Alla Skira

From Kyiv to London

1. 

   Galicia

   It was there that I first saw wine as a culture shaped by place and people.

   I was there on business, an import manager new to wine, among growers who could say exactly why one bottle tasted the way it did.

2. 

   Kyiv

   Back home, I started an Instagram blog: an image, a few thoughts, sometimes a memory the wine had stirred.

   Then came tastings and wine dinners in Kyiv, visits to Ukrainian wineries and a hands-on stint at the Biologist craft winery.

3. 

   London 2022

   Far from home and close to it at the same time.

   The war brought me to the UK, and just 10 days later I was at the London Wine Fair, presenting 12 Ukrainian wineries.

4. 

   The classroom

   London is a capital of wine, and I wanted my passion to become my profession.

   I took WSET Level 2, then Level 3, and now I am studying for the Diploma, spittoon at the ready.

5. 

   Today

   I can finally say it: I’m in.

   Hundreds of wine events later, I write this journal and host tastings, in between trips to the vineyards.