Tereza Roux, Noni Virani
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Food, Culture, and Community with Tereza Roux and Noni Virani Ep 215 - The Global Discussion
Host Simon Hodgkins had the pleasure of speaking with not just one but two guests—Tereza Roux and Noni Virani on this episode of The Global Discussion. Tereza Roux is the CEO and founder of Virtual Wine Concierge, a company that has been crafting memorable wine experiences for nearly a decade. With over 20 years in the wine and spirits industry and a certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Tereza has built her reputation on her expertise in food and beverage pairings, her work with high-end resorts, and her keen business acumen as a cultural curator.
In this episode, Tereza shared her passion for wine, food diversity, and the exciting new venture she's co-hosting with Noni—The Global Food Network, a podcast that dives deep into food, culture, and how both impact communities worldwide.
From Virtual Wine Tastings to Global Food Conversations
Tereza's journey as the founder of Virtual Wine Concierge began in 2014 when she identified a gap in the market for personalized wine experiences. Her company offers both virtual and in-person wine services, including beverage consultation, education, and event management. Over the years, Tereza has worked alongside chefs, resort managers, and private clients to curate unforgettable experiences that blend the finest wines with global cuisines.
Bridging Wine and Food Diversity
What made this episode particularly special was the shared journey Tereza is now on with Noni Virani, the founder of O.Z.K. Studios and a DEIB Manager (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) with a passion for global food culture. Together, Tereza and Noni are co-hosting The Global Food Network, a podcast that explores the intersection of food, culture, and inclusivity.
Noni Virani brought her unique perspective to the episode, drawing from her extensive experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As the founder of O.Z.K. Studios, Noni is deeply committed to global inclusion and creative expression, making her the perfect partner for The Global Food Network. Noni's focus on inclusivity goes beyond food choices; she emphasizes how thoughtful planning can create a sense of belonging in any setting. Through her work on the podcast, Noni aims to shed light on how food connects people across borders and how we can build more inclusive environments by embracing the cultural significance of what we eat.
Tereza and Noni first connected through a LinkedIn audio event on food diversity, where Noni hosted a discussion about the challenges of ensuring food inclusivity in corporate settings—an issue Tereza had encountered herself during her years in hospitality. From there, the pair realized they shared a common mission: to spotlight how food, much like wine, can be a powerful tool for bringing people together despite cultural or dietary differences.
Looking Ahead: The Global Food Network
With The Global Food Network, Tereza and Noni are expanding their reach, aiming to engage listeners in discussions that range from traditional food and wine pairings to more intricate topics like the cultural significance of bread, food sustainability, and even food's role in mental health. One episode that stood out for both hosts revolved around the topic of "bread," which turned into a vibrant discussion of how different cultures interpret and celebrate bread—from French croissants to Ethiopian injera.
As Tereza noted in the podcast, The Global Food Network's goal is not only to educate but also to create a space where diverse food experiences are celebrated. She and Noni hope to expand these conversations globally, tapping into various communities to discuss food traditions, challenges, and innovations.
Join the Conversation
If you're a food or wine enthusiast—or simply someone who enjoys a good story over a great meal—you won't want to miss out on what Tereza and Noni have in store with The Global Food Network. You can follow their journey and learn more about upcoming episodes by connecting with them on LinkedIn.
As Tereza Roux eloquently stated during the interview, "Food and wine have the power to bring people together. When we embrace diversity in our meals, we create not just a dining experience but a cultural exchange."
About The Global Discussion
The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.
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