In the middle of a complex phase for the global wine sector, Zonin1821 opens a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Maurizio Rossetti as CEO. His arrival, succeeding Pietro Mattioni, marks a key step within a broader strategy to relaunch the group—focused on financial rebalancing, a revision of the operating model, and the rationalization of assets, which also includes the sale of the historic U.S. estate Barboursville Vineyards.
The appointment of Maurizio Rossetti and Zonin1821’s relaunch strategy
The decision to entrust the leadership of the group to Maurizio Rossetti sends a clear signal: accelerating a path of consolidation and renewal in a scenario marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate volatility, and shifting consumption patterns.
A manager with extensive experience in finance and industry, the new CEO is tasked with supporting the Zonin family and shareholders in building a three‑year plan aimed at restoring economic and financial balance and structurally improving operational performance.
“There are important opportunities to seize,” said Maurizio Rossetti. “To do so, we must undertake a significant journey to relaunch a historic company like Zonin1821. In the coming months, we will work on defining a three‑year consolidation and development plan, focused primarily on financial rebalancing but also on structurally improving operational performance.”
The plan includes a three‑year review of the commercial strategy, with specific attention to revenue and margins by product and distribution channel, as well as a rationalization of the group’s agricultural production structures, which currently encompass around 1,500 hectares of vineyards across Italy and international markets.
The Negotiated Settlement of the Crisis as a strategic lever
As part of this process, Zonin1821 has chosen to activate the Negotiated Settlement of the Crisis, an out‑of‑court tool designed to help companies restore economic and financial stability.
This decision allows the group to continue operating, maintaining both production and commercial activities, and serves as a key lever for navigating an increasingly complex global context, marked by export tariffs and pressure on consumption.
For a company that now generates 84% of its revenue in international markets, strengthening its financial structure becomes essential to support growth strategies and absorb potential external shocks.
The sale of Barboursville Vineyards within the rationalization framework
Within this scenario comes the sale of Barboursville Vineyards, the historic Virginia estate founded in 1976 by Gianni Zonin and considered one of the symbols of the group’s international presence.
The property has been acquired by a group of undisclosed investors, while management continuity is ensured through the confirmation of Luca Paschina, who will remain as CEO and president.
“It is a special day for our team here at Barboursville,” said Paschina. “Decades of hard work, passion, and determination to produce the best possible wine have not gone unnoticed. This is what made this ideal transition of ownership possible, with the perfect investors to safeguard this jewel, Barboursville Vineyards.”
The investor group, with no other interests in the wine sector, has expressed full support for the winery’s mission: producing internationally recognized wines, developing hospitality, and preserving the estate’s historical and landscape value.
The decision to retain the long‑standing team—including agronomist Fernando Franco and associate winemaker Daniele Tessaro—ensures continuity for a winery that has played a central role in the development of Virginia wine.
Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barboursville Vineyards spans more than 170 acres of vineyards surrounded by 650 acres of sustainably managed forests, meadows, and wetlands. It is a heritage that blends agricultural, historical, and cultural value, also thanks to the presence of the ruins of the residence designed by Thomas Jefferson for Governor James Barbour.
Under the leadership of Luca Paschina, a Piedmontese winemaker who arrived in 1990, the winery has been instrumental in elevating the quality of Virginia wine, earning numerous accolades, including six Governor’s Cups and major international recognitions.
Continuity and renewal: a new phase for Zonin1821
The sale of Barboursville Vineyards is therefore part of a broader strategy of focus and asset optimization by Zonin1821, aligned with the relaunch plan introduced by Maurizio Rossetti.
In a context where the wine sector faces structural challenges—from climate change to declining consumption—the group aims to strengthen its economic foundations and redefine its competitive positioning.
A path that involves targeted strategic decisions, such as the rationalization of production structures and the revision of the commercial strategy, with the goal of consolidating the core business and supporting development in international markets.
