Awards & Credentials
I am honoured to be a recipient of the following awards and distinctions:
2024
Grand Prix of Wine Travel Awards
Marinela Ardelean was honoured with the prestigious Grand Prix of Wine Travel Awards, recognising her exceptional achievements and dedication to advancing the art of winemaking and crafting unforgettable wine tourism experiences. This award highlights her remarkable contribution to positioning Romanian wines internationally and creating memorable experiences for wine enthusiasts.
Wine Travel Awards – Expert Opinion
Marinela Ardelean also received the Expert Opinion Award as part of the Wine Travel Awards, acknowledging her global influence in the wine industry and her dedication to promoting wine education. This recognition emphasizes her innovative leadership, contributions to initiatives such as the RO-Wine Festival, and her ability to set new standards in a competitive industry.
2023
Awarded for Excellence at the CONAF Gala – Women in Economy
Marinela Ardelean was honoured at the prestigious CONAF Gala – Women in Economy: Day by Day Heroes, the largest event dedicated to celebrating female excellence in entrepreneurship. Organized by the National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship (CONAF) alongside the National Association of Entrepreneurs (ANAA), this recognition highlights Marinela’s remarkable contributions to the business world and her role as an inspiration for women leaders in male-dominated industries. Her achievements reflect the values of resilience, innovation, and leadership that empower women to break barriers and redefine success.
2022
Speaker at TEDx Cornișa Women in Târgu Mureș, Romania
Marinela Ardelean was honoured to speak at TEDx Cornișa Women, where she shared her journey of building a successful career in a male-dominated industry, particularly in Romania. Drawing from her experiences in the wine and business world, Marinela inspired the audience with her insights on perseverance, innovation, and breaking barriers
2019
Winner of “The Active Role in Society” Award, from the Association for a Healthy Life (Asociația pentru O Viață Sănătoasă din România) at Women Gifting Health Gala, Bucharest, Romania
Honorary Member, Baia Mare Rotary Club, Romania
2017
Winner of the “Special Projects” Award at the Romanian Values Gala Bucharest, Romania
2015
Second Place, Gourmand Drinks Awards, “50 Romanian Wines Meet 50 Italian Dishes,” Yantai, China
Special Mention, International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), “50 Romanian Wines Meet 50 Italian Dishes,” Paris, France
“Tessera di Italofono” from the Italian Foreign Ministry, Italian Embassy to Bucharest, Romania
2014
Dame Chevalier, L’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, Reims, France
Winner of the “Romanian Wine Promoter Award” from the Unauthorized Wine Tasters’ Club, Arad, Romania
Winner of “Best Romanian Sommelier” Award, from the Romanian Sommeliers’ Association (A.S.I. member), Bucharest, Romania
Winner of the “Vini nel Mondo Awards, “Vantaggio donna” category, Spoleto, Italy
Sommelier d’onore, Fondazione Italiana Sommelier, Roma, Italy
2013
Città Impresa Award, Nordesteuropa Editore, Vicenza, Italy
Finalist, “Ambassadeurs du Champagne” in Italy, Comité Interprofessionnel du vin du Champagne, Milan, Italy
Semifinalist, “The Best Sommelier in the World, ” Worldwide Sommelier Association (W.S.A.), London, UK
Education
PhD in Marketing with a thesis in “Correlating the Country Brand and the Romanian Wine Brand Capital” at The West University of Timișoara (Romania)
Executive MBA – MIB School of Management (Trieste, Italy)
Study tour in Champagne with focus on Terroir (Reims, France)
Tasting & Assemblage courses at L’École du Vin de Bordeaux (Bordeaux, France)
Sommelier diploma at Associazione Italiana Sommelier (Treviso, Italy)
Emerging Markets – MIB School of Management (Trieste, Italy)
Certified Scotch Professional at The Council of Whiskey Masters (Los Angeles, USA)
Wine Business – MIB School of Management (Trieste, Italy)
Study tour in China with classes at Lingnan College – Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China)
Graduate of The Faculty of Legal, Economic & Administrative Sciences Management program at “Spiru Haret” University (Brasov, Romania)
Studies at School of Psychology, University of Padova (Padova, Italy)
Graduate of The Faculty of Law at “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad (Arad, Romania)
Innovative Approach.
Proven Results.
Transform your brand with the expertise of Marinela Ardelean, an internationally recognized wine and spirits professional. With a track record of excellence, Marinela combines innovation, strategy, and passion to elevate brands and create memorable experiences in the world of wine.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Let’s craft success together.