Einat Klein: A Voice of Travel, Culture, and Modern Israel
In a world where wine is no longer just about taste but about stories, culture, and connection, Einat Klein stands out as a defining figure of a new generation. A creator and the driving force behind Vino&Co, she transforms her home in Israel into an intimate stage where wine becomes a language of dialogue, discovery, and identity. Through curated tastings and engaging lectures, her guests are introduced to the finest Israeli wines – not simply as products, but as expressions of place and culture.
Her work naturally extends beyond the tasting table into the world of travel. As a professional historian and experienced tour guide across Africa and the Middle East, Einat designs immersive wine and cultural journeys that combine deep historical context with sensory exploration. From leading exclusive wine-focused experiences in Israel to guiding adventurous expeditions in destinations such as Ethiopia – where she is notably the only Russian-speaking guide – she brings a rare ability to connect landscapes, heritage, and wine into a single, meaningful narrative. These journeys reflect her belief that wine is inseparable from the people and places that shape it.
Her journey blends passion with deep expertise. Having completed multiple levels of WSET, along with sommelier and professional tasting programs, Einat has worked directly with winemakers at production sites, gaining hands-on experience that shapes her authentic voice. Today, she is widely regarded as an ambassador of Israeli wine, influencing both international audiences and local communities.
A new chapter in her story began in 2021 with the debut of her own wine project – the “Cats” collection. The first release, “3 CATS”, was limited to just 1,000 bottles: a refined blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the 2018 vintage, aged in French oak barrels. The label was created by Andrei Makarevich, adding a distinct artistic dimension to the project.
This was followed by “4 Cats”, a richer blend of four grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec – and more recently by two new expressions: “Lonely Cat”, the first monovarietal Petit Verdot, and “3 Other Cats”, a bold, tannic blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan, and Carignan. The wines are also offered in curated sets, turning selection into a thoughtful and engaging experience.
“I want to tell the Israeli people and the whole world that Israel is not just archaeology and religion – it is also home to truly достойные wines,” says Einat. In this, she echoes the sentiment of renowned critic Robert Parker, who has noted the remarkable rise in quality of Israeli wines, with some now reaching outstanding levels.
Today, together with her husband, Andrei Makarevich, Einat continues to present her wines internationally. A landmark moment was the introduction of Einat Winery to the American market, marked by a wine-and-music event in New York – a vibrant fusion of culture, art, and wine.
Einat Klein is more than a wine expert. She is a storyteller, a creator of immersive journeys, and a curator of unique travel experiences that connect people with culture, history, and place. Through her thoughtfully designed tours and distinctive perspective, she offers a deeper way of discovering the world – while also reshaping the global perception of Israel.
♥ Support the Nominee ♥
If you appreciate outstanding wine storytelling, immersive tasting experiences, and the powerful role of cultural ambassadors in shaping the global perception of wine regions, support Einat Klein as a nominee in the Wine Travel Awards.
Your vote celebrates a new generation of guides who redefine travel through depth, knowledge, and authenticity – connecting people with cultures, history, and landscapes in truly meaningful ways. It honors originality, curiosity, and a vision that transforms every journey into a powerful story of discovery.