Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1025306
september 2018 / the tasting panel / 69 "women in wine" movement has been widely celebrated in recent years as more and more female professionals diversify a male-dominated field. As these women-led success stories rise to prominence at last, the ensuing conversation has also turned backward to acknowledge the determined women who defied cultural norms far ahead of their time—and, as a result, laid the groundwork for their modern-day counterparts. One such icon is Maddalena Riboli, who joined her husband, Stefano, in working at his uncle Santo Cambianica's winery in Downtown Los Angeles more than 70 years ago. Founded by Cambianica in 1917, San Antonio Winery would later become the young couple's shared legacy: Over the years they've opened numerous tasting rooms, launched a 400-seat restaurant, expanded their vineyard holdings, and built a portfolio of successful national brands. "My grandfather has always been an incredible worker, and he loves interacting with people. He worked in the tasting room for 40 years," says fourth-generation family winemaker Anthony Riboli. "But my grandmother was, in a lot of ways, the fire. She was the visionary." the Maddalena Riboli, the matriarch of the Riboli family, has been a driving force at San Antonio Winery for more than 70 years. Her charisma and work ethic have played crucial roles in its success.