Zoran Velkoski

One day, in 1999, I was lucky enough to find myself holding a glass of Louis Latour Puligny Montrachet. Instinctively, I knew that this wine deserved special attention. Needless to say, this moment was pivotal for me, and by the time I finished the glass, I had decided to dedicate all my free time to achieving a deep knowledge about wine.

15 years on, I am now an aspirant for WSET 3 and frequently attend Master classes around the world, sharing knowledge and networking with renowned oenologists, winemakers, wine writers, etc.

As my tasting experience and know-how widened, I realized that the wines from my home country Macedonia, as well as other Balkan and Eastern European wines, had the potential of matching top wines around the world.

Subsequently, I put in a major personal effort in pushing this region forward. I engage actively with the wineries’ oenologists and winemakers, participating in barrel tastings, giving them input from a consumer perspective, etc.

Moreover, I now act as external advisor for highly acclaimed wineries in Macedonia, such as Chateau Kamnik.

The past decade has seen Macedonian wine win recognition and awards all over the world. Chateaux Kamnik was awarded the Decanter regional trophy Central & Eastern European Red over £15 for their Chateau Kamnik Vranec Terroir 2011.

I am international representative of the Macedonian Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and organizer of regular wine events centered around Macedonian and Eastern European fine wines.

Still by day a COO, new business developer, and owner of a successful technology company, I aim to eventually enter fully into the world of wine. My tasting experience and close knowledge of wine regions and their producers coupled with my wide network across the whole of Europe, from East to West, puts me in a unique position as facilitator and “bridge-builder”.