The World of WineHunter

Helmuth Köcher

President and founder of Merano WineFestival, sole shareholder of Gourmet’s International and The WineHunter.

Year 1959, Helmuth Koecher matures in a family whose roots are reinforced within the art of food and wine.

His grandmother grew up on a winery and dedicated herself to cooking in the service of noble families. His grandfather came from nothing other but a long lineage of weavers of fine material. Both convey to Helmuth the importance of quality of basic substance.

In one of his many journeys, Helmuth Koecher falls madly in love with Bordeaux, its wine and its vineyards. Back in Italy, he decides to dedicate body and soul to this soon-to-be greatest passion: the nectar of the gods.

In 1992 he puts himself at stake with the idea to organize an event where excellence embraces the world of elegance and creates an event never seen before in Italy. This is how the Merano WineFestival is born.

Helmuth Köcher evolved himself into the figure of The WineHunter who catches exquisite wines and culinary delicacies for passion and profession. The presentation of selected products at the events ensures that the figure of Helmuth is inextricably linked to the concept of quality.

He is invited to international congresses and tastings that allow him to broaden his knowledge and taste wines from all over the world. At the end of the 90s, his unbridled passion for every aspect of culinary production, leads him to the publication of four monothematic volumes: Grappa, Aceto, Olio and Formaggio.

Helmuth Köcher has always made it clear that the goal of this constant and tireless hunt is the discovery of excellence; that extra quality that distinguishes things and makes them unique over time.

Over the years, he has been led to pursue and express the best in different ways, starting from the selection of products that are displayed at the events of excellence, to continue with innovation and education. All of this to promote quality in all its forms because excellence is an attitude.

Degustation is Exploration Qonflate Kch 2023

Commissione The WineHunter

Nella vastità del panorama enologico, Helmuth Köcher iniziò come cacciatore solitario, diventando il riconosciuto The WineHunter, simbolo e garante dell’eccellenza vinicola e non solo…
Ciò che era iniziato come una solitaria odissea alla ricerca dei prodotti perfetti si è evoluto in un movimento più ampio: The WineHunter ha raccolto intorno a sé le commissioni di degustazione, un’élite di esperti dedicati alla ricerca dell’eccellenza nel mondo enogastronomico.
Oggi queste commissioni, gestite da Helmuth Koecher, costituiscono il nucleo fondamentale di valutazione per il prestigioso WineHunter Award, sancendo ogni anno l’eccellenza e la personalità distintiva nel settore enogastronomico.

In questo viaggio, l’obiettivo rimane inalterato: l’eccellenza non è solo una destinazione, ma un cammino costante, excellence is an attitude!

Le commissioni di degustazione valutano migliaia di vini e prodotti gastronomici provenienti da tutta l’Italia e da tutto il Mondo, per selezionare quelli che al meglio rispecchiano la qualità che The WineHunter vuole comunicare, l’eccellenza e l’elitarietà.

The WineHunter Award non è solo un riconoscimento, ma una garanzia di qualità per operatori, appassionati e wine lovers.

The WineHunter Scouts

Curious about who champions the flavors of your favorite wines?
Dive into the background and members of each commission by clicking the links below.
Raise a glass to discovery!

Andrea Radic

Giornalista professionista dal 1994,

Direttore di Comunicazione di Expo Milano nel 2015, dal 2018 firma sul magazine "La Freccia" con interviste esclusive e cura le rubriche "Gusta & Degusta". Su Gambero Rosso Channel (Sky Italia) è il conduttore di "Italia Vicina - In Viaggio con Radic".

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2022.

E-mail: Andrea Radic

Donato Dolzani

Sommelier, Relatore e Degustatore ufficiale AIS da oltre 30 anni

Relatore e Degustatore di secondo livello ONAF, Relatore e degustatore di secondo livello ANAG. Componente di commissioni DOC e DOCG Emilia Romagna.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 1999.

E-mail: Donato Dolzani

Gianpaolo Betti

Sommelier Ais, assaggiatore Onav, collaboratore Slow Wine...

Con oltre trent'anni di esperienza nel mondo vinicolo, unisce la sua passione per i distillati e le birre al suo mestiere. Parte fondamentale nell'organizzazione dell'evento Wine&Siena.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2015.

E-mail: Gianpaolo Betti

Leonardo Franchi

Sommelier, wine blogger

Collaboratore del gruppo Donvino, Sommelier professionista e blogger appassionato, impegnato nell'approfondire e condividere la ricchezza e la diversità del mondo vinicolo.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2016.

Luciano Cescon

Consulente enologo per diverse aziende

Specializzato nella produzione di spumanti metodo classico e metodo Charmat. Wine Educator presso FISAR Federazione Italiana Sommelier Albergatori Ristoratori e socio Assoenologi dal 1974.

