FERENCZI CSILLA
BRAND SOMMELIER
I pair brands with strategy and wine-led experiences.
My experiences in numbers
ABOUT ME
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the world of hospitality - the carefully curated menus and wine lists, well-planned programs, decor, music, and atmosphere. The joy of guests has always given me incredible energy and inspired me to build my career in hospitality. During college, I realized there was something I could be even more passionate about: the world of wine.
For over 15 years I have worked with wineries, restaurants, and event venues in both strategic and operational roles, combining experience creation with business thinking and brand-building expertise.
As a managing director, I led Haraszthy Vineyards in Etyek and two restaurants, one of which - the Budapest-based Cut&Barrel - earned a Michelin recommendation within just 1.5 years. I have organized large-scale events with up to 11,000 attendees, nearly 100 weddings, numerous wine and music events, wine competitions, and press conferences. I have developed wine and food menus, led restaurant teams, and managed my own wine blog. My international experience comes from five-star hotels, where I honed my commitment to guest experience and precision.
I have a degree in Economics, a WSET Level 3 certification, and a sommelier background. I communicate in multiple languages and continuously seek new challenges that create real value for my partners and guests.
I believe that the details truly matter - in the experience, the brand, and the results.
WHAT I DO
Get in touch!
Whether it's brand building and strategic support (launching a new brand, winery positioning, restaurant strategy), enhancing the guest experience (improving services for gastro businesses, creating unique event series, bespoke tastings), or content and knowledge development (wine education, training sessions, professional materials) - I'm here to help. I work with wineries and gastro businesses that aspire to create experience-driven, authentic communication and engage their audience in a thoughtful, meaningful way.
I speak
At roundtables, award ceremonies, and wine dinners; moderating professional conferences and exclusive events, delivering experience-driven presentations.
I write
Press releases, wine descriptions, social media posts, event scripts; creating professional and PR content in a credible, brand-building tone.
I organize
Projects, events, weddings, teams, and subcontractors; full management of wine, gastro, and corporate events.
Additional services
Food and wine photography, event and image videos; strengthening the brand and the guest experience through visual content.
HOW I WORK
Working with me is both strategic and experience-driven.
I bring structure to your brand while preserving what makes it truly memorable.
Discovery
We start with a short consultation: clarifying your goals, target audience, current communication, and the story your brand needs to tell authentically.
Strategy & Concept
We build the direction: key messages, tone of voice, content pillars, and the framework for the experience. This is where we define what to communicate, how, and in what format - ensuring it fits your brand and works commercially.
Implementation & Refinement
We bring the plan to life: content, events, communication materials, or full project management. Details are put in place, and based on insights and experience, we refine along the way so the final result is consistent and strong.
The process can be a one-off project or a longer-term collaboration, depending on your needs.
ONE THOUGHT THAT SUMS IT UP
"Wine is an experience. A brand is a promise. I help make sure the two tell the same story - authentically, consistently, memorably."
Strategy, communication, and experience design in the world of wine and gastronomy.
15 years of collaborations in the world of wine, hospitality, and events. Influential brands, shared projects, and memorable experiences - all shaping the approach I bring to every partnership today.
