Euro
SHE - Honouring Female Winemakers - Barbara Widmer
Barbara Widmer
Brancaia
1.How do you balance tradition and innovation in your winemaking process?
Winemaking, for me, is a lifelong journey—one where innovation and tradition coexist. You never truly "arrive" in this field, as there’s always more to learn, discover, and improve. This perpetual evolution is what excites me most. While I deeply value the legacy of winemaking traditions, I also embrace the challenge of forging new paths, incorporating innovative ideas to ensure our wines not only reflect their terroir, but also stand the test of time.
2.What are the biggest business challenges you have encountered, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges we face is climate change—not only because of its impact but also due to its unpredictability. Each year presents different conditions, making it increasingly difficult to rely on traditional patterns. Concretely, to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve the integrity of our vineyards, we have embraced organic farming, year-round greening, careful management of the grape zone, and sustainable soil practices. These measures allow us to adapt to changing conditions while staying true to our commitment to quality, resilience, and long-term sustainability. At Brancaia, we believe that sustainability is the key to overcome every challenge—not just environmental sustainability, but also economic and social. For us, harmony is not only about achieving balance in our wines, but also about how we approach our entire winemaking process. This philosophy guides us in every decision, ensuring that we work in sync with nature while maintaining a responsible and forward-thinking business model.
3.What makes your wines unique, and what story do you want them to tell the world?
Our wines embody elegance, harmony, and a deep connection to the Tuscan terroir. The distinctive squared logo is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to quality. My mission is to craft wines that make shared moments unforgettable, while telling a story of Tuscany, family, passion, and dedication.
4.What inspired you to become a winemaker, and what challenges did you face as a woman in the industry?
My journey into winemaking was fuelled by curiosity, a deep love for nature, and the desire to create something truly meaningful. Initially, I studied architecture, drawn to its blend of creativity and structure. However, an internship at an organic winery in Geneva changed my path entirely. I was captivated by the seamless balance between sustainability and quality, and this experience sparked a passion for winemaking that led me to pursue formal studies in oenology. During my studies, I immersed myself in both the theoretical and practical aspects of winemaking, seizing every opportunity to refine my skills in the vineyard and the cellar. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as I gradually became more involved with Brancaia, blending my education with the winery’s rich heritage and traditions. Since completing my studies in 1998, I have dedicated myself entirely to Brancaia, where I have the privilege of leading an incredible, passionate team. Together, we push boundaries while staying true to the essence of our craft. Thirty years ago, the wine industry was still very male-dominated—something that, fortunately, has changed over time. While I certainly had to prove myself, the challenges were always manageable. The biggest one was perhaps to accommodate my role as a mother with my job. But this challenge I have in common with every working mother! I was fortunate to have unwavering support from my family, I built an open-minded and dedicated team, and, perhaps most importantly, I never took things too personally. ?
5.How do you see the role of women evolving in the wine industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring female winemakers?
Today, many women are successfully producing top-quality wines, and I truly believe that gender is no longer a defining factor in this industry. Personally, I have never felt that being a woman made my journey either easier or more difficult—it has always been about passion, dedication, and hard work. Winemaking is not a typical 9-to-5 job. It is a fascinating and ever-changing profession, but it also demands resilience and commitment. It’s a craft that requires both technical expertise and a deep connection to nature—far from the romanticized image many might have. My advice to aspiring female winemakers is simple: if you have the right mindset and a strong work ethic, nothing can hold you back. Surround yourself with a great team, stay open-minded, and never stop learning. Having the support of family is also invaluable, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now see my own children, Nina and Nicolas, becoming involved in our family business. Watching them embrace this world with curiosity and enthusiasm is one of the greatest rewards of my journey.
Brancaia
1.How do you balance tradition and innovation in your winemaking process?
Winemaking, for me, is a lifelong journey—one where innovation and tradition coexist. You never truly "arrive" in this field, as there’s always more to learn, discover, and improve. This perpetual evolution is what excites me most. While I deeply value the legacy of winemaking traditions, I also embrace the challenge of forging new paths, incorporating innovative ideas to ensure our wines not only reflect their terroir, but also stand the test of time.
2.What are the biggest business challenges you have encountered, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges we face is climate change—not only because of its impact but also due to its unpredictability. Each year presents different conditions, making it increasingly difficult to rely on traditional patterns. Concretely, to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve the integrity of our vineyards, we have embraced organic farming, year-round greening, careful management of the grape zone, and sustainable soil practices. These measures allow us to adapt to changing conditions while staying true to our commitment to quality, resilience, and long-term sustainability. At Brancaia, we believe that sustainability is the key to overcome every challenge—not just environmental sustainability, but also economic and social. For us, harmony is not only about achieving balance in our wines, but also about how we approach our entire winemaking process. This philosophy guides us in every decision, ensuring that we work in sync with nature while maintaining a responsible and forward-thinking business model.
3.What makes your wines unique, and what story do you want them to tell the world?
Our wines embody elegance, harmony, and a deep connection to the Tuscan terroir. The distinctive squared logo is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to quality. My mission is to craft wines that make shared moments unforgettable, while telling a story of Tuscany, family, passion, and dedication.
4.What inspired you to become a winemaker, and what challenges did you face as a woman in the industry?
My journey into winemaking was fuelled by curiosity, a deep love for nature, and the desire to create something truly meaningful. Initially, I studied architecture, drawn to its blend of creativity and structure. However, an internship at an organic winery in Geneva changed my path entirely. I was captivated by the seamless balance between sustainability and quality, and this experience sparked a passion for winemaking that led me to pursue formal studies in oenology. During my studies, I immersed myself in both the theoretical and practical aspects of winemaking, seizing every opportunity to refine my skills in the vineyard and the cellar. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as I gradually became more involved with Brancaia, blending my education with the winery’s rich heritage and traditions. Since completing my studies in 1998, I have dedicated myself entirely to Brancaia, where I have the privilege of leading an incredible, passionate team. Together, we push boundaries while staying true to the essence of our craft. Thirty years ago, the wine industry was still very male-dominated—something that, fortunately, has changed over time. While I certainly had to prove myself, the challenges were always manageable. The biggest one was perhaps to accommodate my role as a mother with my job. But this challenge I have in common with every working mother! I was fortunate to have unwavering support from my family, I built an open-minded and dedicated team, and, perhaps most importantly, I never took things too personally. ?
5.How do you see the role of women evolving in the wine industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring female winemakers?
Today, many women are successfully producing top-quality wines, and I truly believe that gender is no longer a defining factor in this industry. Personally, I have never felt that being a woman made my journey either easier or more difficult—it has always been about passion, dedication, and hard work. Winemaking is not a typical 9-to-5 job. It is a fascinating and ever-changing profession, but it also demands resilience and commitment. It’s a craft that requires both technical expertise and a deep connection to nature—far from the romanticized image many might have. My advice to aspiring female winemakers is simple: if you have the right mindset and a strong work ethic, nothing can hold you back. Surround yourself with a great team, stay open-minded, and never stop learning. Having the support of family is also invaluable, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now see my own children, Nina and Nicolas, becoming involved in our family business. Watching them embrace this world with curiosity and enthusiasm is one of the greatest rewards of my journey.