Bolgheri

Mariah Vella’s Coffee Philosophy: How Malta’s Café Became a Community Hub

Mariah Vella’s Coffee Philosophy: How Malta’s Café Became a Community Hub

Here’s what you need to know: Mariah Vella isn’t just running a café—she’s curating an experience. As store manager at COFFEE & strangers in Malta, she’s turned a small space into a sanctuary for connection, creativity, and curiosity. Her approach blends Italian influence with Maltese grit, crafting a place where coffee isn’t just a drink but a catalyst for meaningful interactions. Mariah’s journey began in Milan, where she discovered the quiet power of a well-made espresso. The café there became her daily anchor, teaching her that coffee is about more than beans—it’s about the rituals, the people, and the stories…
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Defne Ceyda Okay: Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in Istanbul

Defne Ceyda Okay: Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in Istanbul

Time to spill: Defne Ceyda Okay isn’t just shaping Türkiye’s coffee scene—she’s rewriting its rules. As Oatly’s Barista Market Developer, World Coffee Championships judge, and soon-to-be SCA Trainer, she’s a force of curiosity, precision, and relentless connection. Her story isn’t about shortcuts or hype—it’s about turning coffee into a language of discovery, one cup at a time. Defne’s journey began in 2015, when an AeroPress order at her local café sparked a decade-long obsession. What started as a curious sip evolved into a career that spans barista work, roasting, training, and event curation. She’s rebuilt Türkiye’s specialty coffee culture from…
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Guado al Tasso’s Cabernet Franc Revolution: A Masterclass in Bolgheri’s Evolution

Guado al Tasso’s Cabernet Franc Revolution: A Masterclass in Bolgheri’s Evolution

If you’ve ever wondered how a single vineyard can redefine a region’s wine identity, look no further than Guado al Tasso. For four decades, this Tuscan estate has been a battleground for tradition and innovation, now epitomized by a masterclass led by Alessia Antinori and Renzo Cotarella. The session wasn’t just about tasting—it was a lesson in how Bolgheri’s terroir transformed Cabernet Franc from a supporting act into a star. The 2007 vintage marked a turning point. When Cotarella tasted the rich, vibrant Cabernet Franc from that year, he saw an opportunity to recalibrate the estate’s signature Bolgheri Superiore. Previously…
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