The internationally acclaimed bar professional will join the award winning Italian vodka brand.

London, August 2026: Altamura Distilleries has appointed internationally acclaimed bar professional Lucia Montanelli as its new Head of Luxury Hospitality, strengthening the Italian vodka brand’s relationships with the world’s leading hotels, bars and hospitality professionals.

Lucia will join Altamura Distilleries Lucia will join Altamura Distilleries as Head of Luxury Hospitality from 1st September, working with the brand on a part time basis while continuing her role as Bar Manager at Vesper Bar at The Dorchester. Her appointment brings together a celebrated luxury hospitality professional and an Italian brand united by a shared commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship and service.

As Official Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, Altamura Distilleries is building a growing presence within international luxury hospitality. Lucia will work alongside Head of Brand Lorenzo Di Cola and the wider international team to lead the brand’s engagement with the global hotel community.

Her role will include developing premium on trade partnerships, creating luxury hospitality experiences, delivering education and masterclasses, and representing Altamura Distilleries Vodka at selected international events. She will also help ensure that service, education and genuine hospitality remain central to the brand’s global growth.

Lucia began her hospitality career in Viareggio, Italy, before working in Florence and moving to London. After an initial position at a five star hotel in St James’s, she joined The Dorchester in a floor based role and progressed through the ranks to bartender, senior bartender and head mixologist. She has led Vesper Bar as Bar Manager for the past three years.

Her career spans more than 20 years and encompasses high volume venues and world renowned luxury hotel bars. Alongside her cocktail expertise, she has built an international reputation for operational leadership, training, mentoring and the consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.

Lucia’s competition achievements include winning the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild National Cocktail Competition in 2015. She subsequently represented the UK at the IBA World Cocktail Championships in Tokyo, winning Gold in the Sparkling category and Bronze overall against competitors from more than 60 countries. In 2019, she won the global Beluga Signature Competition, adding to numerous awards secured across European, Italian and UK competitions.

Lucia is also an established educator and industry advocate. She delivers seminars and masterclasses, judges international bartending and spirits competitions, and mentors emerging talent. She has been involved with the Ada Coleman Project since its early development.
Frank Grillo, Co-founder of Altamura Distilleries, said: “Lucia represents everything Altamura stands for: Italian heritage, world class craftsmanship, uncompromising quality and an instinctive understanding of exceptional hospitality.

“Her journey from Viareggio to leading Vesper Bar at The Dorchester is remarkable. She has earned an international reputation not only as an outstanding bartender, but as a leader, educator and mentor. As Official Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, we are building meaningful relationships with the people and venues shaping luxury hospitality. Lucia’s experience and understanding of the international hotel community will be invaluable as we introduce Altamura Vodka to more exceptional destinations around the world.”

Lucia Montanelli, incoming Head of Luxury Hospitality at Altamura Distilleries, added: “Altamura Distilleries Vodka’s authentic connection to Italy and its commitment to quality, detail and service align perfectly with my approach to luxury hospitality. I look forward to supporting the brand’s international growth, creating memorable experiences and building lasting relationships across the global hospitality community.”

Lucia’s appointment forms part of Altamura Distilleries’ continued investment in its international team and its ambition to become a defining vodka within global luxury hospitality.