A new podcast is giving a powerful voice to the women shaping Italy’s wine industry — one story at a time. “Donne, vino e segreti” (“Women, Wine & Secrets”) launched this week on Spotify and major streaming platforms, blending storytelling, social commentary, and enological passion to highlight the journeys of women who are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The five-episode series is a project by the Associazione Nazionale Le Donne del Vino, backed by the Puglia Region’s Department of Agriculture, and brought to life by La Content, an agency specializing in digital storytelling. The aim? To inspire, inform, and empower — showcasing how female professionals, with charisma, expertise, and solidarity, have been transforming Italy’s wine landscape.
Stories That Pour Courage Into the Glass
The podcast’s core mission is to address the persistent gender gap in the wine sector by spotlighting real-life stories of resilience, innovation, and tradition. From vineyard to cellar to boardroom, each episode delves into the lived experiences of women who have not only built businesses but redefined roles.
“This podcast is about more than just wine,” says Daniela Mastroberardino, President of Le Donne del Vino. “It’s about the passion and determination of women who, through sharing and networking, have created real change. We chose podcasting as a medium to reach younger generations and spark new conversations about gender equality and professional opportunity.”
Narrated by Giulia Blasi—writer, activist, and a fierce advocate for gender justice—“Donne, vino e segreti” also features the voice and insights of Laura Donadoni, journalist and wine educator. Their narration brings intimacy and depth to the stories, which are rooted in personal struggle and social transformation.
A Spark Born of Loss and a Desire for Change
The idea for the podcast was born from grief and solidarity. Following the tragic death of Marisa Leo, a respected member of the wine community, the urgency to act became clear. “From a painful phone call with Laura Donadoni, the idea emerged: a podcast could be the tool to give strength to women by telling stories of those who made it,” said Marianna Cardone, Vice President of Le Donne del Vino.
Supported by Agriculture Commissioner Donato Pentassuglia, the project also aligns with Puglia’s broader commitment to sustainable development and gender equality. “Through this podcast, we help listeners understand the emotional and professional reality of women in wine — from the vineyard to the cellar and beyond,” Pentassuglia noted. “These are not just successors of family businesses. They are professionals in their own right, innovators and changemakers.”
Numbers Tell the Story — But Voices Bring It to Life
While women account for nearly one-third of all entrepreneurs in Italy, and 28% of wine-related businesses, gender inequality remains an issue. Female employment in the wine sector stands at just 14%, though women dominate roles closer to the consumer: 80% in marketing, 76% in wine tourism, and 51% in sales.
With over 11,000 agricultural enterprises and 600 wineries, Puglia features prominently in the podcast, sharing local stories that reflect the broader national narrative of progress and persistence.
More Than Just a Podcast
“Donne, vino e segreti is a deeply human project,” said Cristiano Carriero, founder of La Content. “It doesn’t just inform — it moves. These are stories of personal intimacy and social revolution. It’s about showing what’s possible and inviting everyone into the conversation.”
Available now on Spotify and major streaming platforms, Donne, vino e segreti isn’t just for women, wine professionals, or Italian listeners. It’s a universal tale of challenge and change, served in a glass of resilience, passion, and pride.
🎧 Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/553mpp2m
