FILIPPO MAGNANI

Founder and Owner of Fufluns Ltd.

Born and raised in the beautiful village of Suvereto, Tuscany, Filippo is a seasoned wine travel expert, writer, and the visionary behind Fufluns Wine Tours in Italy, which he founded in 1999.

In 1996, Filippo received a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management from the University of Economics in Florence, followed by an MBA in Hospitality Management from Brighton University, UK. Upon graduation, he worked as an F&B Manager in several luxury hotel chains, but transitioned his career into wine following several life changing tastings and trips to leading wine producing regions around the world. Soon, he immersed himself into the world of wine, earning a degree from Le Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, France in 2001, followed by the prestigious WSET Diploma in 2006, making him the first Italian to achieve this renowned distinction.

As an independent wine writer, Filippo contributes to several esteemed publications, including Liz Palmer’s site and The Beauty of the Wine in Canada, Wine Channel in China, Vinum in Croatia, and Decanter. His expertise is recognized by memberships in the Circle of Wine Writers and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers. He also manages his personal blog, Tales Behind the Wine, offering extensive insights into Italy’s wine heritage.

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF ITALIAN WINE
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FILIPPO MAGNANI
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FRANCESCA  MAGNOLFI

Operations Manager

Francesca, who has been overseeing operations for Fufluns since joining the company in 2022, brings extensive experience in wine travel and tourism to her role. She is responsible for planning and developing comprehensive itineraries for guests, and uses her savvy expertise and organization skills to ensure each trip is customized to the needs and desires of each group.

A brilliant communicator, Francesca holds an MBA in Modern Languages for International Communication and Cooperation, and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Her contagious enthusiasm and sense of humor make working with her both enjoyable and effortless.

ANNA FAGGIANI

Itinerary Coordinator

Since joining Fufluns in 2022, Anna has hit the ground running, showcasing her knowledge of and passion for the tourism industry. Detail-oriented and dependable, she coordinates excursions with ease, ensuring each guest gets the most memorable experience out of their trip.

ALESSIA CANARINO

Alessia grew up in a half American/half Italian family in Irpinia, a subregion of Campania in Southern Italy. After earning a degree in Media and Communication in London, Alessia returned to her home region, where she launched her career in the wine industry. She initially worked in exporting and marketing for one of the area’s major wineries, Mastroberardino, before honing her skills as a brand ambassador and marketing manager for nearby Villa Raiano Winery.

Nowadays, Alessia works as brand ambassador for several Campania wineries, leads wine tours, and hosts private tastings and wine classes for American residents in Campania, from the U.S. Naval Support Site, as the sole teacher authorized by the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) to host English-speaking wine classes. She enjoys writing for multiple publications.

Alessia is a Sommelier and wine educator certified by AIS, and is currently working toward her WSET Diploma. She resides in the serene Irpinia countryside with her husband and children.

BERNARDO CONTICELLI

After his thesis on European wine legislation, Florence-born Bernardo pursued advanced studies at Paris’s International Organisation of Vine and Wine. While pursuing his OIV Master’s in Wine Management and Marketing, he explored over 24 wine-producing countries in just one year.

Upon returning to Florence, Bernardo enhanced his marketing skills at the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium before receiving a scholarship with the Tuscany Region – ARSIA to earn an MBA in Planning and Evaluation of Regional Policies. In 2010, he won the Great Wine Capitals Global Network Student Grant, and in 2015, was appointed Ambassador of Champagne in Italy by Le Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC).

An author and regular keynote speaker, Bernardo is registered in the Regional List of Expert Wine Tasters of the Tuscany Region, and holds a Certificate of Physiological Suitability for tasting olive oil. He owns his consulting company, Vinifocus, works as Project Manager for Bettane+Desseauve, and is a founding member of Bere Bene SAS wine imports. Bernardo happily splits his time between Florence and Paris.

CHIARA GIORLEO

Chiara, who holds a Master’s Degree in Economics, specializes in wine and food marketing and communications. Born and raised in Italy, her experience has spanned from Italy and Malta to Napa Valley and Canada, affording her invaluable skills in wine marketing, communication, and competitions.

A certified Sommelier, Professional Taster, and Educator through the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS), she holds her WSET Diploma and works as a freelance wine critic, educator, tour guide and translator with publications and collaborations throughout Italy, USA, Russia, and the UK, and is an esteemed judge in wine competitions in Italy and internationally. Chiara is the Italy Academy Chair of the international wine tourism contest, World’s Best Vineyards, and is the co-curator of the guide to the best Italian Rosé of Luciano Pignataro Wine Blog.

Chiara was the first woman recognized in the Wine and Food Communication “Ezio Marchi” Award in 2022, and has also earned several accolades for her personal wine blog, chiaragiorleo.com.

SANDRO CHECCHUCCI

A native of Greve, situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation, Sandro is a seasoned professional in the wine and tourism industry, boasting over 40 years of experience. Beginning at the young age of 13 in his family’s wine shop, his journey evolved through various roles at wine shops, restaurants, and bars, deepening his appreciation for wine and customer service. From 2006 to 2013, he partnered with a leading winery in the Chianti Classico region, overseeing wine tours, handling public relations, and managing a resort restaurant.

Throughout his career, Sandro has traveled extensively, engaging with wine professionals and experiencing winemaking practices around the globe. He prides himself on being an ambitious professional, continuously seeking to expand his skills, knowledge, and opportunities.

