Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to episode 2610 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today’s guest: Francesco Monchiero, President of Piemonte Land of Wine More about Piemonte Land of Wine: Piemonte Land of Wine was founded on July 29, 2011, with the aim of providing Piedmontese wine protection consortia with a meeting point where they could exchange ideas, identify shared operations, and develop common strategies to promote Piedmont wine in Italy and around the world. Today, Piemonte Land represents all 14 wine consortia officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. It promotes more than 44,000 hectares of vineyards across Piedmont, stretching from the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo all the way to the foothills of the Alps. This is an extraordinary oenological heritage, made up for 80% of the region’s 18 DOCG and 41 DOC appellations. As the first Italian initiative to share promotional policies among consortia, Piemonte Land continues its tireless work not only in support of wine, but also in promoting agri-food excellence and the beauty of one of the world’s most important wine regions—whose landscapes were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Connect: https://www.piemonteland.it/ About the Grandi Langhe: Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2609 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025: The promise and the perils of Generative AI in wine. PLEASE NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED ON 6 OCTOBER 2025 Speaker: Felicity Carter Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT are democratizing access to sophisticated data analysis and marketing capabilities. Felicity Carter explores how wineries, large and small, can harness AI's potential while avoiding the pitfalls of generic and unoriginal content. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2608 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Book Club with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with the award-winning wine and beer writer Katie Mather to talk about Katie’s career in hospitality, the wine scene in Tenerife, South Tyrol and Le Marche, as well as the meaning of pub culture and how natural wines can provide a more accessible entry point into the sometimes mystifying world of wine. The places mentioned in the conversation: Pubs: Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton and the New Inn in Clitheroe. The craft beer brewery: Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal. The natural wineries: Rita & Rudolf Trossen and Staffelter Hof in Mosel and Katla Wines in Rheinhessen. WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a global, non-profit program that connects volunteers ("WWOOFers") with organic farmers for educational and cultural exchange. You can learn more here: https://wwoof.net/. Other writing referred to in the conversation include: Close to the Tree — Pochle, Edinburgh’s Communal Apple Spirit by Imran Rahman-Jones These Wooden Ideas — The Incomparable Theakstons’ Old Peculier by Katie Mather Exploring South Tyrol’s indulgent winter food scene by Katie Mather Con Altura — Making Wine and Preserving Culture in Tenerife’s Vineyard Heartland by Katie Mather The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas The Meaning of Beer by Jonny Garrett The Book Review by Richard Hough: “Crisp, refreshing and extremely satisfying, Pellicle is an independent magazine dedicated to in-depth beer, wine, cider, food and travel journalism. Founded in 2019, it explores the stories behind what’s in your glass and explores the vital role of Britain’s vibrant pub culture in contemporary society, featuring original artwork and the very best in contemporary storytelling.” About today’s guest: Katie Mather is a Lancashire-based drinks culture and food writer, and Deputy Editor and Wine Lead at the independent drinks publication Pellicle. She has been writing about beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic drinks, and food since 2018, quickly earning recognition with a Silver award for Young Beer Writer of the Year from the Guild of Beer Writers. Katie also writes the newsletter The Gulp, which won Silver for Best Short-Form Beer Writing at the 2024 British Guild of Beer Writers Awards. In 2025, she expanded into luxury adventure travel writing for The Independent, and released her self-designed zine A Place To Be, published by Pellicle. Connect: Website: https://www.katiematherwrites.com/ https://www.pelliclemag.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiematherkm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorkatie More about the host: Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast. Connect: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2607 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews Matej Skerlj of Skerlj winery in Carso, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The conversation explores the challenges for growing wine grapes in the Carso, the region’s main grape varieties and styles of wine, and the cultural traditions of the region. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the challenges for growing wine grapes in the Carso area. Recognise the region’s main grape varieties and styles of wine. Appreciate the cultural traditions of the region. More about today’s host: As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling. Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ More about today’s guest: The Skerlj winery (Azienda Agricola Skerlj) is a family-run estate located in the Carso region, specifically in the small village of Sales (Salež) near Trieste, Italy. The winery is known for producing traditional wines like Vitovska, Malvasia, and Terrano in stone-dug cellars within the Carso plateau. The family specializes in natural winemaking with minimal intervention, including aging in wood barrels. Matej Skerlj is recognised as one of the youngest, most skilled producers in the area, focusing on a traditional, hand-worked and unfiltered winemaking technique. He works alongside his sister, Kristina Skerlj, and their parents to manage the vineyards and the agriturismo. Connect: Website: https://www.skerlj.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skerljwineestate/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to Episode 2606 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the second episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian. Episode 2: Dalla Rivoluzione dei Vitigni alle Vie dei Pellegrini. A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine. Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza. More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2605 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 230 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Enzo Barbi of the Decugnano dei Barbi winery in Orvieto, Umbria. Their discussion explores the history and geography of Orvieto, the region’s unique tufo soils and underground caves, and the estate’s signature wines - going beyond the white wines Orvieto is best known for. Listeners will also discover Decugnano dei Barbi’s distinctive Muffa Nobile wine and learn how to distinguish noble rot from grey rot. More about today’s guest: Enzo was introduced to wine and winemaking by his father, Claudio, who founded Decugnano dei Barbi in 1973 in Orvieto, Umbria. Raised in Lombardy, Enzo spent his summers at the winery, helping in the cellar and with the harvest. His education took him to Milan, where he studied business administration. After graduation, he worked in international corporate finance. During that time, Enzo had the opportunity to live in five different countries, allowing him to meet diverse people and experience their cultures. In 2008 he left the world of corporate finance to learn the aspects of the wine business from his father. Today, Enzo resides at the vineyard and manages the winery. His goal is to produce high-quality, terroir-driven wines that best express the unique sandy-clay marine soil of Decugnano dei Barbi. Connect: Website: https://www.decugnanodeibarbi.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enzobarbi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decugnanodeibarbi/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2604 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Peter Yeung, a leading wine business consultant, to discuss the current state of the wine industry and the national and regional trends shaping the US market. They explore today’s distribution landscape, the key challenges facing importers and producers, and how tariffs are affecting Italian wines in particular. The conversation also touches on the so-called “Swiftie Effect,” wine labelling, and how Gen Z and millennials are changing the way wine is perceived and consumed. Key Takeaways: Strategic opportunities that still exist despite market challenges and the current slowdown. A clearer understanding of today’s US distribution landscape. How to gain competitive advantages in a slow market environment. More about the guest: Peter Yeung is a leading wine business consultant and was named one of Wine Business Monthly’s 2020 Wine Leaders. Together with Robert Vernick, he co-hosts the wine business podcast XChateau. He is also the co-author (with Liz Thach MW) of the award-winning book Luxury Wine Marketing. Previously, Peter served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Kosta Browne Winery and Realm Cellars in California, where he developed and executed strategic marketing plans. He passed Stage 2 Theory of the Master of Wine exam and holds the WSET Diploma as well as the Certified Wine Professional designation from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Before entering the wine industry, Peter worked as an executive in Silicon Valley and as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. Connect: Website: https://www.xchateau.