Vitalii was born and raised in Moldova, the country that holds the world’s record for the largest wine collection (1.5 mln bottles in one cellar) as well as the largest wine cellar (over 50 miles of underground galleries). There, he was first exposed to the culture of wine by working in his family’s vineyards and made his first barrel of wine at the age of 16.
He started working in the restaurant business after moving to the United States. He was able to taste wines from around the world, and soon realized how diverse and terroir specific wines can be. It was an eye opening experience that truly ignited his passion for wine. His first ‘Aha’ wine experience was a bottle of Chateau Musar Blanc 1996.
Currently, Vitalii works as a Sommelier at Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels NYC as well as a Tasting Coordinator for Wine and Spirits Magazine. He teaches wine classes at Murray’s Cheese, Astor Center and City Wine Tours.
Vitalii is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Specialist of Wine with The Society of Wine Educators and holds the WSET Advanced level certificate, which he passed with distinction.