Miriam Caporali, a Business Administration graduate from the University of Rome, began her career in consulting before fully committing to her family’s winery, Tenuta Valdipiatta. From 1997 to 2002, she trained under her father, gaining expertise in vineyard management and winemaking, including advanced studies in Bordeaux. In 2004, she took over as general manager, expanding the estate and leading its organic certification, achieved in 2018. A certified sommelier and member of the Women of Wine Italian Association, Miriam also launched a beekeeping project in 2020 to support biodiversity. Passionate about sustainability, she enjoys gardening, olive trees, yoga, and meditation. Media Inquiries: Noa Albilia albilia@ssmandl.com | https://www.valdipiatta.it/it/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
In the mid-1980s, my father purchased Tenuta Valdipiatta to fulfill his dream of becoming a winemaker in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. But his choice was driven by more than just a passion for wine. He was drawn to this land because it holds something truly magical. Nestled in a broad valley bathed in light, the estate is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, cypress trees, olive groves, and forests, all enveloped by the sounds of nature. It is this deep respect for the land, nearly untouched by time, that has shaped our approach to viticulture and our commitment to sustainable farming practices aimed at preserving biodiversity. Visitors to Valdipiatta today are welcomed by the unique allure of this place—what my father lovingly referred to as his Shangri-La—and our mission is for our wines to embody the essence and spirit of this extraordinary environment.
Winery News: Tenuta Valdipiatta was acquired by Monteverdi Tuscany’s founder, Michael L. Cioffi in January 2025. Can you share some background on the acquisition?
Michael and my father first crossed paths over 20 years ago through their shared passion for wine, but it was their conversations about Etruscan history, art, music, philosophy, and their mutual love for this enchanting corner of southern Tuscany that truly deepened their bond. Over the years, Michael has also proved to be a valuable advisor with great vision, energy and entrepreneurial skills. We are confident that his commitment to preserving the legacy of the winery, combined with his forward-thinking approach, will allow Tenuta Valdipiatta to continues to thrive while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions that make it so special.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I am passionate about inviting more and more people to experience our work and lifestyle because I believe it offers more than just a product—it fosters a deep sense of well-being and a renewed connection to nature. Our approach to viticulture and winemaking is grounded in respect for the environment, and I want others to feel that same harmony when they visit us.
To bring this vision to life, I am excited about the prospect of further investing in the development of our winery’s hospitality. My goal would be to create even more refined, immersive, and professional experiences for our visitors, allowing them to engage with the land, the wines, and the people behind them in a meaningful way. I would offer a unique space where guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty and authenticity of our estate, creating lasting memories that celebrate not only the wines we produce but the spirit of this extraordinary place.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
It is Valdipiatta Vino Nobile Vigna d’Alfiero because it beautifully blends terroir and legacy.
What makes Vigna d’Alfiero truly exceptional is its distinguished location—perched atop a hill that ensures optimal sunlight exposure. The soil here is perfectly suited to Sangiovese, with a sandy, well-draining surface resting on a clay-rich base that retains just the right amount of moisture, nurturing the vines even during the driest years. The vineyard’s low planting density—just 2,500 plants per hectare—ensures minimal competition between the vines, allowing each plant to draw on the land’s full potential and phttps://winecharacters.com/2019-tenuta-valdipiatta-dalfiero-montepulciano/roduce grapes of exceptional richness. The result is a wine that embodies the bold character of Sangiovese, yet carries the grace and elegance that only the terroir of Montepulciano can impart.
Vigna d’Alfiero is also a tribute to a man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Tenuta Valdipiatta. Alfiero was the estate’s first worker, dedicating 15 years of his life to the land before my father purchased the property in the mid-1980s. It was Alfiero who shared the secrets of each vineyard, imparted the wisdom of the terroir, and taught my father the nuances of the wines.
When Alfiero passed away, my father wanted to honor his memory by creating a wine from the very vines Alfiero had planted three decades earlier. This wine was named after Alfiero, and its label features a hand-drawn image of a young Alfiero standing proudly among the vines. Click here to read this wine review.
Bonus Question: What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
What truly inspired me about the winemaker’s role, however, was the opportunity viticulture offers to preserve and enhance biodiversity. This led me naturally towards a commitment to organic farming, where my love for bees first blossomed. Today, I am an avid beekeeper, tending to 10 hives, driven by a mission to protect and care for these vital creatures that sustain life on Earth.
Working with bees has become a profound part of my life, offering me a sense of peace and connection with nature. Observing their behavior teaches me valuable lessons about the harmony of a healthy society, and how each of us has a role to play in the greater system we are part of.