Cristina Mercuri had a successful career as an international lawyer in Milan but gave it all up to study and create a second career in wine, becoming Italy’s first female Master of Wine within a decade. A consultant, educator and journalist, Cristina likes to describe herself as a “cultural bridge” between Italy and the rest of the world. She’s also on a mission to bring more women into the wine industry and make wine less “self-referential”.

To read more about Cristina have a look at her website. You can also follow her on Instagram at @cristinamercuri_wine.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts, where you can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.