Cristian Ridolfi

Coming Up

Training at the Agricultural Institute of Conegliano gave Cristian Ridolfi the base he needed for a career built on precision and place. The early work followed the familiar route through production: first as winemaker at Bertani in Veneto, Italy, then into broader responsibility as the scope of the job widened beyond the cellar. That sequence matters in wine, because it joins the practical demands of making with the operational demands of running. The move into winery manager at Cantina Santi in the Illasi valley near Verona brought those two sides together. In that setting, the work sits inside a landscape shaped by vineyards, agriculture, and long continuity, which suits a professional practice that depends on timing, oversight, and attention to detail.

Where They Are Now

In 2024, Ridolfi took the Director role at Cantina Santi. The remit is both agricultural and communicative. Soave also sits within his stated field of attention. "Soave is a denomination that I have always held dear," he has said. He added, "I am honored to represent this excellent white wine, a symbol of Italy in the world." The emphasis is on representation as much as production: wine made in vineyard and cellar, then carried outward as part of the region’s identity.

Signature

Cristian's signature wines include Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella DOC, Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena Villa Arvedi, Secco-Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena, and Proemio. Taken together, they map the range of his working imprint across the labels and styles attached to the estates and regions in his career.

In Their Words “Santi has been one of the first wineries where I worked and returning there, after almost twenty years, to lead it fills me with pride and motivation.” “I am honored to represent this excellent white wine, a symbol of Italy in the world.”

Honors

The formal distinction here is a job title rather than a prize: Director at Cantina Santi, 2024. It follows a 2000–2015 winemaker tenure at Bertani in Grezzana and the leadership roles that came after at Cantina Santi.