One on One: Recent Episodes
A Table For Two
Every week, One On One dives into the world of Food and Wine through the eyes and experience of my guests. In each episode, you will discover their journey, what matters to them, the challenges they have faced, and how the world of food and wine is evolving.
Photo: Greg Demarque / @gregdemarque
In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Channa Galhenage, founder of Loustic Café, Paris, France.SPECIAL GUEST BIOAfter having opened one of France’s first wave of specialty coffee shops in Paris and in Marseille, Channa Galhenage has sold his coffee businesses, kept the name Loustic, and is pivoting the brand into a specialty wine bar project in Paris that, hopefully should see the day (or night) in 2025. Following a sommelier course taken in 2021 with Willy Kiezer of ’Ni Bu Ni Connu’ (an excellent French reference for biodynamic wine), he is currently pestering clients in two Paris wine bars, learning the craft, and staving off the temptation to drink wine during service.Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Twitter :https://twitter.com/_atablefortwo_--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/table42podcast/message
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Douglas McMaster, Chef, Silo, London. UK
SPECIAL GUEST BIO Douglas began his career in 2003 at Winteringham Fields, a then two Michelin-starred restaurant. From there, he moved to London to work at Fergus Henderson’s ST. JOHN, which he credits as forming the foundation of his career. Following ST. JOHN, Douglas spent the next 2 years doing stages at dozens of different restaurants around the world in restaurants including Heston Blumenthal’s renowned The Fat Duck and two Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen.
In 2011, Douglas launched pop-up restaurant, Wasted, in Sydney and Melbourne, successfully testing his zero-waste concept by serving food that would have otherwise been wasted in the name of fine dining.
Douglas returned to the UK and motivated by the goal to create the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, opened Silo in Brighton in 2014 at the age of 26. With produce delivered ‘package free’, flour milled on site and compost machines turning scraps and trimmings into compost, Silo achieved its zero-waste goal. In October 2019, Douglas moved Silo to The White Building in London in a partnership with CRATE Brewery.
Throughout his career, Douglas has picked up numerous awards and accolades; in 2014 he won the ‘BBC Young Chef of the Year Award’ followed by ‘Britain’s Most Innovative Chef’ at the first Young British Foodie awards. Just two years after opening, Silo won the prestigious Observer Food Monthly Award for ‘Britain’s Most Ethical Restaurant’. In June 2018, Silo also won ‘Britain’s Most Innovative Restaurant’ award at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. Most recently, Silo has been shortlisted in the ‘World Restaurant Awards 2019’ for innovation and ethical practice.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast. You can also follow us on our different platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/_atablefortwo_
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Tanguy Martin, Chargé de plaidoyer national, Terre de Liens, France. [EN FRANÇAIS]
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Tanguy Martin milite depuis plus de 15 ans pour une agriculture écologique et la démocratie dans l’alimentation. Il travaille aujourd’hui pour Terre de Liens qui expérimente la gestion collective et écologique de terres agricoles. Il participe notamment aux collectifs Reprise de terres et Pour une sécurité sociale de l’alimentation.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
[EPISODE IN FRENCH / EPISODE EN FRANCAIS]
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Professeur Serge Hercberg, Professeur émérite de Nutrition à l’Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Serge Hercberg est à la fois Docteur en Médecine (MD) et Docteur es Sciences (PhD en épidémiologie nutritionnelle). Professeur émérite de Nutrition à l’Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Praticien Hospitalier au Département de Santé Publique de l’Hôpital Avicenne, il est à la fois un chercheur et un acteur de santé publique dans le domaine de la nutrition.
-
Chercheur, il a dirigé pendant plusieurs décennies l’Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle rattachée à l’INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) et dans ce cadre a piloté de grandes études de cohortes avec intervention (comme l’étude SUVIMAX) ou d’observation (comme la e-cohorte NutriNet-Santé)
-
Acteur de Santé publique, il a présidé pendant 17 ans, au Ministère de la Santé, le PNNS (Programme National Nutrition Santé) qui est l’ambitieuse politique nutritionnelle de Santé Publique française. Il est à l’origine de nombreuses mesures de santé publique comme la taxation des produits sucrés et édulcorés, la réglementation sur l’alimentation en milieu scolaire, l’interdiction des distributeurs de produits de snacking dans les écoles et plus récemment le déploiement du Nutri-Score sur les emballages des aliments.
Il a reçu de nombreuses distinctions, fait Docteur Honoris Causa de l’Université de Gembloux , et est l’auteur de plus de 880 publications scientifiques internationales (Indice h = 133) et de très nombreuses conférences. Il a rédigé de nombreux ouvrages dont Mange et tais-toi : un nutritionniste face au lobby agroalimentaire (Editions HumenSciences, 2022).
Photo: Terence Bikoumou
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor, of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Marion Nestle is Paulette Goddard Professor, of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, which she chaired from 1988-2003 and from which she officially retired in September 2017. She is also Visiting Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell. She earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology and an M.P.H. in public health nutrition from the University of California, Berkeley, and has been awarded honorary degrees from Transylvania University in Kentucky (2012) and from the City University of New York’s Macaulay Honors College (2016).
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Nicole Derseweh, Chef, Author and Healer, USA
Embark on a captivating and transformative journey with Nicole Derseweh, a remarkable chef, author, and healer, as she shares her extraordinary tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the profound impact of food on healing and personal empowerment. Overcoming personal challenges, Nicole immersed herself in the vibrant world of culinary artistry, uncovering the boundless potential of food as a catalyst for inner growth and nourishment.
Join Nicole as she reveals her deep connection to cooking, rooted in compassion and love, and how it guided her towards self-discovery and transformation. Delve into the profound encounters she experienced with Ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine, igniting a profound shift within her. Explore Nicole's invaluable work with the Martha Project, a non-profit initiative that has touched the lives of thousands through providing nourishing meals to the homeless in Los Angeles.
In this captivating episode, witness the intricate interplay between food, healing, and making a positive impact on others' lives. Nicole's journey inspires you to embark on your own path of self-exploration, self-love, and meaningful change. Experience the transformative potential of food as a universal language of healing and empowerment, and be empowered to create your own extraordinary story.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Nicole Derseweh is a plant-based celebrity chef, best selling author, eco-conscious activist, and spiritual healer. Her passion for food, travel, and sustainability has taken her on a journey of self-discovery, which she shares with her followers through her social media platforms and upcoming Netflix show. With her unique blend of food-themed adventure and spirituality, Nicole inspires us to live a more conscious and fulfilling life.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In this insightful new episode of the One on One podcast, host Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Special Guest Emma Banks, Vice President of Food & Beverage Strategy and Development at Hilton EMEA.