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/winebizguy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkyeung/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to #openbarstevie and Episode 2603 of the Italian Wine Podcast. It’s a casual video podcast filmed in the office, where wine people drop by, open a bottle or two, and hang out with moi! 😝 Sometimes they come alone, often in pairs or small groups. The conversation flows naturally and is not limited to wine. It touches on family, friendships, work, failures, successes, current events, and above all the Italian way of living. This is not an interview series in the traditional sense. It is closer to friends meeting at aperitivo time. Wine is the excuse, NOT the subject. The focus is on lived experience. What it really means to live and work in Italy today. The beauty, the contradictions, the chaos, the privilege, and the everyday rituals that define Italian lifestyle. 💡 Format: 30 to 45 minutes Filmed in the office with a relaxed, low-production setup 1 to 3 guests per episode Guests can be producers, communicators, importers, educators, creatives, or friends of the wine world. Any recommendations for potential guests⁉️ Today’s guest is Robert Camuto. More about today’s guest: Robert Camuto is an award-winning American author and journalist, who has lived in Europe with his family for more than 20 years. A contributing editor for the Wine Spectator since 2008, Camuto writes a twice monthly column, Robert Camuto Meets… for winespectator.com. A native New Yorker and graduate of Columbia School of Journalism, Camuto has had an incredibly varied journalistic career – from writing about New Wave music in the San Francisco area to covering Texas politics. In the 1990s he founded Fort Worth’s (still publishing) alternative newspaper FW Weekly (sold in 2000). As an American in Europe, he has contributed to publications including Food & Wine, the Washington Post – Travel, Cucina Italiana, and Michelin Green Guides. Over the course of his career he has become an accomplished profiler of people—from the poet Charles Bukowski to the likes of Sting, John Malkovich, and the many fascinating characters he has met along the wine roads of Europe. He has been a home winemaker. And he speaks frequently about wine personalities, Italy, France, and storytelling. He is based in Verona, Italy. Connect: Website: https://robertcamuto.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertcamuto_writes/ More about the host: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2602 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025: Navigating Tariff Turbulence: Strategies for Italian Wine Producers Amid U.S. – Italy Trade Shifts PLEASE NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED ON 6 OCTOBER 2025 Speaker: Benjamin Aneff, Moderator: Marzia Varvaglione The U.S. currently imposes a 15% tariff on all products from the EU, including Italian wine, with no immediate relief in sight. This tariff deeply affects the U.S. distribution system, where EU wines account for 75% of revenue and contribute $24 billion annually, supporting 200,000 American jobs and 47,500 wine stores. In this 30-minute session, Ben Aneff will explain how these trade dynamics impact Italian producers and their U.S. partners, and why Italian wine has a particularly strong case for tariff exclusion given its origin specificity and non-substitutability. Attendees will learn how to strengthen collaborations with U.S. importers, leverage advocacy messages in Washington, and emphasize their unique producer stories to sustain competitiveness and consumer loyalty despite trade barriers. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2600 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the first episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian. Episode 1: Costruire le Fondamenta A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine. Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza. More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2601 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Anna Obukhovskaia IWA interviews Isabella Pelizzatti Perego of ARPEPE winery in Valtellina. This fascinating conversation explores the history of the winery and winemaking in Valtellina, the impact of climate change, and typical food to pair with the region’s wines. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Valtellina wine region, with a focus on its unique microclimate and alpine topography. Learn how Nebbiolo adapts and expresses itself in a high-altitude, mountain environment. Recognise the impact of climate change on Valtellina’s vineyards and how local cuisine and traditional food pairings complement the region’s wines. More about today’s host: Anna Obukhovskaya has over 15 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She has worked in several large companies and independent projects, and founded the Italian Wine Tasting Club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became a certified Italian Wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to Slovenia. She currently leads export development and sales strategies at Nautilus Trade, the company she founded, specializing in expanding market opportunities for wineries and food producers. Connect: Website: https://nautilus-trade.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obukhovskaia-0a4789261 More about today’s guest: ARPEPE winery is located in Sondrio, in the heart of the Valtellina valley in Lombardy, Northern Italy. It operates in the Grumello subzone, producing wines from vineyards across the Sassella, Grumello, and Inferno appellations. The estate is known for its high-altitude, terraced Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) vineyards. The winery is famous for its "heroic viticulture" on steep, terraced, stone-walled vineyards. Isabella Pelizzatti Perego is the 5th generation winemaker for her family’s estate in Valtellina. The Pelizzatti family has been growing Nebbiolo vines on the steep slopes of the Northern Italian Alps since 1860. In 1984, her father, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego (Ar.Pe.Pe.) rebranded and refocused the winery to cultivate Nebbiolo expressive of their unique terroir with meticulous attention to tradition and quality. Today Isabella, along with her brothers Emanuele and Guido, continue the family’s pursuit of pure, honest Nebbiolo wines rooted in minerality and finesse rather than structure or concentration. Connect: Website: https://www.arpepe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arpepe1860/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to episode 2599 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 229 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Dr. Jamie Goode, award-winning wine communicator, author, and host of the Wine Masters TV series, about the intersection of wine, science, and culture. Their conversation spans Jamie’s early career and the rise of online wine media, the science of aroma and perception, modern winemaking choices from barrels to ungrafted vines, and today’s biggest debates around natural wine, climate change, regenerative viticulture, and wine’s social role. More about today’s guest: Jamie Goode is a London-based wine writer, author, lecturer, and judge with a PhD in plant biology. He is the founder of wineanorak.com, one of the world’s most respected wine websites, and spent nearly two decades as a wine columnist for the Sunday Express. Jamie is the author of several influential books on wine science and tasting, a regular contributor to leading international wine publications, and a co-chair judge at the International Wine Challenge. He is also the host of WineMasters, a critically acclaimed cinematic documentary series that explores the world’s great wine regions, traditions, terroirs and winemaking families through immersive storytelling and behind-the-scenes features. Connect: Website: https://www.wineanorak.com https://www.winemasters.tv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjamiegoode/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiegoode/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2598 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Emily Carlson, a wine buyer and sommelier based in Healdsburg, California. The discussion focuses on e-commerce in the wine industry, with a special emphasis on the US market. Together, they explore how digital platforms are reshaping wine sales, how producers can choose the right e-commerce partners, and why storytelling plays a crucial role in building lasting connections with consumers at scale. Key Takeaways: How e-commerce, especially in the US market, helps wine brands expand their reach and access new consumers. The main e-commerce models in the wine industry and how they work. How to use storytelling at scale to turn consumer interest into emotional connection and loyalty. More about the guest: Emily Carlson is a Wine Buyer and Sommelier based in Healdsburg, California, currently splitting her time between Barndiva, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, and Last Bottle, Inc., a collection of curated online wine shops. By working in both buying and selling wine on and off premise, Emily offers a unique perspective on the preferences and needs of modern wine consumers. With certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, she is committed to fostering a more diverse community of wine drinkers through networking events for women in the wine business and teaching entry level wine classes to budding professionals and enthusiasts. Connect: Website: https://lastbubbles.