Steven grew up in California in a home filled with Italian art and literature, inherited his father's passion for Italy at an early age and always remained oriented to art. Throughout his (once) restless life, he has lived in Italy, England, Sweden, France and Canada.   He returned to Italy in 1989 to continue studies, this time art history in Florence. He is fluent in Italian and French and has completed the professional course for sommeliers.

Elvira grew up in Hamburg, her names reflecting both German and Sicilian descent. Her knowledge of Italian and international wines stems from working in wine tourism, public relations, extensive travel, and study in Europe and abroad. She has professional certification as a sommelier (Diploma Professionale, Associazione Italiana Sommeliers, Terzo Livello). In addition to her native German and Italian, she is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.