The People Who Define Our Experiences

When I started freediving 8 years ago it was a life-changing turning point. I had always been a water baby, but exploring the kelp forest on breathhold felt like coming home. It was my snorkelling pupils who inspired me to learn more about edible seaweeds, and to start offering prepared wild foods as an addition to the adventure experiences. I have been a passionate seaweed and indigenous plants advocate for 5 years now, and have featured in various documentaries and television shows. I am also the founder of RE Wild Food, a progressive company promoting the use of edible indigenous plants. I host guided seaweed and wild plant foraging experiences, snorkeling adventures, and transformative retreats in pristine environments. Surviving cancer lead me deeper into my relationship with nature and the bounty she can provide, and inspired me to share these experiences with others.

A very long story short...my wine journey began years ago in a restaurant in Durban piecing together wine shelves and organizing the stock for a little red wine cellar. I soon found out that what I had learned was really only the tip of the iceberg. I started reading, asking and tasting as much as possible. Fast forward, following various wine courses, a Diploma in wine, numerous blind tasting and practical exams and even a couple of blind wine tasting competitions, I finally thought I knew something about wine! Only to then discover how much it is constantly evolving - and that there will always be something new to experience. More recently, I have discovered the joy of how much more one can learn when sharing in wine and food, which is really what brought me to this point. As we spend so much of our normal lives rushing about, I prefer an unhurried and personalized approach to our tours. I want to share a small deep dive into the selected vines and cellars and how each relate to the industry as a whole, both regionally and internationally. Besides this, I have been working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, a registered tour guide since 2019, and I work as a sommelier for a restaurant in Cape Town, with a highly respected wine program.

With years of experience in retreat planning and a passion for creating transformative experiences, Elena brings a personal touch to every detail. Originally from Italy, she studied Events Management in London, refining her skills in both the non-profit and corporate sectors. Now living a nomadic lifestyle, Elena collaborates with yoga teachers and experience facilitators worldwide to craft immersive, personal growth-focused retreats. Her expertise ensures each retreat is both memorable and impactful.