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/last_bubbles/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to On the Road Edition and Episode 2597 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Robert Joseph about his recent three-part series published on Substack, exploring how the global wine industry is changing. The discussion focuses on declining wine production, shifting drinking habits, and the growing number of alternatives to traditional wine at social gatherings. Robert also shares his own hands-on experience with this transformation, including his work on no-alcohol wine projects in France and a sparkling tea venture in Georgia. You can read Robert’s recent articles at: https://robertejoseph.substack.com/ More about today’s guest: Until June 2025, Robert Joseph was associate editor of Meininger’s Wine Business International, which he helped to launch in 2006. In 1983, after living in Burgundy for five years, he moved back to London, where he launched Wine International magazine; set up the International Wine Challenge; became a wine writer for the Sunday Telegraph, and wrote The Wine Lists, the first of his 25 books. He has chaired and launched over 50 wine competitions in Asia, Europe and the UK and has been in Who’s Who since 2013. Awards he has received include the Jacob’s Creek ‘Golden Vine’; ‘the Best Wine Guide in the World’; the Glenfiddich; The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom Premier; the Marques de Caceres and the inaugural Vinventions Innovation Award. He regularly gives keynote presentations, appears on television and radio and has lectured at the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust, Geisenheim, Burgundy and Sonoma Wine Business Schools. Joseph is one of the trio behind Hugh Kevin & Robert Wines whose le Grand Noir range now sell over 3.8m bottles per year in over 60 countries. His website is winethinker.com. His newest ventures include the Wine Thinking Substack and K’AVSHIRI, a ground-breaking set of wines from Georgian wine venture. Two new books, Wine Thinking and The Wine People will be published in 2025. Connect: Website: https://winethinker.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertejoseph/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_thinker/ More about the host: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2596 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Talking Wine in a Talking World: The State of Wine Podcasts Today Speakers: Felicity Carter, Kristen Reitzell Podcasts have skyrocketed in recent years, becoming one of the most dynamic and intimate ways to connect with audiences. But where does wine fit into this booming medium?This session featuring Kristen Reitzell (Jackson Family Wines) and Felicity Carter (wine media leader) offers a deep dive into the state of wine podcasts today, placing them within the broader podcast industry and exploring key questions such as: What advantages do podcasts offer compared to other social media channels? How effective are they in converting listeners into loyal audiences or consumers? Can audio-only content succeed in communicating a sensorial product like wine? What are the leading podcasts in education, trade, regional storytelling, and entertainment? The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to On the Road Edition and Episode 2595 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Erica Duecy to discuss Where Wine Won In 2025. You can read Erica’s article which sparked this conversation online at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericaduecy/2025/12/30/where-wine-won-in-2025---and-what-the-growth-signals-are-telling-us/ The conversation explores where wine is winning, why it’s winning there and what that signals about the category’s future. More about today’s guest: Erica Duecy is founder of Business of Drinks, a podcast and data and insights consultancy, and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. She also has led digital editorial teams at Architectural Digest and Saveur magazines. Her content, podcast, and video programs have won more than 40 digital and editorial awards. She is a WSET Advanced-certified wine and spirits communicator, and author of the cocktail book Storied Sips (Random House), about the real-life stories behind the world’s most famous cocktails. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ More about the host: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2594 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, James MacNay IWA chats to Ninive Pavese of Pavese e Figli in Morgex, Valle d’Aosta. The episode introduces Valle d’Aosta as a winemaking region, with a special focus on the Morgex et de La Salle subzone and its growing presence on the national and international market. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Introduce the Valle d'Aosta as a winemaking region with a focus on the Morgex et de La Salle subzone. Explore the daily life of a winemaker in this extreme, high-altitude area and highlights Prié Blanc, a native white grape uniquely suited to these conditions. Explain the growth of Morgex et de La Salle wines on the national and international market. More about today’s host: James MacNay grew up in East Sussex, studied humanities, and holds both British and Italian passports. He began his career as a walking tour guide before moving into the wine and food trade. In 2016, alongside his partner Cinzia, he founded MacNay Travel & Wine, launching their first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps. A top-scoring Italian Wine Ambassador, James is among fewer than 500 IWAs worldwide. He also holds other wine qualifications and loves sharing his passion for Italian wine and culture through writing and public speaking. Connect: Website: https://travelandwine.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macnay_travel_and_wine/ More about today’s guest: The Pavese e figli winery (formerly known as Pavese Ermes) is a small family-run winery located in the Alpine village of La Ruine, within the commune of Morgex, in the Aosta Valley of Italy. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 900 to 1,200 meters above sea level, making them some of the highest in Europe. The winery specializes exclusively in cultivating the rare, native white grape variety, Prié Blanc, which thrives in the high-altitude, cool climate. They are a leading producer of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle DOC wine known for its distinct minerality, freshness, and complexity. They also produce still, sparkling (Metodo Classico), and late-harvest (ice wine style, named Ninive) styles. The winery uses the traditional low pergola training system to protect the grapes from low temperatures. Connect: Website: https://www.ermespavese.it/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/famiglia_pavese/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aziendavitivinicola.paveseermes/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to Episode 2593 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the first episode of Ask Me Anything with Professor Attilio Scienza! Today’s topic(s): The topics discussed on today’s show include Professor Scienza’s experiment on soil from Eastern Europe, a preview of his Vinitaly 2026 masterclasses, the difference between vocation and autochthony, and the different places where Sangiovese has found its vocation. More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2592 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 228 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Friulian winemaker and sommelier Mitja Sirk about Cormòns and Collio Goriziano, family heritage and hospitality, Friulian cuisine, ponca soils, local and international grape varieties, and even the world of vinegar. More about today’s guest: Mitja Sirk is a young Italian sommelier and wine producer from Cormòns, in the Collio Goriziano area, where the Sirk family has been a benchmark for gastronomy and hospitality for decades through La Subida and the Trattoria Al Cacciatore. Raised among the vineyards and the family’s extensive wine cellar, Mitja developed a deep passion for wine from an early age, an experience that led him to carry out his first vinification under the guidance of Josko Gravner and later to further refine his knowledge at prestigious Italian and French wineries. As a sommelier at Trattoria Al Cacciatore, he expertly selects local and international wines to accompany refined Friulian cuisine, promoting the identity of the territory. At the same time, he founded a wine-producing project focused on the native Friulano grape variety, enhancing historic vineyards on ponca soils and adopting environmentally respectful cultivation methods. His vision combines tradition and modernity, contributing to the growing appreciation of Collio wines on both the national and international stage. Connect: Website: https://www.lasubida.