About Us…

Cinzia Long

Cinzia Long is a whirlwind. Growing up in the dramatic scenery of the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, she learned the secrets of Italian cuisine at her mother’s kitchen table. Her love of cheese began with Saturday trips to the local market, where a friendly stall-holder would sneak her a chunk of parmesan.

As well as food and wine she loves skiing and the outdoors, and graduated in Forestry and Environmental Science at the Università degli Studi di Torino.

It is Cinzia’s vision, drive and quest for perfection that shape Cuculo and its reputation.

In 2021 Cinzia passed the Italian Wine Scholar Guild Prep course with a 96% score.

James MacNay

Now an Italian national, James MacNay’s deep and enduring love of that country’s wine began in his twenties, when, as a walking tour guide, he organised winery visits for clients. This experience led James to build Cuculo’s extensive portfolio of single estate Italian wines.

A history and literature graduate and occasional actor, James never bores of talking and writing about wine and winemakers. Ever mindful that wine is about people, he organises guided and self-guided holiday itineraries in the Italian wine regions, in which his customers can get to know the inspirational personalities and places behind the labels.

James is WSET Level 3 qualified and currently undertaking the Italian Wine Scholar course.

Joey

Freya

An artistic eye, Freya understands the importance of the aesthetics when looking after the chocolate selection – a role she undertakes with gusto alongside her studies at the local Community College.

Jackie

Jackie is Mum to James, Mother-in-Law to Cinzia, Grandmother to Carlo, and loves working in the shop.  She especially enjoys the products and the time with customers.  Jackie also doubles as book-keeper, so she can’t say she’s not kept busy enough! Jackie recently passed the Italian Wine Scholar Guild Prep course with flying colours.

Carla

Carla hails from Gaeta, a beautiful coastal village between Roma and Napoli, where she spent many years running a popular central bar with her husband.  A warm personality with a love of cooking, Carla has a singular ability to inspire the coffee machine to its greatest heights.