SUSANNA WRISTON - Owner & Founder

---

OWNER & FOUNDER 

Certified Professional Sommelier

Wines & Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wines

Italian Wine Scholar Guild Diploma

Certified Culinary Travel Professional

I founded Italia Dolce Vita in 2010 to share my passion for authentic Italian experiences, inviting travelers to explore Italy's hidden gems beyond the well-known sites. With over 20 years of life in Italy, a degree from the University of Padua, and a career with international corporations, I bring a wealth of expertise in Italy’s culture, art, cuisine, and wine traditions.

I’m thrilled to have joined forces with my longtime friend and collaborator, Elisabetta Zaia, to establish Venessence Travel, which offers bespoke, tailor-made travel services across Italy. Every journey is personally crafted by me, ensuring our team meticulously handles each detail to provide a seamless, memorable, and stress-free experience for each traveler. We specialize in food and wine experiences that connect visitors deeply to Italy’s unique regions and rich traditions.

My dedication to enhancing each journey is supported by my certifications as a Culinary Travel Professional, Italian Wine Scholar, and Sommelier, which allow me to curate unparalleled culinary and wine-focused experiences for our clients.