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitjasirk/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2591 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Emily Yuhas, CEO and co-founder of Awtomic, to discuss subscription and membership services in the wine sector. Key Takeaways: A clear understanding of current U.S. wine subscription trends. How Italian wineries can enter existing subscription platforms without building their own programs. Why direct-to-consumer strategies create brand ambassadors, even when purchases don’t happen at the winery. More about the guest: Emily Yuhas is the founder and CEO of Awtomic, which manages subscriptions, wine clubs, allocations and memberships for wineries on Shopify. Coming from a tech and broad ecommerce background has allowed her to bring best practices from subscription ecommerce together with a deep understanding of white glove needs of wineries and tasting rooms to deliver a future-ready solution for wineries as we enter a new age of selling and managing clubs. Emily Yuhas has worked on large-scale commerce, conversion, and productivity problems at companies like Redfin, Eventbrite, and Microsoft and is passionate about building software that helps creators and businesses scale. Connect: Website: https://www.awtomic.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-yuhas/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2590 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews the wine consultant, educator, and champion of Malaysia's wine scene, KC Tay, about the wine market and consumer preferences in Malaysia. Key learning objectives: Understand the structure and cultural specificities of the Malaysian wine market, including consumption habits and key cities. Identify key market players, distribution channels, and the Malaysian wine consumer profile. Gain practical insights into opportunities, challenges, and long-term strategies for Italian wineries entering or expanding in Malaysia. Companies mentioned by KC: Boutiq Wine, With Love from Italy Places to check out while in Kuala Lumpur: Park90 KL, Racines KL, Chim by Chef Noom, Farmer's Bar More about today’s guest: Kwang Chan (KC) Tay is an experienced sommelier, wine and cheese expert, and Treasurer for the Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY). He is the Winner of Best Sommelier for Italian Wine Malaysia 2024 and has extensive experience in education, event management, consultancy, and social media content creation. KC has represented Malaysia on prestigious platforms, including the RVF World Tasting Championship 2023 in France, the SJM Asia Top Sommelier Summit 2023 & 2024 in Macau, and the ASI Bootcamp Asia Pacific 2025. As a freelance professional, he specializes in wine dinners, tastings, and workshops, with a particular focus on wine and cheese pairing. KC has also been invited by the European Commission to lead workshops and seminars on dairy products at Food & Hotel Asia 2022 and 2025, continuously sharing his expertise with both industry professionals and consumers. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tay-kwang-chan-907358167/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k_c_tay_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kctay/ More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2589 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Beyond the Decline: how U.S. 21–39 year-olds really see wine. Speaker: John Gillespie, Moderator: Ryan Goydos Sales of wine in the U.S. are trending downward. In 2023, U.S. wine sales fell by 36 million cases vs. the previous year. In 2024 another 15 million cases in sales were lost, bringing sales of wine in the U.S. to their lowest annual level since 2011. The session considered the results of a July 2025 survey of U.S. beverage alcohol consumers in ages 21-39 with the primary objective of detailing the current position of wine among the overall beverage alcohol usage and attitudes of the consumer segment that will drive the beverage alcohol market for the coming 20 years. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2588 and Episode 6 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. In this episode, Ryan explores the rhetoric of wine, breaking down three chapters of his book The Art of Wine Storytelling. He explains how rhetoric - the art of persuasive communication - can turn a simple wine sale into an experience that makes consumers truly desire the wine. At the end, Ryan shares a practical exercise so listeners can try this style of communication immediately. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an eager student, or simply a curious wine lover, The Art of Wine Storytelling takes you on a journey that bridges ancient history with modern consumer culture. Discover how wine is much more than just a drink – it’s a narrative shaped by centuries of tradition, innovation and human interaction. Ignite your imagination, deepen your appreciation for wine, and be inspired to savor not just what’s in the bottle, but the remarkable story behind each and every glass. About Ryan Robinson: Ryan Robinson is the Director of Education for Brescome-Barton Inc., and Worldwide Wines in Connecticut, an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, and is the Principal at SommCentric, a beverage education and consulting agency. He is a member on the USA Wine Tasting Team, representing the United States and the World Wine Tasting Championships and holds the credentials of Advanced Sommelier-CMS; WSET Diploma and WSET Educator in Wine, Sake and Beer; Rioja Wine Educator; VIA Italian Wine Ambassador; Wine Scholar Guild Educator and Italian and Spanish Wine Specialist; and Certified Scotch Whisky. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommryan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sommryan/ The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza is available now at: https://mammajumboshrimp.com/products/the-art-of-wine-storytelling _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2587 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE is in conversation with Rosanna Petrozziello and Carla Giusy Favati of I Favati winery in Campania. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Understand Avellino as a wine-growing region, including its terroir, climate, and why it plays a key role in Campania’s wine identity. Explore Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, learning how these grape varieties express themselves in Avellino and how I Favati works with them in the vineyard and cellar. Gain insight into the realities of small family wineries, including the challenges, values, and long-term vision of producers like I Favati in today’s wine market. More about today’s host: As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling. Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ More about today’s guest: I Favati winery (Cantine I Favati) is located in Cesinali, a town in the heart of the Irpinia region, within the Province of Avellino. This prestigious wine-producing zone in Southern Italy is known for its volcanic soils and indigenous grapes. The winery is known for producing high-quality, mineral-driven wines from indigenous grapes (Fiano, Greco, Aglianico) and for its exceptional Fiano di Avellino DOCG, Greco di Tufo DOCG, and Taurasi DOCG, emphasizing organic practices, vineyard focus, and a welcoming, family-run tasting experience with homemade food. Connect: Website: https://www.cantineifavati.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantineifavati/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantineIFavati/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to Episode 2586 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way! These episodes are generally in Italian. Today’s question comes from Richard Hough (part 2). Today’s question(s): 🇬🇧 In your opinion, what is it about wine that still fascinates people even in a time when everything moves fast, people drink less, and communication happens in seconds? 🇮🇹 Secondo te, cosa ha ancora il vino di così affascinante anche in un’epoca in cui tutto scorre veloce, si beve meno e si comunica in pochi secondi? