Meet Kristi Hughes—a Certified Wine Professional and the visionary Founder and CEO of The Fermented Experience. With a deep-rooted passion for all things fermented, Kristi curates once-in-a-lifetime (and second, third, and fourth!) bucket list experiences across wine country—connecting travelers with the hidden gems of wineries, distilleries, and breweries around the globe.
But for Kristi, these journeys are about more than sipping world-class beverages. She believes that celebration should be a regular ritual, not a rare event—and her work brings joy, connection, and unforgettable memories to those lucky enough to travel with her.
A sought-after podcast guest and trusted expert in the wine and spirits industry, Kristi has built her career across retail, wholesale, imports, distribution, and wine tourism. Through The Fermented Experience, she serves as a bridge between curious consumers and the families and farmers behind the world’s most beloved fermented beverages—sharing their stories, their land, and their craft.
When she’s not guiding guests through vineyard-lined valleys or distillery doors, you’ll find Kristi tending her home garden, working her own “little” vineyard, cooking alongside her husband, or making memories with her large, joy-filled family—especially her three grandsons.
