Italian Wine Podcast

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 wine

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): 

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 s

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

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:

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

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 A

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. Toda

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 w

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 platfo

Welcome this special Christmas edition of Book Club and Episode 2561 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard speaks with Sophie Thorpe about her top five books of 2025. They explore how Sophie first became interested in wine, trace her career in the luxury wine sector, and discuss the role and influence of wine writing in shaping the industry. The conversation also touches on the wine she plans to enjoy on Christmas Day, making for a festive and insightful discussion. Sophie Thorpe’s Top 5 Wine Books of 2025: Saint-Julien: Vineyards, Cellars, People, and Place (English Edition) by Marc Bouffard The Wines of California by Elaine Chukan Brown Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate by Alex Maltmans Drinking the World: A Wine Odyssey by Victoria Brzezinski and Bert Blaize  The Cynics Guide to Wine by Sunny Hodge The wines discussed in today’s show include: Nascetta, the rare indigenous white grape from the Langhe hills of Pimonte Timorasso, the rare ancie

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2559 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin is joined by Canadian wine educator, writer, and influencer Will Ferguson, better known as The Queer Wino. Together, they explore Will’s personal journey into wine, the realities faced by LGBTQ+ professionals in a traditionally conservative industry, and how inclusive communication, community-building, and social media can make wine more accessible, authentic, and welcoming. The conversation also touches on Pride in Wine, Will’s new wine club, the impact of DEI rollbacks in the U.S., and what true allyship looks like today. More about the guest: Will Ferguson (also known as Queer Wino) is a prominent Canadian wine educator, writer, and influencer focused on making wine accessible and inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community and all enthusiasts, using platforms like Instagram (@Queerwino) to share insights, tastings, and fight for diversity in the wine world. He holds WSET certifications and works in wine retail, cre

Welcome to episode 2558 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 222 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with the wine educator and entrepreneur Robert Maggi, who shares his unique journey between two lives: one rooted in Puglia, Italy, and the other in Wales, where he now lives and works. Together, they discuss Robert’s path as an Italian wine importer in the UK, his role as an Italian Wine Ambassador, and the creation of the Cardiff Wine Festival as a platform connecting producers directly with consumers. More about today’s guest: Robert Maggi is a wine educator, entrepreneur, and Italian Wine Ambassador, originally from Puglia and now based in Cardiff, Wales. Half Italian and half Welsh, he is the founder of WinesnVines and an importer working to connect Italian producers with the UK market. With over 15 years of international experience, including work with producers such as Jim Barry Wines in Australia, Robert is deeply involved in wine education, tastings, and mark

Welcome to Episode 2557 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Leonardo LoCascio, the founder and former CEO and Chairman of Winebow, Inc. Drawing on decades of experience as one of the most influential importers in the United States, Leonardo shares his perspective on what it truly takes for Italian producers to succeed today. Key Takeaways: Why some Italian wine categories are gaining traction in the U.S. while others are struggling. How importers and distributors assess producer readiness, including portfolio fit, pricing, and long-term strategy. Where Italian wine can realistically win market share in an increasingly competitive and challenging market environment. More about the guest:  Leonardo LoCascio is a pioneering figure in the American wine industry and the founder of Winebow, one of the United States’ most respected importers and distributors of fine wine and craft spirits. LoCascio left a successful career in corporate finance and banking to

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2556 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Walter Giomi, wine educator and portfolio manager at Bangkok beer and beverages, to discuss the dynamics of Thailand’s fast-evolving wine scene. Key learning objectives: Get an overview of Thailand’s wine ecosystem, including key players, latest regulations and taxation. Identify consumer trends and the top-performing Italian wine categories in Thailand. Learn about the Bangkok Beer & Beverages portfolio and gain practical, on-the-ground insights from Walter’s experience. More about today’s guest: Born and raised in Rome, Walter Giomi comes from a long line of hospitality professionals. He started working in restaurants at 13, developing strong skills in service, product quality, and guest interaction. After earning his first wine certification at 19, he began his path in the wine world. Since 2013, Walter has worked for a leading beverage importer in Thailand, growin

Welcome to episode 2555 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Beyond the Border: why Mexico matters for Italian wine. Speaker: Larissa Lawrence IWA, Moderator: Diva Maddalena Moretti Polegato While often overlooked, Mexico is a dynamic, fast-evolving wine market with growing demand for premium and lifestyle wines—especially among younger urban consumers in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey - and in high-end international tourist destinations. As local wine culture develops, Italian wines have a unique opportunity to position themselves as aspirational, food-friendly, and authentic. This session explores distribution models, regulatory pathways, consumer behavior, and on-trade opportunities—especially in the context of Mexico’s strategic proximity to the U.S. and rising gastronomic tourism. 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 i

Welcome to Episode 2554 of the Italian Wine Podcast and this On The Road Special Edition. In this episode, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Marco Alberti, the Italian Ambassador in Tirana, Albania. Marco Alberti was previously Italy’s Ambassador of Kazakhstan and he reflects on the differences between the two diplomatic postings. They also discuss how Albania has been influenced by Italian culture, and how wine can be used to increase the trade and cultural links between the two countries.  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 launch

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2553 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews Sophie Conte of Tregole winery in Castellina in Chianti. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives: Gain first-hand insights into the 2025 Chianti harvest. Understand what defines the Castellina UGA and its identity. Explore the challenges and realities faced by young start-up wineries. The conversation covers the timing of Sangiovese picking, differences between vineyard plots, and how Castellina’s unique territory shapes its distinctive tasting “DNA.” Sophie explains Tregole’s place within the Castellina UGA, touches on curiosities like “white Sangiovese,” and reflects on how the winery’s techniques and approach have evolved from its early days to today. More about today’s host:   As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in W

Welcome to Episode 2552 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): 

Welcome to episode 2551 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 221 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with Gudrun Cuillo to discuss the Chianti estate she and her husband brought back to life and her romance book inspired by the winery. Gudrun shares how they transformed the once-abandoned post–World War II borgo of Livernano into a magical retreat with a restaurant and boutique lodging, while also restoring Casalvento, the nearby winery. She explains the differences between the two estates, their organically farmed vineyards, and their collaboration with the University of Pisa to further sustainable vineyard practices. More about today’s guest: Gudrun Cuillo was born in Leibnitz, Austria. Soon after graduation, she joined the opera as an artist-in-residence for stage scenery and makeup. That work eventually took Gudrun to New York to continue her education.While enjoying traveling throughout the U.S., Gudrun came to Florida where she met Robert Cuillo, an Italian Ame