Claire Ronxin

Background

About Claire Ronxin

Without even realising it, I've built up 30 years of experience in the wine trade: from retail sales to wine tourism and, in an entrepreneureal role, the management of the complexities of international export. A deep knowledge of wine and the advantage of speaking English as my first language have allowed me to develop excellent relations with clients over the years. These business relationships were the foundation of the success of a limited company established in with other like-minded partners. This same company was subsequently merged in 2009 with Cantine Riondo Spa, part of the Collis Veneto Wine Group, where I'm still presently employed. In my current position as Key Account Manager for Western Europe, the U.K. I'm responsible for a group of clients with a total turnover of approximately €15 million. I was born in Scotland but have spent more than half my life in Italy; a personal life choice that has permitted a direct and profound knowledge of the world of wine and not just through books. My passion for wine was sparked by my first job after completing a Masters Degree in Psychology from Edinburgh University. I accepted employment in a branch of a well-known wine shop in the Oddbins chain, expecting to work there only for a brief period while I sought employment in the aggressive world of advertising. To my surprise I became enthralled, not only with the wine itself, but with the stories behind each wine producer. It even gave me the opportunity to apply part of my studies in Psychology in the approach to customers and the use of sales techniques. My continued studies, firstly with The Wine and Spirit Education Trust up to Diploma level and then occasional courses with the 'Unione Italiana Vini', have served to sharpen my tasting skills and capacity to carry out objective sensory analysis and wine description. One of my most proud achievements has been to simultaneously bring up two children while maintaining my role as entrepreneur and worker. Without a doubt the challenges of finding the balance between family and work has trained me to prioritise duties and manage my available time in the most efficient manner possible.