Cristina Mariani-May

Co-CEO, Banfi Vintners

Cristina Mariani-May is the family proprietor of the Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany and co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, a leading U.S. importer of fine wines. Together with her cousin James Mariani, she represents the third generation of family leadership in the company founded by their grandfather, John Mariani, Sr., in 1919.

A graduate of Georgetown University and Columbia University’s School of Business, Mariani-May joined Banfi in 1993. Early initiatives included implementation of new tracking and monitoring systems in the areas of customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility and social responsibility. In 2006 those procedures paid off when Castello Banfi became the first winery in the world to earn ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and SA 8000 certifications.

Additional long-term initiatives conducted under Mariani-May’s stewardship include research aimed at isolating the finest clones of the Sangiovese Grosso grape. Of Italy’s 45 nationally approved clones for Sangiovese, six are from Castello Banfi. Mariani-May has also been the guiding hand behind development of experimental new hybrid fermenters comprising a unique blend of wood and steel. Effective 2007 the patented composite tanks have been employed in production of all Castello Banfi Brunellos, Super Tuscan wines and varietal reds.

Recent projects also include the opening in 2007 of Castello Banfi – Il Borgo, a luxury 14-room hotel.

Mariani-May travels extensively, visiting many of the 85 countries where Castello Banfi wines are sold. She and her husband, Marshall May, and their three young children make their home in Long Island, NY.