Connecting People Through Food, Art & History.

We’re a small team with big ideas and a passion for doing things well.

Meet the Team

  • Trish Ellington

    FOUNDER

  • Joe Fattorini

    WINE EXPERT

  • Vivian C. Acosta Meléndez

    Cuban Cigar Specalist

Meet the Founder: Trish Ellington

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Meet the Founder: Trish Ellington *

With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and group travel, Trish has dedicated her career to creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

As Founder and CEO of A Culinary Society, she combines her passion for travel, culture, food, and hospitality to design journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Her vision is rooted in the belief that the best travel experiences are built around connection—sharing a meal, discovering a new destination, and forming friendships that last long after the journey ends.

A lifelong traveler and enthusiastic host, Trish is inspired by the people she meets and the stories they share. Her commitment to authentic experiences and exceptional hospitality is at the heart of every A Culinary Society journey, creating opportunities for travelers to explore the world through its flavors, traditions, and cultures.

For Trish, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about creating lasting memories and meaningful connections along the way.

Meet our Wine Expert:

Joe Fattorini

Joe Fattorini is one of the wine world’s most recognizable personalities, known globally as the charismatic host and wine expert of The Wine Show, the world’s most-watched wine television series.

A respected wine merchant, broadcaster, and storyteller, Joe has spent decades making wine approachable, entertaining, and endlessly fascinating. His expertise has led him to advise renowned restaurants, celebrities, royalty, and even serve as wine consultant to the U.S. PGA Tour.

Through The Wine Show, Joe has introduced more than 100 million viewers to the people, places, and stories behind the world’s greatest wines. His adventures have taken him from training as a sommelier in China to performing wine-themed stand-up comedy in Hollywood and even running a wine marathon through the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Known for his wit, deep knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm, Joe brings a unique blend of expertise and entertainment to every experience. Whether guiding a tasting, sharing insider stories from the wine world, or exploring a region’s rich culinary traditions, he inspires travelers to discover wine with curiosity, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

Joe’s passion for wine, travel, and storytelling makes him an unforgettable part of the A Culinary Society experience.

Vivian C. Acosta Meléndez is a renowned Cuban cigar expert, entrepreneur, and sommelier whose passion for cigars has shaped a distinguished career spanning more than two decades.

Born to parents from Pinar del Río, the heart of Cuba’s legendary tobacco-growing region, Vivian developed a deep appreciation for cigar culture from an early age. Since 2004, she has managed LCH and the prestigious Cigar Lounge at the Meliá Cohiba Hotel in Havana, welcoming cigar enthusiasts from around the world and curating exceptional experiences rooted in Cuban tradition.

A respected figure within the global cigar community, Vivian has participated in every Cuban Cigar Festival and has built lasting relationships with aficionados, industry leaders, and cultural ambassadors who share her passion for Cuba’s most celebrated export.

In 2020, she founded Vihumos, a company dedicated to showcasing the richness of Cuban culture through immersive experiences centered on cigars, music, art, and history. Her commitment to preserving and sharing Cuba’s heritage earned her a nomination for the prestigious Excelencias Award in 2025.

As the visionary behind Vihumos Sunset Events, Vivian creates unforgettable gatherings that bring together cigar lovers from around the world, blending tradition, elegance, and the unmistakable spirit of Cuba.

Through her expertise, warmth, and deep cultural knowledge, Vivian offers guests a rare and authentic connection to the art, history, and craftsmanship of Cuban cigars.

Vivian Acosta

Cuban Cigar Specialist