Born in 1981, Luca Gardini took his first steps into the world of sommellerie at an early age, showing such talent and dedication that enabled him to join the brigade of the prestigious restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri (*** Michelin Stars). He then started a collaboration of almost eight years with the chef Carlo Cracco, at the restaurant Cracco (** Michelin Stars).

In 2011, he decided to devote himself exclusively to wine communication, establishing himself in a few years as one of the most influential palates on an international level, as well as the first Italian critic to become part of the Wine Searcher's list of wine critics.

Supported by a pool of experts, in 2012 he published “Enciclopedia del Vino” – an accurate wine encyclopedia about viticulture, oenology, wine geography and tasting – and produced his “Top 100”, a selection of some of the best labels from all over the world.

Since 2012, Gardini has penned a weekly column entitled “Gazza Golosa” for the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

He also supervises with Luciano Ferraro the guide “I Migliori 100 Vini e Vignaioli d’Italia” published by Corriere della Sera.

In 2015, he created “Il Codice Gardini”, a manual designed for wine lovers, written in an immediate and accessible language.

He is now known as the Wine Killer, thanks to the successful launch of his website in 2015, GardiniNotes.com, developed exclusively in English and dedicated to his ratings for wines from every part of the world.

He participates as an expert opinion leader in several wine events in Italy and abroad, such as Vinitaly, Ein Prosit, Barolo/Brunello, Merano Wine Festival, VinExpo, ProWein, ExpoVinis, and the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.

Moreover, in 2016, the l’Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux chose him as the Italian spokesperson to promote its “Week-end des Grands Crus”.

Since 2018, he has been working with the magazine Forbes Italia, as editor of the section dedicated to wine.

Among the titles he has achieved during his career, worthy of mention:

Best Sommelier of Italy 2004

Wine Oscar as Best Sommelier of Restaurant 2005

Villa Sandi Award - Lifetime Achievement Award by AIS (Italian Sommelier Association) 2005

Best Sommelier Award according to the guide "Ristoranti d'Autore" by Paolo Marchi 2007

Winner of 1° Premio Ferrari Ambasciatore del Metodo Classico Italiano 2009

Best Sommelier of Europe 2009

Best Sommelier of the World 2010

In 2011, he was appointed testimonial of Barolo DOCG for the year 2007 by the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo. For the occasion, they dedicated to him a commemorative label created by the Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin, which is kept in the Wine Museum in Barolo.

Gardini was appointed Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on December 27, 2018.

In 2021, during the Matera Wine Festival he was awarded the title of Ambassador of Aglianico del Vulture and Basilicata in the world.

In March 2022 he was awarded the BWW - Best Italy Wine Critic of the World 2022 by Tastingbook.com, the largest community of professionals and wine lovers, with tens of millions of visits per year.

Chef Tomaž Kavčič

Is the fourth generation of Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, who has been active in Zemono Castle since 1997. Chef Tomaž brought the JRE (Jeunes Restaurateurs de Europe) organization to Slovenia and was for many years president of the Slovenian Movement. He’s also a member of the International Gastronomic Association Chaine des Rotisseurs and the Italian Association of chefs Le Soste.

Since 2017 Tomaž is Honorary consul of Republic Serbia in Slovenia and ambassador of Mercedes-Benz in Slovenia.

In 2017 Tomaž Kavčič was founder and since then he’s vice president of BASS (Business Association of Slovenia and Serbia)

Since 2017: wine bar & bistro „Kruh & vino“ in Vila Vipolže - the most beautiful renaissance villa in Slovenia

JRE Innovation Award – by Nespresso, Cuoco d’ oro

Since 2018, when the culinary guide Gault & Millau came to Slovenia, every year the restaurant Pri Lojzetu receives the rating of 4 toques (17,5 points)

La Liste: The Best Chef Awards (92,50 points)

In 2020 Michelin Guide came to Slovenia - since then the restaurant Pri Lojzetu, the castle Zemono, has the Michelin star

2021: established cooperation with the Protocol Services of Public Economic Institute of the RS - JGZ Brdo - Tomaž Kavčič was also responsible for gastronomy at the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU

His own gin Monologue at the »Great American Spirit Competition 2018« among 8 best spirits – doble gold medal

In 2020: his own trade mark „Zemono + selection“ with his own products (panettone, olive oil, sparkling wine, gin Monologue...)

In 2021: President of the Gastronomyy and tourism section at The Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia

Since 2020: The Green Key certificate the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

Since 2021: Slovenia Green Cuisine sustainability label – as the first restaurant in Slovenia

Tomaž Kavčič is Krug ambassador; Krug embassy is situated in castle Zemono.