Irene Gridina
Kyev, Ukraine
Irene Gridina is a Ukrainian Wine Professional and one of the top Champagne experts in Eastern Europe. Her path to wine was rather winding. Having graduated with a degree in economics, Irene built a solid career in investment banking. But after the birth of her second daughter Irene realized that her passion for wine couldn’t cohabit with any other line of work. So, she decided to completely reinvent herself and start a completely new career after 35.
Irene got her WSET Level 3 in London and Level 4 - Diploma - in Rust. She is the only Ukranian who acquired the the prestigious Wine Akademiker (a.k.a WA) degree and is currently studying in the MW Institute in London. Irene writes about wine for a wide array of media outlets ranging from Vogue to professional magazines. She also organizes bespoke wine experiences around the world.
In 2020 Irene successfully launched an importing company that focuses on representing a carefully selected list of small Champagne and Burgundian houses. Last year Irene co-produced BeWine Show (with guest stars Jamie Goode and Peter Liem) which became one of the biggest wine events in 2021.