The President of Italy awarded her the title of Knight of the Order of Merit for Labor, and the media call her “the embodiment of Italian style” — we are talking about Chiara Soldati, the owner of the iconic La Scolca winery. We spoke with her and learned how the estate’s wines became favorites among celebrities and prominent figures, whether the winery adapts to trends, and how Chiara herself balances business, constant travel, and personal life. The occasion and scale of the story are grand: this year, La Scolca celebrates its 105th anniversary!
Among La Scolca’s admirers are heads of state, the Pope, and stars ranging from Elton John to Tom Cruise.
How did La Scolca become one of the most desired wines in Italy at such a high level? What is their main secret?
Chiara: At the very beginning of our journey, we didn’t think of wine production as a business. We were passionate about French white wines like Chablis and Champagne and wanted to have our own one of that caliber. And we obtained a wine without any mask, any chemical addicts, any practice that can change the natural flavor of the grape. And now, year after year, we strive to preserve our authenticity: focusing on Gavi grapes, understanding the characteristics of each plot of land, using traditional methods with modern touches. And with a passion that spans generations.
I believe the secret of La Scolca also lies in how we convey our philosophy. When I started working 30 years ago, I decided to personally represent La Scolca — and today I am not just an ambassador but a storyteller. It is important for me not only to talk about a particular bottle or our business but also to explain how we understand wine culture, responsible consumption, feel the Italian style and heritage, respect the land and the people. Therefore, I invest all my resources in personally bringing La Scolca to every corner of the world — this is how I express gratitude to all clients and partners. I see the market as a space for relationships. And I see business success in great support — it’s not account numbers, but people who believe in our story, are part of it, and help to write new pages.