From Passion to Powerhouse: How Galloni Developed a Wine Empire

He is smart, he is personable, he knows his wines and the wine industry. Antonio Galloni is the protype for a successful entrepreneur.
If you’re into wine, you’ve probably heard of Galloni or at least stumbled across his reviews. He’s the founder and CEO of Vinous, a popular and influential wine publication he launched in 2013, after working as a lead critic at Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. Since then, Galloni has helped turn Vinous into a go-to resource for wine lovers all over the world.

Wearing Many Hats: CEO, Critic, and More

Galloni isn’t just the boss at Vinous, he’s also the lead wine critic. That means he spends a lot of time tasting and reviewing wines from places like Bordeaux, California, Italy, and Champagne. His tasting notes and vintage reports are closely followed by collectors, sommeliers, and regular wine fans alike.
Running Vinous isn’t just about tasting wine (though, let’s be honest, that’s a pretty great perk). Galloni also steers the company’s big-picture strategy, handles business decisions, and has overseen some major moves including the acquisition of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar and the wine app Delectable. Thanks to his efforts, Vinous now has subscribers in over 100 countries.

A Fresh Approach to Wine

Galloni’s background is as interesting as his palate. He was born in Venezuela to an Italian dad and an American mom, and grew up in a family that sold Italian wines. His grandmother introduced him to Burgundy, while his dad made sure he appreciated Barolo and Champagne. So, wine has always been a big part of his life.
He’s also got a creative streak, as he studied jazz composition at Berklee College of Music, then picked up an MBA from MIT Sloan. Before Vinous, he worked in finance (including a stint in Milan), giving him a front-row seat to Italian wine culture.

Not Just About Tasting

Galloni’s approach to wine reviewing is all about context and transparency. He’s known for being picky about details, like only reviewing non-vintage Champagne if he knows the disgorgement date, so readers get the full story. He also likes to taste wines with winemakers, believing it adds depth to his reviews.

He’s big on making wine accessible and fun, too. At Vinous events and master classes, you’ll find him curating tastings that highlight the diversity and history of different regions, often inviting winemakers to join in and answer questions. The vibe is relaxed and interactive and snobbery is checked at the door.

Data, Diversity, and a Dash of Jazz

Galloni and his team at Vinous try to stay “style-agnostic” and don’t play favorites with wine trends, using data to keep their scoring fair and consistent. They also blend professional reviews with feedback from everyday wine drinkers, in an attempt to present a well-rounded view.
At the end of the day, Galloni’s goal is simple: help people enjoy wine, learn something new, and maybe discover a bottle they’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just picking out a bottle for dinner, Vinous (and Galloni) aim to make the world of wine a little more welcoming and a lot more interesting.