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2585 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 227 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Robert Princic of the Gradis'ciutta winery in the heart of the Collio wine region, near the Italian border with Slovenia. They explore the Collio region, its history, and wines, including the DOC rules and unique Ponca soil. Robert shares the story of Gradis’ciutta, the winery’s organic philosophy, and their “cross-border” Metodo Classico Ribolla Gialla, made 50% in Italy and 50% in Slovenia, as well as Collio’s rich gastronomic traditions. More about today’s guest: The Gradis'ciutta winery is located in San Floriano del Collio, in the heart of Italy's Collio wine region, near the border with Slovenia, in the province of Gorizia (GO). The winery is situated in a beautiful area known for its distinctive terroir, offering views of both the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The family-run winery is known for its high-quality, organic wines, particularly from indigenous grapes like Ribolla Gialla and Friulano, alongside international varieties, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and a cross-border identity with Slovenia, while reflecting the unique terroir of the region and distinctive Ponca soil. Connect: Website: https://www.gradisciutta.eu/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradisciutta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gradisciutta/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2584 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo explores the subject of wine education with a particular focus on the Caribbean wine market with the Brooklyn-born wine and spirits professional Deniece M. Bourne. Key Takeaways: The evolving role of formal wine education in building confidence and credibility for wine professionals in the US. The importance of representation and accessibility in shaping the next generation of wine educators, consumers and wine professionals. How emerging markets like the Caribbean are engaging with Italian wines. More about the guest: Born in Brooklyn, NYC, Deniece Bourne grew up in Barbados, completing an Associate degree in French, Spanish and Italian for Business and Tourism followed by a BSc in Biology. In 2007, she fell in love with wine while pursuing a Master’s degree in Management which led her to Palate Selections, a boutique wine import and distribution business which she co-founded and managed for almost a decade. Since returning to New York in 2018, Deniece has been working for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is currently the Account Development Manager with responsibility for Eastern USA and Canada and the Caribbean. Connect: Website: https://deniecebourne.com/home/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deniecebourne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniecembourne/ More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the On the Road Edition and the Episode 2583 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stevie Kim chats with Amy Gross, President of Women For WineSense and CEO of VineSleuth and Wine4.Me, about wine marketing, personalized wine experiences, and her role in Houston’s prestigious Rodeo Wine Competition. They also explore the history and mission of Women For WineSense in reshaping how wine is perceived. More about today’s guest: Amy Gross is a wine technology entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of VineSleuth and Wine4.Me, platforms that use sensory science, data, and artificial intelligence to help people discover wines they truly enjoy. Her work focuses on flavor-based wine recommendations, moving beyond traditional scores toward personalized taste matching. VineSleuth’s technology is used by wineries, retailers, and restaurants to improve customer experience and increase engagement through data-driven personalization. Amy is a frequent international speaker at major wine and business events, where she explores the future of wine, AI, and consumer behavior. She is also National President of Women For WineSense and has been recognized as a rising leader in the global wine industry. Connect: Website: https://vinesleuth.com/ https://wine4.me/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycgross/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_c_gross/ More about the host: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2582 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, The Importance of Wine Tourism: How a Wine Media Company Created a Travel Division to Attract More Visitors to Wineries. Speaker: Jacqueline Strum Moderator: Alicia Lini Wine Enthusiast is a media and commerce company that stands as the leading source of innovation and information around wine. The Certified B Corporation has been bringing the wine lifestyle to wine lovers around the globe for more than 45 years, and the company launched a travel division in 2024. Jacqueline Strum, President and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media, speaks to why the media business created the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel, why it was important to incorporate the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel in the new wine tourism operation, and how these new resources can help attract more visitors to wineries. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Italian Wine Podcast Book Club and Episode 2581 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Professor Edward Slingerland about his book “Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization”. Amongst other things, this conversation explores Professor Slingerland’s academic background, his thoughts on effortless actions and the Chinese concept of Wu Wei, the Beer Before Bread Hypothesis, alcohol and creativity, how to emulate the Southern European drinking culture, the Evolutionary Hijack Hypothesis and Asian flush syndrome, as well as the rise of neo-prohibitionism and the importance of impactful first lines. The Turkish archaeological site mentioned by Professor Slingerland is Göbekli Tepe. Archaeological evidence suggests it is one of the world's earliest sites for brewing beer, with massive stone troughs showing residue of fermented grain, indicating beer was central to large ritual feasts that may have spurred the development of agriculture. The other book mentioned in the show was “Trying Not to Try: Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity” by Professor Edward Slingerland. The Book Review by Richard Hough: “Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization” is a compelling and timely reminder of the central role that alcohol has played throughout the course of human history. Playful and entertaining, but also thought provoking and provocative, it explores, from an anthropological perspective, why we get drunk and even places alcohol at the heart of human evolution, making a powerful and persuasive case for the important role that moderate alcohol consumption can play in contemporary society. About today’s guest: Edward Slingerland is Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, with adjunct appointments in Psychology and Asian Studies, as well as Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Human Evolution, Cognition and Culture and Director of the Database of Religious History. Professor Slingerland is the author of two trade books, Trying Not to Try (2014) and Drunk (2021), as well as multiple academic books, translations, and edited volumes. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he has done numerous interviews on TV, radio, blogs, and podcasts, including NPR, the BBC, PBS, CNN, the CBC, and the Joe Rogan Experience. Connect: Website: https://www.edwardslingerland.com/ More about the host: Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast. Connect: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2580 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Mauricio de Chiaro IWA interviews Matteo Altare of Castell'in Villa in Chianti. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the history and identity of Castell’in Villa, including its origins, location in Chianti, and how heritage, climate, and soil shape the estate’s wines. Learn how organic viticulture and sustainability are applied in practice, through real examples from vineyard management, winemaking, and long-term estate stewardship. Explore Castell’in Villa’s winemaking philosophy and portfolio, including flagship wines, other key labels, and the role of agrotourism in expressing the estate’s values. More about today’s host: Mauricio de Chiaro, Italian Wine Ambassador based in Brazil and Piemonte, has visited more than 150 wineries across Italy and actively promotes Italian wines to Brazilian audiences worldwide, with a strong focus on lesser-known native grape varieties. With a 30+ year career in finance, he brings solid business expertise to the Italian wine industry. Mauricio is the founder of The Wine Partners, a buyers’ club connecting small, family-owned producers with engaged, hands-on wine lovers. The platform allows members to buy directly from producers and participate in unique winemaking experiences. The Wine Partners has chapters in Miami, Orlando, New York, Lisbon, and São Paulo. Connect: Website: http://www.thewinepartners.