Name: Alessandra Cavallaro , Wine Educator at Canarias Wine Academy and Tour Guide at Wine Tours Lanzarote.

Tell us about your current role. 

I am a WSET Wine Educator at Canarias Wine Academy, and I recently started working with Wine Tours Lanzarote as a tour guide and Wine Shop Lanzarote as a back-office assistant.

How did you first get into the drinks industry? 

My journey into the world of wine began in 2011 when I moved to London. By chance and without any preparation, I found myself working at a wine bar called Terroirs, which, unfortunately, no longer exists. I had originally hoped to become a photographer, but my experience with wine turned into a visceral passion that marked my path. 

From that moment on, my thirst for knowledge led me to study at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), where I became an educator in 2016. Throughout the years, I have held various positions, ranging from sommelier to sales for different distributors, and even worked seasonally in a vineyard at a winery in Franciacorta. Each experience has provided me with a unique perspective on the world of wine and enhanced my skills. 

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What is your favourite part about working in the industry? 

Drinking? I’m just kidding! Tasting wine is part of the fun, of course, but what I truly love is visiting the wineries and meeting the producers, knowing their stories and the story behind each bottle. 

We’re meeting up for a drink after work – what are you having? 

Champagne to start with, Champagne is always a good idea!  

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life. What’s in your glass? 

Vin Jaune from Jura.

It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to? 

I would take a flight to Santander and go to Bodega Cigaleña. Apparently, they have an amazing wine list!  

Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drink destination you’d love to visit? 

My bucket list is too long, as I recently had a baby. Let’s focus on the drink destination. My dream is to visit the vineyards of Chile.  

The most memorable experience of your career? 

In 2018, I had a vertical tasting with Nicolas Joly and his Coulée de Serrant.  

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One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry? 

There should be more passion and knowledge in wine appreciation, rather than just a focus on fashion. One concerning aspect I have noticed is the price inflation of certain niche wines. Often, these prices do not reflect the actual quality of the product but are instead driven by the trends or perceived exclusivity surrounding them, as they become the “must-have” bottle.  

This situation creates a significant divide among consumers, making wine an increasingly elitist product and less accessible to everyone. 

Any particular women you admire in the industry? 

Laura Catena of Catena Zapata, Argentina. In an industry dominated by men, Laura stands as a beacon of strength and grace, paving the way for future generations of women in wine. She inspires not just through her work, but through her resilience, intelligence, and vision. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry? 

Certainly, it is important to study and obtain certifications that demonstrate one’s professionalism. I notice many self-taught individuals with limited knowledge and skills operating in the industry, which undermines its credibility. And taste, taste as much wine as possible to apply their knowledge effectively.  

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Connect with Alessandra on Instagram here and with Wine Tours Lanzarote here.

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