Neil is a Kiwi whose family cultivated some of the first vineyards in Marlborough, and Maria is an artist that studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. Both were mesmerized by the beauty and craftsmanship found in Italy’s art and cars. During a trip to Milan, the couple realized this passion extended to the country’s winemaking.

Maria and Neil Empson were captivated by the rich agriculture of this unspoiled land.  It became their mission to expose the world to the unique wines that Italy had been crafting for centuries.

Neil and Maria were pioneers when they began importing Italian wines into the United States in 1971 and subsequently founded their US company in 1991. Today, Empson USA represents wineries from Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Spain and has recently entered the domestic market, with the addition of a winery from Oregon.  Empson USA is focused on expanding its portfolio, with the aim to include many more exciting winemaking regions, both domestic and international.

The Empson’s focused on creating relationships with boutique producers that emphasized excellence and value. It was a leap of faith that became a relationship of mutual esteem and trust, which with time, blossomed into friendship. For nearly 50 years, Neil and Maria, along with their daughter Tara, are still at the forefront of the wine industry and have since expanded their reach across the globe exporting fine wine to over 35 countries.

Tara is now eager to live up to her parents’ legacy by investing in better ways to strengthen the Empson business model while expanding the company’s global footprint.