Ilona Thompson
Writer, Photographer, and Editor in California
Ilona Thompson is a serial entrepreneur with several successful business ventures under her belt. Awestruck by the beauty of California wine countries, she moved to San Francisco Bay Area to pursue her passion for food and wine. She splits her time between visiting wine regions worldwide, attending a diverse variety of tastings and taking professional educational courses. She studied at the Culinary Institute of America, (CIA) and holds a California Wine Appellation Specialist certification, (CWAS).
As a journalist, Ilona covers numerous high profile wine and food events, such as Auction Napa Valley, Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Cayman Cookout, Nantucket Wine Festival, New York City Food & Wine Festival and lots more. She has interviewed numerous elusive, fascinating, highly notable chefs, vintners, winemakers and wine personalities. She is Editor-in-Chief for PalateXposure and has contributed to Broadside News, Chic Metropolitan, DrinkMe Magazine, Glass of Bubbly, Preiser Key to Napa Valley and Snooth. She also writes about artisanal spirits and luxury tourism.