Maria Angelovska is a WSET Level 4 Sommelier and Culinary Anthropologist with over 10 years of experience in the Balkan wine industry. She specializes in the indigenous Vranec grape variety and the preservation of traditional cooking methods like Ajvar production. Currently, she curates gastronomic tours and consults for wineries in the Tikveš region.
Maria Angelovska combines academic rigor with sensory expertise, holding a degree in Cultural Anthropology alongside her WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. Her career has been dedicated to elevating North Macedonia's gastronomic reputation, with a specific focus on the Tikveš wine region and indigenous grape varieties like Vranec and Stanushina. She has worked with some of the country's top wineries to develop tasting experiences that meet international standards while retaining local authenticity. Maria is also an expert on traditional food pathways, documenting centuries-old recipes for Ajvar, Tavče Gravče, and artisanal cheese making. She provides travelers with deep insights into the social codes of Macedonian dining, from the ritual of Turkish coffee to the etiquette of being a guest in a local home. Her guidance helps visitors distinguish between tourist traps and genuine culinary gems, whether in the bustling Old Bazaar of Skopje or a rural farm stay. Maria advocates for the 'Slow Food' movement, connecting tourists directly with local producers to support the agricultural economy. Her writing is sensory, practical, and deeply rooted in the soil of her homeland.