Category: Wine reviews

Born in 1971 in Zurich, Switzerland, Barbara Widmer grew up surrounded by a family that placed great importance on cooking, dining, and enjoying fine wines. This passion for food and wine was deeply ingrained in her upbringing and further strengthened in 1980, when her family acquired the Brancaia estate in Tuscany. Initially, Brancaia served primarily as a vacation retreat, and Barbara, as a young woman enjoying life in the city, could hardly envision herself living in rural Tuscany.

After completing high school, she pursued architecture at the University of Zurich, drawn by her creative interests. However, after four semesters, Barbara faced a creative crossroads. She retreated to the family estate in Tuscany for two months, coinciding with the grape harvest—a transformative experience. This stay ignited her passion for wine, shifting her career path entirely.

Barbara returned to Zurich to earn a wine merchant diploma and gained hands-on experience during a year-long internship at Domaine des Balisiers, Switzerland’s largest organic winery at the time. She worked equally in the vineyard and cellar, discovering her commitment to organic viticulture. Building on this foundation, she pursued oenology studies at the University of Wädenswil, setting the stage for her future in winemaking.

In 1998, while completing her oenology degree, her father, Bruno Widmer, acquired the Brancaia estate in Maremma, an emerging wine region along the Tuscan coast. For her thesis, Barbara developed a strategic plan titled How to Build Up the Brancaia in Maremma Winery, which became the blueprint for the estate’s growth. The Maremma project marked the beginning of her professional winemaking career, which she embraced with enthusiasm.

Since the late 1990s, Barbara has lived at the winery, managing Brancaia’s 3 properties: Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Maremma. Today, she leads a team of 60 people and works alongside her family, who play key roles in supporting the business.

Her brother Andreas, an entrepreneur and former marketer, contributes to communication and digital strategy. Michael, her other brother and a lawyer, provides expertise in financial and legal matters. Barbara’s two children, Nina and Nicolas, are part of the third generation contributing to the family business. Nina actively manages Brancaia’s social media, while Nicolas often helps in the Osteria’s kitchen. Additionally, Mara, Andreas’ daughter, supports the vinotheque in Zurich with marketing efforts alongside her studies.

Despite the challenges and unpredictability of winemaking, Barbara thrives on the variety and complexity of her work. “What I love most about winemaking,” she explains, “is that no two days are ever the same. Nature dictates our path, and we must respond thoughtfully to create the best expression of each vintage. It’s endlessly fascinating.”

Under her stewardship, Brancaia has flourished, producing wines that reflect her commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the land. Barbara Widmer’s story is one of transformation, dedication, and a profound passion for her craft, which continues to inspire her every day.

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Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Barbara Widmer: When I started my journey in the wine industry, there were not many women in leading winemaking roles, especially in Italy.

However, I was fortunate to work with people who valued skills and passion over gender. One of my biggest influences was Elisabetta Foradori. She has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking. Her ability to merge tradition with innovation while remaining true to her vision is something I deeply admire.

Today, I see many talented women shaping the future of wine, and that in itself is inspiring.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Barbara Widmer: One of the most defining moments in my career was realizing that uncompromising quality and organic viticulture are not just compatible, but actually reinforce each other. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how respecting nature results in healthier vines and better, more authentic wines. Seeing Brancaia grow from my parents’ passion project into one of Tuscany’s leading wineries has been incredibly rewarding.

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Barbara Widmer: At Brancaia, we continuously refine our processes to enhance quality while staying true to our philosophy of respecting nature. Recently, we have further optimized our precision viticulture practices, using detailed soil mapping and climate data to make more informed decisions in the vineyard. This allows us to work in harmony with each parcel, ensuring the best possible expression of our terroir. In the cellar, we are constantly experimenting with different materials—such as concrete and cocciopesto-terracotta—to understand how they interact with different grape varieties and enhance the expression of our terroir. This ongoing exploration helps us refine our approach, always aiming for balance, elegance, and authenticity in every bottle.

Liz Palmer:  How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Barbara Widmer: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Brancaia. Being fully organic for years is just the starting point—we constantly strive to go further. In our vineyards, we nurture soil health through cover crops, minimize water usage, and completely avoid chemical herbicides. In the winery, we focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the continuous improvement of our environmental footprint. For us, sustainability is not a trend but a long-term commitment to producing wines that respect both nature and future generations. This commitment extends to every detail, from investing in energy-efficient equipment to using sustainable packaging solutions. Most recently, we reconfirmed our Equalitas certification, a rigorous standard that evaluates environmental, social, and economic responsibility, ensuring that we operate transparently and with a lasting dedication to sustainability.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Barbara Widmer: I understand the appeal of the No and Low Alcohol trend, as consumers become more health-conscious and look for alternatives. However, at Brancaia, we focus on crafting wines that are deeply connected to the Tuscan terroir, and this includes maintaining their natural balance and structure. We believe that responsible consumption of high-quality wine is key. Rather than altering our wines to fit this movement, we encourage an approach that values moderation and appreciation of authentic, well-crafted wines.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Barbara Widmer: We stay connected to the global wine scene through constant exchange with our partners, sommeliers, and importers worldwide. Wine fairs, industry events, and tastings are essential, but so is simply listening to our customers. Our team is always open to innovation—whether it’s refining our winemaking techniques, improving sustainability, or elevating the experience we offer to wine lovers. However, while trends come and go, our commitment remains on producing excellent wines which are true to their origins.

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

Barbara Widmer: Winemaking is not a nine-to-five job—it requires passion, patience, and a lot of hard work. But if you truly love it, there is nothing more rewarding. Thirty years ago, the wine industry was much more male-dominated, but today, talent and dedication matter more than anything else. My advice is to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. And, of course, having a great team and a supportive family makes all the difference.

Liz Palmer: Are there any other comments or statements you would like to add?

Barbara Widmer: At Brancaia, we are committed to continuously improving, both in terms of wine quality and sustainability. Our mission is to craft wines of excellence that reflect the Tuscan terroir while staying true to our core values: commitment to excellence, harmony and modern elegance. We believe that wine is about creating unforgettable shared moments, and that’s what drives us every day.

Wine Tasting Notes

Brancaia Riserva Chianti Classico 2020

This Brancaia Riserva Chianti Classico 2020 displays a vivid ruby hue. It offers a captivating bouquet of dark cherries, crushed violets, complemented by cedar, spices with hints of leather and tobacco. On the palate, it is beautifully balanced with velvety tannins, lively acidity, with layers of lush ripe cherries, dark plum and dried herbs. Subtle oak integration adds depth, leading to a refined, long finish. This elegant and age-worthy Riserva is a testament to the finesse and power of the 2020 vintage.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Brancaia Ilatraia 2020

The Brancaia Ilatraia 2020 is a bold and captivating blend that showcases the excellence of the Maremma Toscana region.

In the glass, it reveals a deep ruby color with alluring aromas of blackberries and blueberries, intertwined with hints of chocolate and herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and impressively structured, with firm yet refined tannins, a vibrant acidity, and layers of blackberry compote, licorice, and dark chocolate, leading to a powerful and persistent finish. This is an elegant and age-worthy wine that will continue to evolve over the next decade.

94 Points
Liz Palmer

For further details: www.brancaia.it