Membro e rappresentante delle commissioni d’assaggio The WineHunter Award dal 2017.

E-mail: Luciano Cescon

Massimo Crudeli

Sommelier Professionista dal 2003

Master in impresa vinicola e competizione internazionale a Verona, proprietario nel tempo di diversi ristoranti ed enoteche rinomate a Bologna. Wine Educator presso il Centro Sviluppo Commercio Turismo e Servizi di Bologna, consulente e agente di commercio nel settore vino dal 2006.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2006.

E-mail: Massimo Crudeli

Mario Coin

Ristoratore e membro onorario del team The WineHunter

Con una distinta carriera da ristoratore, la sua collaborazione con Helmuth Koecher nel 1992 ha contribuito alla fondazione del prestigioso Merano WineFestival. È un grande esperto e appassionato del mondo vinicolo e gastronomico.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 1993.

E-mail: Mario Coin

Mauro Bertolli

Giornalista e direttore di italiadelvino.com.

Da anni figura di spicco nella comunicazione nel mondo del vino. Fondatore e direttore di italiadelvino.com, è conosciuto come un influente wine-blogger. Dal 2013 firma la rubrica settimanale "Andar per vini", pubblicata online su Sole24.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2000.

E-mail: Mauro Bertolli

Monia Zanette

Degustatore presso concorsi internazionali

Collabora con diverse guide e testate giornalistiche, marcando presenza nelle principali fiere del settore. Conduce degustazioni e si distingue come docente presso la scuola enologica di Verona.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2021.

E-mail: Monia Zanette

Roberto Calderan

Sommelier e Degustatore di diverse guide da oltre vent’anni

Sommelier e degustatore riconosciuto da diverse guide per oltre vent'anni. La sua esperienza professionale si radica nel mondo bancario, creando un'inedita e affascinante unione tra finanza e vino.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 1993.

E-mail: Roberto Calderan

Simona Geri

Amministratore unico della società The Winesetter

Gestisce un blog omonimo e si specializza nella comunicazione digitale, collaborando con cantine, uffici stampa e eventi vitivinicoli come partner media, creatore di contenuti e degustatore di vini.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2022.

E-mail: Simona Geri

Mauro Vellucci

Proprietario e gestore settore Ho.Re.Ca

Gestore di due rinomate birrerie a Roma, intraprende un percorso di specializzazione e diventa un Sommelier FISAR nel 2009. Collabora con hotel e aziende di catering. Si occupa della selezione di birre e vini pregiati, offrendo un’esperienza unica ai clienti.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2024.

E-mail: Mauro Vellucci

Marco Sciarrin

Giornalista enogastronomico, giudice internazionale per i concorsi

Con-cours mondial de Bruxelles e Grenaches du monde, è anche sommelier e collabora con guide di settore ed è degustatore della guida mondiale degli oli Flos Olei.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2024.

E-mail: Marco Sciarrin

Guido Invernizzi

Medico laureato in medicina e specializzato in chirurgia generale

Dal 2001 è sommelier professionista, una figura di riferimento nel settore enologico. È un noto relatore e commissario per le sessioni di esame AIS, con numerose abilitazioni per l’insegnamento di lezioni su vari aspetti del vino, dalla tecnica della degustazione all’abbinamento vino-cibo.

WineHunter Scout per The WineHunter Award dal 2023.

E-mail: Guido Invernizzi

The WineHunter - Ambassadors

Welcome to the section dedicated to The WineHunter Ambassadors, the representatives selected by The WineHunter Helmuth Koecher. They represent The WineHunter brand on an international level, communicating its mission of seeking excellence and high quality. The WineHunter Ambassadors come from various countries around the world and serve as a bridge between The WineHunter and the markets in which they operate. They work in key countries such as South America, Canada, Ukraine, Asian markets, Spain, and Portugal. Here, you will have the opportunity to get to know our WineHunters better.

Alessandra Teston

WH Ambassador Belgium Italian wine importer based in Belgium, Alessandra Teston focuses on boutique wineries, indigenous varieties, and lesser-known denominations. She promotes Italian wines with a focus on storytelling, authenticity, and terroir-driven identity.

Alessandro Satin

WH Ambassador Canada & Scandinavia Founder of Tendervino, Alessandro Satin guides Italian and international producers through the complexities of state monopoly systems in Canada and Scandinavia. With a background as importer and export manager, he combines strategic insight with practical support. His company helps wineries develop sustainable business plans and access markets that are both selective and full of potential for quality wines and spirits.

