involved in agricultural work and upholding local traditions. “It was’, as she goes on to explain with great admiration, ”

how the intelligence and hard work of her father Giovanni an instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices was integral in earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today”.

Allegrini Logo

We’d like to feature one very special lady today on these pages. She is Marilisa Allegrini, the CEO of the family owned and operated Azienda Agricola Allegrini. Established in 1854 although Marilisa maintains it was many centuries before that her family was involved in making wine. It is considered a premier, and one of the most revered, award wining wineries in the historical and storied wine region of Valpolicella, Italy, also home of the iconic wine Amarone. 

Listen to Marilisa Allegrini at 29:40 minutes in the show

The Wine Ladies private wine tasting with Marilisa Allegrini.
 We had the opportunity to meet Marilisa on a recent visit to Toronto. She is a very special lady indeed, a woman of  passion, and dedication, of brilliance and of grace. Here she shared with us a little history of Allegrini, the past, present and future. We also  talked about Marilisa’s role as CEO, the role of women in general in this industry, the challenges and the opportunities. 
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Palazzo della Torre 2014
Palazzo della Torre 2014
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day

Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day…Celebrating 108 years in 2019!

Marilisa Allegrini, the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of Wine Spectator

International Women's Day 2018 Audio Podcast with The Wine Ladies

International Women’s Day 2018 Audio Podcast with The Wine Ladies

International Women's Day 2018 Audio Podcast with The Wine Ladies

International Women’s Day 2018 Audio Podcast with The Wine Ladies

Join us on this week’s Audio Podcast, International Women’s Day 2018.

Episode 65: Feb 28th, 2018

We have a fantastic show for you today. And its all in celebration of International Women’s Day 2018 coming up on March 8th. International Women’s Day was officially launched in 1911. As a result, 100 years later IWD is celebrated around the world. And therefore,1000’s of events take place honouring women everywhere for their various achievements.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three extraordinary women. Two of which are in one of the most exciting and delicious businesses in the world, the world of WINE. Yes, it’s true! Therefore, we may be a little bias due to this world of wine being ours. And one other in the traditionally male dominated world of politics. You will want to meet THIS Mayor, she is a definite force!

Our esteemed guests on the show are as follows. First of all, Margo Van Staaveren Winemaker and General Manager of Chateau St. Jean. Up next, breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling! Mayor Bonnie Crombie.  Finally its back to vino with Marilisa Allegrini, owner of Italy’s 2016 Winery of the Year.