Ep. 2746 From Almaty to Verona: Inside the Italian Sommelier Challenge with Leonid Kirsanov | Asia Wine Market

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2746 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova speaks with Leonid Kirsanov, Head Sommelier at La Vue Restaurant in Saint Petersburg and the winner of the Italian Sommelier Challenge held during the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2026. Returning to Almaty for the second consecutive year, Leonid claimed first place in the competition, earning a scholarship to attend the prestigious Vinitaly International Academy Flagship Edition in Verona in 2027. Now in its third year, the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 29 June 2026, is a trade event that brings together industry professionals, Italian wineries and other key stakeholders. The Roadshow, organized in collaboration with ITA - the Italian Trade Agency, features a walk-around tasting and a series of private masterclasses. The Italian Sommelier Challenge is an element of the Roadshow dedicated to the next generation of wine professionals organized in collaboration with the Central Asian Wine University and IWINE School. Key learning objectives: Explore the Italian Sommelier Challenge and the role it plays in developing wine professionals. Gain insights into the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow. Explore the current Italian wine scene in Saint Petersburg. More about today’s guest: Leonid Kirsanov is the Head Sommelier at La Vue Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he has built a distinguished career in the hospitality industry. Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Leonid began working in restaurants at the age of 14, gaining experience in nearly every front-of-house role before discovering his passion for wine in 2017. A dedicated competitor, he is a two-time Best Sommelier of Saint Petersburg (2023 & 2025) and was named Where to Eat North-West Sommelier of the Year 2025. He also serves as a Winery Ambassador for Galitskiy & Galitskiy. Connect: Website: https://lavuespb.ru/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsanovleo/ More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp Until Next Time Cin Cin!