BRAND AMBASSADOR, Italian Portfolio

Brand Ambassador, Italian Brands – San Francisco + Key Markets

Folio Wine is seeking a dynamic Brand Ambassador exclusively dedicated to our Italian Portfolio comprising four iconic Italian estates: Bruno Giacosa, Donnafugata, and Isole e Olena. The role will call on you to lead the charge on the Italian Portfolio’s growth and visibility in the West Coast markets with a special focus on independent on-premise accounts, luxury hospitality, and fine dining as well as high-end retail partners. Combining business development and brand storytelling, you will be tasked with expanding sales, elevating brand awareness and desirability, and building partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area Market and other key markets on the West Coast. You will be generating interest in our Italian portfolio, planning and executing top level activations, and securing placements in key accounts. This role will be responsible for working in the market on a daily basis with an eye to developing relationships to increase and maintain points of distribution. The right candidate will be a passionate and energetic sales-oriented industry professional who possesses a strong understanding of Italian wines and polished consumer engagement skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive brand recognition and sales growth across luxury hospitality, fine dining, including five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, private members clubs.
• Serve as the face and voice of the brand, embodying Italian elegance, refinement, and authenticity.
• Represent the brands at events, private dinners, and global wine showcases.
• Partner with luxury brands, cultural institutions, and culinary innovators to create elevated brand moments.
• Act as a trusted advisor to wine collectors and connoisseurs, guiding them through our Italian portfolio. Share the estate’s story through captivating presentations that reflect artistry, terroir, and tradition.
• Build long-term loyalty through impeccable service, storytelling, and personal connection.
• Strengthen distributor relationships and collaborate with the sales team on pricing, inventory planning, and staff trainings.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to refine commercial strategies and drive brand performance.
• Develop and execute tailored marketing activations —intimate private tastings and influencer events to Italian Chef inspired Italian wine dinners
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with brands across on and off premise, independent retailers, fashion, jewelry, automotive, and travel to amplify visibility in key markets.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, and reporting to ensure each initiative delivers measurable impact.

Qualifications:* 2-4+ years of experience in luxury wine & spirits, hospitality, distribution and or luxury brand development

• Intimate knowledge of Italian wine regions, culture, and lifestyle
• Deep knowledge of the luxury and fine Italian dining landscape
• Charismatic, polished, and passionate about Italian wine, sales, and luxury culture
• Entrepreneurial mindset with excellent organization and communication skills
• Knowledge of selling with the multi-tiered distribution channels
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, be resourceful and flexible
• Ability to balance multiple demands, prioritize tasks, and retain clear focus
• Proficiency with Microsoft, Excel, CRM systems (BI, VIP), and data analysis tools
• WSET certification, or comparable wine education is a plus
• Willingness to travel (up to 80%) within the assigned region, national and international
• Field Role/weekends/evenings required
• Must live in or near San Francisco
• This role will support the Northern California/Bay Area Market 75% and defined Key Markets across the West 25%
• Fluent in Italian is highly preferred, but not required

Comp & Benefits:* Salary Range: $90k-110k

• Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision, Life insurance, 401k with an annual company contribution, Discounts on Portfolio Wines, Plus many other optional health benefits.
• Company Paid Time Off:
  • 3 weeks and 3 days
  • 8 Sick Days per year with the ability to roll over and carry up to 200 hours
  • 8 Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday

**Who we are:**At Folio Fine Wine Partners, we believe that great wines are the result of great partnerships with our producers, our customers, and above all, our people. Founded in 2004 by the Michael Mondavi family, Folio was built on a vision of bringing exceptional, family-owned wines from around the world to American wine lovers. Our portfolio spans iconic estates from Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Argentina, and the United States. Since 2020, Folio Fine Wine Partners has been proudly part of EPI Group, a family-owned French investment company renowned for its prestigious portfolio of luxury brands, including the celebrated Champagne houses Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne. EPI’s deep commitment to excellence and long-term partnerships strengthens Folio’s ability to grow sustainably while preserving our independent spirit. At Folio, we value our people as our most important asset. We are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, achievement, respect, and professional development. Our team's passion, integrity, and dedication drive everything we do — from building world-class brands to delivering outstanding service to our partners and customers.