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Originally trained as a sommelier, Benjamin Roelfs from Netherlands has seamlessly blended his passion for wine with his talent for writing. When he's not immersed in his full-time role in the wine industry, he devotes his time to crafting thoughtful, insightful articles—primarily focused on Alsace, the region he knows best. His work has appeared in renowned publications such as The Drinks Busines...

Sara Underdown is a wine writer, educator and presenter specialising in champagne. In 2018 she founded VINE & BUBBLE, an online champagne publication, luxury events and travel company located in Australia. Sara is a Dame Chevalier of L’Ordre des Côteaux de Champagne and has been recognised through the prestigious Vin de Champagne Awards, the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards...

Based on New York, Christy Frank is a freelance writer and a leader of the independent wine retail scene. With 25 years’ experience in the wine and spirits industry, she has held positions in all tiers of the US wine trade from large, global drinks firms such as Moët Hennessy USA, to small, boutique distributors to on- and off-trade retail. Her freelance writing focuses on the commercial aspect...

Robin Goldsmith rounds up the fabulously jovial Circle of Wine Writers Festive Party 2024. 'Twas a cold evening outside, but the warmth positively radiated inside urban winery, London Cru, on the 9th December.  This was the venue for the eagerly anticipated Circle of Wine Writers Festive Party.  Attended by an international jamboree of joyous journalists and specially invited wine trade guests, a...

Michele Padberg is a freelance writer, international wine judge, advanced sommelier, and member of the Association of Wine Educators. With over 23 years of experience in the wine industry, she was part of the editorial board and a contributor on the e-book The New Normal in the Wine World, and has published work in the USA as well as Europe. She crafts insightful lectures and hosts elite V...

Diana Thompson is based in Edinburgh and writes the wine column for The Sunday Post – Scotland’s most read Sunday paper as well as other local publications including Spotlight Magazine. She contributes to various digital food and drink online platforms such as Tom’s Food! With over 30 years’ experience in the wine industry Diana has worked with various international companies and now runs Wine Ev...

Margot Mazur is a wine writer, educator, and sommelier who specializes in American wine and sustainability. With a passion for making wine accessible and engaging, Margot writes for publications like Wine Enthusiast and Travel and Leisure and runs "The Fizz," a newsletter featuring interviews with wine industry professionals across the United States, highlighting American wine and culture. As a...

Shelley Boettcher is a wine writer based in Canada and Italy. She holds her master’s degree in journalism and her advanced WSET certification, as well as her level 2 International Sommelier Guild certification. Shelley has written three books about wine and her byline has appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world, including the New York Times, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail and Po...