CEO Profile
Federico Fanelli
Founder & Representative Director, Swirl K.K. ｜ Wine buyer
A few words
It started in childhood, when my father took me through the wineries of Piedmont. He bought wine straight from the makers by measure and bottled it himself at home. The smell of the vineyards, the conversations in front of the barrels, the family story held inside a single bottle. All of those memories live on in Swirl today.
Swirl is a wine importer built on one idea: I personally travel to small, family-run wineries around the world, taste on site, and bring back only the bottles that genuinely move me, delivered straight to your table in Japan. Every bottle arrives with the maker's story attached.
Journey
- 2015Expo 2015 Milan, Wine Pavilion: managed a tasting library of 1,300+ labels and introduced Italian wine to visitors from Japan.
- 2017–2021Alcotrade Trust Inc., Italian wine sales: opened 100+ new accounts across all 23 Tokyo wards in 18 months, then led the Italian wine team and sales training.
- 2021Founded Swirl K.K. and became Representative Director, importing directly from Italy, France and the United States.
- 2024–Board Member, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan, working as a bridge between the Italian and Japanese business communities.
Track record
In summer 2024, Swirl supplied wine for the on-board shop during the Japan port call of the Italian Navy training ship Amerigo Vespucci, hosting dignitaries up to Italy's Minister of Defense. Swirl also supported Italian regional governments at Expo 2025 Osaka.
What matters to me
I hold an LL.B. in Law from the University of Milan (thesis on wine import regulations) and a WSET Level 2 Award. Law, business and hands-on field experience together are what let me take responsibility for every step, from the vineyard to your door. When I am not on the road visiting growers, you will find me pouring at tastings and meeting customers face to face. Every recommendation here comes from someone who has stood in the vineyard.
