Bolgheri

Anzhelika Rybak’s Coffee Revolution in Ukraine

Anzhelika Rybak’s Coffee Revolution in Ukraine

This is worth savoring: Anzhelika Rybak’s story isn’t just about espresso shots or latte art—it’s about resilience, identity, and the quiet power of a cup of coffee in wartime. As Ukraine’s coffee culture evolves under relentless bombardment, Rybak has become a symbol of how passion and purpose can transform a beverage into a lifeline. From a street-side barista to a national champion, her journey reflects a nation redefining itself through coffee. Rybak’s career began in Poltava, where she traded ballroom dancing for barista training, eventually leading her to found KoHo, a coffee chain that evolved from takeaway shops to curated…
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A Coffee Pioneer Transforms Her Journey from Moscow to Cyprus

A Coffee Pioneer Transforms Her Journey from Moscow to Cyprus

When war uprooted her life in Moscow, Olga Melik Karakozova found a new chapter in Cyprus, building a coffee empire from the ground up. After fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she settled in Limassol, where she now runs WAGMI Coffee—a space that blends community, craftsmanship, and a radical reimagining of what coffee can mean. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about reinvention, resilience, and the power of a single person to reshape an industry. Olga’s career has always been about more than trophies. For decades, she navigated the global coffee world as a roaster, consultant, and barista, but her…
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Caitlin McArdle: Crafting Coffee Magic in Amsterdam

Caitlin McArdle: Crafting Coffee Magic in Amsterdam

Caitlin McArdle isn’t just making coffee—she’s redefining how it’s experienced. From the high-octane chaos of Formula 1 events to the quiet creativity of Layers Bakery, she’s mastered the art of turning moments into memories. Her journey began with a drive-through Americano and a stubborn determination to pour more than hearts into cups. Now, she’s a European Matcha Champion, a head barista at Layers, and a force in Amsterdam’s coffee scene, where innovation meets intention. Her days are a balancing act between worlds. At Coffee Crafters, she serves rare coffees at locations where seconds matter—think Formula 1 pit stops and Michelin-starred…
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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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