MEET
ANNIE B. SHAPERO
CERTIFIED SOMMELIER. WRITER. WINE EDUCATOR.
I first landed in Rome, Italy in 2001. Determined to become fluent, I enrolled in an intensive Italian language program. When the course ended, I overstayed my study visa. For nearly a decade.
LIFE IN FULL IMMERSION
Language is a vehicle for connection, but it’s more than words.
While abroad, I taught English, translated Italian, and launched a career as a food, wine, and travel writer. I picked up a whole new vocabulary at the Italian Sommelier Association.
I learned that while there are “rules” about what to drink and when, the spirit of wine goes far beyond its scent and flavor profile.
Writing assignments and travels took me to tiny towns where local food and wine traditions grow up together.
I visited vineyards where generations of winemakers work in harmony with nature, hold tightly to tradition, and produce wines that reflect the places where they grow.
Wine embodies place and time, an occasion, and even a feeling. Every bottle of wine has a soul inside, a story.
When you open it, smell it, taste it, and share it with others, you set it free.
A LAYOVER IN NEW YORK
Before settling in Rome officially, I spent a decade in New York City, where I lived and breathed wine importing and hospitality.
I translated my Italian wine experience into a business and founded Divino to curate wine tasting events and classes for small groups and big brands.
In 2020, I launched a YouTube series, 21 Days to Wine, a guide to the vocabulary of wine tasting.
ROME IS HOME
As the pandemic subsided and doors reopened worldwide, I took steps to make Rome home. This time, forever.
DIVINO | THE COMPANY
As a CREATIVE AGENCY Divino focuses on the promotion and communication of wine, through live events and digital services.
As an EDUCATOR it is my mission to provide approachable and engaging instruction at all levels for those interested in expanding their vocabulary and understanding of wine.
As a WRITER and TRANSLATOR, DiVino brings experience and artistry to copy on subjects including food, wine, travel, perfumery, fiction and more.
