Q&A

Tatiana Fokina Hedonism Wines

week. Even though I live in Chelsea now, I love going to see the games at the Emirates when I can. I’m really happy they seem to have finally found their game this season.

Who’s your favourite music artist?

The Rolling Stones, not only their music, but their vitality. I saw them live in Hyde Park last summer and they are still in such good form. Something to aspire to after the hedonistic lifestyle they have led.

Any superstitions?

I never reveal our projects to anyone, even close friends and family, before they are completely finished.

Who’s your favourite wine critic?

Jancis Robinson certainly did an incredible amount to break certain stigmas and misconceptions within this field. I don’t always agree with her reviews, but I always enjoy reading them.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I have a very small sketch by one of my favourite artists, Egon Schiele. It is hung on the wall in my bedroom and is one of the first things I see when I wake up.

What’s your proudest moment?

Hedonism Wines makes me proud every day. It has been over 12 years since we started the project and to see the company going from strength to strength makes me extremely happy.

Tatiana Fokina moved from Russia to London in 2009. She is CEO of Hedonism Group which includes the fine-wine emporium Hedonism Wines, the Michelin star restaurant Hide, and the White Horse wine pub in Mayfair. She is also an interior designer, creative director and founder of Studio Caché.

What’s the first wine you remember drinking?

It was Soviet “Champagne”, which is a sparkling wine from Crimea that used to be the drink the whole of the USSR celebrated the New Year with. I was 12 and my friend and I were allowed some. It was a demi-sec and probably would taste horrendous now, but was like ambrosia at the time.

How do you relax?

I don’t really; this is a skill I have not yet mastered. I love going to the cinema, preferably on my own. There is the original Curzon close to the office that shows a lot of independent films and has a lovely atmosphere. The best way to spend time for myself and to truly switch off is surfing.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell is a terrifying but incredible book I am sure will become a world classic alongside Slaughterhouse Five, The Tin Drum and other brilliant fiction on World War II.

Give us a Netflix recommendation.

I have recently watched Break Point, a documentary on the new generation of tennis stars that I really enjoyed. But my all-time favourite is Money Heist; I barely slept binge watching it. For a while, I have to admit, it completely took over my life.

Do you have any sporting loyalties?

Historically I support Arsenal as I lived on Gillespie Road near the stadium and the whole street turned red and white every

Who’s your hero?

Alexey Navalny. He is probably the most courageous person I know, a true fighter who is sacrificing his life and freedom for human rights and democracy.

Any hidden talents?

I make really good French crêpes.

What’s your favourite place in the UK? The white cliffs of Dover, by St Margaret’s Bay. It is a beautiful walk with a stunning view, with an occasional swim in the Channel and fish and chips on the beach.

If we could grant you one wish …

World peace is my only wish and I no doubt share it with millions of other people. The war in Ukraine is truly devastating. It is still incredibly hard to believe something like this can be happening in Europe in 2023. I really hope that this year will see the end of bloodshed and tyranny.