Stefano has a long and distinguished career in the world of food and wine, starting out young working in Italy and throughout Europe first as a waiter and in catering, in simple restaurants but also 1 to 3 Michelin starred ones, and then honing his wine skills. “…But my full immersion in the wine business became reality early in 2001, when Bruno literally snatched me from my hometown and got me back into UK!”. Stefano loves wine for it’s  ” … a never ending story, developing everyday with new frontiers”. His favourite wines are Pinot Noir from Burgundy and Germany, Pinot Blanc from Alto-Adige and Fiano and Greco from Campania as well as Aglianico from the South of Italy. “…but of course Barolo complements them all!” he laughs.

Marco was born in Asti in the southern part of Piedmont, an area renowned throughout the world for the production of many white and red wines. After finishing his financial education, he realized how passionate he was about the F&B industry. He began his professional career in Italy working at various restaurants as a Chef Trainee, before deciding to start a management trainee program with the Michelin starred group of La Smarrita in Turin. Marco decided to carry on with the training abroad, so he moved to Switzerland. In 1991, he moved to London where he has worked for the prestigious Ritz Hotel, The Lanesborough Hotel, The Capital Group, as part of the Management Team, as well as, The Hempel Hotel, Myhotel Bloomsbury, as Food & Beverage Operations Manager. Marco’s vast experience, enthusiasm, and passion for the industry and desire to succeed make him a vital part of Astrum Wine Cellars.

Initially attending UCL to study Geography, Julian’s career took an unexpected detour when he decided to write his dissertation on the English wine industry. Leaving university, he started off by joining online wine retailer Slurp as an intern, which soon lead to employment. Looking to learn more and immerse himself in the industry further, Julian left Slurp to work for the Hawksmoor Group as a Sommelier. During his 5 years at Hawksmoor, he spent his time developing his knowledge and advancing his career, including qualifying as a WSET trainer which led to his role as the group wine educator, helping the group expand and open new sites, and playing a key role in creating and building their wine lists. After Hawksmoor he worked for Bibendum as part of their on-trade sales team, looking after premium restaurant groups and independents. One of the reasons Julian chose to join Astrum is his passion for Northern Piedmontese wines “I love, not just your Barolo’s and Barbaresco’s, but the wines of Gattinara and other lesser-known areas of Piedmont. I am also a massive fan of Dolcetto”. In his spare time, you’ll catch Julian spending time outdoors, he loves walking and hiking, going to the pub with friends for a “proper old-school ale”, cooking at home and watching films; anything from a thought-provoking foreign film to the cheesiest Christmas classic.