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About
Hi!
I am a passionate wine lover who has spent close to two decades in the food and wine industry. I am providing sommelier services and wine consulting. In addition to my time in the New York wine industry, I also studied to get an MBA in Food and Wine at the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. I also have held a sommelier certification for over ten years.
I am available for both professional and personal services!
For professional services, I am available for sommelier consultations for restaurants, retail shops, and catering spaces. I am also able to make wine lists for establishments.
I can also provide services for bachelorette parties, food pairings, wine tastings, classes, and local events.
I am eager to share my passion for wine with you!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Ilana
Overview
Hired 176 times
46 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
22 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
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2025
2024
2022
2021
2020
Services offered
Services required
Event type
Wine tasting
Dinner party
Food and wine pairing lessons
Bridal shower
Region(s) of interest
France
California
Italy
Australia/New Zealand
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
84 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Caleb D.
Aug 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Punctual beyond belief, great responsiveness on the day I reached out, and continually great communication, Ilana was an easy choice for a sommelier for my girlfriend's birthday party. With all that positivity before the event, it was no surprise that Ilana gave the party great pairings for our coursed birthday dinner, worked well with me on the menu, and every guest loved her humorous, fun take on wine, Greek wine making, and stories of lore and legend.
I would ABSOLUTELY work with Ilana in the future, such a great value!
Details: Dinner party • 21 - 30 guests • No preference • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Wine recommendations • Pro will need to provide glassware • Pro will need to provide wine
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Emily M.
Mar 28, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Working with Ilana was great. She was timely in her responses and was an excellent addition to our executive event. I would highly recommend her for any of your sommelier needs!
Details: 11 - 20 guests • No preference • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Andrea A.
Dec 5, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
It could not have gone better! Ilana came to our office and really elevated the whole experience while still being fun and personable. HIGHLY recommend her!
Details: Wine tasting • 31 - 40 guests • No preference • Wine recommendations • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pro will need to provide wine • Pro will need to provide glassware
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Mally F.
Mar 21, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ilana was great!! I hired ilana for a surprise 30th. We learned so much and had a lot of good laughs. Ilana was effortless at leading the tasting and answering our questions. Great memories made!!
Details: Wine tasting • Fewer than 10 guests • France • California • Italy • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards • Pouring service • Pro will need to provide wine
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Arielle W.
Aug 31, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ilana is a wonderful Sommelier! Prior to the party she worked with me on a menu and gave me great suggestions. I threw a party for my parents 60th bday and everyone thought she was a delight. Highly recommend ilana if you’re making a wine tasting party!
Details: Wine tasting • 11 - 20 guests • No preference • Pouring service • Wine recommendations • Food and wine pairings • Education about about grapes, regions, and vineyards
Sommelier Services & Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Ilana Kresch
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When you reach out, you can tell me the services that you are looking for and we can chat about the possibilities of setting up an event, wine list, or whatever other services you are seeking.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
MBA in Food and Wine - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Certified Sommelier - Sommelier Society of America
10+ years in the food and wine industry
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I fell in love with wine while studying abroad in Italy during my junior year in college.
After returning to the US, I took wine courses at Boston University. I adored those classes and then came back to New York and began to craft my wine career here!
