Meet the Grape Guides
in alphabetical order
Alberto Passini
Hi everybody! I’m Alberto, born in Florence. After earning a degree in Economics and running a B&B for 10 years, I followed my passion for wine, becoming a certified sommelier and graduating in Viticulture and Enology. Today, wine is both my profession and my greatest curiosity. I live in Prato with my wife and our two kids, Luigi and Gioia, and I’m always eager to discover something new — especially in a glass of wine. 🍷
Alessio Basta
Hi! I’m Alessio, born and raised in Florence, and a certified FISAR sommelier since 2020. I’m passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscan wine, history, and culture with visitors from all over the world.
When I’m not guiding, you might find me playing trumpet with the historical Renaissance group Bandierai degli Uffizi, building terrariums, or enjoying opera and good stories.
I feel incredibly lucky to call Florence home, and my mission is simple: to create unforgettable memories for you through wine, food, and storytelling.
Ben Hart
After working in banking and finance in London, I traded the suit for a life outdoors and moved to southern France to become a guide. What started with cycling and hiking soon led me to guiding tours across Europe, with a special focus on gastronomy.
Based in Italy since 2005, I’ve spent the last decade leading tours focused on food and wine, tasting my way through nearly every Italian region. Today, I live in the Tuscan countryside with my wife, two young daughters, and 10 chickens.
Clemente Pellegrini Strozzi
Born and raised in Florence, with deep family roots in the city, I’ve always been driven by curiosity. After studying philosophy and physics, I followed that curiosity into the world of wine, earning a degree in oenology and becoming a winemaker.
Today, I manage the Consorzio of Chianti Classico olive oil DOP and, in my free time, guide wine tours with Grape Tours.
I also have two beautiful children.
My goal is to share wine in an authentic, professional, and memorable way — uncovering the emotions hidden in every bottle.
Daire O Luing
I’m a sommelier from Ireland’s west coast with a deep love for Tuscany’s food and wine culture — and yes, I’m the rare Irishman who prefers wine to beer.
After living across Europe and working in an organic vineyard in the Tuscan Maremma, I knew Italy was home.
WSET Level 3 certified with a Diploma in Food & Wine Synergy, I’m passionate about wines that express their terroir and are crafted with sustainable, regenerative practices.
Luca Marchiani
Hi, I’m Luca — but you can call me Luke Winewalker, thanks to my love for wine and Star Wars.
After starting out as an accountant and metalworker, I fell in love with the wine world, becoming a Sommelier in 2017. I’ve worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant and now share my passion as a wine tour guide and educator.
Born and raised in Florence, I’m proud to guide you through the true culture of my region — one bottle at a time.
Life is about memories… so let’s create some together.
Daniel Ferretti
Italian and Peruvian, I grew up between Germany, Mexico, Italy and the US before choosing to settle in Florence — a city that feels like a second skin, and home to my Florentine roots.
Wine became my passion in adulthood and is now both my profession and inspiration. I hold a Master’s in Wine Marketing, I’m a certified Sommelier (WSET Level 3).
I’m here to share what I love most: Tuscany, Italian living, and wine. If that speaks to you, we’ll get along beautifully.
Matteo Pratesi
I’m a native Florentine with a deep love for food and wine inherited from my grandfather.
I’ve been a certified Sommelier (AIS) since 2014. Rugby keeps me balanced, while cooking, eating, wine and cheese keep me inspired. Growing up bilingual (Italian and German), I later added French and Spanish — and even spent time in Bordeaux to dive deeper into the world of wine.
I live in the Florentine hills with my wife, our daughter Giulia, and our Labrador Margaux.
Quentin Gerona
Born and raised in Bordeaux’s Médoc region, my passion for food, science and ecology led me to study oenology. After years of traveling across Europe and South America exploring diverse wine regions, I graduated as an Oenologist — with a strong focus on how climate change is reshaping our industry.
In 2022, I produced a documentary on the Mediterranean wine world, highlighting sustainability challenges and innovative solutions.
Today, I’m passionate about sharing the unique terroir of Tuscany and the producers who care deeply for their land.
Rebecca Christophersen
Born in Denmark, I moved to Florence 30 years ago to immerse myself in Italy — its language, culture, and wines. After working in restaurants and wine distribution, I found my true calling as a wine tour guide, leading experiences from Florence and beyond.
Wine tours also led me to the love of my life, Pierre, but that's a story for a wine tour!
I’m a certified Italian Wine Scholar educator (WSG), Olive Oil Taster (ONAOO), and Italian Cheese Taster (ONAF). When I’m not guiding, you’ll likely find me at our cheese and wine bar, Formaggioteca Terroir, or out taking pictures!
Most of all I'm just a happy food-and-wine geek — with a love for bringing people together.