In their conversation, Emma shares her insights and experiences in the world of hospitality. From sustainable sourcing to wine culture, Emma discusses the importance of local produce, reducing carbon emissions, and creating memorable guest experiences. Discover the fascinating stories behind Hilton's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and food waste, supporting local communities and providing exceptional dining options. With topics ranging from farm-to-table initiatives to making wine more accessible and enjoyable, Emma's passion for authenticity and connection shines through. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of food, sustainability, culture, and hospitality. Tune in and be inspired by Emma's journey to transform the industry and create meaningful experiences for guests worldwide.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Based at Hilton’s MEA Regional Office in Dubai, Emma Banks is responsible for F&B strategy and development across EMEA, supporting Hilton’s trading and future pipeline of hotels.
Over the course of Emma’s career, she has seamlessly transitioned from independents to large global hospitality companies. She joined Hilton in 2019 with a mission to make the company the clear leader in food and drink. In but a short time she has made a big impact, bringing a wealth of exceptional F&B talent into the business while being actively involved in Hilton’s various diversity initiatives.
Emma recognizes the critical responsibility that F&B plays in protecting the planet and has been involved in several market-leading initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, track food waste and source ingredients locally, which was recognised at the launch of Gault & Millau in the UAE, when Emma was shortlisted as a finalist in the category of ‘Sustainability Champion Of The Year’, and most recently when she was declared the Gulfood Sustainability Professional of The Year 2023.
Emma is also a role model to women in the industry, ranking #1 in Caterer Middle East’s “2020 Women in F&B” Power List. At the end of 2020 Emma was elected a Member of the Board of Governors and Member of the Board of the Academic Committee of Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and in 2022, she was selected to be one of HSBC’s ’75 Faces of the UAE’. Most recently Emma was acknowledged with a Middle East Women Leader Award at the World Women Leadership Congress Awards Middle East, for her contribution to the promotion of empowerment and social change and she was included in the 2023 Top Women in Travel and Hospitality report by Women Leading Travel & Hospitality.
Emma holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Leeds University and lives in Dubai with her husband Jon, daughter Lily (when home from university) and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs!
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Jennifer Estevez, CEO, Consciously Planted, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Jennifer Estevez is a CEO, entrepreneur and business advisor with years of experience working in marketing, communications, food, beverage, hospitality and startups. She originally started her professional career as a sommelier, receiving her CMS Advanced Certification and sitting for her Master Sommelier Diploma. She transitioned to the world of marketing and communications by starting her own firm, OMvino, after seeing an opportunity to provide insider trade knowledge and experience to a variety of food and beverage businesses.
Jennifer delved into the startup world at the same time as she started OMvino and co-founded an online wine club app called Palate Club. Growing the two companies simultaneously gave Jennifer an opportunity to expand her skills in starting businesses, and she began to use this knowledge to advise on other emerging brands and startups. Recently, she decided to dovetail her veganism and wellness practices to her professional life and founded Consciously Planted Advisory where she focuses solely on plant-based and sustainable startup consultancy.
In her spare time she teaches yoga, meditation, breath work, while also leading wellness retreats. She is also an advocate for plant-medicine and studies martial arts.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Max La Manna, Chef, Author, UK
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Max La Manna is an award-winning chef, author and presenter. He started cooking at a young age in his father's restaurants and has worked in Michelin-starred establishments. He was named 2022 Digital Creator of The Year by Fortnum & Mason. With over 15 years of cooking experience, Max is best known for his captivating, super simple plant-based recipe videos. Max has been featured on Food Network, Guardian Feast, Vogue, The Times, and recently appeared on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. Inspired by asking his followers what their most-wasted ingredients are, his new book, "You Can Cook This!" is designed to help you champion the food you already have in your fridges and cupboards and find exciting new ways to cook the meals we crave the most.
Max lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and their 33 houseplants.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Pierre Thiam
Founder & President, Yolélé, and Founder & Executive Chef, Teranga, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Pierre Thiam is a chef, author, and social activist best known for bringing West African cuisine to the global fine dining world. He is the executive chef and co-founder of Teranga, a fine-casual food chain from New York City that introduces healthy, casual fare directly sourced from farmers in West Africa. Pierre is also the Executive Chef of the award-winning restaurant Nok by Alara in Lagos, Nigeria and the Signature Chef of the five-star Pullman Hotel in Dakar, Senegal.
His company Yolélé advocates for smallholder farmers in the Sahel by opening new markets for crops grown in Africa. The company’s signature product, Yolélé Fonio, a resilient and nutritious grain, is found in Whole Foods, Target, Amazon, and other retailers across America.
Pierre has cooked for numerous government officials including the King of Morocco, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Through his devotion to advocacy, combined with his many media appearances, he has become known as a culinary ambassador. His mission is to promote West African cooking throughout the world. His TEDTalk, given at TEDGlobal 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania, has been viewed over one million times.
He has authored three cookbooks, including: The Fonio Cookbook: An Ancient Grain Rediscovered (2019), Senegal: Modern Senegalese Recipes from the Source to the Bowl (2015), and Yolele! Recipes From the Heart of Senegal (2008). He has won numerous awards and accolades for his cooking and advocacy.
Pierre Thiam serves on the Board of Directors for IDEO, SOS Sahel, CorpsAfrica, as well as on the African Cuisine Advisory Board from the Culinary Institute of America.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Channa Galhenage, Owner Café Loustic, Paris, France.
You can listen to the first interview and discover in detail how Channa got into coffee: https://tablefortwo.co/2020/05/02/one-on-one-with-channa-galhenage/
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Channa Galhenage is the owner of Cafe Loustic, a charming cafe located in the heart of the Marais neighborhood in Paris. Born in Sri Lanka, Channa spent his formative years in the UK before moving to Paris and opening Cafe Loustic in 2013.
With a background in the hospitality industry, Channa set out to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in Cafe Loustic, one of the first-wave specialty coffee endeavours in Paris. Now in its eleventh year, the cafe has become a popular destination among locals and tourists alike, known for its cocky service (Loustic means “smart arse” in Breton) and delicious food and drinks.
Channa is passionate about coffee and takes great care in sourcing the best beans from around the world. He also puts an emphasis on sustainability, using biodegradable and compostable materials in the cafe.
In addition to running Cafe Loustic, Channa is an active member of the Paris coffee community and has been involved in organizing events and competitions for baristas. He is also a mentor to other aspiring cafe owners, sharing his expertise and knowledge of the industry.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Lidia Díaz, Presidenta Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación AECD, Salamanca, España.
En el episodio de hoy de One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra da la bienvenida a Lidia Díaz, Presidenta Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación AECD, Salamanca, España.
