Every lot passes an expert

Alberto’s journey in wine began where great wine is born — in the vineyard. Since 2019, he has tended his own family vines in Valladolid, gaining a deep respect for the land and the rhythms of the growing season. This hands-on foundation led him to pursue a degree in Enology at the University of Valladolid, where he combined academic study with practical harvest experience at some of Spain’s finest Ribera del Duero wineries. Now working at the intersection of winemaking and commerce, Alberto brings to Bottles EU a rare blend of technical expertise, field experience and youthful energy — a new generation of wine professional with deep roots in tradition. WSET Level 3

Raised in Portugal and educated in the United States, André has spent two decades moving between cultures, languages and cellars. His passion for fine wine and spirits began with the great Ports and table wines of his home country and grew into a wider fascination with the craft, history and provenance behind every great bottle. When he isn’t tasting or sourcing, he can be found driving the back roads of Europe in search of small producers and the stories behind their labels.

Assem Jumabekova is a Rome-based wine professional with a background in finance, business, and data analytics. Her journey into the wine world began with the Sommelier Program at the Fondazione Italiana Sommelier, sparking a lasting interest in wine regions, grape varieties, and wine culture. Alongside her wine education, she holds academic degrees in Economics, Finance, and Business Management from Sapienza University of Rome. Combining business expertise with practical experience in wine service and sales, she works closely with restaurants, hotels, wine bars, and retailers. As a Sales Agent at Monterosso Wine and Food, she helps develop and strengthen partnerships across the hospitality sector, supporting the growth and visibility of a diverse portfolio of wine producers.

Carlos’s path in wine began in Portugal’s heartland, where early roles in restaurants and bars sparked a lifelong passion for hospitality and wine service. In 2008, he moved to London — initially working in facilities and maintenance before pivoting back to his true calling. By 2012, he was helping launch New Street Wine Shop as a founding team member, and over the next decade built an impressive career across some of London’s most respected wine venues. Accolades Senior Judge, Sommelier Wine Awards (UK), 2014–2019.

Davide's passion for wine took root in Livorno, where he earned his first sommelier diploma at 20 and went on to manage some of Italy's most prestigious wine estates, buy for international markets as far afield as South Korea, and build a network spanning producers, distributors and collectors across Italy and beyond. Today, based near Rome, he brings this extraordinary breadth of experience to the Bottles EU platform as one of our most versatile and knowledgeable Experts for the Italian market. Accolades Lecturer at Fondazione Italiana Sommelier; contributor to the Guida Bibenda.

Raised between Bordeaux and the vineyards of South-West France, Emma developed an early and natural affinity for wine culture. After completing her Master’s at Grenoble École de Management, she built her career at the heart of the French wine and spirits industry — from the Parisian offices of Pernod Ricard to the terraces and cellars of Bordeaux. She understands both the commercial and the convivial side of wine: how to position a bottle, and why it matters. Emma joins the Bottles team bringing her market intelligence, her network and her passion for connecting the finest French bottles with buyers across Europe.

José Joaquín Cortés’s passion for gastronomy began in childhood, nurtured by the culinary culture his parents instilled in him. A law graduate by training, his path shifted when he entered the hospitality world in Sevilla — and a remarkable career was born. Crowned Spain’s “Nariz de Oro” in 2012, he has since become one of the country’s most recognisable sommeliers, equally at ease evaluating a Grand Cru blind as directing the gastronomic programme for a Hollywood film premiere. From Nespresso boardrooms in Switzerland to the red carpet of the Goya Awards, José Joaquín brings to Bottles EU a world-class palate, an extraordinary professional network and an infectious passion for sharing the art of fine wine and gastronomy. Accolades Best Sommelier in Spain — "Nariz de Oro" (2012); runner-up, Habanosommelier International Contest (2010); winner, International Pro Coffee Tasting Tournament, Coffee Fest 2025; gastronomic advisor to the Spain Film Commission (Goya Awards, European Film Awards); coffee advisor to Nespresso; MasterChef España collaborator

Juan's journey in wine began after two decades building an international trade career that took him from Valencia to Miami and across Asia. In 2016, he channelled his deep commercial expertise into founding IDEWINE, dedicated to bringing Spanish wines to the world. His Rioja diploma and hands-on sommelier experience at a fine dining restaurant in Calpe give him both the technical knowledge and the palate to evaluate and champion exceptional Spanish wines. From managing Chinese furniture imports at AMBO EXTERIOR to directing premium food exports — including DOP Teruel ham and artisan kombucha — Juan has spent his career connecting quality producers with international buyers. Today, he brings that same passion and commercial instinct to Bottles EU, helping Spanish wineries reach new audiences across Europe

Born and raised in South-West France, Julie discovered wine early and trained in sommellerie at the Lycée de Nérac. Over more than two decades she built an international career in hospitality and wine, making Ireland her home and representing it on the world stage. An entrepreneur and educator as well as a competitor, she founded SommNinja to share her knowledge with the next generation of wine professionals. Julie joins the Bottles team bringing world-class tasting expertise, an international reputation and a deep commitment to excellence in everything she does. Accolades: 3rd Best Sommelier in the World — ASI, Mendoza 2016 (bronze); 7th Best Sommelier in Europe; ASI, Vienna 2017; 8th Best Sommelier in the World ; ASI, Antwerp 2019; Best Sommelier in Ireland (IGS) -2012, 2016, 2018.

