Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianluca Brill.
Hi Gianluca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My professional carreer:
After spending most of my professional career in Italy, I decided to start a completely new chapter in my life by moving to Tennessee.
My background was in sales and management. I spent many years working for major international companies, including Unilever, Red Bull, Carlsberg, and later as Commercial Director for a marketing company. Those experiences taught me how to build brands, develop strong customer relationships, and lead successful sales teams.
When I arrived in Tennessee, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion for Italian wine and my years of commercial experience to a growing market. I became a partner and owner of Impero Wine Distributors Tennessee, a company dedicated to importing and distributing quality Italian wines to restaurants, wine shops, and retailers throughout the state.
Starting from zero in a new country wasn’t easy. Every day meant introducing myself to new customers, earning their trust, and competing with established distributors. I spent countless hours driving across Tennessee, visiting restaurants and wine stores, presenting wines, organizing tastings, and sharing the stories behind each winery.
My philosophy has always been simple: people don’t just buy wine—they buy relationships, passion, and trust. I believe that every bottle has a story, and every customer deserves honest service and personal attention.
Building Impero Wine Distributors Tennessee has been both challenging and rewarding. It has allowed me to combine my Italian heritage with my American life, creating a business that connects the traditions of Italian winemaking with customers throughout Tennessee.
Today, I continue to grow the business one relationship at a time, proud to represent authentic Italian wines and to share a small piece of Italy with every customer I meet.
My Sports Journey:
My passion for sports began in 1978 in Rome, Italy, when I started playing baseball. What began as a childhood hobby quickly became an important part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and determination.
After nearly 15 years in baseball, I discovered fast-pitch softball and immediately fell in love with the sport. That decision changed my athletic career forever.
Over the following years, I had the honor of competing at the highest levels of Italian and European softball. My career was filled with unforgettable experiences and achievements, including three Italian Championships, one European Championship, and the prestigious Bronze Medal of Sporting Merit awarded by CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee.
Beyond the championships, I competed in countless tournaments throughout Italy and across Europe, representing my teams with pride and building lifelong friendships through sport. Every game, every victory, and every challenge helped shape the person I am today.
After more than three decades dedicated to baseball and fast-pitch softball, I retired from competition in 2014. Although my playing career came to an end, the values the sport gave me commitment, perseverance, leadership, and passion—continue to guide me in every aspect of my life and career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenge always drive my life and I love it….Move to US after 50 years old was the most my greatest challenge!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have over 35 years of experience in sales, business development, and distribution. I began my career as a dental technician in Rome, Italy, before moving into the consumer goods industry with Unilever, where I managed a successful sales team. I later expanded my experience with Red Bull, Carlsberg, and a marketing company, holding leadership roles focused on sales strategy, customer relationships, and business growth.
Today, I am the owner of Impero Wine Distributors Tennessee, where I specialize in introducing high-quality Italian wines to restaurants, retailers, and wine professionals throughout Tennessee. My passion is building strong, long-term partnerships by understanding each customer’s needs and delivering exceptional service.
What sets me apart is my international experience, having worked across Italy and now in the United States. I combine European wine knowledge with decades of sales and management expertise
I am also 2 level WSET certified.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is building meaningful relationships, earning trust, and making a positive impact on the people I work with. Throughout my career from competing at the highest levels of softball in Europe to leading sales teams and building a wine distribution business in Tennessee I have learned that success is not measured only by results, but by integrity, teamwork, and the lasting connections you create. I believe in working hard, continuously learning, and helping others succeed. These values have guided every step of my journey and continue to motivate me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imperowinedistributors.com
- Instagram: @imperowine_tn
- Facebook: Impero Wine Tennessee