Sandro currently resides in Tuscany, where he leads comprehensive wine and food tours throughout the region. He is a licensed chauffeur driver, speaks English and German fluently, and possesses commendable skills in French and Spanish, making him a versatile and knowledgeable guide.

SANDRO MINELLA

Hailing from Turin, Sandro is renowned for his expertise in Italian wine, food, and tourism. A WSET awardee, Sandro is a Sommelier through the Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers & Restaurateurs (FISAR) and a Professional Taster at the National Organization of Wine Tasters (ONAV). He is also the owner of Taste Your Way, a company specializing in professional training programs and food and wine tours across Italy.

Sandro serves as Scientific Director and Teacher at the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy, where he collaborates with various wine trade organizations to conduct webinars, press tours, trade masterclasses, and guided tastings at esteemed events worldwide.

Since 2013, Sandro has been a dynamic figure at the Alba Truffle Fair, developing and hosting live cooking shows with Michelin-starred chefs. His dedication to promoting the Langhe’s culinary heritage has earned him the honorary title of “Knight of the Truffle and the Wines of Alba,” marking him as an ambassador of the area’s food and wine traditions.

SVEVA CONSONNI FOLCIERI

For over 20 years, Sveva has been at the forefront of wine tourism, public relations, and luxury hospitality in her native Siena, Tuscany.

Making her mark in the Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico wine regions, she has worked as the Hospitality Manager for such renowned wineries as Il Greppo, Biondi Santi, Sesti Winery, and Fattoria dei Barbi. She has also served as the Marketing & Events Consultant for a number of exclusive hotel properties, including Borgo Santo Pietro, Castello di Potentino, Castello di Vicarello, and Relais il Falconiere. Throughout her career, she has adeptly managed high-profile events, employee trainings, fundraising, and public relations, and is lauded for her innovative leadership and deep industry knowledge.

Sveva is a third level Sommelier, accredited by the Italian Association of Sommeliers (AIS). Along with her expertise in wine and luxury hospitality, she is a great communicator, fluent in both English and French.

SARAH LANE

Originally from the south of England, Sarah moved to Italy around 30 years ago and lives at the heart of the Emilia Romagna region and the peninsula’s celebrated Food Valley.
She is a professional in wine tourism both as a writer and as a guide. Her work is published regularly by Decanter magazine and other titles including The Daily Telegraph, for which she has also reviewed dozens of luxury hotels. She has contributed extensively to guidebooks on Italy and its various regions and she occasionally translates for wineries and wine-themed organisations.

Sarah has WSET qualifications and is a certified sommelier with the AIES association, leading thematic tastings including at the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, the region’s official wine association as well as itinerant tastings at Bologna’s historic wine bars. She is also a licensed outdoor guide, organising hikes of various lengths through the countryside and vineyards, always incorporating a winery tour and tasting.

RICCARDO MARGHERI

A native of Tuscany, Riccardo is a distinguished professional in the wine industry, backed by an impressive array of qualifications and certifications. Riccardo holds his WSET Level 3, and has qualified as a Sommelier and Official Taster through the Italian Association of Sommeliers (AIS). He also holds a Sommelier certificate through the Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers & Restaurateurs (FISAR) and is recognized as a Qualified Taster by the National Organization of Wine Tasters (ONAV), showcasing the breadth of his knowledge.

Riccardo’s influence in the wine community is further evidenced by his collaborations with prestigious publications, such as the “Guida Vini d’Italia” and the “Guida Vini Buoni d’Italia,” as well as his journalistic contributions to various magazines and webzines. A committed educator, Riccardo teaches FISAR Sommelier courses, ONAV Taster courses, and SlowFood’s Master of Food, Wine I Level courses, enabling him to share his extensive knowledge with aspiring connoisseurs. He also judges in various wine competitions and regularly runs wine seminars for different wine consortiums in Italy.

HELEN BEZANE

After completing her studies in English and Spanish Philology in her native Latvia, Helen embarked on a journey to the enchanting island of Sicily nearly 14 years ago. There, immersed in its stunning landscapes, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality, Helen found her calling in the world of wine and tourism.

With a prestigious WSET certification in hand, Helen excels in a variety of professional roles, with a particular focus on sharing the beauty and bounty of Sicily as a freelance Tour Guide and Wine Writer. Her fluency in English, Italian, Russian, and Latvian enables her to connect with a diverse audience, enhancing her ability to impart her knowledge and insights.

Driven by an unwavering passion for Sicily and its wines, Helen is committed to shedding a light on the complexity of Sicily’s wine culture and inviting others to explore and savor the rich experiences it offers.

ERIC MORLOT

Though originally hailing from France, Eric has had a strong passion for Tuscany and its wines since first getting into wine in 1998. After earning the esteemed International Organisation of Vine and Wine
(OIV) Master’s in Wine Management, he attended the first Italian Master Class organized by the English institute, Master of Wine, passing the rigorous admission tests.

For over 15 years, Eric has excelled as an importer in France, bringing in prestigious wines from the world’s most renowned producers, including Gaja, Ridge, Vega Sicilia, Kistler, and Sine Qua Non. His commitment to quality and authenticity led to his participation in specialized trainings in New York focused on the authentication of counterfeit bottles, led by wine fraud expert Maureen Downey.

Since 2011, Eric and his wife have called Tuscany home, where they run Mondivino, a company dedicated to the sale of fine and rare wines.