The Wine Empire Team

Gianluca – Co-Founder

After being an international tax consultant for almost 20 years, Gianluca made a career switch and joined the wine industry 10 years ago. Originally from Italy, he is now based in the Boston area where he co-owns and runs Wine Empire, a fine wine retailer. Gianluca holds a law degree, a Masters in Accounting & International Tax, and is fluent in Italian, English, and Portguese. He’s dedicated himself to many aspects of the wine world including tasting events, writing, and wine education. He became an Italian Wine Ambassador & Educator (through Vinitaly International Academy) in 2019 and is a certified French Wine Scholar, American Wine Expert, Bordeaux, Alsace & Burgundy Specialist, and Sherry Wine Specialist. In 2021, he launched the Italian Wine Maestro Certification in the US. He also holds a WSET Diploma and is currently a Master of Wine candidate.

Wine Empire has rapidly become an extremely successful independent wine store. We prioritize wine education and specialize in niche wines, older vintages and cellar & Wine Club management.

Ana Paula – Co-Founder

Like her husband, Ana Paula has had a background in Finance for more than 15 years. In 2015 she co-founded Wine Empire with Gianluca in Ashland, MA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Italian. Ana earned the Italian Wine Maestro credential from Vinitaly International Academy, and is currently pursuing the French Wine Scholar certification. She dedicates her wine career to hospitality, marketing, events, and the Wine Club. Her passion is in Burgundy and it shows!

Renan (RJ) – Assistant Manager, Beer Selection Specialist

RJ was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and moved to the US in 2012. Fluent in Portuguese and with intermediate proficiency in Spanish, RJ has a degree in Art History. For the past four years, he’s served as Assistant Manager at Wine Empire, specializing in managing the beer selection, overseeing daily wine operations, and handling shipping services.

When not working at the store, RJ enjoys reading about and creating art. A lover of light red wines such as Gamay and Pinot Noir, RJ also has a special appreciation for craft wheat beers – the craftier, the better!