IMPORTANT:
*** I AM A CERTIFIED FOOD AND WINE PROFESSIONAL AND SFOGLINA (PROFESSIONAL PASTA MAKER) AND AM ABLE TO HOST GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES. THIS IS MY AREA OF EXPERTISE. I AM NOT A HISTORICAL/CULTURAL/GUIDE. ***
Ciao! My name is Helena and I am a certified food and wine professional and event manager. I am originally from London but have been living in Bologna for 23 years! I consider myself as much of a local as a local and am obsessed with Italian food and wine and making handmade pasta with a rolling pin. I grew up in London with Italian next door neighbours from Piacenza and always had the aromas of Emilia Romagna's wonderful dishes wafting across the garden fence.
Ever since I was a child I always wanted to learn Italian and live in this wonderful country which probably has the world's most diverse culinary traditions and cuisine. I live in the Bologna Hills with an organic butcher a stone's throw away, aromatic truffles up a hill, a wonderful Parmigiano dairy up another hill and surrounded by our local Pignoletto vineyards. My aim is to share Italian, or more specifically, Emilia Romagna culinary authenticity, recount the agricultural history and culinary traditions of the region, and teach guests about how both the peasant and aristocratic dishes and recipes have evolved over time. As I am a professional Sommelier, Parmigiano, Cheese and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar taster and Taste Judge, as well as having certifications in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coffee, Gelato and Chocolate tasting, I also enjoy sharing tasting techniques - providing guests with a profound insight into how to truly taste and select the best ingredients and products both here in Italy and when they go home.
For my food and wine tours, I love working with my small and excellent suppliers and vendors, who are only too willing to share what they produce with my guests from all over the world. Wherever possible, I select artisan producers who prefer organic or sustainable breeding or production methods. I am hugely environmentally aware, and do my best to use as little plastic as possible during tastings, opting for recycled materials or sustainable wood. This is not always possible - but I try to encourage my producers to do so as well.
I am also on a personal mission to promote the wonderful wines of this region which are still relatively unknown.
I thrive on sharing the unknown spots and what I know with guests, so my tours are fun and engaging, but given my food and wine certifications and background, also highly educational.
Last but most certainly not least, having nearly 20 years' experience in brand and event management for some of the world's best-known brands, I am also able to organise both smaller or larger events for you, your family and friends, company or club.
- Sommelier Diploma - FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers)
- Ambassador of the Wines of Emilia Romagna (awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Wine Association)
- National Cheese Tasting Diploma - ONAF (National Organisation of Cheese Tasters)
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Diploma - Consorteria ABTM
- Professional Sfoglina Diploma (handmade pasta maker)
- Taste Judge and Sensory Analyst - International Association of Sensory Analysis
- Certifications in: Gelato Tasting, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting, Chocolate Tasting, Coffee Tasting - Italian Association of Tasters
- B.A. Honours in Modern Languages - King's College University of London
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Public Relations - Birkbeck College, University of London
- I am not a licensed guide and cannot carry out cultural, artistic or the historical monument tours or experiences.
- I am not a licensed chauffeur or taxi driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