The podcast is in Spanish / El podcast es en español.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO / BIOGRAFÍA DE LA INVITADA ESPECIAL
[ENGLISH]
Lidia Dìaz is the president of the Spanish Association Against Depopulation (AECD), a non-profit organization focused on finding solutions to the challenges posed by depopulation in Spain. She has been actively involved in promoting policies and initiatives that aim to revitalize rural areas and combat demographic decline.
Dìaz is a recognized expert on issues related to depopulation and has spoken at numerous events and conferences on the subject. She has also collaborated with various organizations, including the European Union, to develop strategies to promote the sustainable development of rural areas.
As the President of AECD, Dìaz works closely with other organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders to identify the root causes of depopulation and develop effective solutions. She is committed to raising awareness of the issue and advocating for policies that support the revitalization of rural communities and the promotion of sustainable development.
[ESPAÑOL]
Lidia Dìaz es la presidenta de la Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación (AECD), una organización sin ánimo de lucro centrada en la búsqueda de soluciones a los retos que plantea la despoblación en España. Ha participado activamente en la promoción de políticas e iniciativas destinadas a revitalizar las zonas rurales y combatir el declive demográfico.
Dìaz es una reconocida experta en temas relacionados con la despoblación y ha intervenido en numerosos actos y conferencias sobre el tema. También ha colaborado con diversas organizaciones, entre ellas la Unión Europea, en la elaboración de estrategias para promover el desarrollo sostenible de las zonas rurales.
Como Presidenta de la AECD, Dìaz colabora estrechamente con otras organizaciones, responsables políticos y partes interesadas para identificar las causas profundas de la despoblación y desarrollar soluciones eficaces. Está comprometida con la concienciación sobre el problema y la defensa de políticas que apoyen la revitalización de las comunidades rurales y la promoción del desarrollo sostenible.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast
Gracias por escucharnos. No olvides suscribirte y seguir nuestro podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
También puede seguirnos en nuestras distintas plataformas:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, Senior Research Scientist, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, USA.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig is a Senior Research Scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the co-located Columbia University Climate School’s Center for Climate Systems Research. Dr. Rosenzweig’s specific area of expertise is climate change and food systems. At NASA GISS, she heads the Climate Impacts Group whose mission is to investigate the interactions of climate (both variability and change) on systems and sectors important to human well-being.
Dr. Rosenzweig is the co-founder and member of the Executive Committee of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP), a globally integrated transdisciplinary study of climate change and the food system at regional, national and global scales, including the participation of over 1000 leading researchers from developed and developing nations. She has developed new methods of detection and attribution of observed changes in physical and biological systems to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and pioneered research on the impacts of and adaptation to climate change and climate variability.
In 2019, Dr. Rosenzweig was Coordinating Lead Author of the Food Security Chapter for the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land. She is the 2022 recipient of the World Food Prize, considered as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.”
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Andrew Revkin, Founding Director, Initiative On Communication And Sustainability, New York, USA.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Andrew Revkin has reported on global environmental risk and solutions for 40 years - mostly for The New York Times. He began writing about global warming in 1988 and has never stopped, pursuing related questions from the North Pole to the Amazon to the White House and conveying what he’s learned across all media formats. A 2006 Guggenheim Fellowship helped him launch his pioneering and award-winning Dot Earth blog at The Times. In 2019 he founded the Initiative on Communication and Sustainability at Columbia University's Earth Institute, which is now the Columbia Climate School. There he fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, writes his Sustain What dispatch (revkin.substack.com) and runs his Sustain What webcast, which has reached some 3 million viewers through more than 360 episodes. Revkin has written or co-written five lauded books on environmental themes, most notably The Burning Season, his 1990 biography of slain Amazon defender Chico Mendes, which won a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award and was the basis for the Emmy- and Golden-Globe-Winning HBO film of the same name. In spare moments Revkin is a performing songwriter. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now lives in coastal Maine with his wife and sometime co-author Lisa Mechaley. Learn more at http://j.mp/revkinlinks.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Attila Szocs, President, Eco Ruralis, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Szocs Boruss Miklos Attila is a young peasant farmer from central Transylvania, Romania growing and processing traditional varieties of fruits trees and vegetables. He is president of Eco Ruralis - national association of agroecological peasant farmers. Attila has a bachelors degree in Agrarian Studies - Environmental Engineering and an MsC in Plant Protection. Besides being a practitioner of agroecology, Attila is active in Eco Ruralis on the issues of peasants right and access to land, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the social and political promotion of Peasant Agroecology.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes India Donisi, Founder, Winespicegirl, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
India Donisi, 1988 born in Italy raised in the Netherlands. I started my wine blog Winespicegirl in 2020 to add some spice to the wine world. By adding humour and sensuality to a predominantly serious field I hope to make wine more inclusive and reach a younger generation.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Rob Griffin, Head Winemaker & Founder, and Megan Hughes, Second Generation Winemaker, Barnard Griffin, Richland, WA, USA
SPECIAL GUESTS BIO
ROB GRIFFIN
Rob Griffin fell in love with winemaking at an early age. In the late 1960s, he grew up near what has now become the most recognized wine region in the United States, the Napa Valley. In his youth, he frequently visited his uncle’s vineyard, eventually enrolling at the University of California, Davis when he was 17, later graduating with a B.S. in Fermentation Science and the dream of becoming a winemaker.
After gaining a few years of experience in Sonoma, Rob decided to forge his own path and travel north to work in the undeveloped, yet promising, Washington State wine industry. He began in 1977 as head winemaker at Preston Cellars before moving to The Hogue Cellars in 1983. While there, he began making his own wine with his wife and partner, Deborah Barnard. Barnard Griffin Winery was established in 1983 with a small truckload of borrowed fruit and a rented cellar.
Barnard Griffin has since grown into one of Washington’s most acclaimed wineries, and Rob recently celebrated his 43rd vintage in Washington. As one of the elder statesmen of Washington wine, he holds an unrivaled knowledge of the region’s various terroirs. His long-standing relationships with some of the State’s best growers give him premier access to the very best grapes. Rob continues to be fully engaged in the winemaking and leadership of Barnard Griffin while ushering in the second generation of the family, passing on his wisdom and experience to Megan, his daughter and right hand at the winery.
MEGAN HUGHES
The youngest daughter of Rob and Deborah, Megan's passion for Washington wine began at an early age while assisting her parents at the winery, her salary entirely made up of M&Ms. She has since looked up the legality of this and while it is a legitimate means of compensation, she now appreciates being paid in legal tender.
Megan officially joined her parents, Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard, in the family business after graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University. At present, she oversees the majority of Barnard Griffin's white wine production, working side-by-side with her father on a daily basis.
