Samarie Smith-Meletiou is a seasoned journalist, photographer, and wine professional. After a decade at Media24 as a lifestyle writer and creator-editor of Versnit, she joined Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate as brand and business manager until 2020.
An art and journalism graduate from Stellenbosch University, her extensive international travels include representing South Africa at the World Blind Tasting Championship in France – a highlight in a journey of building wine and spirits expertise since 2005. She holds a CWA Diploma, Wine Business Management from UCT, Certification from the Michael Fridjhon Judging Academy, a WSET Diploma, and is currently completing the Cape Wine Master programme.
Today she judges at leading wine competitions, freelances as a journalist, runs her consultancy MarriedTwoWine, teaches part-time for WSET, and continues to pursue her love of art through painting and ceramics.