Sandro Boscaini: A Visionary of Italian Wine Honored with the Wine Enthusiast Lifetime Achievement Award

A Legacy of Excellence in the Wine World

Sandro Boscaini, President of Masi Agricola, known internationally as ‘Mister Amarone,’ was officially honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th anniversary gala Wine Star Awards ceremony held on January 27th at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. In front of over 500 leading representatives of the international wine world, including producers, importers, and distributors, Boscaini was celebrated for his revolutionary impact on Italian wine.

In the official citation, Wine Enthusiast stated: ‘Sandro Boscaini has revolutionized the concept of Italian wine in the world, never ceasing to experiment, innovate and look to the future,’ reinforcing his role as a visionary.

During his acceptance speech, Boscaini expressed gratitude to Masi’s team, the Veneto region, and Valpolicella, noting Amarone’s rise to international prominence. ‘Two of my friends and brothers-in-arms, Piero Antinori and Angelo Gaja, have received this same prize before me. I am delighted to join them now as one of the protagonists of the Italian wine renaissance that began in the 1960s. The Wine Star Award has now brought together three specialist wine-producing areas in Italy – Tuscany, Piedmont, and the Veneto – with their most iconic wines: Brunello, Barolo, and Amarone.’

Sandro Boscaini, President of Masi Agricola, has long been recognized as a trailblazer in the global wine industry. Known as “Mister Amarone”, Boscaini has dedicated his career to elevating the wines of Valpolicella Classica, ensuring their place among the most prestigious fine wines in the world. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded him the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, placing him among industry legends such as Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and Francis Ford Coppola, both previous recipients of this prestigious honor.

The award acknowledges Boscaini’s commitment to innovation, his role in expanding Amarone’s global presence, and his ability to position Masi Agricola as a powerhouse in premium Italian wine. “Sandro Boscaini changed the place of Italian wine in the world and has never stopped experimenting, innovating, and looking forward,” the Wine Enthusiast panel noted. His unwavering belief that “innovation fuels optimism” has made him one of the most influential figures in winemaking today.

The Rise of Masi Agricola: A Global Icon in Fine Wine

Born in Valpolicella Classica, where his family has made wine since 1772, Boscaini took the helm at Masi Agricola in 1978. Under his leadership, Masi evolved from a regional business into a global brand known for its Amarone, Valpolicella, and Appassimento wines. His vision led to groundbreaking achievements, such as Masi becoming the first premium Italian wine producer to be listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.

Masi Agricola has preserved centuries-old winemaking traditions while introducing cutting-edge techniques that have further refined the art of Appassimento, the process of drying grapes before fermentation to enhance complexity and richness. Boscaini’s dedication to biodiversity led to the revival of the Oseleta grape variety, a once-forgotten native grape that now contributes to the distinctiveness of Masi wines.

A Wine Tasting Fit for Connoisseurs

To celebrate this milestone, an exclusive wine tasting and luncheon was held at MC Kitchen in the Miami Design District, attended by notable figures including Federico Girotto, CEO of Masi Agricola, Chris Birnie-Visscher of Vineyard Brands, and Anthony Apostolakos, U.S. Director of Masi Agricola, along with an exclusive group of wine collectors, sommeliers, and industry leaders, where guests experienced the prestigious wines of Serego Alighieri, a historic estate under Masi’s guidance. The wines presented reflected the deep history and craftsmanship synonymous with both Masi Agricola and the Serego Alighieri family:

• Serego Alighieri Possessioni Bianco 2022 – Produced from the historic Serego Alighieri estate, owned by the descendants of the poet Dante since 1353, – A refined Venetian white, blending Garganega and Sauvignon Blanc, offering crisp minerality and a long, elegant finish.
• Serego Alighieri Montepiazzo Valpolicella 2020 – From the renowned Serego Alighieri estate, established nearly seven centuries ago, – A superior Valpolicella Classico with deep cherry notes, hints of vanilla, and velvety tannins.
• Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone – This flagship wine comes from the esteemed estate linked to Dante Alighieri’s lineage, with a flight featuring vintages including 1988, 1990, 1993, 2006, and 2015, – The flagship Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, aged in cherry-wood casks, revealing layers of dried fruit, cocoa, and spice.
• Serego Alighieri Casal dei Ronchi Recioto 2018 – Rooted in the long history of the Serego Alighieri family, – A luxurious Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, rich in notes of preserved cherries, walnuts, and plum jam.

These wines, celebrated for their aging potential and exclusivity, reflect the meticulous craftsmanship that Boscaini has upheld throughout his career. Ranging from elegant whites to the powerful Vaio Armaron Amarone, each bottle is designed for discerning collectors and fine wine enthusiasts.

A Visionary Leader and Cultural Ambassador

Beyond winemaking, Boscaini has transformed the wine experience itself, creating the Masi Wine Experience—a series of exclusive tastings, vineyard tours, and curated wine bars worldwide. His work through the Masi Foundation has furthered cultural and artistic endeavors, reinforcing the deep ties between wine, art, and heritage.

With a career spanning over four decades, Sandro Boscaini has written one of the most important chapters in Italian wine history. His passion for territory, innovation, and tradition has elevated Amarone to an international icon. As he graciously accepted the Wine Enthusiast honor, Boscaini reflected:

“This award strengthens my commitment over many years and encourages me and my family to take care of, safeguard, and protect wine, in respect of the ancient Masi motto, ‘nectar angelorum hominibus’ (nectar of the angels for mankind).”

For more information on Masi Agricola’s wines and experiences, visit www.masi.it.