Mario Piccinin

a native of Milan, is a graduate of the University of Bologna in Food and Agriculture and is a certified Sommelier (Associazione Italiana Sommeliers) and Master Cheese Taster (Organizazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Formaggi).

He has specialized in enogastronomic tourism and education since founding Venice Day Trips in 2007.

As wine educator, he particularly enjoyed organizing wine-tasting events for the U.S. diplomatic personnel in Milan as well as guided tastings for the undergraduate students of Boston University studying in Padova.

Mario’s mission is to share with you the important role wine and food play in the life of all Italians.

His motto is “you are what you eat… and what you drink!”.

Rachel Erdman

fell in love with all things Italian – wine, food, history – and decided to make Padova her permanent home.

She’s been living there now for well over twenty years, and adores her adopted region of the Veneto.

Originally from Ohio, Rachel holds a B.A. from Boston University in International Relations, and it was during her studies that she first developed a passion for foreign language and culture.

She studied to become and Italian sommelier  and received her certification in 2009 (Associazione Italiana Sommeliers).

She is also a Master Cheese Taster (Organizazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Formaggi).

Rachel enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge about her adopted land through custom walks in Venice and Padova, focusing on culture and cuisine, and excursions to the nearby wine producing areas.