Megan currently sits on the board of the Association of Washington Business and is a member of the Washington Winegrowers Association and the Washington Wine Technical Group. Megan also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and Junior Achievement, striving to be a resource for young women in the community who are interested in the wine industry and other STEM fields.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Pauline Vicard, Co-Founder And Executive Director, ARENIGlobal, London, UK.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Born and raised into a winemaking family in Burgundy, Pauline has been working in the wine sector for the last 15 years both in Europe and Internationally, in the market research department of the Burgundy wine office and the French Embassy, before creating her own corporate wine events and education company in Lille, France. She moved to London in 2015 to spearhead the Wine Library of the unique and acclaimed Clerkenwell London, a multi-space design destination, before developing the concept of Fine Minds 4 Fine Wines with Nicole Rolet that led to the creation of Areni Global.
Pauline now directs all Areni’s activities, when she is not studying for the Master of Wine exam or playing ultimate frisbee.
Thank you for listening! If you liked the episode, don't forget to leave a comment and put a 5-star ranking.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Philippe de Lur Saluces, Co-Manager, Chateau De Fargues, France.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Philippe de Lur Saluces is the 16th generation of Lur Saluces taking care, with the 15th – his father, Alexandre de Lur Saluces – of 2 estates (Fargues and Uza in the Landes) which arrived by the same marriage in 1472.
The de Lur Saluces family received the iconic Château d’Yquem in 1783. The family managed the estate until 2000 when it was sold to LVMH. Alexandre de Lur Saluces managed Château d’Yquem for more than 30 years. After the sale, the family devoted its passion for winemaking on the Château de Fargues.
Alexandre de Lur Saluces was joined by his son who worked previously in the world of luxury then wine. Philippe stayed with his family starting in 2010 in China working for the biggest wine importer, in charge of 5* hotels and free-standing restaurants in Beijing. He followed his wife in Shanghai where she had a job opportunity and started representing Château de Fargues in Asia.
In 2014, Philippe came back to Bordeaux where he started working at Château de Fargues before managing the family group.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Youmna Asseily, Owner, Château Biac, Bordeaux, France.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
A true “citizen of the world”, Youmna’s life journey began in Lebanon. When she was just a few months old, the family left for Ghana, then Tunisia, Switzerland where she studied for 9 years, back to Beirut and finally to England as a young bride in 1978, just months after she and Tony had married in Beirut. As the Lebanese “Civil War” kept them apart frequently, she got busy raising their children, eventually skirting the business world as a successful ice cream dessert maker to London’s most demanding “conoscentis”.
However, her first love being painting, she soon veered back to blending watercolours and made a name for herself and her still lives by exhibiting in London and painting commissions for several private clients . During that time, Youmna archived her father’s private papers, publishing in 2005 excerpts of them in a ground-breaking book on Middle East intelligence after WWII. She also started the first chapter of the English Speaking Union in Lebanon; her programs were so creative (working with the Shakespeare Globe for instance) that she was elected President of the International Council of the ESU in 2003.
In 2006, as life has it, destiny offered her and Tony the choice of becoming “accidental winemakers” and owners of a most unique property in Bordeaux: Chateau Biac. Nowadays, Youmna can be seen around the vineyard, applying her art where design is needed and feeding souls and stomachs with her legendary harvest lunches…
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Devlin Kuyek, Researcher with Grain, Montreal, Canada.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Devlin Kuyek is a researcher with GRAIN, an international organisation that works to support small farmers and social movements in their struggles for community-controlled and biodiversity-based food systems. Over the past two decades at GRAIN, his work has focused on monitoring and analysing global agribusiness, in close collaboration with social movements across the world.
GRAIN is a small international non-profit organisation that works to support small farmers and social movements in their struggles for community-controlled and biodiversity-based food systems. Our support takes the form of independent research and analysis, networking at local, regional and international levels, and fostering new forms of cooperation and alliance-building. Most of our work is oriented towards, and carried out in, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible, Napa, USA.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
One of the foremost wine experts in the United States, Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English Language. In a full-page profile on her, Time magazine called Karen, “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” Karen is the author of the award-winning book THE WINE BIBLE, the single bestselling wine book in the United States, with more than 800,000 copies sold. She is the creator and editor of WineSpeed, the top digital newsletter in wine in the United States.
Known for her passion and unique style, she conducts seminars and presentations for corporate clients worldwide. The former wine correspondent for the Today show on NBC, Karen was also the host of the PBS series Wine, Food & Friends with Karen MacNeil, for which she won an Emmy. And finally, Karen is the creator and Chairman Emeritus of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America, which has been called the “Harvard of wine education.” More information is available at karenmacneil.com.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Wendy Narby, Founder Insider Tasting, Bordeaux, France.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Wendy has lived in Bordeaux for over 30 years, she is a leading Bordeaux wine educator, sharing her passion for Bordeaux through writing, speaking and welcoming people to the region.
She studied a master’s in International Agri-Food Marketing in Paris, working there in food marketing for eight years. Marrying a Sauternes wine maker, she moved to Bordeaux and changed cap.
She is passionate about helping people to get behind an often-unrealistic image of what Bordeaux is and how it works, dusting off what can often be seen as an exclusive and unapproachable wine region. She loves nothing more than introducing wine lovers to the people and the place behind the products.
She blogs regularly about the region on the Insider Tasting websiteand has written two books: Bordeaux Bootcamp, an insider guide to Bordeaux basics, and The Drinking Woman’s Diet, a liver friendly lifestyle guide.
A certified yoga teacher, she created the online course ‘7 weeks to a liver friendly lifestyle’to help women develop a healthy passion for wine.
With her family, she is currently renovating a ruined 16thcentury Château in the Entre Deux Mers, to welcome guests on wine and wellness retreats at the very heart of the Bordeaux vineyards.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Monika Hilm, General Manager, Soho House, Stockholm, Sweden
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Monika has travelled and worked around the world since she was 19. When she was 22 she found her passion in the hospitality industry and after graduating from Oxford Brooks with a BSc in Hotel Management she joined Hilton with whom she stayed with for 11 years holding various positions in 8 hotels in 6 countries lastly in Prague as GM. After maternity leave for her 2 children she joined a private real estate company heading up 3 hotels in Czech Republic. The difference in chain and independent hotels gave Monika the space to develop her own management style that in 2017 became the book “Put your people first and the rest will follow”.
After 2 years with Vienna House Hotels as Regional Director for 2 countries - 5 hotels, she returned to Sweden with her family.
