Uncorking Joy: From Sommelier to Storyteller
With over 40K Instagram followers, Maria brings the wine world down to earth with her signature mix of glamour, humor, and education. Whether posting about hidden gems in Napa or pairing bubbly with brunch, her content is as relatable as it is aspirational. Unsurprisingly, she landed the cover of Vegas2LA Magazine as one of the top women in wine to watch.
Maria is also the Chairwoman and Director of Wine Sponsorships for the Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival, bridging the gap between world-class wineries and wine lovers in the most fun and fabulous way while working side-by-side with top chefs. She’s also the voice behind the mic on the popular CorkRules podcast, where she decodes restaurant wine lists and chats with industry insiders so you can order wine with confidence.
She’s graced TV screens as host of the national series The Chef’s Kitchen, and digital shows like The Philly Dish and Philly Uncorked, spotlighting culinary talents and delicious pairings. Her motto? “Drink what you love.” That genuine spirit defines everything she does—whether she’s on-camera, at a festival, or guiding you through your next favorite pour.
Maria isn’t about what’s in the glass, she’s about the stories, the experiences, and the people behind every sip.
We recently met with Maria and discovered that this lovely woman has much to share.
What made you settle in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is such a unique mix of energy, elegance, and endless culinary exploration—once we got through the COVID shutdown and the “Strip” opened, it felt like home. The Vegas food and wine scene is incredibly dynamic, and being here allows me to connect with an international audience while supporting a growing local community rooted in the culinary scene. Let’s be honest, Vegas is like one giant playground—who can resist the lights, the luxe, and the never-ending list of celebrity-chef restaurants to try?
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your work with the Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival?
Honestly, it’s the joy of bringing people together. Being able to curate wine experiences and showcase incredible wineries alongside our city’s top chefs is fulfilling. Watching someone try a wine they’ve never heard of from a boutique producer and fall in love with it is magic. Watching chefs cook live and enticing patrons to try an interesting ingredient combination is also exciting. And, most importantly, it’s a charitable event—we always give back to a local charity because supporting the Vegas community is so important to us.
How do you approach making wine more accessible and less intimidating for your audience on Instagram?
I keep it real! I’m not here to lecture anyone. I’m here to have fun and help people find what they like. I make wine easy to understand, challenge my viewers with Wine Trivia Tuesday segments, explain food pairings, and offer wine tips in a conversational way. There is no snobbery, no pressure. Wine should be fun and a little spicy; it doesn’t have to be super formal.
Share a memorable experience from your time hosting Chef’s Kitchen
One of my favorites was interviewing a chef who foraged his own ingredients and told an amazing story about how his grandmother taught him to cook. It was such a beautiful moment to see how personal and emotional food can be. That’s what I love—those connections that go beyond the plate.
What’s a common misconception people have about fine wine?
That wine must be expensive to be good! Price doesn’t always equal quality. There are incredible, affordable, delicious wines—you need to know where to look (or ask your favorite wine blonde for tips).
How has your experience judging food and drink competitions influenced your perspective on the industry?
It’s given me a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and consistency. Judging forces you to look beyond labels and reputation—it’s all about what’s in the glass or on the plate at that moment. It’s humbling and eye-opening, reminding me that great flavor can come from unexpected places.
Tell us more about CorkRules.
CorkRules is like your wine-savvy friend who’s already scoped out the restaurant wine list. On the podcast, we walk through menus from top restaurants and make recommendations based on occasions and your budget. The app is a game changer—it helps you easily navigate wine lists, considers your budget, and makes dining out a lot less overwhelming. It’s all about empowering people to order wine confidently.
What are your favorite wine regions to visit and explore? What makes them so special?
Napa Valley will always have a piece of my heart—it’s the first wine region I visited, but I’m also enchanted by places like Croatia, known for its interesting grape varieties, or Santorini in Greece, known for its vines formed in the shape of little nests to combat the winds! Every wine region has its own soul, its own story, and, most importantly, incredibly intriguing winemakers. All these factors are what make wine travel so life changing.
What is the most essential advice you would give someone wanting to start learning more about wine?
Start with curiosity, not fear. Try wines from different regions, and try unusual, unpronounceable grapes. Try everything! Don’t worry about describing what’s in your glass—if it tastes good, that matters most. The best wine in the world is the wine you love to drink. When in doubt, pair it with a friend or someone you love and have a great meal that ensures it will always be more memorable.
To join Maria Valetta’s wine club, log on to https://my.winesociety.com/mariathewineblonde
Instagram Handles
Wine Influencer: Maria Valetta: mariathewineblonde
Photographer: Bob Marley Domeck: marley_domeck_luxury_medi
Makeup Artist: Chrystal Chandler: looksby_crystal
Photographer: Antonova Viktoria : vicky_photo.it
Makeup Artist: Adriana Leagaev : adrianaleagaev
