France

Xeniya Volosnikova

Originally from Kazakhstan, a nation of “diverse and mixed heritage being based between East and West”, Xeniya has a passionate “appreciation for the different flavours, aromas and terroirs of wine”. Her wide-ranging role working with the International Sommelier Association (ASI) has seen her involved in the organisation, planning and implementation of competitions such as the 2021 Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa (Cyprus), the 2022 Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific (Tokyo) and the 2023 Best Sommelier of the World (Paris), meeting and learning with the world’s finest sommeliers. She aspires to be the first-ever MW from Kazakhstan (and indeed she plans to enter the programme this year), to inspire others from underrepresented regions “to pursue their passions in wine”. Attaining the MW is not the sole way in which Xeniya wishes to encourage and support others: indeed, she is currently working upon a range of projects, one of which is the development of a female sommelier club based in Kazakhstan. She will act as a mentor and tutor for the members, organise tastings and networking events, and work to foster “support, mentorship and opportunities for collaboration and advancement”, as well as addressing issues of “equality, equal pay and harassment” in a safe and embracing environment. Xeniya is also the host of the Introvert Wine Podcast, through which she shares her passion with others in a way that is welcoming to all.