Today she is in process of opening the first Soho House in Stockholm.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Tanner Colton, Chief Operating Officer, Transformational Travel Council, Seattle, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
I have been working in travel and tourism for almost 10 years in varying roles and capacities. I have been a travel designer, guide, and consultant. Currently I am Chief Operating Officer at the Transformational Travel Council where I am responsible for strategy development and execution, product development, team management, and project organization, and delivery of education products and programs.
I am also Co-Owner of Travel Life Adventures with my wife, Kolena, where we create and curate meaningful travel experiences for travelers looking to deepen their connections when they travel. We work in Nepal, Chile, Mongolia, and Morocco.
My approach to travel and tourism is rooted in the belief that travel is our most powerful tool for connection and for positive change. In its most whole state travel and tourism is a partner in catalyzing regeneration, transformation, and thriving of both people and our planet. My deepest desire is to see communities, nature, and travelers engage in a beautiful relationship that honors and centers the wholeness of all things.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Emilien Boutillat, Chief Winemaker, Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the International Wine Challenge, Emilien Boutillat is the youngest Chief Winemaker to lead Piper-Heidsieck, upon taking over from the renowned Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, in October 2018. Emilien’s dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.
Emilien was born in Champagne into a family of winegrowers. His passion for enology and terroir started at an early age, and his pursuit of viticulture and enology studies was a natural path. Emilien graduated in 2009 from the SupAgro University of Montpellier, France, with a diploma in enology and agricultural engineering. He then travelled the world discovering new terroirs and extending his knowledge at various wineries in France (Bordeaux, and Rhône Valley), New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, and the U.S. After five years of extensive training abroad, Emilien was ready to go back to his roots.
In 2013, he applied his expertise by joining the winemaking team at Champagne Cattier and Armand de Brignac until 2018, when he was hired as the Chief Winemaker at Champagne Piper- Heidsieck. True to his beliefs, Emilien encouraged his winemaking team to fully expand the winery’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices in the vineyards. Piper-Heidsieck is proud of its HVE/VDC certification (Sustainable Winegrowing in Champagne and High Environmental Value) and its core value of working towards eco-friendly practices.
Emilien Boutillat’s Champagne roots and international experience afford him the ability to approach his position with curiosity and optimism. In another life, Emilien practiced theater improvisation for eight years; this unique skillset allows him to create vintages that are true to the House’s spirit, however, with a touch of forward thinking. Emilien is the bridge between the terroir and the world.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Cara Patricia & Simi Grewal, Co-Foundersof DECANTsf, San Francisco, USA
SPECIAL GUESTS BIO
Cara Patricia, Advanced Sommelier, Co-Founder of DECANTsf
Cara was a luxury Champagne Specialist for Moët Hennessy for many years, and in San Francisco, she was Lead Sommelier at Hakkasan and won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2013, simultaneously overseeing the $3MM cellar of Bright Wine Fund & Michelin Three-Star restaurant Saison as Cellarmaster, which received the Wine Spectator Grand Award under her tenure.
Simi Grewal, Certified Sommelier, Co-Founder of DECANTsf
Simi has always worked in positions that allowed her to gain a holistic understanding of the hospitality industries. A graduate of Culinary Institute of America (CIA)--where she met Cara!--Simi has been a line cook, worked in the marketing department of luxury grocery, led teams in restaurant management and been both a Captain and Sommelier at Michelin Star properties, including acclaimed New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Cara Bertone, Vice-PresidentOf Lift Collective, Austin, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Cara is an accomplished leader in the Wine Industry. She has served as Director of Sales, National Chain Director, and Regional Sales for both importers and wholesalers alike. She excels at managing, organizing, and implementing strategy between Wholesale, Supply, and Retail. She is an Advanced Sommelier and spent years as a Wine Director on the floor of restaurants. In every role she has excelled at providing double digit revenue growth and is passionate about creating and supporting teams that thrive together.
Cara is impassioned by circular economics and is working on solutions to a healthy future for the three-tier system. She believes we must improve outdated systems to work more sustainably for the next generation. Cara is a champion and accomplice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a persistent voice and thought leader in the wine industry.
Cara serves as Vice President on the board of Lift Collective, a 501c3 multi-channel platform innovating the constructs of the wine world through discussion, scholarship opportunities, and mentorship. In this role she helps to create programs that will support those that have been historically underrepresented. Most recently Lift Collective Entrepreneurship Program is taking action to change the trajectory of underrepresented wine entrepreneurs who report being overlooked for financial funding opportunities and regularly face bias and racism.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Alva Sueiras, Co-Founder and Co-Director, Delicatessen, Montevideo, Uruguay
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Alva Sueiras is a culinary and hospitality consultant, university professor and food, wine and travel journalist. She also draws and writes. She’s from Spain but lives in Uruguay since 2012. Bachelor degree in Hospitality Business Administration (Les Roches) and Superior Diploma in Restaurant services and hospitality (Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Sevilla). She studies sommellerie in the Facultad de Química of the Universidad de la República in Uruguay. She has experience in executive positions in the hospitality and gastronomy industry. She also managed hospitality and gastronomy schools.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Rania Zayyat, Founder Of Lift Collective, Austin, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Rania Zayyat is the founder of Lift Collective, a non-profit organization founded in 2018. She is also the Managing Partner and Wine Director at Bufalina, a Neopolitan pizza and natural wine destination in East Austin. Rania has spent 10 years in the wine industry and nearly two decades in hospitality, where she is now a leader in equity and inclusion initiatives--including Lift Collective’s activities--wine education classes, minimal intervention wines, and wine list profitability, development, and marketing.
Rania founded and hosted the inaugural Lift Collective Conference in March 2019, with an industry A-List of speakers including keynote Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, Victoria James, Cathy Corison, Martha Stoumen, and Marissa Ross.
Before founding Lift Collective, Rania served as Beverage Manager for June’s All Day, Sommelier at the Four Seasons Austin, Lead Sommelier at the now-defunct laV Restaurant & Wine Bar, and Sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.
Rania has been recognized for her work in Zagat 30 Under 30 2015, Forbes, VinePair, The Somm Journal, Wine Enthusiast, The Vintner Project, Wine & Spirits, Sprudge, Eater, Texas Wine Lover, The Doctors, By The Glass Podcast, and The Alexi Cashen Podcast. She was named one of “The Most Inspiring People in Wine” by Wine Industry Network in 2021, listed in Imbibe’s “75 People to Watch in 2021”, named as a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40, and featured in Austin Monthly’s “12 Women Shaping the Future of Austin” in 2021. Rania is also a co-founder of Be The Change, the wine industry’s first virtual job fair with a focus on diversity and inclusion, and she is a founding member of The Hue Society’s Council of Resources.
