Olena Cherkashyna #193
Personal Journey and Discovery of Portugal
Olena Cherkashyna, a native of Ukraine, spent over 20 years searching for a place to call home – a country where she could truly belong. Her journey led her to Portugal, a warm, welcoming land brimming with incredible wines and seaside charm. It was here, by the ocean, that she found her harmony. Olena had always dreamed of unlocking the secrets of the wine world, and Portugal offered her the perfect canvas. Learning from the country’s best winemakers and influencers, she delved into the mysteries of wine aromas and the intricate winemaking process. Over time, she honed her skills in hosting, storytelling, and crafting unforgettable wine tourism experiences. Olena’s story is one of passion, discovery, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her dedication to wine tourism and her ability to create meaningful connections between people, Portugal, and its unique flavors have made her a standout figure in the Portuguese wine scene, earning her widespread recognition from the local wine community and the countless enthusiasts she has hosted.
Professional Growth and Contributions to Wine Tourism
As her passion for wine grew, Olena began sharing her knowledge with friends and guests, teaching them to savor each sip. Portugal’s rise as a hotspot for wine and tourism lovers presented a unique opportunity, and she seized it. Taking on the role of wine tourism lead at CL, she also enrolled in the first postgraduate program in Wine Marketing, Events & Wine Tourism at ISLA Santarém. Always eager for new adventures, Olena became one of the first to explore Portugal’s 14 DOP cheese regions and 14 wine regions, blending wine tastings with gastronomic experiences to create unforgettable moments for visitors. In early 2020, she opened a wine and cheese boutique-shop in Cascais with a friend. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they adapted their business to the digital world, proving her resilience and creativity.
Current Role and Vision for the Future
Today, Olena is at the forefront of Portugal’s wine tourism scene. Recently, she accepted an exciting offer from Enoport Wines to lead their wine tourism project. Though not Portuguese by birth, she has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, dedicating herself to restoring the past and sharing the authentic soul of these estates with visitors. She is also the co-founder of the Wine Tourism Brotherhood in Portugal, a community passionate about celebrating the country’s viticultural richness. Olena doesn’t just offer wine and cheese tastings – she transforms them into a journey of pairing, weaving together wines, history, and artisanal craftsmanship. Working with wines from Caves Velhas, Quinta do Boição (DOC Bucelas), and Quinta de São João Batista (DOC Tejo), she pairs them with exquisite cheeses from across Portugal, ensuring every experience is authentic, memorable, and deeply rooted in the land she now calls home.
