The wine community mourns the loss of Marisa Leo, a 39-year-old Sicilian wine professional who tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence. Marisa was murdered on the night of September 6/7 near Marsala by her former partner, Angelo Reina, who then took his own life. This shocking incident occurred against the backdrop of Marisa previously reporting Reina to the police for stalking her in 2020. The two shared a four-year-old daughter.
Originally hailing from Salemi in Trapani, Marisa Leo joined Cantine Colomba Bianca in 2016, bringing her expertise and passion to the wine world. Her journey began with a degree in Economics, and she initially worked in marketing and PR outside of the wine industry. Her dedication extended beyond her professional life, as she was actively involved with Le Donne del Vino, an organization that supports women in the Italian wine sector. Additionally, she was a founding member of the DxD: Calici di Vita project, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about violence against women.
Cantine Colomba Bianca paid tribute to Marisa Leo, describing her as a guiding light in their midst. They referred to her as a woman of wine, a nurturing and inspiring mother to their cellars, a visionary communicator in the realm of Sicilian wine, and an ardent advocate against gender-based violence. Her absence leaves an indescribable void, particularly as they envision the upcoming harvest without her presence.
The president of Assovini Sicilia, Mariangela Cambria, condemned all forms of violence against women. She stressed the need for comprehensive action by institutions, the judiciary, and law enforcement to address this issue effectively. She also called for a cultural shift to create awareness about the problem and the importance of providing a safety net and swift legal response to protect women who report any form of violence.
Josè Rallo, CEO of Donnafugata, expressed her condolences and reaffirmed the commitment to continue the fight against violence towards women, in collaboration with the national association Le Donne del Vino.
Le Donne del Vino remembered Marisa Leo’s first public speech at a women’s wine festival in Marsala in March 2019. They described her as initially shy, with an iron will hidden behind her doe-like expression. Her story and love for wine moved the audience, and she became an inspiration for many. Marisa was known for her depth, self-awareness, and dedication to spreading beauty in the world.
Italian wine communicator Laura Donadoni mourned Marisa Leo’s loss and called for introspection to eradicate abusive and patriarchal cultural elements. She emphasized the importance of changing thought patterns and behavior to prevent future acts of violence against women, honoring not only Marisa but also all survivors, victims, and society as a whole.
