Welcome to Episode 2056 in which host Giulia Stocchetti interviews Valentina Kirichkova. Valentina Kirichkova, young wine specialist at Monte Bianco, based in Almaty, talks about her working and life exeprience in the wine industry in Kazakhstan, how's importing and distributes Italian wines and how vibrant and lively this growing sector is in her country. More about today’s guest Valentina Kirichkova is a distinguished wine specialist based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Currently serving as a brand manager at Monte Bianco since 2022, she focuses on marketing premium wines, spirits, and cigars for the company, which specializes in importing and distributing fine and rare wines. Valentina is pursuing a WSET Diploma at Weinakademie Österreich and holds a WSET 3 certification and Valpolicella Scholar. She was awarded the ASI Diploma Gold in 2022 and has been recognized as the #2 Best Sommelier of Kazakhstan in 2023.  Monte Bianco, established in 1999, is a leading Kazakhstani importer and distributor of premium and rare wines, spirits, and cigars. Known for its continuous improvement philosophy, the company has gained global trust and is favored by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts. Operating seven wine shops, Monte Bianco is Kazakhstan's top importer of Italian products. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentina_superiore  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?locale=ru_RU  Giulia is an AIS Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. She has 360° experience in the cellar, harvesting, tasting and teaching. Enthusiastic communicator of wine, she believes every bottle is a small universe to discover and her slogan is “sharing wine means love.” She’s passionate about terroir wines made with autochthonous grape varieties and constantly looking for them and their small producers. Connect: Facebook: Giulia Stocchetti Caravaggi Instagram: theWineSoulGirl LinkedIn: Giulia Stocchetti Caravaggi _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!