Beyond wine, Rania is an avid non-fiction reader, a gender equality advocate, enjoys international travel, and loves seafood towers. Rania resides with her husband Chris, their dog Mango, and kittens Dashi and Mochi, in Austin, Texas.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Lorraine Copes, Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, London, UK.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Be Inclusive Hospitality CIC is a not-for-profit organisation. Founded by Lorraine Copes in November 2019 and incorporated in July 2020, the goal is to advance racial equity in Hospitality, Food & Drink.
Lorraine is an award-winning social entrepreneur, hospitality consultant and coach, and has worked as a senior executive, with 20 years experience working for brands including Shake Shack, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and Corbin & King.
Throughout her career, the absence of People of Colour in positions of influence or generally visible throughout the sector has been a consistent problem. Lorraine’s goal is to change the narrative and remove the barriers to progress for those affected.
Be Inclusive Hospitality is a community of People of Colour and ally companies and individuals who are keen to accelerate race equity throughout the sector.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Christian Holthausen, Founder, Westbrook Marketing Partners , Paris, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
As the founder of Westbrook Marketing Partners, Christian Holthausen is an experienced Sales, Marketing & Communications Director with a successful track record of more than twenty years in the international wine and spirits industry developing and implementing comprehensive brand value strategies, and with a strong focus on the Champagne category. Holthausen currently works with several of the most prestigious producers in Champagne and also with a number of international clients.
A dual citizen of France and the United States, Christian Holthausen graduated from New York’s Vassar College in 1996 with a double concentration in English Literature and Feminist Theory before completing his post-graduate studies at La Sorbonne in Paris in 1999.
Prior to founding Westbrook Marketing Partners, Holthausen served as the Export Sales & International Communications Director for Champagne AR Lenoble for six years after spending seven years as the International House Communications Director for Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck. He previously spent five years managing the wine and champagne portfolio of Rémy Cointreau USA in New York after starting his career at Champagne Veuve Clicquot in 1999. In between, he also lived in London for 18 months where he was head of marketing for Nyetimber and a branding consultant for Gusbourne.
Outside of his role at Champagne AR Lenoble, Holthausen has contributed articles on wine and spirits to a variety of publications including Meininger’s Wine Business International in Germany as well as Decanter, The Guardian, www.jancisrobinson.com and The World of Fine Wine in the United Kingdom. In 2017, he was shortlisted for Emerging Wine Writer of the Year at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Michelle Mandro, Founder And President Of Wine Country Women, Napa, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Michelle Mandro is the founder and president of Wine Country Women, LLC. She was on the forefront of placing a spotlight on the extraordinary women in wine country. Michelle has worked in the wine industry for more than fifteen years, beginning as the executive director of the American Institute of Wine & Food, a national association started by Robert Mondavi and Julia Child. Her experience includes working for wineries, corporate America with two Fortune 500 companies, and in television news at the CBS and NBC affiliates in Louisville, Kentucky. Michelle moved to the Napa Valley in 2005 and she has been splitting her time between California and Kentucky for the last few years.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker & General Manager, Etude, Napa, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
A native of the Central Coast of California, Jon began his wine career when he returned home from college and joined the legendary Wine Cask Company in Santa Barbara. This became his finishing school for wine appreciation and where he began to refine his palate. Feeling a need to gain a more hands-on connection to the vineyard and winemaking, he joined Wild Horse Winery in 1989, where he worked his way up to winemaker in 1999. He then moved on to winemaking roles at Adelaida Cellars, Taz, and finally to Etude in 2005.
In 2005, Jon received the phone call to come to Napa Valley and take the torch from Etude’sfounder, Tony Soter. Since that day, he has spent over a dozen years creating memorable wines that tell you where they’ve come from in every sip, as well as creating a reputation as one of the most accomplished winemakers in California, with a special touch for Pinot Noir.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Tahiirah Habibi, Founder and CEO of The Hue Society, Atlanta, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Tahiirah Habibi is the founder and CEO of The Hue Society. She is an international voice that has long advocated for more Black, Brown, and Indigenous representation in the wine industry. She is an esteemed, internationally recognized sommelier by trade and a fearless entrepreneur by heart. Tahiirah honed her expertise at prestigious restaurants, most notably including J&G Grill in the St. Regis Bal Harbour and the legendary Michael’s Genuine. However, it was the lack of diversity in the industry that sparked her to reimagine the wine world by creating an organization where our people would be respected and valued for their contributions. Tahiirah was selected in the Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious 40 under 40 list, also gracing the cover as the first Black woman to do so. The experience only intensified her spirit to continue creating the change she wants to see in the industry and beyond. Tahiirah has been featured in Wine Spectator, BET, VinePair, The Robb Report, and Vogue to name a few. She also co-founded The Roots fund nonprofit and sits on the board of the James Beard Awards and will continue pioneering the necessary change for Black wine culture.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Dr. Akilah Cadet, Founder & CEO, Change Cadet, Oakland, USA
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet is an organizational development consulting firm, which offers a broad array of anti-racism and diversity services for companies and global brands. Dr. Cadet has 15+ years in management and building successful projects, teams, and leaders in the public and private sectors. She is a 2021 Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, lululemon Ambassador, and honored as one of Staffing Industry Analysts’ (SIA) 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Influencers. Forbes and the Wall Street Journal Diversity and Business Newsletter have featured her work. She has spent an extensive part of her career designing training, coaching executives, and informing systematic change to improve the workforce experience for large organizations. She lives in Oakland, CA, literally has all the degrees, celebrates her disability, and is a proud Beyoncé advocate.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Preston Mohr, Sales and Marketing Director, Wine Scholar Guild, Paris, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Preston, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) moved to France during his undergraduate studies in Art History and has been based in Paris since 2005. Upon arrival, he promptly fell in love with the food and wine culture of France and has worked in various facets of the wine industry for the past 12 years. He founded a successful food and wine-themed tour company, offering the opportunity for visitors to explore the intricacies of French gastronomy and wine. Most recently, he was sales director for a biodynamic wine estate in Burgundy and also managed a team of wine educators as Director of Education for the estate’s virtual and in-person wine courses.
Preston is currently Sales and Marketing Director for Wine Scholar Guild, leading provider of specialized certification programs on the wines of France, Italy and Spain with a school network spanning 30 countries and 5 continents.
