Kristy Wenz

@kristys_winetravels – 25K followers

Senior Managing Editor at VINOHEAD, Kristy is a seasoned wine communicator, writer, and educator based in Willamette Valley. Holding WSET Level 3 with merit, she contributes regularly to publications such as The Vintner Project, Winetraveler, Wine Tourist Magazine, Peppermint, and the American Wine School. She also collaborates with global wine regions (including Bourgogne, Loire Valley, DOC Delle Venezia, and Jumilla) on marketing content. Kristy teaches WSET and consumer courses and works hands-on in vineyards and cellars—including at Ricochet Wine.

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Nicole Muscari

@grapechic – 34.8K followers

Founder of Grape Chic, Nicole is a leading wine influencer and content creator. Since launching her platform in 2017, she has collaborated with global brands and wine regions, sharing their stories with a large digital audience. She holds the French Wine Scholar with highest honors, is a WSET Diploma candidate, and contributes to The Vintner Project and Honest Cooking Magazine. Her mission is to make wine accessible and engaging while highlighting authenticity and place.

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Thomas Joseph Zarillo

@winebarchronicles – 13.8K followers

Based in Charleston, SC, Tom is a wine consultant, content creator, and educator. He holds WSET Level 3 and is currently completing the Italian Wine Scholar program. His Instagram content bridges education and experience, and he has participated in multiple wine press trips. Passionate about pairing, storytelling, and discovery, Tom uses both visuals and writing to explore the people, places, and culture behind wine.

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Dr. Mathew Horkey

@drmattyh – 2.3K Instagram followers | 25K YouTube subscribers

Dr. Horkey is a global wine communicator, YouTuber, and co-author of four wine books, including Uncorking the Caucasus and Cracking Croatian Wine. He’s visited hundreds of wine regions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, tasting thousands of wines annually. Mathew offers a deeply immersive perspective shaped by full-time wine travel, experience, and education. His work aims to bring lesser-known regions into the spotlight..

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John Sumner

@grapeguzzling – Writer at VinePair

A wine industry veteran based in Lisbon, John specializes in Iberian and California wines. He is the author of There’s More Than Port in Portugal and contributes to VinePair and other global outlets. With past roles in fine-dining service, wine buying, and retail marketing, John brings decades of practical and editorial experience to his writing. Fun fact: he was a professional opera tenor before pivoting full-time to wine.

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Don Winkler

International Wine Review – www.i-winereview.com

Editor and Co-Publisher of International Wine Review, Don has authored more than 90 in-depth reports on global wine regions. Based in Washington D.C., he has written extensively about Spanish wine—including Navarra, Rioja, Jumilla, Ribera del Duero, and Rías Baixas. His analytical and technical insights have made IWR a trusted source for trade professionals and connoisseurs alike.

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Rick Fisher

Wine Scholar Guild – www.winescholarguild.org

Rick is the Spanish Programs Director at Wine Scholar Guild and the creator of the Spanish Wine Scholar program. Based in San Diego, Rick holds the WSET Diploma, and is a Certified Educator in Rioja, Sherry, and Cava. He has traveled extensively throughout Spain and works directly with D.O.s to develop professional education programs. A regular contributor to Wine Spectator, SOMM Journal, and Glass of Bubbly, Rick is also an international judge and educator.