From 1985 to 1986 Rafaella was employed at Banfi, based in Montalcino, as an interpreter and tour guide. She also organized private VIP tours of the estate and tastings for smaller professional groups. From 1986 to 1989 she was the secretary and manager exports at Il Greppo – Biondi Santi, the iconic estate owned by the family that pioneered the Brunello di Montalcino. During this period she also actively participated in the making of the Centennial of Brunello, an event that involved the whole district of Montalcino. From 1990 to 1994 she served as the owner and manager of the Enoteca Ars Bibendi, a wine store located in the main square of Montalcino. Through this experience she learned in depth the various aspects of Italian wines beyond Tuscany. She also organized private tasting for customers and wine writers. After that, she found herself freelancing for several wine estates in Montalcino such as Biondi Santi, Mastrojanni, Poggioni, and the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino during events such as Benvenuto Brunello, the yearly weekend presentation of new vintages. She now is at Fattoria dei Barbi, initially serving as Marketing and Hospitality Manager and now as a Export Director for the past 20 years. She travels extensively to promote and sell the wines of Fattoria dei Barbi. When in Montalcino she particularly hosts tastings and tour of the property for selected groups of customers and wine writers.