Preston completed the WSET Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® and he is currently studying to become a French Wine Scholar.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Maryam Ahmed, Owner, Maryam + Company, Napa, USA.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Maryam Ahmed is the owner of Napa, CA based Maryam + Company and the co-founder of the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum. She works at the intersection of sommeliers, chefs, activists, sustainability experts, media, and organizations focused on diversity and sustainability to design impactful educational programs and execute strategic projects in the food and wine world. In 2022, Maryam + Company launched Field Blends, an immersive food and wine travel experience focused on bridging a gap between industry and consumers as well as opening up conversations about wine, food, land, labor, and agriculture. Maryam is a cast member on SOMM TV and a partner at PLAYTE Kitchen.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Cynthia Coutu, Founder & Chief Bubbly Officer, Delectabulles, Paris, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Cynthia Coutu is Canadian and has been living in Paris for 30 years. She obtained a B.A. in Fine Arts (Photography) in Canada, then came to France to do a Masters in Art History at the Sorbonne. Her love of wine and cheese kept her in France.
After working at the Canadian Embassy in France and the OECD for 20 years managing their digital communications, she hung up her international civil servant hat and pursued her passion. She studied wine at L’Académie du Vin and L’École du Vin, and is certified Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 with Merit. She then specialised in champagne - the king of wines and the wines of kings!
She founded Delectabulles, a champagne networking club for women. She hosts champagne workshops in Paris, judges wine contests, and loves taking people to visit her favourite producers in Champagne. She only uses champagnes made by women, and only takes guests to visit champagne houses where women play an important role. It is her small way of supporting women in the male-dominated wine industry.
She has be mentioned in Le Monde, New York Times and Paris Match. She was also voted "Best Wine Tasting in Paris" by Expatriates Magazine and “Best Wine Experience in Paris” by Travel and Hospitality Awards. She is currently researching the role of women in the history of Champagne for a book project.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality, Dubai, UAE.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
With almost 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in Australia, Asia and the Middle East, Naim is the Chief Executive and Founder of Gates Hospitality, a home-grown hospitality group based in the UAE, with award-winning concepts such as folly, Bistro Des Arts and Reform Social & Grill.
Having led a wide spectrum of both operational and senior positions throughout his career, Naim was Managing Director for both Six Senses and Minor Hotels prior to setting up Gates Hospitality in 2010; two roles (amongst many others) that allowed him to gain significant operational and commercial experience as a leader, as well as nurture significant owner and stakeholder relationships.
Naim has been based in the Middle East for more than twenty years, and so has witnessed tremendous industry growth and gained a deep cultural understanding of
the ways of the region, allowing him to support businesses and owners, and be a credible and respected voice of authority for the industry.
As well as his day-to-day role, Naim is on the boards of various hospitality
businesses such as The Middle East Food Forum, Dubai Restaurants Group, Almont Global, Australian Business Council and others.
A visionary and yet clear and direct leader, Naim is passionate about nurturing local and regional talent, and is known to have to supported and guided many hoteliers, chefs and restauranters as a mentor throughout his career.
Now, leading a team of 700 colleagues across Gates Hospitality, he is considered one of industry’s most respected spokespeople and a ‘Godfather’ figure, nurturing the careers of many new faces of the future.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Lars von der Wettern, Founder & Managing Host, Singular Places, Berlin, Germany.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Lars is a hotelier. Since always. Certified by the Cornell University and by the Open University – holding various Diplomas in Project and Change Management and Strategic Marketing. Enjoying the dynamic world of hotels he set-up in 2004 the strategic hotel consultancy SolutionsHI.
In his second life he is a start-up entrepreneur with Singular Places to accelerate the change he wishes to see in the industry he loves! Especially supporting the amazing hosts and small enterprises around the globe that have a true impact every day!
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Anne de Bérard, Co-Founder The London Women And Wine Club, London, UK
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Coming from a wine family in Bordeaux and a passionate Spanish father, Anne’s childhood memories are directly linked to the beauty of St Emilion , the smell of the vinification in the tanks and the noise it makes.
After moving around the world (Africa included where Anne sold Toyota pickups) and drinking lots of different wines, Anne arrived in London and dedicated herself to sharing her passion with others.
She passed her Diploma (today Level 4) at the WSET and while doing so she had created her own wine group to gain more knowledge by touring the wine regions and tasting wines. Wines lovers always share a common language but their tastes are so different that whether you are a professional taster, an amateur or a beginner, there is always something to share and learn.
After a few more moves, she became a WSET tutor in the Netherlands and started her own business as a wine entertainer creating team buildings, wines events all around the Netherlands. Some clients also asked her to help them create their own wine cellar which was the start of a new idea and a new business. While doing so, Anne was and still is today, judging wines at various wine competitions in Europe.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Fiona Perrin, CEO & Co-Founder, Champagne Rendez-Vous, France.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Fiona was born in Lyon, France and moved to Montreal, Canada in 2004 from which she began to evolve in the North American market and culture.
After an early beginning in luxury hospitality and in the high-end tea industry, Fiona arrives in New York City in 2012, which marks a new stepping-stone in her carrier.
It is as one of the most renown 1st Growth Sauternes, Château Guiraud that Fiona starts to make her mark in the US Market, as the Brand Ambassador for North America. For more than 2 years, she is building the brand’s recognition and identity, in charge of the sales and Marketing development and builds the reputation of the Château on the American and Canadian markets.
Early 2014, Fiona goes back to her native roots in France to continue and build her wine knowledge, as Sommelier and Head Sommelier in France in two prestigious Michelin star restaurants in Saint-Tropez and in Lyon.
End of 2014, Fiona takes on new Challenges, this time in the new world, spending 3 years working for two of Chile’s top wineries– Viña Lapostolle & Viña Errazuriz – developing the brand’s strategy & sales in the US.
In July 2018, Fiona takes a new role, as VP America for Champagne Jeeper, the co-owned Champagne House of Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux, building the brand and its distribution across the US, which allows her to embrace the beautiful world of Champagne.
After spending 10 years in the wine business, in the fall 2019, Fiona begins a new adventure with her partner, a brand new project, and launches her own company, a direct to consumer business based in California along with her own brand of Champagne, Champagne Rendez-Vous, the first digital native champagne brand in the US. The start of a whole new chapter.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Lindsey Tramuta, Journalist, Author of “The New Parisienne”, Paris, France.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
A Philadelphia native, Lindsey Tramuta has called Paris home since 2006. She is a culture & travel journalist for the New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Fortune, and Eater, the author of two books, including The New Paris and The New Parisienne, a podcaster, and an editorial consultant. She lives in the 11th arrondissement with her husband and two cats.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Noelle Homsy, Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges, Dubai, UAE.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Imagining she would one day design her own little hotel and retire on a Greek Island, Noelle studied architecture and ended up building an unconventional career. Starting with architectural design and construction project management, she later handled claims, risk management and arbitration cases for real estate projects in the Middle East. A born multitasker, she also earned a Masters in Engineering Management from the American University of Beirut and a certificate in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Harvard University --all the while, Noelle was still looking for a way into the hotel world.
