Marisa Finetti is an award-winning wine writer, author, and illustrator whose work brings the world of wine to life through words and whimsical art.
Marisa’s first book, Marisa’s Wine Doodles, is a collection of original wine illustrations and stories, offering her whimsical interpretation of wine and culture – highlighting grapes, wines, food and wine pairings, origins, rocks and soils, history, and more. Her latest work, Tiny Tales of Umbria – A Madrevite Storybook, is a unique collaboration with Italian winery, Madrevite, where she captures the regional spirit of Umbria through her narration and illustrations. Marisa’s writing also graces the pages of globally recognized publications with a focus on Italian wine, food, and travel.
Born in Tokyo and raised in San Francisco, Marisa grew up immersed in her family’s restaurant and retail businesses, where her passion for food and culture first took root. She earned a journalism degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, which led to a career in television and film promotion at Paramount Pictures. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she left the entertainment industry to become a wine grape grower in Sonoma County — a move that deepened her connection to wine from vine to glass.
Fifteen years after journalism school, an encounter in a Las Vegas Italian steakhouse sparked her re-discovery and appreciation for the world of wine. It was then that Marisa decided to write her first wine story. Today, she regularly contributes to Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Full Pour, and Modern Luxury magazines, specializing in wine, food, and travel.
Beyond her writing, her signature wine doodles have been featured in marketing materials, for wineries, travel companies, and restaurants. She continues to accept art commissions, adding a visual flair to the wine world’s narrative.
Marisa has won awards and recognition for both her writing and her art. She is a 2016 and 2018 fellowship recipient of the Professional Wine Writers Symposium. She holds an Advanced Level 3 wine certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and Italian Wine Scholar from Wine Scholar Guild. She is certified Piedmont Food & Wine Specialist through 3iC. Marisa has been a panelist for the Collisioni Wine Project and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.
Through her storytelling — both written and illustrated — Marisa Finetti continues to inspire and educate, inviting readers to explore the magic of wine, one tale at a time.
