Q&A with Cristina Mariani-May

This week the drinks business talks to Cristina Mariani-May, the Italian-American co-chief executive of Castello Banfi in Montalcino.

Castello Banfi is based in Montalcino – where are you based?

I work out of Long Island where I’m based with my family, but I travel to Italy a lot to keep an eye on things. I also spend six months of the year travelling to our main markets, and am making more regular trips to Hong Kong as things are really starting to kick off over there. We’ve got a way to go in mainland China, but it’s an exciting market with huge growth prospects.

How do you juggle being a CEO and looking after three young children?

I have a co-CEO, my cousin, which helps. Being my own boss helps too, so I don’t need to worry about being late. Working in wine is a 24/7 job, so you’ve got to be prepared to work nights and weekends. It’s all consuming, but luckily my kids understand how much I have to give to my job, which makes things easier.

As a female CEO, what changes have you observed regarding the role of women in high positions in the wine world in the last decade?

There a more women than ever in the industry. Wine is very much a people business and I think women have a sensitivity to things and an intuitiveness that comes in handy. Starting out, I found it hard being the only woman in the boardroom and at tastings. Now there are a lot more women occupying the top spots, be it in winemaking or running an estate. The opportunities are tremendous today, it’s a much more flexible industry.

What are your aims for Banfi?

I’m keen to keep growing the company and expanding into new markets, especially developing markets like Asia and Eastern Europe. We want to be the best at what we do – to produce the most outstanding Brunello wines from Sangiovese, that’s our main focus. We’ve just bought Pacific Rim, a Washington-based estate specialising in Riesling – I’m always on the lookout for gems to add to our portfolio.

Tell me an interesting fact about the Banfi family…

My great aunt, Teodolina Banfi, after whom our estate is named, was the first woman to live in the Vatican and was buried within the walls. She was the head of the household of Pope Pius XI. I’ve been to visit her grave and judging by the photo, she was a safe bet to live alongside thousands of celibate men – she was no Grace Kelly.

Who would be your ideal dinner party companions and what would you crack open for them?

Bono and Princess Diana. We’d share a magnum of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, my favourite Champagne.

Where was the last place you went on holiday?

Bermuda with friends, luckily I didn’t get stuck in the triangle!

What’s on your iPod?

I’m training for a marathon, so my iPod is full of upbeat tracks at the moment, and lots of ‘80s dance music. To chill out, I like James Taylor and The Beatles.

What’s your life philosophy?

Don’t be afraid to try new things. I believe in trying your hardest at everything and having confidence in what you do. It’s okay to make mistakes – nothing turns out perfectly, so you’ve just got to go for it.