Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas

Food Writer | Culinary Personality | Cookbook Author | Wine Enthusiast | World Traveler | Real Estate Investor

I am Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas, the name behind Foodiewinelover.com, where I share my passion for food, wine, travel, culture, and lifestyle.

I am of Italian and Middle Eastern descent and spent part of my early childhood in a small Caribbean country known for its vibrant artwork, rich culture, and delicious food. Growing up surrounded by diverse cultures and culinary traditions had a profound influence on my appreciation for authentic cuisine and the important role food plays in bringing people and cultures together.

Culinary & Professional Background

My culinary journey began at the age of 14, when I attended culinary school and studied French and global cuisines. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for cooking, food, wine, and international cultures.

Today, I am a passionate food writer, culinary personality, cookbook author, and world traveler. I am the proud author of:

Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures

My husband, Peter, is Greek, and we live in South Florida, a region deeply influenced by Cuban and Latin American culture. My own multicultural background, combined with my travels, has given me an appreciation for traditional and authentic dishes from around the world.

Wine Credentials & Accomplishments

My passion for wine has taken me from the vineyards of Italy and France to California, Chile, and beyond.

• Level 2 Sommelier Certificate
• WSET Level 2 Certification — Wine & Spirit Education Trust
• Italian Wine Scholar — Honorary Title, awarded by the Wine Scholar Guild in March 2023
• First Prize — Salice Salentino USA Bloggers Award, awarded in June 2019 in Lecce, Puglia, Italy
• Invited guest at the 2026 Harvest Festival at Vik Winery in Chile

In June 2019, I won first prize in the Salice Salentino USA Bloggers Award competition in Lecce, Puglia. Following the award, I extended my Italian journey to explore the Piedmont region, including its renowned Nebbiolo-based wines and Barolo, as well as the culinary traditions of Parma, Modena, and Bologna.

Author & Food Writer

As the creator of Foodiewinelover.com, I combine my love of food, wine, travel, and culture to tell stories about the destinations, people, traditions, and culinary experiences that have inspired me throughout my life.

My cookbook, Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures, reflects my belief that food and wine are much more than what we eat and drink; they are an important part of understanding the history, traditions, and people of a place.

A Life Inspired by Travel

Travel has played an important role in shaping my culinary perspective. I have had the pleasure of visiting numerous countries, regions, and cities, experiencing their cultures firsthand and savoring their local cuisines and wines.

Some of the destinations that have been highlights of my travels include:

Caribbean & Latin America: Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Chile.

Bahamas & Caribbean Islands: Haiti, Dominican Republic, Nassau, Paradise Island, St. John, St. Thomas, and the Cayman Islands.

Italy: Rome, Naples, Capri, Positano, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Milan, Puglia, Piedmont, Parma, Modena, Bologna, and the Veneto region.

Greece: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes.

France: Paris, Nice, Cannes, and the Champagne region.

Switzerland: Lugano.

Spain: Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.

Turkey: Kusadasi and Ephesus.

Monaco & Corsica: Corsica, Monaco-Ville, and Monte Carlo.

United States: Napa Valley, Sonoma, California wine country, and the Hamptons in New York.

Memorable Culinary & Wine Journeys

My travels have allowed me to experience some truly memorable culinary and wine destinations.

In 2013, I visited Sonoma and Napa Valley and fell in love with California wine country.

In 2017, I explored Tuscan living and the wines of Tuscany. I also traveled to Positano, the Amalfi Coast, and Naples, where I experienced authentic Southern Italian cuisine.

In 2018, I visited Cartagena, Colombia, where I attended my cousin’s wedding and explored the city.

In 2019, my passion for Italian wine led me back to Italy. After winning the Salice Salentino USA Bloggers Award in Puglia, I extended my trip to Piedmont, where I explored the world of Nebbiolo and Barolo. I also visited a Parmigiano Reggiano production facility in Parma and a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Modena. From there, I traveled to Bologna, where I enjoyed the city’s famous tagliatelle alla Bolognese, before returning once again to Rome, my fifth visit to the Eternal City.

In 2021, I revisited Sonoma and Napa, the Hamptons, and Costa Rica.

In 2022, I returned to Rome, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore before traveling to Paris and the Champagne region for the first time. Visiting Champagne was a dream come true.

In 2024, I spent time at a friend’s villa in Tuscany and visited renowned wineries, including Casanova di Neri. I then explored the Veneto region, visiting iconic wineries such as Allegrini and Zenato. I also visited Ferrari Trento winery in the Alto Adige region for the first time and experienced the exceptional Trentodoc wines.

In April 2026, I was invited to Vik Winery in Chile to participate in the 2026 Harvest Festival. It was a memorable experience and another special chapter in my wine journey.

Beyond Food & Wine

In addition to my work as a food and wine writer, I am involved in real estate, buying, selling, and investing in properties with my husband, Peter.

Whether I am exploring a vineyard, discovering a centuries-old culinary tradition, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or wandering through a new city, I am always fascinated by the connection between food, wine, culture, history, and people.

I feel incredibly blessed to have traveled extensively and to have experienced so many different cultures firsthand. Every journey has added another layer to my appreciation of the world and has inspired me to continue sharing these experiences with my readers.

Through Foodiewinelover.com, I invite you to join me as I continue to eat, sip, travel, discover, and celebrate the cultures of the world one destination and one delicious experience at a time.

I cook passionately, and I love to entertain family and friends, while sipping on some amazing wines. I will share with you some of my delicious culinary creations, and some beautiful pictures that I captured during my travels.

I hope you will sit back, relax and enjoy My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles.

Autographed copies of my cookbook are currently available on this website ONLY.  The cookbook is also available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Cuisines-Corkscrews-Cultures-Treasury-Lifestyles/dp/1986846059