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauriciodechiaro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wine.partners/ More about today’s guest: Castell’in Villa is a historic medieval estate located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the heart of Chianti Classico, near Siena. The winery is renowned for its traditional, age-worthy Chianti Classico wines, particularly its 100% Sangiovese, known for elegance, complexity, and longevity. The estate is also committed to organic viticulture and classic winemaking, including aging in large oak casks. In addition to wine production, Castell’in Villa offers accommodation and hospitality, providing an authentic Tuscan experience among vineyards and olive groves. Matteo Altare, born in Alba in 1994, is the Technical Director of Castell’in Villa. Although not from a winemaking family, his early years spent in the countryside with his grandparents fostered a deep respect for nature and agriculture. He studied at the Enological School of Alba and the University of Turin, and over the past sixteen years has gained hands-on experience in vineyards and cellars across Langhe and Monferrato. Alongside his practical work, Matteo taught enological chemistry at the Enological School of Alba, reinforcing his belief that teaching is an essential part of learning. Connect: Website: https://castellinvilla.com/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteo-altare-38318129b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castellinvilla_official/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Castellin-Villa/100063678876676/# _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to episode 2579 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 226 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Andrea Girgenti, representative of Cantina Carlo Hauner, to explore the unique identity of one of Sicily’s most iconic island wineries, located between Salina and Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands. Together, they discover the winery’s deep connection to volcanic terroir, the artistic legacy of its founder Carlo Hauner, and the central role of Malvasia delle Lipari in shaping its history and wines. More about today’s guest: Cantina Hauner (Hauner Winery) is located on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Salina, part of the Aeolian Islands in Sicily. The winery was established by the artist and architect, Carlo Hauner, who uses his paintings depicting Aeolian architecture, volcanic colors, and sea, to create iconic wine and caper labels, making them instantly recognizable. Cantina Hauner is famous for revitalizing traditional wines from the Aeolian Islands, especially the sweet Malvasia delle Lipari, and for its high-quality Salina IGT wines (both red and white), alongside producing famous Salina capers, all presented with distinctive labels featuring the founder's art. Connect: Website: https://www.hauner.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauner_winery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cantinaHauner/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2578 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald discusses how Italian wines can succeed in international markets with Cristina Mercuri DipWSET by understanding consumers, crafting clear messaging, and choosing the right commercial partners. Key Takeaways: The importance of a precise, evidence-based understanding of consumer preferences, rather than relying on assumptions. Why clear and targeted messaging matters, and how wineries should shape and translate their stories for different international markets. How choosing the right importer can make or break a winery’s long-term success in a market. More about the guest: Cristina Mercuri DipWSET – presenter, Wine Educator and Master of Wine candidate. She abandoned her career as a lawyer to dedicate herself to her great passion, wine. She is also a Founder & CEO of Mercuri Wine Club, an innovative academy and consultancy supporting leading Italian wine brands in education, communication, and marketing. She teaches students of all levels, from WSET Diploma candidates to sommeliers and wine & spirits companies. She represents several Italian wineries at important wine events such as Vinitaly and Milan Wine Week. She also conducts various promotional events such as staff training, team building and private tastings. Cristina has over 10 years of experience in the sector and stands out for her profound multidisciplinary knowledge. Connect: Website: https://www.wine-club.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristinamercuri_wine/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cristina-mercuri-dipwset-004376a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crismercuri?locale=it_IT More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2577 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Ettore Donadeo IWE to explore the Japanese wine market, the role of wine education, and practical insights for producers and wine professionals entering the market. Key learning objectives: Understand Japanese consumer taste preferences and identify which Italian wine categories perform best. Learn how wine education and institutions influence the market and support market entry. Gain practical guidance on cultural adaptation and communication strategies for sustainable success in Japan. Wine spots in Tokyo recommended by Ettore: Grand Marché du Vin, Madeira Entrada, both located in Ginza. More about today’s guest: Ettore Donadeo is a wine educator originally from Marche, Italy, and has been based in Japan since 2008. He entered the wine industry in 2012 and began his career as a wine educator in 2017 at Caplan Wine Academy in Tokyo. Ettore holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma and is certified to teach WSET courses, Wine Scholar Guild programs (French, Italian, and Spanish Wine Scholar), as well as Barossa Wine School courses. Known for his structured and engaging teaching style, he specializes in translating complex wine regions and styles into clear, practical knowledge for both wine professionals and dedicated enthusiasts. In addition to teaching, Ettore manages academic programs, is involved in wine buying and course development, and regularly collaborates with embassies, wine consortia, and international organizations to support wine education and market development in Japan. Connect: Website: https://www.caplan-wineacademy.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ettoredonadeo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ettore_wine/ More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2576 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, An inside look at wine competitions and 5StarWines - the Book. Speakers: Robert Joseph, Stephanie Johnson DipWSET & IWE, Yannick Benjamin This Tasting Session explores some of the “Top Scoring” wines selected for 5StarWines - the Book 2026. During the session, Robert Joseph, General Chair of the Selection, Stephanie Johnson DipWSET & IWE and Yannick Benjamin, Panel Chairs of the Selection, explain the tasting process and the rationale behind such exceptional scores, simulating the discussion that takes place during the evaluation process for the Selection, giving participants the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at 5StarWines - the Book. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2575 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews the winemaker Marco Ferrari about his journey from Brescia to the Rhône Valley and Valtellina, the extreme challenges of Valtellina viticulture, and how Valtellina Nebbiolo differs from Langhe Nebbiolo in the context of climate change. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Get more familiar with Valtellina and its subzones. Appreciate the challenges of making wine in Valtellina. Hear how climate change is affecting the region. More about today’s host: As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling. Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ More about today’s guest: Marco Ferrari, an Italian winemaker in Valtellina known for crafting precise, organic Nebbiolo wines from steep, terraced vineyards, emphasizing minerality, elegance, and minimal intervention. He learned winemaking in Franciacorta and the Rhône Valley (with legends like Thierry Allemand) before founding his own estate in 2019, focusing on traditional methods, spontaneous fermentations, and natural yeast, creating vibrant wines reflecting the alpine terroir. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to Episode 2574 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way! These episodes are generally in Italian. Today’s question comes from Richard Hough. Today’s question(s): 🇬🇧 Wine education often relies on technical sheets and scores. But are we truly teaching people to feel a wine or merely to decode it like a technical object? 🇮🇹 L’educazione al vino si basa spesso su schede tecniche e punteggi. Ma stiamo davvero insegnando alle persone a sentire un vino o solo a decodificarlo come fosse un oggetto tecnico? