Where My Journey Took Root

Every journey has a starting point, and mine began among the sun-drenched vineyards of Georgia, the world’s oldest winemaking country. Growing up surrounded by qvevris buried deep in the earth, harvest feasts, and the hum of family gatherings, wine was never just a drink — it was a way of life.

I learned early on that wine is about people and place as much as it is about grapes. Walking through my own family vineyards, I discovered the rhythm of the seasons, the patience required for each vine, and the pride that comes with sharing a bottle you’ve helped create.

Georgia gave me my foundation — a respect for tradition, an appreciation for authenticity, and the curiosity to see how wine is made and celebrated around the world. It’s here that my passion for storytelling began, blending taste, culture, and place into one narrative.

Château La Croizille — Modern Elegance in Saint-Émilion

In the heart of Saint-Émilion, Château La Croizille is more than just a winery — it’s a bridge between heritage and innovation. Working here, I was struck by how the estate blends centuries-old vineyards with sleek, contemporary architecture. The tasting room, with its panoramic views of rolling hills, feels like an art gallery dedicated to wine.

The work was hands-on and deeply connected to the land — from walking the rows at sunrise to guiding visitors through tastings that celebrated the château’s rich terroir. Every detail, from the sustainable vineyard practices to the carefully curated visitor experience, reflects a deep respect for both tradition and progress.

It’s a place that shows how wine can be timeless yet forward-looking, rooted in the soil yet open to the world.

The Road Between

For me, travel isn’t about ticking countries off a list — it’s about finding the threads that connect one place to another. Whether it’s sipping tea in a Georgian mountain village, tasting Verdelho on a windy cliff in the Azores, or exploring the cobblestone streets of Saint-Émilion, I’m always searching for the way culture, food, and architecture shape our experiences.

Travel has taught me to slow down, to notice the small details: the curve of an old wooden door, the scent of bread baking in a side street, the way evening light wraps around a bell tower. These are the moments that inspire my photography and storytelling.

Each journey leaves its mark, weaving into a bigger picture — one that celebrates the beauty of connection, discovery, and shared experiences.

Pico Island — Winemaking on the Edge

Pico Island in the Azores feels like a place the world forgot — until you step onto the volcanic black rock that cradles the vines. Working with Azores Wine Company was unlike anything I had experienced before. Here, the vines grow in small, stone-walled plots called currais, designed to protect them from Atlantic winds and salt spray.

Each day was a lesson in resilience — from tending to vines rooted in lava fields to watching the mist roll in from the ocean, cloaking the island in an otherworldly light. The wines here taste like the sea itself: fresh, mineral, and alive with energy.

It was a reminder that extreme conditions can produce extraordinary results. And that sometimes, beauty comes from working in harmony with nature’s challenges, not against them.