Roberto De Jesús
The Golden Vines® Advisory Board Member
Roberto De Jesús is a successful entrepreneur and wine enthusiast with a global vision of the limitless potential of human beings to transform themselves and the world. His life’s passion and vocation center on education and health, particularly mental health, which he considers fundamental pillars for driving social change at all levels. As a psychologist, researcher, educator, and businessman, Roberto has developed and owns multiple successful companies in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Over the past 27 years, his work has positively impacted individuals, families, communities, nonprofit organizations, private companies, and government entities.
Through his businesses, Roberto provides services both in the private and public sectors, maintaining a close relationship with the government of the U.S.A where it has among its clients the government agencies of education, health, family, housing, and corrections, among others. These initiatives have enabled him to effectively manage hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, benefiting vulnerable populations and promoting community well-being.
Aware of the importance of serving those in need, Roberto has collaborated with numerous social causes and nonprofit entities, serving as a board member for various organizations supporting programs focused on preventing child abuse, drug abuse, special education, and cancer treatment, among others. As a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), he has leveraged his platform to promote innovative solutions that contribute to the economic and social development of communities.
Passion for Wine and Oenology
Parallel to his professional impact, Roberto has cultivated a deep passion for wine, becoming a connoisseur, collector, and promoter of wine culture. His passion for wine began many years ago during a private tasting in Paris, where he was captivated by the craftsmanship and history behind every bottle he tasted, and it deepened after visiting many renowned vineyards, where he witnessed the artistry of winemaking firsthand.
He has participated in and supports iconic events such as Hospices de Beaune, Golden Vines, Francs de Pied, and Auction Napa Valley, among others. These events celebrate both tradition and innovation in the world of wine, allowing him to build a strong network with experts and leaders in the industry.
His interest in oenology has led him to explore the most prestigious wine regions and emerging ones worldwide, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Mendoza, Italian and Spanish regions, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, as well as emerging regions like Virginia and Azerbaijan. During these experiences, Roberto has learned directly from winemakers and vineyard owners, strengthening his technical and cultural knowledge of wine. These connections have also solidified his commitment to promoting wine as a cultural expression that transcends borders and connects people. For Roberto, wine is not just a passion but also a tool for building connections, celebrating special moments, and leaving a meaningful legacy in both his professional and personal life.
As a lover of fine living and an entrepreneurial spirit, Roberto has also made multiple investments in real estate and the restaurant industry, seeking to create unique experiences that combine haute cuisine and quality wine. This approach has allowed him to explore how oenology can serve as a bridge between cultures, eras, and identities.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Roberto is a man of traditional values whose international exposure from an early age has allowed him to develop a great appreciation for diversity. He enjoys golf, travel, and expeditions, highlighting his greatest achievement as having reached the Geographic South Pole in Antarctica. Inspired by this experience, he is now planning a new expedition to the Geographic North Pole.
Roberto dedicates much of his time to his family, which consists of his wife Ivelisse and his children, Roberto Ignacio and Isabella Estefanía, who reside with him in Washington, D.C.