Virna represents the latest generation of the Borgogno family and after completing her studies in enology at the winemaking school in Alba in 1988, she joined her father Lodovico in the running of the family farm, and three years later she became the first woman in winemaking techniques from Turin University. In 1996 she married Giovanni Abrigo, who looks after the vineyards and the viticultural side of the estate. Together they also run Azienda Agricola Orlando Abrigo in Treiso, which produces Barbaresco and some interesting white wines.

In 2001 the company image was given a facelift, with the introduction of the Virna logo on the label. This also identified the fact that Virna had become proprietor and head winemaker, and - with her sister Ivana helping out on the bureaucratic and tax side of the business - the new look set out to highlight the role played by the women in the company, and in particular the fact that behind the wines were people who were investing all their "know-how" and commitment.