Our team
At the heart of Castello di Grumello are its people, with their different skills, experiences and ideas, and of course the same passion for the world of wine.
Teamwork and sharing knowledge are the keys to making good wine.
OUR TEAM
Doing things well is our common attitude.
Our team members have different ages and skills. The team at Castello di Grumello was created from a mix of their experiences.
Stefano Lorenzi
Manager
A professional arborist and tree climbing instructor, Stefano was born in Varese, also known as the "Garden City". In his green hometown, and thanks to the teachings of his father – also a gardener - he discovered a passion for nature, especially for taking care of monumental trees. He then combined his work as an arborist with study of wine and winemaking, becoming a sommelier through the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS). This led him to explore the realms of viticulture and agronomy, always with an eye on sustainability. For years now, he has been holding courses and seminars on the importance of agroforestry. Stefano does not believe in monoculture, but in adopting a complex ecosystem, where the vineyard can and must exist alongside multiple plant and tree species. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, wine touring and, of course, climbing new trees.
Paolo Zadra
Oenologist
Paolo Zadra has always been the oenologist of Castello di Grumello. More than that, he has been involved with the Castle all his life, as his father (also Paolo) was the one who started quality wine production at the estate. Born in Bergamo but originally from the Trentino region, he graduated from the San Michele all'Adige school of oenology – now the E. Mach Foundation - and started work very young, in the 1990s.
The passion for wine is a family affair for the Zadras, with Paolo still travelling to remote wine-growing areas in his spare time to discover unusual grape varieties and wines. He loves the mountains but also the sea, where he enjoys diving.
Ilaria Plebani
Sales manager
After a degree in Economics and a long career in banking and as a corporate financial advisor, Ilaria’s passion for wine finally prevailed. Born in Brescia, her interest in the world of wine grew between Franciacorta and courses to become a sommelier with the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS). She then went on to obtain an Executive Master in Wine Management and Culture from the Pollenzo University of Gastronomic Sciences.
Her hobby turned to love, and eventually to a full-time job. In her spare time, Ilaria loves to practice yoga, skiing, taking long walks and cooking.
Ilaria Ruffier
Hospitality manager
Ilaria comes from Alzano Lombardo in the province of Bergamo, and is the one who "opens" the Castle doors to our guests.
Hospitality is her main job, but she is also in charge of sales and the development of wine tourism projects. She obtained a Higher Education Diploma in Wine Marketing and Tourism and WSET's Level 2 Award after graduating in Communication Sciences.
In her spare time, she enjoys horse riding, listening to music and baking cakes.
Michele Ruggeri
Cellar master
Michele is originally from Scanzo, in the province of Bergamo.
He is about to graduate in Viticulture and Oenology and is currently our cellar master, thus pursuing study and work simultaneously. His passion for wine comes from his memories of the small family vineyard, used to produce wine at home.
Those first attempts prompted him to study and become an oenologist. Michele also takes care of the vines themselves, believing that a good winemaker needs to know the grapes that are picked and brought to the cellar. In his spare time he loves going to the mountains where he practises ski mountaineering, mountain biking and mountain rescue.
Our team
Strength is in the team.
There’s a constant dialogue between the old and the new generations. Some grew up with the Castle, while others have found their first job here. They all speak the same language and share a passion for the land and wine growing.
In this business, knowing the territory is crucial and most members of our team are from Bergamo. Then there is Amar, who has found his second home at the Castle and in Grumello.
Donato Epis
Amar Ndiye
Battista Serughetti
Bruno Zinesi
