Annie McKay

Annie McKay is a food and wine educator, chef, and sommelier. She holds degrees in cultural anthropology, art and received her Master's in Gastronomy from Università di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzoà di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo in Piemonte, Italy. Her background in organic and biodynamic agriculture propelled her to work with numerous non-profit organizations in both the field and kitchen teaching kids and adults about our food system as well as implementing various food security programs. Annie currently leads Slow Food tours in Italy, through Heirloom Gastronomy, which highlights local culinary traditions and a sense of place through curated, hands-on experiences.

Expertise

Food,Wine,Anthropology,Art,Gastronomy,Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture

Occupation

Chef
Sommelier
Slow Food Tours

Education

Università di Scienze Gastronomiche: M.A. Gastronomy

Certifications and Awards

Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Affiliations and Memberships

The Slow Wine Coalition

Wine

Annie has worked specifically with natural wines for the last five years and is part of The Slow Wine Coalition. She completed her training with Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She has helped with crush in Oregon and Italy and has visited winemakers across North America, Europe, and New Zealand. She consults on the wine selection for a handful of boutique shops and restaurants as well as curates tasting events.

Food

Annie has collaborated with multiple bespoke food projects around the world as a guest chef at both a glass-house restaurant in the forest in Sweden and at a boutique eco-lodge in New Zealand. She is passionate about cultivating a food system that supports small farms and local artisans while nurturing the earth and creating community around the table. She teaches private workshops and collaborates with other chefs on seasonally inspired pop-ups.