We had the good fortune of connecting with Daisy Penzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daisy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business in the midst of the COVID pandemic was a bet against myself and my abilities. Importing wine was my father’s business and after his untimely passing, I aspired to continue his legacy and re-opened the business as my own. I wanted to be in the driver seat of my own life and pursue my passion. I feel that many people go through life on auto-pilot while allowing someone else to make the big decisions. Taking that ‘leap of faith’ has been very rewarding.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is called Tuscany Wines Import and, in short, I am an importer and purveyor of Italian wines in the US. From Aglianico to Zibibbo, there are over 350 recognized grape varieties in Italy alone. It is my passion project to educate and bring these splendid flavors to people’s palates.

What I feel will set me apart from others is owning my identity and portfolio. I am taking the time to build and curate the selection by finding the right partner wineries. Those that seek to preserve the authenticity of the Italy wine heritage, to allow those stories to be shared and told.

Which is why building relationships and being an excellent communicator are ‘lessons’ I had to quickly learn. No one’s out there looking for Valtellina or other obscure varietals but there is a market that can be created for them with a good plan. Having a marketing background has helped me gain focus on how I choose these products in terms of their quality, price, and compatibility with the market. Ultimately, the final decision is trusting my palate.

Over the years, I have studied wine with the Florida Wine Academy (WSET & WSG). I’m an Italian Wine Specialist with the North American Sommelier Association. Every year I have traveled to different wine regions to learn more about the culture and people making the wines. However, since the start of the pandemic and travel restrictions, I’ve been keeping busy by hosting virtual tastings that include wine makers, sommeliers, and enthusiasts in the industry to taste and discuss new wines, regions, and their histories.

You can find many of my imported wines on retail shelves and restaurant wine lists. All you’ve got to do is look for the Imported by statement on wine labels or ask your waiter. If it’s got my company name: you’ll know you’re in for a treat!

Overall, I am proud to be a woman diversifying the industry and I’m excited at the opportunities ahead. There are more women in the industry today than 10 years ago. All it takes is the will power to start, a good plan, and getting involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or advice. We’re all just a click away!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love a good opportunity to explore our backyard… even with COVID restrictions there are still plenty of things to do.

While in Miami, my friends and I will head down to Calle Ocho, the Cuban cultural center of Miami, for an authentic Cuban sandwich and a glass of my imported wines at Happy Wine.

If we’re looking to wine-down at the pool or beach, we always grab a bottle or two from 305 Wines, which delivers locally throughout Miami.

Lastly, after a shopping spree at Brickell City Centre in Downtown Miami, we love to stop at Casa Tua Cucina for their signature Cacio e Pepe pasta dish with a glass of Zibibbo!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My mother and husband deserve all the credit for supporting me and my ideas. My father who serves as the inspiration behind this endeavor and all the wineries in Italy who allow me to represent them as their ambassador. Without their love and support, I would not be able to push the gas pedal towards my dreams.

Website: www.tuscanywinesimport.com

Instagram: daisy_wines

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-p-a48251139/

Image Credits
@emagenphoto | Emagen Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.