Shehnaz Hansraj, Head of Research at Viking’s UK office, is a passionate wine enthusiast and educator. Shehnaz’s journey into wine started with trying to make sense of wine labels, grapes and wine regions. Her curiosity prompted her to enroll in an evening class, which helped demystify wine and gave her the opportunity to taste wines from around the world.  
 
Fast forward almost two decades, Shehnaz has visited nearly 500 vineyards across five continents. Her wine-tasting travels have taken her to South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Lebanon, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Croatia, France, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Greece, as well as closer-to-home vineyards in England and Wales. 
 
Shehnaz has countless tastings and several wine qualifications under her belt, including her global Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3. She is also an Italian and Spanish Wine Scholar. While earning these qualifications, Shehnaz has developed a deep appreciation for the geography, history, culture and food that shapes and influences the various styles and types of wine. She strongly believes there is a wine for everyone—the key is to keep an open mind and try new and unfamiliar wines to reap the greatest reward.