Who we are

Vinexus was founded in 1996 by Nicolas Belfrage MW, one of the leading figures in the Italian wine world since the 1980s. In 2006, Nicholas Bielak MW joined the company and Vinexus was taken from strength to strength under his close guidance and direction.

Today, a tightly-knit team of Italian wine specialists carry forward Vinexus' philosophy of traceability and authenticity. Our team's unrivalled knowledge and expertise enables us to provide unique Italian wine solutions for the wine trade across multiple markets worldwide.

Our Nick MWs

Working directly with grape growers on style, production cost and marketing, Vinexus aims to deliver on real Italian character, traceability and authenticity that are right for the tastes of export markets

  • Jack Bielak

    Jack has been immersed in the world of wine since childhood, as his father’s deep passion for Italian wine was a central part of his upbringing.

    Born in the UK, he spent his early years in Bari, Puglia before being raised in an Italian-speaking, South London household. By the end of school, his interest in wine led him to work a vintage in Marlborough, New Zealand in 2018. Whilst studying at the University of Glasgow, he worked part-time for Vinexus and since 2022, he has been working full-time at the company. He is currently pursuing his WSET Diploma.

  • Domenico Sette

    Domenico started very early in the wine world... Already at the age of 3, he was crushing grapes with his father in Calabria, Southern Italy, a region once known as Enotria, or “land of the vines”.

    He has been working at Vinexus since 2008, collaborating very closely for many years with Nick Belfrage MW and Nick Bielak MW. Today, he leads our operations in key global markets, with a particular focus on the UK and Australia, drawing on his extensive knowledge of Italian wine and the Vinexus portfolio.

  • Gionatan Fasano

    Gionatan is from the rolling hills of Basilicata, one of the most unspoiled regions of Italy, where the famed local Aglianico grows out of volcanic soils. He studied Sociology and specialised in buying groups and non-market economies. In 2006, he moved to London, shortly afterwards becoming store manager of Oddbins wine merchants.

    He joined Vinexus in 2014, and since then has developed a deep understanding of Italy’s complex wine industry. Today, he plays a key role at Vinexus, offering strategic support across various company operations.

  • Domenico Girolamo

    Domenico Girolamo, fondly referred to in the office as D2, was born in the heart of the Rhone Valley in Valence, France, to a half-French half-Italian family with Apulian origins. Even after his family made the move to Puglia in the ‘the heel of Italy’, he maintained his French connection and returns often.

    Now a trilingual, after having lived and worked in the UK for over 15 years, Domenico joined the Vinexus team in 2013 with a wealth of spirit and wine-related knowledge. Domenico successfully completed the WSET Diploma in 2022.

  • Francesco Dedamiani

    Born in Bari, Francesco nursed a passion for the world of wine for many years. As a true Barese, he is particularly proud of the native grape varieties (Negroamaro, Primitivo, Nero di Troia, Susumaniello… ) used to make Puglia's signature wines.

    Francesco has been at Vinexus for over ten years and has developed a deep understanding of the portfolio. He continues to relish the challenge of promoting his region and country's wines globally, as he operates in multiple markets.

  • Rosa Genchi

    Rosa, who studied English Literature in Bari, joined Vinexus the team in 2012 to assist with administration. A talented musician and artist, her fascination with Italian wine has grown exponentially since coming on board.

    More than a decade on, Rosa is now a pivotal member of the administrative side of the company and has learnt a wealth about Italian wine after years of enthusiastically joining the regular office wine tasting sessions!

  • Gaetano Alabiso

    Born in Marsala, Sicily, Gaetano studied law and psychology. He moved to London in 2013 and spent some time working for a small independent retailer in London, hand-selling wines and becoming accustomed to the vinous world. He joined Vinexus in 2018 and quickly established himself as a valuable team member.

    With this background, Gaetano now operates principally in the indies channel and has a real grasp of our portfolio and Italian wine. He is currently pursuing his WSET DIploma.

  • Antonella Camporeale

    Antonella is the beating heart of Vinexus’ administration after having worked in other sectors before joining the Vinexus team.

    She is deeply passionate about her native Puglia and especially wines from Puglia’s only DOCG – Castel del Monte. She also adores the great white wines from Alto Adige!