Lionel’s path to wine was forged through an international career spanning luxury markets in Asia and commercial development across Europe. His years at G&G deepened his expertise in organic and natural wines, while his current role at Dumont places him at the heart of the Champagne region. Based in Reims, Lionel brings to Bottles EU a unique blend of global commercial experience, wine sector knowledge, and an extraordinary ability to connect across cultures and languages.

Born and raised In the most important wine-growing regions of central Italy, Luca has been established in the heart of the Maremma Toscana for over 20 years. There has built his career around the wine and food culture of this wondeful territory. With a Master's in Agricultural Sciences and a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Perugia, he combines academic rigour with hands-on field experience spanning vineyard management, production and premium retail. As President of Slow Food Grosseto and founder of the 'Vino nel Borgo' local wine festival, he is embedded in the Tuscan producer network. Luca joins Bottles as a Bottles Expert, bringing 20 years of territorial expertise and a trusted network of Tuscan winemakers. Accolades President, Slow Food Grosseto (since 2024)

Born and raised in Correggio, Reggio Emilia, Marco Sicomori developed a passion for wine through a career spanning enoteca management, sommelier practice and commercial operations. As Head Sommelier and CEO of MaMa S.r.l. — the company behind La Zecca — he has built one of the most respected wine selections in his region, with direct producer relationships across Italy and France. Holding WSET Level 3, AIS Level 3 and a Burgundy master under Armando Castagno at the Treccani, and co-author of the Grandi Champagne guide (2025), Marco joins the Bottles team as a Bottles Expert, bringing passion, regional expertise and a trusted network of producers and buyers across Europe. Accolades Co-author of the Grandi Champagne guide with wine critic Alberto Lupetti (2025)

Born in Santa Maria da Feira, Paulo Pinho’s career in wine spans more than two decades at one of Northern Portugal’s most prestigious restaurants. Over the years, he has built a highly respected reputation within fine dining, distinguished by his deep enological knowledge, gastronomic sensibility, and unwavering professional rigour. His daily work at a high-end level has allowed him to develop carefully curated wine lists, master the art of food and wine pairing, and forge close relationships with producers and wine regions — with a strong focus on Portuguese wines while embracing the best international references. Recognised for his ability to translate wine for the guest, Paulo combines technical expertise, culture, and passion to deliver memorable experiences tailored to every profile. Paulo now joins the Bottles team as a Wine Expert, bringing his hands-on experience, deep knowledge, and a contemporary vision of the sommelier’s role to help fellow enthusiasts buy and sell with confidence.

Pedro's journey into wine began in Paris, where a passion for French gastronomy led him through the prestigious kitchens of the Eiffel Tower and into the world of fine wine. Fluent in Portuguese, French, English and Spanish — with Italian and German underway — he is a natural ambassador for the Bottles EU platform, bringing Parisian savoir-faire and a pan-European outlook to every seller relationship he builds.

Solène’s journey into the world of wine was shaped by a natural curiosity for luxury, travel, and oenotourism. After completing an international management degree at Rennes School of Business, she refined her vision by combining luxury and wine through a specialised MBA at Sup De Luxe, followed by a diploma in Wine & Spirits Management at Kedge Business School. Her hands-on experience at We Are Wine and Caves du Parc gave her practical expertise in negotiating with wine merchants, organising tastings, and managing commercial operations from vineyard to shelf. Based in Vouvray, in the heart of the Loire Valley, Solène brings to the Bottles Expert programme a fresh perspective that blends commercial rigour with a genuine passion for the world of wine.

As a Bottles Expert, Valeria brings to the platform the ability to identify, evaluate and authenticate high-value bottles directly at the collector's or restaurant's premises. Her analytical tasting expertise ensures precise assessments of condition, authenticity and market potential — precisely the physical trust layer that enables high-value transactions to take place online. Her hospitality and private collector network in Rome represents a direct supply source for the platform, aligned with the 1,000 bottles per month listing target.

Vanessa’s journey in hospitality began at just 18, working at some of Lisbon’s finest five-star hotels and luxury restaurants. Her passion for wine was ignited in 2009 when she joined an innovative wine bar concept featuring over 300 references by the glass. Since then, she has never stopped exploring wine — from service and history to production and commercialization. Fueled by passion and new challenges, Vanessa now joins the Bottles team as a Wine Expert, helping fellow enthusiasts buy and sell better.