I’ve always found it a bit difficult to write about myself in the usual “About” section. So when my friend Anna — a professional journalist — offered to interview me instead, I immediately said yes.
It felt much more natural and honest.
Here’s our conversation, exactly as it happened.
Q: Who are you without all the titles — sommelier, consultant, advisor?
A: First and foremost, I’m a person who deeply values the simple, genuine things in life: my family, meaningful work, nature, wine, gastronomy, culture, and traditions. That’s my foundation. Everything else grows from there.
Q: You often speak about the importance of culture, traditions, and the way life feels. How did you come to value these things so much?
A: I grew up in a family that encouraged curiosity and continuous learning. Over the years, my work and travels allowed me to experience very different ways of living and to meet people from all over the world. I’ve explored countries across Asia and the Americas, and now I live in Europe. Italy, in particular, has become deeply resonant for me — its culture, traditions, and even the natural rhythm of daily life feel profoundly natural and right. After so many years here, it truly feels like home.
Q: Your journey has been shaped by many different experiences. How have your studies and life experiences influenced the way you approach wine, food, and culture today?
A: I began with a law degree, which my family encouraged, and later studied marketing — both have proven surprisingly useful when navigating regulations and creating meaningful connections. My passion for culinary arts, especially pastry, led me to various pop-up projects, while my wine journey started with dedicated self-study and deepened significantly after moving to Europe.
I fulfilled a promise to myself by studying at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, where the Slow Food philosophy resonates with me deeply. Along the way, I earned my WSET certification and continue to pursue further international and Italian qualifications while staying actively involved in the professional wine community.
What truly shapes my approach today, however, is the daily practice: tasting, traveling, meeting producers, and constantly refining my expertise through hands-on work. All these threads blend into a thoughtful perspective rooted in genuine love for food, wine, and living traditions.
Q: There are many wine guides and influencers today. How do you approach your clients differently, and what guides your work in sharing wine, food, and culture?
A: I’m not a blogger. My work is rooted in years of hands-on experience, broad education, and a sincere curiosity about food, wine, and culture. I enjoy guiding both private clients and businesses, as well as creative projects, helping them discover thoughtful, authentic experiences that are genuinely connected to the people, traditions, and land behind them.
I aim to open new perspectives — showing how a mindful and respectful approach to wine and gastronomy can be lived meaningfully today. The goal is always to spark curiosity and a deeper appreciation, so that every experience creates a lasting impression and a real sense of connection to the craft, the culture, and the people who create it.
Q: In an industry full of recommendations and trends, how do you ensure your guidance remains honest and independent?
A: Becoming an independent specialist has been a long journey, and it’s one I continue every single day. The world keeps changing, so staying relevant means constantly learning and refining my perspective. My marketing background helps me distinguish between fleeting trends and those with real, lasting value. All my decisions are made thoughtfully and responsibly by me alone. Should that ever change, I would be completely transparent — both with my clients and with myself.
Q: With all the trends and tools available today, some say AI might guide people in wine and gastronomy. Do you see it replacing a human expert?
A: AI can provide all the theoretical data in the world, but it will never taste, feel, or explain the experience the way a human can. That part belongs entirely to us — and honestly, that’s where the real joy lies.
Q: What makes a collaboration especially meaningful or enjoyable for you?
A: I love working with people who share a sense of genuine curiosity and care, and who want to create experiences and connections in a meaningful way. It’s about building something enjoyable and lasting for everyone involved — whether in private projects, business collaborations, or creative ventures.
Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
A: The greatest joy comes from sharing knowledge and creating moments that truly matter. When I can help someone see, taste, or experience something more deeply — or connect people and ideas in ways that leave a lasting impression — that quiet but real feeling of connection is what makes all the effort worthwhile.
Thank You!