The Tasting Sessions are all about the virtual office. Of an evening you can find us “virtually” working in many of London’s hotspots and uncovered gems. No one understands this better than Akashi-Tai’s Wakana Omija.

Our first serious Sake planning meeting with Wakana was held at Charlie Wright’s Jazz Club in Shoreditch. After a few beers, chats with Charlie, some fine Brazilian grooves and a couple of cheeky dance moves – we knew that we had definitely chosen the perfect “Tasting Sessions” Sake expert.

This leads me to how we chose our experts. Quite simply, we look for people who share the same life philosophy.

Born and raised in Japan, Wakana has been on quite a journey. Living abroad for more than 10 years she has found herself drawn back to the beauty and exquisite art of sake making. Currently international brand ambassador for Akashi-Tai Sake and Shochu, this cultural expert knows her stuff and can communicate it better than anyone else we’ve met.

Wakana tells us she was once a weather girl on a local Japanese television channel… However we did hear through the grapevine that this lovely lady was quite the celebrity TV presenter in her home country. We’re still trying to dig up the YouTube footage which is harder than it sounds when you don’t speak Japanese!

Partnering with The Tasting Sessions on 02 December, Wakana helps us puts a new spin on this ancient art.

Working our way through the biodynamic and organic wine list at Saf in Shoreditch recently, Joe completely engaged us with his vision for an organic lifestyle. We just knew that this international sommelier/mixologist and glam rocker from way back had to be our expert at the next Tasting Session.

Hailed by the New York Times as having created the “epi-center of organic cocktails,” Joe McCanta is one of today’s foremost bar chefs and sommeliers leading the rapidly growing movement of organic mixology and bar design. We’re just glad he now lives in London!

Joe has created a number of exciting and innovative wine lists for restaurants in Boston, New York, Istanbul and London, including Britain’s first (and largest) fully organic and biodynamic wine list at Saf Restaurant in Shoreditch.

Former keyboardist for garage glam rockers Semi-Precious-Weapons, Joe is sure to be a crowd pleaser on 28 October when he will run The Tasting Sessions mini-masterclass on organic and biodynamic wines at the very urban Rochelle St School.

Check out Joe’s website here: www.pursip.com

Garage Glam Rockers:Semi-Precious Weapons (Joe - 3rd from left)

A passion for fabulous wine and experiences, Hugh’s enthusiasm and “cracking” approach to French wine was a true fit for the launch of The Tasting Sessions. So good in fact, we’ve stolen the title of his book to headline our launch event.

Former Booz Allen Hamilton consultant and now happily employed banker, Hugh’s publishing company cracking.it is dedicated to explaining the systems behind pleasures, so they may be enjoyed more. French wine is just the beginning…

“Nearly all of the internationally recognisable grape varieties originally came from France, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. So if French wine is so great, why are people drinking less and less of it? Partly, this is because French wines are confusing. Variety may be the spice of life, but French wine takes this philosophy to a whole new level.”

On the 23 September 2008 Hugh will demystify a few of these French myths. Of course, no one is expected to spit out any of their tastings and with Hugh’s guidance everyone is guaranteed to learn something – even if it is just the name of the person next to you.

We wanted to provide a detailed biography of Guillaume and his background however, August is still gasping its last breath and most of Europe is still blissfully on holidays.

So, we’ll publish an update leading up to the launch event which is being co-hosted by Guillaume Glipa at the Kingly Club. But, suffice to say: He’s French. He’s impossibly stylish. And he’ll charm the pants off of you.