Angelo Dal Bon

WH Ambassador Mexico An Italian chef and restaurateur based in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Founder of Tre Galline and Caffé Todos Santos, Angelo Dal Bon has been a bridge between Italian gastronomy and the Mexican food and wine scene. Originally from Lake Garda, he imports Italian wines and ingredients, combining Italian authenticity with local flavors and promoting Italian excellence abroad.

Antonio Bruno

WH Ambassador Ireland, UK & Northern Europe Managing Director of Strive International since 2014, Antonio Bruno leads delegations of buyers to top international trade fairs such as Wine Paris, Fenavin, and Barcelona Wine Week. He specializes in international marketing and promotion, connecting Italian wineries with importers and professionals across Northern Europe.

Besart Kurti

WH Ambassador Albania A graduate in International Relations and certified in Wine Export Management (ONAV, WSET), Besart Kurti has over 12 years of experience in the wine trade in Tuscany. Combining Italian expertise with Albanian heritage, he helps wineries enter Balkan markets through export management, marketing, and cultural initiatives.

Claudio Arrigoni Neri

WH Ambassador Moldova Sommelier and passionate wine producer, Claudio Arrigoni Neri promotes and distributes Made in Italy products in Moldova while introducing Moldovan wines internationally. His commitment fosters cultural and commercial exchange between Italy and Moldova, enhancing recognition for both nations’ winemaking traditions.

Cristian Chao Chao Wu

WH Ambassador China Co-founder of China-Link and owner of Youjia Brand Management, Cristian Chao Chao Wu connects Italian producers with the Chinese market through import, logistics, and brand management. His proprietary import license ensures flexibility and control, allowing China-Link to serve both large companies and small distributors. He collaborates with The WineHunter, Interwine China, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China.

Eyal Shelef

WH Ambassador Israel Founder and CEO of WINESIL Import Export, Eyal Shelef specializes in promoting premium Italian and Israeli wines. Working with the Italian Embassy, he expands opportunities for Italian wineries in the Middle East.

Francesco Riccio

WH Ambassador Switzerland Entrepreneur and sommelier, Francesco Riccio combines experience in gastronomy and international trade. As owner of FR Selection and partner of ARS NOBILIS AG, he manages distribution of premium Italian wines in Switzerland, focusing on brand positioning and long-term growth.

Gorazd Šinik

WH Ambassador Slovenia Based in Portorož/Kranj, Gorazd Šinik leads Nominator.si, supporting European wineries—particularly Italian producers—in market access, trade partnerships, and visibility across Slovenia. His network spans distributors and hospitality venues, with track-record in cross-border projects in the northern Adriatic.

Gianmarco Ferrioli

WH Ambassador Ukraine Since 2022, he has been the WineHunter Ambassador for the Ukrainian market, fostering exchange between Italy and Ukraine by promoting high-quality companies and products. With a deep knowledge of local territories and productions, he facilitates collaboration between producers and importers, highlighting the stories and traditions behind wines and gastronomic excellence. He also works with institutions to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Haris Papandreou

WH Ambassador Greece Wine professional and event consultant based in Athens, Haris Papandreou promotes Italian and Mediterranean wines through tastings, workshops, and trade collaborations. With a focus on cultural exchange, he supports partnerships between Greek importers and Italian producers under The WineHunter network.

Karine De Souza

WH Ambassador South America Brazilian-born, based in Italy, Karine De Souza is CEO of KDS Food & Wines International and founder of KDS International Business Consulting. With over 23 years of experience, she leads export strategies for South America and is creator of the KDS Export Map method, certified on blockchain. She bridges Italian excellence with emerging Latin American markets through structured programs.

Luigi D'Errico

WH Ambassador Japan & Singapore With over 20 years of experience promoting Italian agri-food and wine brands in Japan and the ASEAN region, Luigi D’Errico is a leading expert in intercultural marketing. He organizes B2B and B2C events, fosters partnerships, and provides export consulting for Italian producers. A multilingual professional, he represents The WineHunter’s excellence in some of the world’s most competitive markets.

Marco Facchini

WH Ambassador China With more than 13 years of experience exporting Italian wines to China, Marco Facchini facilitates market entry for Italian SMEs. Through China-Link, he collaborates with Interwine China and the Italian Chamber of Commerce, offering full support for logistics, marketing, and promotion. His expertise strengthens ties between Italy and China.

Marco Perini

WH Ambassador UK Born in Senigallia, Italy, Marco Perini has been active in the wine industry since 2011, working with leading retailers and distributors in both Italy and the UK. Passionate about art and culture, he views wine as a journey of discovery, an opportunity to connect people, places, and stories through authentic experiences.

