The Story of Simone: From Manager to Wine Artisan
Modern life often feels like a whirlwind of activities and commitments. Many of us find ourselves rushing from one appointment to another, trying to keep up with society’s expectations. But what happens when you stop and reflect on what you truly want? This is the journey of Simone, a former manager who decided to leave the fast-paced life behind to dedicate himself to natural wine production. In this article, we explore his story, the challenges he faced, and the joys he encountered along the way.
Simone’s Life as a Manager
Simone spent over sixteen years in the ceramic industry, eventually becoming the COO of a large company. On the surface, his life seemed perfect: a successful career, a nice car, and a big house on the hills. However, as Simone puts it:
There are moments in life when you realize that all this speed is just covering up a deeper dissatisfaction.
Despite his achievements, he felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of productivity, unable to connect with himself or the world around him. Day by day, this deep sense of dissatisfaction grew, making him realize he was living a life that didn’t reflect who he truly was. Something had to change.
The Pandemic as a Turning Point
The pandemic marked a major turning point for Simone. After his company was sold to an investment fund, he spent another year working in a different business environment, but it became clear that this wasn’t the life he wanted. He began to reflect deeply on what truly fueled his passion and how he wanted to live.
In 2020, after much contemplation, Simone purchased a one-hectare plot of land between Formigine and Maranello, where he started cultivating a vineyard. This drastic change wasn’t just about a new career, it was about reconnecting with nature and with himself.
The Vineyard: A Haven of Peace
The vineyard became a place where nature and passion collide, and where Simone now produces natural wine. This means no synthetic chemicals, only small amounts of minerals, and a focus on sustainable farming practices.
This new lifestyle allowed him to let go of the pressures of the past and rediscover his creativity and inner peace. For Simone, being able to wear simple clothes, surrounded by nature, helps him feel relaxed and at ease, even though he’s working hard.
The Passion for Natural Wine
For Simone, wine is like a magical fruit, where incredible transformations happen every year, bringing out new flavours and unique characteristics with each vintage. He explains that it’s not just about making wine, but about fermenting fruit in the most natural way possible. This journey has introduced him to the world of microorganisms and the fascinating changes that occur during the fermentation process.
The Challenges of Country Life
While life in the countryside is beautiful and peaceful, Simone quickly discovered that it’s also demanding and requires dedication. Each day brings new challenges as he must constantly stay in tune with nature’s needs.
Beyond the physical effort, Simone also faced solitude. What started as a challenge turned into a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, personal growth, and self-discovery. After overcoming the initial hurdles, he found that spending time in silence and synchronizing with the natural rhythms of life became a balm for his soul.
In a Nutshell
Simone, once a manager in a large company, transformed his life by becoming a viticulturist. Leaving a successful career to produce natural wine might seem like a risky choice, but for him, it was the key to finding peace and fulfillment. His story encourages us to reflect on the values we want our work to embody and inspires us to follow our passions to find our own balance.