My Vision
My lifework is to elevate the understanding and appreciation of Italian wine and territories by sharing expert knowledge, exclusive insights, and unique wine experiences, enriching the global wine community's perception of Italy's vinicultural wealth, and fostering the exploration of Italy’s varied wine destinations.
I AM FERVENT ADVOCATE FOR ITALIAN WINE CULTURE
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My Early Wine Journey
Born and raised in the beautiful village of Suvereto, Tuscany, I have spent my career as a wine travel expert, writer, and founder and CEO of Fufluns Wine Tours.
My journey started in 1996, when I received my degree in Hotel and Tourism Management from the University of Economics in Florence, followed by an MBA in Hospitality Management from Brighton University, UK. Upon graduation, I worked as an F&B Manager in several luxury hotel chains, but transitioned his career into wine following several life changing tastings and trips to leading wine producing regions around the world.
It wasn’t long before I immersed myself into the world of wine, earning a degree from Le Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, France in 2001. In 2006, I went on to earn the prestigious WSET Diploma, becoming the first Italian to achieve this renowned distinction.
Wine Travel
In 1999, I founded my travel concierge company, Fufluns, specializing in customized wine tours throughout Italy. As the first luxury tour company focused solely on Italian wine travel, I am honored that Fufluns remains a trusted leader in wine tourism in Italy, shining a light on the country’s rich wine heritage through personalized, bespoke tours designed for both wine professionals and wine enthusiasts.
Wine Writing
Through my work as an independent wine writer, I contribute to several esteemed publications, including Liz Palmer’s site and The Beauty of the Wine in Canada, Wine Channel in China, Vinum in Croatia, and Decanter. I also write for my personal blog, Tales Behind the Wine, where I offer extensive insights into Italy’s wine heritage. I am a proud member of the Circle of Wine Writers and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers.
Judging and Trade
I have been fortunate to judge wines in France, Italy, Germany, and the U.K. in wine contests such as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Mondial des Vins Extrêmes. That has helped me to establish deep working relationships with regional vignerons and winemaker associations, and expand my network of people in the wine trade.
”...I was so honored to have achieved such a great result. Being one of the very few people in Italy to have a WSET Diploma. That was the beginning of a deeper involvement in the global business of wine.
Over the last 15 years I have been contracted by a host of different corporations to perform consultancy services such as wine buying, training, public speaking, wine writing and judging.
Courtesy of Ornellaia — Credits: Paolo Woods
”Writing about wine is the fascinating art of translating what your senses feel into ink,
while trying to keep the mind unbiased. That is the playfully challenging attitude I enjoy when tasting and writing about wine, it is really amusing and, you never know where you will end up. What is sure, given the increasing requests, is that my readers and editors, appreciate the results of this unusual approach!