Imbibe 75 Person to Watch: Julia Zuccardi

Mendoza, Argentina

Labor shortage is a big issue for the wine industry. But in Mendoza, Argentina, Julia Zuccardi, head of tourism and hospitality and social responsibility at her family wine company, aids and increases the local worker economy year-round. “Our family has always valued caring for the land we live on. And I understand this vision to include people,” she says.

Stemming from a small project started by her grandmother, Emma, back in the 1970s, Julia spearheads the expansion of two community centers: one at their Bodega Santa Julia winery in Maipú and another at their Santa Rosa vineyard. The on-site daycare centers and lactation rooms mean women don’t need to choose between work and childcare. They also offer a transition program for women returning to the workforce after maternity leave. A sewing school, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, teaches the spouses of winery workers—and anyone in the community—a new trade, creating another source of income for families.  At first, educational programs were recreational. But as they took shape over the years, their value was recognized by the government.

Zuccardi collaborates with municipal and provincial authorities to enhance and develop programs. A government-certified, three-year degree program is open to both employees and the greater community. To date, 127 workers have graduated, and 80 are enrolled in the current cohort. Ten years ago, the family donated land for the Alberto Victorio Zuccardi agronomy and enology high school next to the winery, which educates locals and creates a robust local agricultural industry.

“Seeing the progress and growth of so many people who have passed through and continue to pass through these spaces is very satisfying,” she says. “There is a huge intangible that cannot be measured. But it is what we experience and share with our people every day.”

Click here to read more about some of 2026’s other Imbibe 75 People and Places to Watch.