Here at WineCard we’re delighted to be teaming up with Melania to present a selection of her favourite wines from our collection and a special case curated specifically for sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.
In a relatively short space of time, Melania has forged an impressive and varied career in wine, food and hospitality and it’s a delight that we’re able to work together to provide some fantastic collections for our members.
In her own words…
I am 27 years old, I am coming from a tiny town in the Northern part of Italy called Mede (Lombardy). I studied tourism in high school and I have been working in cafès since I was 14 (serving, making coffees, polishing).
I have always been considered as the loser of the family, the one who will never make it.
When I was 18yo I left Italy to move to the London. It was supposed to be a five days holiday; it turned out to be nine years of my life.
I found a job as bar-back, I cried every day as I couldn't understand a word. I wrestled with the idea of coming back home. I made it.
I started my wine training, with exams and competitions. I wanted to prove people wrong, I wanted to prove myself I was actually good at something.
I never knew what I really wanted to do in my life, wine seemed just right.
I worked hard, I failed so many times and I succeeded others.
The wine industry allowed me to get to know myself better and to explore many of the world's beauties.
Alongside wine, during Covid, I started a complementary journey in psychology at Cambridge University, graduating in Coaching and actually helping people thrive on a daily basis.
Towards the end of 2022, competitions and exams got me seriously busy (stressed out), I burned out. I neglected work, friends and loved ones for success. I was wearing the lenses of misery and negativity. I did not ask for help. I became the person I have always detested.
Not proud.
A shift in mindset happened in 2023, I decided to loosen up and have fun doing the things I loved (wine, communicating, creating, being helpful to people). In that way, I achieved great successes in the first 6 months, but my instinct was driving me elsewhere.
In June 2023, at the pinnacle of my wine career, I left London to move to Greece (funny right? Greece?).
The world of hotels has always been fascinating to me and I had to bring back to life my passion for wines by taking a break from it.
I needed clarity, space and tranquility.
Still today, I don't have it all figure it out. I am still perfecting what I am doing, I am researching, adapting, looking out for opportunities, experimenting, making mistakes, starting again.
MelCnC is the first step for myself to help someone thrive, not matter if the recipient is a business or an individual. I am committed to bring the positive, wholehearted, supportive, and innovative approach you need to succeed.
This industry gave me purpose and joy, MelCnC is a way of giving it back and to make a greater impact, one day at the time.
- Three core values: C O U R A G E, G R A T I T U D E, G R O W T H
- Favourite movie: 'Forrest Gump'
- Favourite read: 'Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway'
- Motto: 'Dream it, Make it'
- Most valuable advice: 'Follow your instincts and your heart' (they know better)
- Worst advice I received: 'Time heals all the wounds' (working on yourself does, time helps)
- Guilty pleasure: Dates, lots of dates!
- My favourite grape: Chardonnay