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2573 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 225 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Rachel Roddy, British food writer & columnist, to talk about her life in Italy, her deep connection to Rome, and the way everyday food experiences shape her writing. They explore what it means to truly live a place through food from shopping at the local bakery to sharing meals around the family table. More about today’s guest: Rachel Roddy is a British food writer, cookery author, and long-time Rome resident. Born in Southampton in 1972, she originally trained in acting before moving to Italy in 2005, where she settled in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood and began writing about food on her blog Rachel Eats and later for major publications. Rachel writes a weekly food column called “A Kitchen in Rome” for The Guardian and has contributed to outlets like Financial Times, Noble Rot, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, and Eater. She is the author of three Italian cookbooks: Five Quarters: Recipes and Notes from a Kitchen in Rome (2015), which won the André Simon Memorial Fund Food Book Award and the Guild of Food Writers First Book Award. Two Kitchens: Family Recipes from Sicily and Rome (2017). An A-Z of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes (2021). Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelaliceroddy/?hl=en More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2572 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo speaks with Michael Laudenslager, a seasoned American sommelier, about his new role at Wine Enthusiast, current New York on-premise trends, how Italian wine and culture are communicated to restaurant guests, and what’s shaping consumer preferences - from Sardinia and Cannonau to natural wines, age-worthy bottles, and Italian spirits. Key Takeaways: Key trends shaping New York City’s on-premise wine scene, as seen through Peasant’s guest preferences. How wine professionals can better bridge the gap between wine media, scoring systems, and real-world consumers. Insights into emerging styles, regions, and categories to watch as the wine industry looks ahead to 2026. More about the guest: Michael Laudenslager is a seasoned American sommelier and wine professional, currently serving as the Wine Director at Peasant, an Italian restaurant in New York City known for its Italian-focused wine list. At Peasant, he oversees the wine program and curates a wine list that emphasizes Italian wines, often highlighting biodynamic, sustainable, and minimal-intervention producers. He holds certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and has extensive experience leading beverage programs. Throughout his career, Michael has managed wine and beverage programs for notable chefs like Marc Forgione, Peter McAndrew, and Tony Clark, worked as Director of Restaurants for Marriott International in both Washington, D.C. and New York, and curated wine programs at the original Smith & Wollensky in New York. In addition to his restaurant work, Michael has recently joined Wine Enthusiast, where he reviews wines from regions including Tuscany, Southern Italy, and Sardinia, bringing his deep industry knowledge to a broader audience. Connect: Website: https://www.peasantnyc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-laudenslager-bba1a7105/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiggrappa/ More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2571 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, McKenna Cassidy speaks with Elizabeth Terracina, a sommelier at Andros Taverna and Mano a Mano, about her experience working with wine in the Chicago food and wine scene. They also explore the intersection of wine and cocktail culture, the importance of staff training, and how thoughtful guest interactions shape meaningful hospitality experiences. More about today’s guest: Elizabeth is a sommelier at Andros Taverna and Mano a Mano whose approach to wine is shaped by working across a wide range of roles within hospitality. With experience spanning multiple positions on the floor and behind the bar, she brings a practical, guest-centered perspective rooted in service, rhythm, and real-world drinking habits. Her background in cocktails and bartending informs the way she thinks about balance, flavor, and accessibility. Elizabeth is drawn to the way food and wine bring people together and create shared experiences, and she is especially passionate about making wine approachable, giving a younger generation the confidence and language to engage with it without intimidation or pretense. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-terracina/ More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2570 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Promoting wine - achieving success in a hostile environment. Speaker: Karen MacNeil The cumulative difficulties that the wine industry now faces are well known. They include negative and biased reporting about alcohol, generational down shifts, competition from cannabis and cannabis-infused beverages, the flattening of food and drink consumption by GLP-1 drugs, the proliferation of Ready to Drink cocktails, disruptions in distribution channels, the continued threat and impact of tariffs, and more. Yet despite these gale-force headwinds, a small team of professionals have launched one of the most successful pro-wine movements in recent history. Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible and co-founder of the campaigns Come Over October and Share & Pair Sundays, leads this session, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the campaigns and their successes. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2569 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way! These episodes are generally in Italian. Today’s question comes from Anselmo Acquah. Today’s question(s): 🇬🇧 The taste of modern consumers has changed compared to 30 years ago. Has the scientific interpretation of wine quality evolved as well, or are we still chasing “good” with overly rigid categories? 🇮🇹 Il gusto dei consumatori è cambiato rispetto a trent’anni fa. Anche l’interpretazione scientifica della qualità del vino si è evoluta, oppure inseguiamo ancora il “buono” con categorie troppo rigide? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2568 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 224 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with the author, food writer, and historian Mary Taylor Simeti. Mary reflects on moving to Sicily after her studies, inspired by her interest in Frederick II, and on building a life there with her husband Tonino, including taking over a family winery that became a passion. The conversation explores Sicily’s food and wine culture and their early commitment to organic farming and winemaking. More about today’s guest: Mary Taylor Simeti is an American-born author, food writer, and historian renowned for her deep expertise in Sicilian culinary and medieval history, having moved to Sicily in 1962 and becoming a key figure in documenting its culture, food, and social life through books like Pomp and Sustenance and articles for the New York Times. She and her family own and run an organic farm in western Sicily, and she was also involved in Sicilian feminist publishing and social activism. Connect: Website: https://www.marytaylorsimeti.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtsimeti/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2567 of the Italian Wine Podcast, Masterclass US Wine Market, The Year in Review with Barbara Fitzgerald and Juliana Colangelo. In this episode, they revisit the best conversations and key takeaways from 2025. Key Takeaways: The recurring themes and topics that shaped conversations about the US wine market in 2025. Tangible, real-world advice shared by their guests. Holiday wine picks from Barbara Fitzgerald and Juliana Colangelo. More about the series: Masterclass US Wine Market is a podcast series tailored to offer Italian wine producers and trade valuable insights on mastering the U.S. market for their brands. The podcast delves into best practices and case studies covering sales & distribution, social media, communications, and more. Each episode is presented with key takeaways for the audience, accompanied by a mini “quiz” at the end to reinforce the episode’s key lessons. Each episode is structured as a lesson, covering topics ranging from sales/marketing strategies to other aspects related to conducting business in the US market. Hosted by Barbara Fitzgerald and Juliana Colangelo, two leading voices in U.S. wine marketing, communications, and brand strategy. Explore the series: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2566 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Sanghamitra Banik in a conversation that focuses on the Indian market. Key learning objectives: Gain an overview of how wine importing and distribution work in India, including whether the market is centralized or state-based, how