Daria Ilina
Every great wine journey starts somewhere unexpected, and for Daria it started with a familiar problem: standing in front of a long wine list, completely lost. Determined to understand what she actually enjoyed, she enrolled in a wine course, and it changed everything. Alongside a career in logistics and event management and an MBA, her curiosity grew into a serious passion, and she trained as a professional wine specialist, exploring styles, regions and production methods across Spain, Italy, France and Britain, and beyond.
She became especially drawn to the ancient winemaking traditions of Armenia, Georgia and Moldova, regions rich in history yet still largely undiscovered. Today, through Rooted Wines, Daria shares those stories and flavours with fellow wine lovers, and is passionate about helping people find the styles that genuinely speak to them.
She holds WSET3, FWS, IWS, SWS, and Capstone California certifications.
Svitlana Baldina
Svitlana brings extensive entrepreneurial experience to the company, having founded and developed several businesses throughout her career. As one of the main brainstormers behind Rooted Wines, she plays a key role in shaping the company’s vision, strategy and future direction.
With a professional background in law, Svitlana also provides legal expertise to the business. For her, law and wine have more in common than one might think — both require experience, patience, and a deep respect for detail.
Her travels through Armenia, home to one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions, have deepened her appreciation for history, craftsmanship and the people behind every bottle, values that continue to influence the way Rooted Wines grows today.
Daria Stepanova
Daria’s passion for wine began while studying at an Austrian university known for its focus on wine business, where she was first introduced to the fascinating world behind the bottle. Since then, she has explored wine cultures across more than 40 countries, developing a deep appreciation for the people, traditions and stories that make every wine region unique.
Alongside her passion for wine, Daria holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and has built her career around marketing, business development and creating meaningful connections with people. At Rooted Wines, she is the person behind our social media and often the first point of contact for our guests and clients, helping them shape their ideas into engaging wine tastings that make discovering wine approachable, enjoyable and memorable.
Book Your London Wine Tasting
Ready to plan your tasting? Tell us a little about your group and your date, and we'll take care of the rest, from the wine to the glassware to the last pour of the evening.
Whether it's a private event, a corporate get-together, a gift for someone who loves wine, or just a fantastic night out, get in touch, and we'll help you find the right package for an inviting evening.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in organizing a private wine tasting, please submit your details through the form or email us at info@rootedwines.com,
and we will be happy to tailor the experience to your occasion, preferences, and group.