Biographies

Fabrice BERNARD
President & CEO

Fabrice Bernard is President & CEO of Millesima and a recognized figure in the Bordeaux fine wine trade. At the helm of the family business since 2016, he combines an in-depth knowledge of Bordeaux's leading wine estates with a strategic understanding of the forces shaping the fine wine market.

Fabrice joined Millesima in 2007 as Marketing Manager, following several years of experience in sales and marketing with the Renault Group and Nissan Finance in France and the Netherlands. He became Managing Director in 2012 and CEO in 2016. Following the retirement of his father and Millesima founder, Patrick Bernard, in 2017, he took over the company's leadership as sole director.

Through his close and ongoing relationships with many of the world's leading wine estates, Fabrice has developed a deep knowledge of producers and of the Bordeaux négociant trade. He is actively involved in professional industry organizations and contributes to discussions and initiatives shaping the future of the fine wine market.

His perspective combines first-hand knowledge of producers and the Bordeaux market with a strategic understanding of the sector's evolution. Always looking ahead, Fabrice is particularly passionate about new technologies and their potential to transform the wine industry. His forward-thinking approach continues to drive Millesima's development, combining the heritage of a family-owned Bordeaux négociant with an ambitious and innovative outlook.

Fabrice is available to comment on Bordeaux and the négociant trade, the fine wine market, relationships between producers and merchants, industry trends, innovation and new technologies, the future of wine, as well as other wine-related topics.

Hortense Bernard
Marketing & Commercial Director

Hortense Bernard is Marketing & Commercial Director at Millesima, where she oversees the company's brand and commercial development in France and internationally. With particular expertise in the US fine wine market, she brings a cross-functional perspective that connects consumer insight, brand strategy and commercial growth.

Hortense began her career in the Wine & Spirits industry with Moët Hennessy Diageo, working in brand management and communications before joining her family's business. In 2010, she became General Manager of Millesima USA and played a key role in developing the company's online strategy and strengthening its retail presence in New York City.

Her experience in the US market has given her a detailed understanding of American wine consumers and the dynamics of one of the world's most important fine wine markets. Today, her role spans both brand and commercial strategy, allowing her to connect changing customer expectations with business development and to identify emerging opportunities across key international markets.

Based in Bordeaux, Hortense closely follows the evolution of the fine wine industry, with a particular focus on consumer behavior, market dynamics, brand positioning and the changing landscape of wine retail. Her broad perspective enables her to bring together local expertise and an international outlook in a rapidly evolving market.

Hortense is available to comment on the US fine wine market, changing consumer expectations, wine retail, international market trends, brand and commercial strategy, and the future of the fine wine industry, as well as other wine-related topics.

Fabrizio GERMANO
General Manager, Millesima USA

Hailing from the picturesque town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, Fabrizio Germano cultivated a profound passion for wine during his formative years. This led him to attain the esteemed titles of Sommelier and Wine-Tasting Expert through the renowned Associazione Italiana Sommelier. After completing his studies in Trade and Economics, Fabrizio embarked on a remarkable two-decade journey within the echelons of European fashion leadership, assuming pivotal roles within Supply Chain and Operations for fashion groups like Miroglio Group in France.

In 2015, he made a transition to the United States, joining the prestigious Eataly Group and acquiring significant experience in the dynamic food and hospitality industries. Fabrizio's trajectory in the US continued as General Manager at the iconic New York Downtown store, and he subsequently ascended to a corporate position, overseeing all Eataly stores across North America.

In this capacity, he served as the Director of Indirect Procurement and Facilities, contributing to the seamless operation and strategic growth of the esteemed brand. In 2023, Fabrizio joined Millesima USA, the American branch of Bordeaux-based Millesima SA, as General Manager, where he is managing the e-commerce and retail operations of the leading fine wine retailer with enthusiasm and dedication.

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