When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
My family came from Chianti Classico area in Tuscany. They have always been in the wine business. I had my first sip of Chianti Classico…maybe when I was five, and Grappa a little later…You know, in Italy it's normal and permitted to give a little alcohol to kids, especially if their family produces wine. I used to say, "I have wine in my DNA and in my blood, too."

What brought you into the wine business?
I have been working several years in Diplomacy for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador. I quit because I wanted to honor my ancestors' legacy with the wine.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
I love Sauvignon Blanc. I'm in my "white period" enjoying also Gewürztraminer, Prosecco and Insolia (Sicilian grape). In reds, I love the Sangiovese grape in its numerous expressions: Chianti Classico, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and also blended with others.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
I love beer -helps digestion too- perfect with South American and Mexican food which I love; Negroni Cocktail: it reminds me Rome (where I grew up) and my beloved Mom (her favorite); Margarita also but please…with salt!

What's your least favorite drink?
I don't like cocktails too fruity or sweet, but there can be exceptions.

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
I have so many related with time of harvest in Tuscany; more recently, a gorgeous wine tasting with Angelo Gaja and Georg Riedel in Rome. Thank God, almost every day I have some "best wine-drinking" event.

In your opinion, which country, other than the U.S., makes the best wine? Why?
If I answer Italy, does it sound too obvious? Seriously, Italy is a "blessed" country from the wine point of view. France as well. Maybe the difference is that French people learned before any other that wine should be dealt with very seriously. I must say that now many other nations are learning from Italy and France and are able to shell out interesting wines. We will see how they will develop in the future.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
Wine is not only something to drink: it's culture. Wines are like human beings: each one is a unique experience.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
Besides any technical rule, pair wine and food according to your very personal preferences. Pairing will be just perfect if you are having just what you like.

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
Besides healthy benefits (the so called "French Paradox" for the heart), they are perfect to socialize and, above all, they are great tools of seduction as I teach in my Wine Seduction Tastings.

What wines should no home be without?
A complete sequence of wines, (no matter the label or the country of origin), in order to be able to satisfy any request from your guests: sparkling; white; rosé; red; sweet.

Do you have any favorite wine gadgets? Are there any new ones on the market? If so, what are they and where can people get them?
I have a great collection of jewelry with grapes: earrings, pins, rings, pendants. I bought the majority of them in Italy but anytime I find some grape-gadgets…they must be mine!

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
1) Wine is pleasure: enjoy wine like it were someone you love, sip by sip, since pleasure has to be given and taken little by little; 2) Wines have their own personality and even a gender: pair them not only with food but also with situations, emotions, feelings and with anything charming like fashion, poetry, music, art, etc.; 3) Great wines are like love: they get better and better as time goes by.