Massimo Goruppi

WH Ambassador Bulgaria & Balkans With over 40 years of experience in import-export, Massimo Goruppi represents wineries from Bulgaria and other Balkan countries, helping expand the presence of Italian wines in Eastern Europe.

Michael Šetka

WH Ambassador Czech Republic Founder and director of W-D.cz, Michal Šetka has been active in the Czech wine market for years, focusing on promoting premium European wines. Based in Prague, he supports Italian producers in Central Europe, blending trade expertise with cultural exchange.

Niccolò Del Mastio

WH Ambassador Hong Kong Co-founder of China-Link, Niccolò Del Mastio is a young entrepreneur fluent in Mandarin with a degree in Oriental Languages. After two years in Shanghai working in the food & beverage import sector, he developed strong expertise in Chinese consumer behavior and logistics. He supports Italian SMEs entering the Chinese market with tailored export strategies and brand development.

Niccolo Lorimer

WH Ambassador USA Specialized in licensing, importing, and brand development, Niccolò Lorimer is a judge at the LA County Fair and ambassador for European producers. He strengthens trade relations between Europe and the U.S., promoting innovation and new trends in the international wine industry.

Olga Kochurova

WH Ambassador Russia & CSI WineHunter Ambassador for Russia and the CIS countries since 2023, she represents Italian companies across the region. She collaborates with importers of wines and food products, managing research, contracts, import, and distribution. She regularly takes part in trade fairs and wine festivals and contributes to Wine Weekly, a digital magazine widely read by professionals and importers in the area.

Petri Viglione

WH Ambassador Finland Founder of Winital Oy in 1993, Petri Viglione pioneered Italian wine distribution in Finland. He introduced iconic brands such as Gaja and Bellavista, and was honored by President Ciampi as Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana. Today, he continues to advocate for wine liberalization in Finland.

Rahul Akerkar

WH Ambassador India Renowned Indian chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, Rahul Akerkar has been a pioneer in modern Indian cuisine and wine pairing. Founder of deGustibus Hospitality and Qualia Mumbai, he advocates for Italian and European wines in India’s emerging fine dining scene.

Ramon Addazi Gouveia

WH Ambassador Southeast Asia Founder and CEO of Magaras, a Singapore-based agency specializing in food, wine, and fashion across Southeast Asia. He supports Italian brands in developing visibility and partnerships through events and digital marketing, promoting Italian lifestyle and excellence in dynamic markets like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Rashad Gurbanov

WH Ambassador Azerbaigian e CSI With over 15 years of experience in the wine and HoReCa sectors, Rashad Gurbanov connects Italy with Azerbaijan and the CIS region. CEO of an import-export company, he distributes Italian wines and promotes unique Azerbaijani products like pomegranate and quince-based wines.

Robert Maggi

WH Ambassador UK Half Italian and half Welsh, Robert Maggi is the founder of WinesnVines and organizer of the Cardiff Wine Festival. With over 15 years of international experience, he promotes Italian wines through educational tastings and events across the UK, collaborating with renowned producers and fostering cultural connections between Italy and the British wine scene.

Roberto Fazzina

WH Ambassador Spain Originally from Venice and based in Madrid, Roberto Fazzina has over 15 years’ experience in the Spanish wine trade. Formerly with one of Spain’s leading importers of Italian products, he now works as an independent consultant connecting Spanish and Italian wineries. Certified Sherry Educator and WSET Level 3.

Tamar Tchitchiboshvili

WH Ambassador Georgia Originally from Kakheti, the cradle of Georgia’s ancient amphora winemaking tradition. A sommelier and wine communication specialist, she collaborates with the Georgian embassies and the Georgian Wine Museum to promote her country’s wine culture. Based in Rome, she produces wine in Georgia and co-founded L’ANFORA, a company combining tradition and innovation in Georgian winemaking.

Toufic Bou Farah

WH Ambassador Lebanon Founder of Tire Bouchon SAL, Toufic Bou Farah has over 20 years in the wine trade, focusing on Italian imports. He also owns ImportExport, a fine wine bar fostering education and community in Lebanon’s growing wine culture.

Udo Siebert

WH Ambassador Germany Based in Berlin, Udo Siebert has promoted Italian wine since the 1990s. As wine event director, blogger, and educator, he organizes tastings and verticals of Italian wines. His knowledge of German consumers makes him a key figure in spreading The WineHunter’s mission in Germany.

Yukako Saito

WH Ambassador Japan Founder of JINOWA Consortium Italy and Co-founder of JIEN LLP Social Cooperative in Japan, Yukako Saito promotes the connection between wine, culture, and biodiversity. Lecturer in Gastronomy Tourism at Kyoto University of the Arts, she develops geo-gastronomic projects in Nagano, highlighting the harmony between wine, nature, and human heritage.