regulations differ across regions, and how import duties and taxation impact pricing and market access. Identify who the main importers and distributors are, how they operate, and which Italian wine categories and styles are currently performing best in the Indian market and why. Learn how Winesutra supports market entry and growth and what brand activation strategies proved to be successful. The wine importers mentioned in the episode: Dhall Group, Hema Connoisseur, Brindco, Wine Park, Rad Elan Distributors. Wine spots in Mumbai recommended by Sanghamitra: AER, Vetro and Enoteca, Le Cirque Signature, The Table. More about today’s guest: Sanghamitra Banik is a French–Indian wine and business professional with a global career spanning Banking & Finance (2005–2012) and Wine & Spirits (2013–present). Based in Bordeaux since 2012, she combines strategic expertise from finance with deep involvement in the wine industry, luxury brand management, sustainability, and purpose-driven business. She is the founder of Winesutra, a consulting and education platform that supports French and Italian wine brands entering the Indian market through market strategy, importer selection, brand positioning, education, and activation. Winesutra also plays an active role in organizing masterclasses, trade education initiatives, and career mentorship, helping both brands and wine professionals build sustainable, long-term growth. Today, Sanghamitra’s work focuses on Wine & Spirits, business development, brand storytelling, and building bridges between Europe and India. She is also a regular contributor to India’s leading wine publications, including Sommelier India, Liquid – Fine, and WSCI, where she writes on wine culture, sustainability, and the evolving global wine landscape. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanghamitrawinesutra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winesutra/ More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2565 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Wine titles decoded: why MS and MW both matter. Speakers: Jessica Dupuy DipWSET, Doug Frost MW & MS, Jim Bube MS What’s the difference between a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine? Is one more for blind tasting parlor tricks? And the other for breaking down the finer points on what soil compositions and export markets have in common? Join Jessica Dupuy, DipWSET, Certified Sommelier and seasoned wine journalist, for a dynamic discussion exploring the differences, similarities, and shared value of two of the wine world’s most respected credentials. For too long, confusion has hovered between the two. In the U.S., Master Sommeliers are often elevated to near-celebrity status, while in Europe, the title is less understood or recognized. Conversely, Masters of Wine are widely revered across Europe as the pinnacle of expertise yet often perceived in the U.S. as overly academic or inaccessible. This panel shifts the conversation from “which is better?” to “which path is best for whom? The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2564 of the Italian Wine Podcast and this On The Road Special Edition: Getting to know Albania with one of its most successful female entrepreneurs. In this episode of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Erjola Braha, the founder and CEO of the Alehandro Group, one of Albania's most successful importing and distributing companies. With over 25 years of experience, the Alehandro Group represents over 70 Italian producers in Albania. In this intimate conversation from the cellar of Château Braha, Erjola tells the story behind her business, describes the scope of the Albanian market, and shares strategies for cracking this young and emerging market. Erjola also explains the close links between Albania and Italy, not least in relation to cuisine, and shares some of her favourite Albanese dishes. This conversation took place in November 2025 against the backdrop of the historic Vinitaly Preview in Tirana, a special event celebrating the deep bond between Italy and Albania, a partnership founded on culture, taste, and shared passion. More about the guest: Erjola Braha is the founder and CEO of the Alehandro Group, one of Albania’s most successful wine importers and distributors. The Alehandro Group was established in 2001 as the first company in Albania dedicated exclusively to wine distribution, beginning with a series of partnerships in the heart of the Veneto region, expanding to other renowned wine-producing areas such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and beyond. In 2024, the Alehandro Group established the Alehandro Academy to nurture new generations of sommeliers and wine experts. Connect: Website: https://alehandrogroup.al/en/ More about the host Stevie Kim: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2563 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 223 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with Giulia Abbona of the Poderi Luigi Einaudi winery in Piemonte. More about today’s guest: The Poderi Luigi Einaudi winery, a historic estate known for its elegant wines, is located in the heart of Italy's famous Piedmont wine region, primarily in Dogliani (Cuneo province), with significant vineyards also in renowned areas like Barolo (Terlo, Cannubi) and other Langhe locations. Poderi Luigi Einaudi is historic winery, established by Italy's second president, Luigi Einaudi, pioneering quality wines from prime Langhe vineyards, particularly for making Dolcetto famous beyond its local area and producing renowned Barolo from prestigious crus like Cannubi and Terlo, blending tradition with modern techniques for authentic terroir expression. Giulia Abbona joined Poderi Einaudi Relais in 2015 and, driven by her passion for wine, began hosting winery tours in 2019. Today, she serves as the winery’s hospitality manager, overseeing social media, events, tours, and tastings. Connect: Website: https://www.poderieinaudi.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poderieinaudi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poderieinaudi More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2562 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Alder Yarrow, creator of the award-winning Vinography blog, to uncover how the wine review process works. Key Takeaways: How the wine review process works and the details producers often overlook. What critics value in communication with producers. What resonates with American consumers and gives producers a strategic advantage. More about the guest: Alder Yarrow is a pioneering wine writer and one of the original voices of wine blogging. He launched Vinography on 15 January 2004 and continues to publish regularly on the site, which San Francisco Magazine famously described as making him “The Wine World’s Brightest Cyberstar.” Since 2011, Alder has been a columnist and wine critic for jancisrobinson.com, where he focuses on American wines and the U.S. wine scene. His work has received numerous honors, including awards from the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards, and in 2013 he was inducted into the Wine Media Guild of New York’s Wine Writers Hall of Fame, an honor shared by only 24 living wine writers. Alder is the author of The Essence of Wine, an award-winning coffee table book exploring the aromas and flavors of wine through photography and essays. He is also a contributor to the 5th edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine and the forthcoming 9th edition of the World Atlas of Wine. Beyond writing, he is the creator and product manager of the Old Vine Registry, a public, crowd-sourced global database dedicated to preserving old-vine vineyards. Connect: Website: https://www.vinography.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/vinography/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinography/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2561 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, An Inside Look into Wine Enthusiast’s 100-point Rating System, Upholding Blind-Tasting Protocols, and Scoring Non-Imported Products. Speaker: Anna-Christina Cabrales, Moderator: Marilisa Allegrini Wine Enthusiast is a media and commerce company that stands as the leading source of innovation and information around wine. The Certified B Corporation employs nearly 20 wine critics with deep knowledge and credibility in the industry who blind taste and rate 25,000 wines and spirits annually. In July 2025, the company expanded the Wine Enthusiast Ratings Platform to accept wines and spirits that are not currently imported into the United States. Anna-Christina Cabrales, Tasting Director and Reviewer for Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône Valley, leads a 45-minute blind-tasting session while speaking to Wine Enthusiast’s 100-point rating system and blind-tasting protocols, shares why it was important to build a ratings platform that can support every wine region across the globe, and answerS questions on how wine samples receive a Wine Enthusiast score. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/. _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!