Irina Mihailenko DipWSET, MW Candidate S1 and Head of Education at TWA®. Originally from Latvia and based in Italy for over 30 years, I worked as a food and wine consultant for over twenty years. I am a professional sommelier of two Italian associations, AIS and FISAR, DipWSET (WSET L4 Diploma in Wines, London School), Valpolicella Wine Specialist, Wine Judge, Official Port, Sherry, Madeira and Cava Educator, Langhe Wines Ambassador, Spanish Wine Specialist, SSA Certified Sake Sommelier and Rice Sommelier.

I’m a founder and project manager at Tooscans® e-commerce dedicated mainly to Tuscan products, with offline distribution. I created the Sparkling Life website, which is published in three languages and focuses on Italian food and wine excellence. I also deal with consulting and communication, digital mktg & branding strategy. I speak Italian, English, Latvian, and Russian.
Find out more: Irina Mihailenko DipWSET

Chiara Sieni DipWSET. Italian by birth I have lived in London for 13 years now, where my passion for wine began and where I earned my French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar cerificates with West London Wine School. While the WSET Diploma brought me closer to different aspects of the wine industry, also making me passionate about Branding and Marketing.

I am a Wine Judge and Ambassador for London Competitions, Langhe Wines Ambassador and Valpolicella Wine Specialist. I work in London for an APP – Amathus- where I will soon begin my role as an Educator. I am also a freelancer for a small Italian wine distribution company, Dolce Vita, and work part-time at Decanter, where I have performed numerous roles, from preparing The Wines for the Decanter World Wine Awards competition to verifying The Wines that won gold medals and recently to consolidating the ratings on the wines themselves.
LinkedIn: Chiara Sieni DipWSET

Valeria Tenison DipWSET, MW S2 TO candidate. I am based in Bordeaux, precisely in a small village next to Saint-Emilion, running a boutique export company A la volée Int. and writing for several esteemed wine publications, including Jane Anson’s Inside Bordeaux, Decanter and VertdeVin.

The journey into the world of wine began during my university tenure, as I immersed myself in the hospitality sector. Post-graduation, I embarked on a career with a renowned French hotel chain, honing my skills in restaurant management over the course of more than a decade. However, my passion for wine ultimately beckoned, leading me to relocate to France in 2018 to pursue a Master’s in Wine Tourism Innovation at the University of Bordeaux. In 2021, I obtained the WSET Diploma, swiftly followed by enrollment in the rigorous Master of Wine program, where she is currently a Stage 2 Theory-only candidate, having passed the practical exam at my first attempt in 2024.
LinkedIn: Valeria Tenison DipWSET

Alexandra Vasilenko DipWSET. I lived in London for 12 years, where I built my career in Asset Management and Financial Services, working for some of the most prominent wealth management firms. Before that, I specialised in Marketing and Business Development in the tech sector. After moving to Rome 6 years ago, my passion for wine and viticulture took concrete shape. In 2024, I obtained the WSET Level 4 Diploma with Merit. As a Valpolicella Wine Specialist, I have already had the opportunity to share my curiosity and knowledge of wine with others.

I speak 4 languages fluently: English, Italian, French, and Russian. I hold a degree in International Public Relations and Journalism and am a CFA Charterholder, with a solid understanding of the financial and investment world. This has helped me develop an analytical, international perspective that enriches my approach to wine education.
LinkedIn: Alexandra Vasilenko DipWSET

Julija Della Balda, Dr. in Psychological Science and Techniques. Coach in memorization techniques and NLP Practitioner. I am an entrepreneur with almost 30 years of experience, and I am passionate about start-ups, as I love to bring new ideas to life. Eight years ago, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and Techniques and later completed a Master’s degree in Coaching. I help people in their personal growth, using techniques and tools that I have learned in my extensive course of study. I speak Italian, English, Russian and Latvian.