In 2017, Noelle moved to Singapore for her MBA, and travelled all around South East Asia, visiting multiple eco-luxury camps in the region. After graduating from INSEAD, Noelle jumped at the opportunity to enter the hospitality industry, taking on a role in luxury hotel development with a focus on experiential lodging. During that time, she successfully signed 4 lodges in the UAE and moved on to lead the hospitality and tourism practice at Grant Thornton UAE. Her passion for watching hotels come to life combined with her love for responsible tourism finally led her to launch ENVI Lodges.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Nadia Frittella, Secretary General, Wine in Moderation, Brussels, Belgium.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Nadia is what we call a true European. Of Italian and Danish descent, Nadia was raised in Brussels surrounded by people from around the world. She holds a master’s degree in Corporate Communications and an advanced Master's in the “Interdisciplinary Analysis of European Integration”.
A true passionate about Europe and communications, Nadia trained in the European Commission and other European Associations before joining Wine in Moderation in 2013 where she has grown professionally.
Travelling has also always been a passion of hers and she has visited a number of countries, discovering at the same time beautiful wine regions around the world.
In 2020, Nadia became Secretary General of the association.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Nicolas Naigeon, Founder & CEO, Aveine, Paris, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Ophthalmic engineer by training, Nicolas Naigeon is passionate about technology, and wine given that I come from a family of wine growers in Burgundy.
When he arrived in Paris, he had a desire to break the classical wine codes and to built a vision that goes back to basics, based on the sharing and conviviality wine’s core value.
His wish is to succeed in democratizing wine tasting and making it accessible, which is why he created Aveine, the first connected wine aerator to enhance your wines.
His commitment to this vision of wine led me to develop Aveine, with the promise of perfect and instantaneous aeration for all wines. Hence, every epicurean can enjoy a moment of sharing and conviviality around a glass.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Ramzi Saade, Founder of Atica, Paris, France
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Creating unforgettable moments that make people happy is Ramzi’s raison d’être.
Ramzi is the founder of Atica, an immersive restaurant opening soon in Paris. Atica creates multisensory gastronomic experiences by mixing cuisine, music, digital art, filmmaking, and perfumery to put forward a different culture of the world every season. Atica is the first restaurant in the world to have sold tables for its “experience” a year before the opening. New tickets will be soon made available for people on the website’s waitlist.
Prior to Atica, Ramzi led a dual career in hospitality (the Yin to develop the right brain) and engineering (the Yang to develop the left brain). On one hand, he worked as a server and a chef at avant-garde multi-cultural gastronomic restaurants in Canada and Denmark to bring smiles to people around the table. On the other hand, he managed architecture and construction projects, building hospitals, airports, museums, highways, and towers in Canada, Lebanon, and Qatar.
Ramzi holds an MBA from INSEAD, a Diplome de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu, a Master of Engineering from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Engineer from the American University of Beirut. Ramzi is a Lebanese Canadian living in Paris. When not in the kitchen or dining room, he is outdoors hiking, diving, skiing, foraging, fishing, to take in nature through the five senses.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Akos Forczek, Founder and Chairman of Top Selection, the best fine wine merchant in the UK.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Akos Forczek is a wine and spirits expert, entrepreneur and international businessman. He has extensive knowledge about the drinks industry and a proven track record in helping high-end clients and luxury brands improve their customer experience. These clients include The Connaught, Dorchester, The Ritz, Harrods, Selfridges, Coutts & Co, Goldman Sachs, Freshfields, Alain Ducasse, Sketch, Helene Darroze, Hedonism, Annabels and many others.
He guided Top Selection to become the UK Sommelier Wine Awards’ 2018, 2019 and 2020 Fine Wine Merchant of the Year. No other company has ever achieved such recognition. He has been advising Top Selection’s wine producers to improve the quality and presentation of their products. He’s been advising many high-net-worth individuals on their wine investments and educating them to improve their personal cellars to achieve an enhanced wine experience. He has also been actively directing, as shareholder and board member, wine companies in Sweden, Hungary and United States.
With more than 29 years of experienc in the wine, champagne and spirit business. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD, a Law degree from ELTE University of Law, Hungary, a Masters in Entrepreneurship from HEC and an Economics and International Relations degree from Budapest University of Economics.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Minter Dial, thought leader and author of “You Lead”.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Minter Dial is an international professional speaker, elevator and a multiple award-winning author. Dial's core career stint of 16 years was spent as a top executive at L’Oréal, where he was a member of the worldwide Executive Committee for the Professional Products Division, and previously MD of L'Oréal PPD Canada and MD Worldwide for Redken.
He's the author of the award-winning WWII story,The Last Ring Home: A POW's Lasting Legacy of Courage, Love, and Honor in World War II (documentary film and book, 2016). The film, which centres on the author's grandfather's experience as a Navy officer in WWII in the Philippines, has been shown nationally on TV in the US (PBS), Australia and New Zealand (History Channel).
He's also the author of two prize-winning business books, Futureproof (2017) and Heartificial Empathy (2019). His last book on leadership is You Lead(Kogan Page 2021). For the coming year, Dial has launched a substack, Dialogos, How to Foster More Meaningful Conversation, which he plans to turn into a book in 2023. You can find more on his main site, MinterDial.com and his podcast Minter Dialogue.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk
In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Alex Schrecengost, the Founder and CEO of Virtual With Us and Culture With Us.
SPECIAL GUEST BIO
Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker, Alexandra Schrecengost founded Virtual With Us in 2020 following Culture With Us in 2021 - and serves as the CEO. The organizations’ missions are to support global corporations with distributed workforces through cultural programming, and food and beverage entertainment to better improve human connections. With more than 18+ years of experience in wine, spirits, hospitality, lifestyle, and luxury public relations, Alexandra Schrecengost brings a robust pedigree to Virtual With Us. An architect of established media relationships with WSET Level 3 Advanced distinction, she has a long roster of luxury product campaigns, events marketing, and community-building initiatives.
Most recently, Alexandra led communications strategy, brand campaign initiatives, media relations, website development, and social media strategy as Head of Communications and Digital at fine wine marketing agency Wilson Daniels. Additionally, notable former clients include the Spanish wine regions of D.O. Ribera del Duero and D.O. Rueda, Nespresso, Stoli Vodka, Marchesi Antinori, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, and The Plaza Hotel.
Alexandra holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and a Masters of Public and Organizational Relations from Montclair State University. Alexandra serves on the beverage committee for The James Beard Foundation and the board of Self Help Africa. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their twin boys, is a huge fan of tequila and tempranillo – and enjoys traveling, reading, and dancing in her free time.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast.
You can also follow us on our different platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/
Telegram Community: https://t.me/+8II0wkI7VEVlYTJk