Xeniya Volosnikova

I discovered wine later than many, after starting my career in the corporate world. But once I stepped into my first tasting, something clicked—I knew I wanted to build a life in wine. I changed careers and began my journey at Pernod Ricard Kazakhstan as a Brand Manager and Brand Ambassador, working closely with iconic houses like Champagne G.H. Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, Lillet, Campo Viejo, and Brancott Estate. This role is where I learned how powerful a glass of wine can be when it comes with a story, a sense of place, and thoughtful guidance.

To strengthen my foundation, I began competing in the Best Sommelier of Kazakhstan competition, reaching the finals several times. At the same time, I picked up sommelier shifts in restaurants to practice service, refine my tasting skills, and understand what guests truly need at the table. These early experiences shaped my philosophy: great hospitality means meeting people exactly where they are and helping them discover something they’ll love.

My path since then has been international. I hold the DipWSET, am a Weinakademiker, and have pursued specialised certifications including French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Ambassador, Cava Advanced Educator, Rioja Educator, and an M.Sc. in Wine Tourism Innovation. I’m currently a Master of Wine student, continually pushing my understanding of wine at the highest level.

I’ve vinified a vintage in Bordeaux as Assistant Winemaker at Château Léoville Poyferré, worked with Wine&Partners in Vienna, and today support the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in Marketing & Communication—bringing together education, storytelling, and global community building. I am also a proud Member of The Golden Vines® Academy, alongside some of the world’s leading fine-wine professionals.

Thanks to my master’s program, I’ve lived, studied, and worked across Spain, France, Portugal, and Austria, immersing myself in the wine cultures of each country. These experiences allowed me to understand wines at their source and form close connections with many talented winemakers. This deep network, combined with my technical and sensory training, means that the wines I recommend come from firsthand experience, trusted relationships, and an extensive understanding of what makes each bottle truly exceptional.