In just a few performance coaching sessions, I will teach you memorization techniques that will enable you to learn large amounts of material very quickly and with extraordinary ease. Studying will no longer be a problem, as we will find together the best strategy for your needs. You will save valuable time, and studying will no longer be a source of stress. These techniques have already helped hundreds of people, and you can apply them immediately, right after the first session. Don’t waste your precious time!
LinkedIn: Julia della Balda

Anya Gariboldi DipWSET. Passionate sommelier with a love for fine wines. Born in Moscow, I spent a decade in Dublin before making Milan my home for the past 15 years. I hold a FISAR Sommelier qualification and WSET Level 3 in Milan, and I completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines in London. Specialised in fortified wines and Burgundy wines, I can teach in English, Italian, and Russian. With a blend of cultural experiences and expertise, I bring a unique perspective to the wine world, always eager to share the artistry and complexity behind every bottle.
YouTube channel: Anya Gariboldi

Elena Francia DipWSET, MW Candidate S1. I have ten years of experience in the wine business, I am a sommelier AIS, WSET Diploma holder and WSET Educator. Originally from Piedmont, I studied economics and business in Germany and have international experience in sales in the aeronautical and space sectors. I speak five languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish) and I lived abroad for sixteen years between Germany and France. Since 2014, I have fallen in love with the world of wine. I live and work in Alto Adige, at Castel Sallegg, with past roles in marketing and currently in sales. I am also a member of technical tasting groups with university training centres and a wine judge.
LinkedIn: Elena Francia, DipWSET

Mihaela Cojocaru DipWSET. Export coach, wine broker and WSET Educator, lecturer in export and digital marketing at the Italian Food Academy and Methodus Informatica and Edotto. With more than 17 years of experience in the wine industry, I am a wine and marketing expert, DipWSET, AIS Sommelier, judge in various competitions and collaborate with “The Wines of the Heart” Guide. I speak Italian, English and Romanian.

Through my “SoMe Wine” podcast and blog, I share the experiences of industry experts, helping readers understand the challenges and passions related to the world of wine. I am proud to have achieved 4th place in Feed Spot’s ranking for “Italian Wine Podcasts.” I firmly believe that acquiring the right skills can make all the difference in reaching new clients and achieving the desired success.
LinkedIn: Mihaela Cojocaru DipWSET

Riccardo Margheri, FISAR Official Educator and Certified Port Educator. Sommelier, educator, author of numerous web and print publications articles, and a former collaborator of the Guida Vini d’Italia by L’Espresso. He is currently responsible for Tuscany for the Guida Vini Buoni d’Italia. Riccardo conducts seminars for several consortia (Chianti Classico, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Montecucco, Soave) in Italy and abroad. He also judges in national and international wine competitions and organises wine tours.

“For about twenty years, I’ve had a glass in hand for various reasons, among which, fortunately, personal pleasure is never missing. Every glass poses a question, and I surely learn something even if I can’t answer it. I never miss an opportunity to explore everything from the enological elsewhere, but Tuscan wines will always be in my heart.”
LinkedIn: Riccardo Margheri

Davide Buongiorno DipWSET and Certified Educator WSET, ASPI, with AIS diploma and 15 years of experience in Michelin restaurants, during which I contributed to obtaining the second star at Met in Venice and one in Jersey, UK, just 4 months after opening. I was 1st Best Sommelier of Veneto and Monteregio in 2010, semifinalist at Best Sommelier of Italy from 2010 to 2018. I received two Wine Spectator Awards (2016-2019) and the award for Best Wine List for Trento Doc & Brunello. Judge for international competitions such as Decanter DWWA, Civiltà del Bere, 5 Stars Wine, and Cervim Vins Extrêmes. Brand Ambassador for Clos & Monopole fine wine merchant and Rcork, specializing in natural corks. I actively collaborate with associations, consortia, producers, and restaurants. In my free time, you can find me at extreme metal concerts or traveling to remote areas with a backpack.
LinkedIn: Davide Buongiorno DipWSET

Marino Macciò, Magister Doctor of Law. I was born in Tuscany and have always lived here. Part of my family is originally from Friuli, and this perfect mix of lands of food and wine lovers has left an indelible imprint on me. I have always worked in the construction industry and hold a Master’s Degree in Law. I speak Italian and English.

In addition to my own activities, which include consultancy in the construction sector and managing an e-commerce business focused on food and wine products, I specialise in providing legal services for companies and legal aspects in marketing. I am a curious person, passionate about politics, history and culture. Years ago, I began to learn more about the world of food and wine, and sometimes, I enjoy writing down some of my thoughts and experiences.
LinkedIn: Marino Macciò