My Background

I was born and raised in Suvereto, a beautiful, unspoilt medieval village on the coast of Tuscany, Italy.
In 1996, I graduated with a degree in Hotel and Tourism management at the University of Economics in Florence, followed by an MBA in Hospitality Management at Brighton University (UK).

During my studies and after graduation, I worked as an F&B manager in several luxury hotel chains including Westin Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, and Kempinski Hotels in the United States, England, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

I speak English, French and German fluently.

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From luxury tourism to the wine world

Italian wine and food expertise

I began my career in the world of wine in 1999 when, at the age of 26, I founded Fufluns, a travel boutique concierge company specialized in customized wine tours in Tuscany and other regions of Italy for both wine professional and wine enthusiasts.

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Global vision of the wine business

After attending a number of tastings and trips in different wine countries I got the wine bug and I earned a degree in 2001 at Le Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (France).
Two years later, I enrolled in the WSET program. After a period of long, intense studies between Tuscany and London, I completed the WSET Diploma in 2006, which is considered one of the pinnacles of professional wine qualifications.

”...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 12 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

My life in the world of wine

Sharing wine experiences with wine lovers and professionals alike

Writing

As an independent wine writer, I have developed partnerships with various wine magazines, the longest ongoing partnership is with Il Corriere Vinicolo, a trade wine review in Italy. Contributor for Decanter. Contributor of the International quarterly edition Wine World Magazine. Contributor of the Wine Tourism Mag. Contributor for Liz Palmer wine site . Contributor for The beauty of the wine . Contributor for Wine Channel 19youbau in China .
Thanks to my writing activity, I have been admitted as a permanent member of the Circle of Wine Writers (CWW) and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers (FIJEV). These highly respected professional associations include the majority of the most famous wine writers in the world.
My personal blog Tales Behind the wine

Judging

I have been fortunate to judge wines in France, Italy, Germany and UK in wine contests such as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Mondial des Vins Extrêmes.
That has helped me to established deep working relationships with regional vignerons and winemaker associations.

Education

The communication of wine is very important, and I have several rewarding roles that permit me to give back to the wine industry. In 2009, I also specialized in wine education.
Having a WSET diploma allows me to teach private or corporate courses in partnership with different APP (Approved Program Provider) all throughout Italy. The WSET wine courses offer professional certification to students from the most internationally recognized institute in the world. Educator at the Masters in Hospitallity directed by the Sole24ore Business school and by various wine consortia.

Wine Trade

Over the years, it has been my privilege work with some of the most talented and knowledgeable people in the global wine industry – from retailers and top scientists to passionate wine growers and enthusiastic consumers. Specifically, in 2008 I was involved in the launch in Italy of Les Caves de Pyrene, a leading importer, agent, distributor and retailer of natural wines around the world from UK.
That’s gave me a comprehensive knowledge and vast experience for development of the overall marketing strategy, guidance on branding, packaging and pricing for wines.

Clients

I have worked with many Fine Wine companies & private clients throughout my career as Wine Tour organizer, educational consultant, press & trade road show tours leader, Fine Italian wine advisor

Fine Vintage Ltd / James Cluer MW

(Canada)

The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle

(Scotland)

The WineSellar and Brasserie San Diego

(USA)

Copa Di Vino

(USA)

Wine & Co Consultancy

(Singapore)

Festa Online Wine Magazine/Ningbo Mei

(Hong Kong)

McCaine Wine Distribution

(Hong Kong)

Casa del Vino, Wine Bar & Restaurant/ KP Eun

(South Korea)

Burgundy School of Wine & Spirit Business

(France)

Alko Monopoly

(Finland)

Munskänkarna

(Sweden)

Degustadores Sem Fronteiras

(Brasil)

Wset London/Chianti Classico Consorzio

(UK/Italy)

Les Caves de Pyrene Ltd

(UK)

Bacchus-Engstringen Weinclub

(Switzerland)

Garibaldi Wein GmbH Wine Distribution

(Germany)

Clients and Partners Testimonials

Download some of my articles here…

Press archive

”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!