Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to episode 2337 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 189 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is the Italian Wine Ambassador and founder, owner & general manager of MineWine.pl, Sławomir Komiński. More about today’s guest: Slawomir Komiński is a wine lover, especially one of Italian wine, and has a strong determination to turn the combination of his passion for wine and business into a success. A formidable communicator, he has excellent interpersonal skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. He is a wine expert with a deep knowledge of the wine business, including warehousing, logistics, customer service and marketing. He has gained numerous work experience with cross-functional teams, acquiring a dynamic and result-oriented management style, with a problem solving attitude. He is always looking to optimise processes and identify opportunities for growth. Sławek has an in-depth knowledge of digital media and online marketing tools, as well as advanced business negotiation sk

Welcome to Episode 2336 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Elmer Contreras, vice president and sales director of the wholesale wine merchant, Frederick Wildman and Sons. Key takeaways: The evolution of NY city on premise market over the last 30 years  How have beverage programs have evolved NY city wine market & Italian wines  More about the guest: VP, Sales Director, Metro NY Wholesale. Elmer started in the food and wine industry in the fall of 1991 in NY, after working in many restaurants he decided to start selling wine in 1999 and joined Livio Panebianco, in 2007 he was offered a position as a District Sales Manager at Frederick Wildman Wholesale /Italian wine specialist and today he is VP of sales at Metro Wholesale Frederick Wildman. His love for culture and gastronomy has shaped his commitment to the industry he embraces. He believes in the art of selling and considers himself more of a coach when it comes to selling wine. Frederick Wildman Wholesale por

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2335 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Giulia Stocchetti interviews the entrepreneur Tommaso Inghirami.  More about today’s guest: The Inghirami family provides living proof that success is synonymous with curiosity and creativity. With Tommaso, one of the most illustrious surnames in Italy in terms of clothing enters its third generation with enthusiasm. Despite his age, the 35-year-old entrepreneur has been combining for 7 years now the two souls of the family business, which is in every way an ode to Made in Italy. On the one hand, there is the shirt production of Inghirami, the famous shirt company founded by his grandfather Fabio Inghirami in 1949 and which is today one of the founders of the Associazione dei Marchi Storici d’Italia. On the other, Fattoria di Grignano joins this picture with wine and olive oil production. Situated on the Florentine hills of Pontassieve, this former Medici estate is a thriving 600-hectare winery that has been employing innov

Welcome to Episode 2334 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, Discovering Château Cantemerle in Bordeaux. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is back in Bordeaux to interview Laure Canu, the general manager and CEO of Château Cantemerle, in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. Laure discusses her professional background and the career path that brought her to Château Cantemerle, as well as her motivation and the changes that she has overseen in the past four years. Laure also explains what makes Château Cantemerle, one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, so special.   Finally, as a young female leader, Laure has some advice for anyone considering a career in the industry. Website: https://cantemerle.com/en/ More about the host: Stevie Kim 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 Aca

On this Episode the Italian Wine Podcast wishes to pay tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis by gratefully and respectfully sharing the message he addressed to the world of wine during his speech “To the Producers participating in the Vinitaly Event” on January 22, 2024. It is a meaningful acknowledgment that celebrates the cultural, social, and spiritual value of wine — a message that deeply resonates with our mission to tell the story of Italian wine in all its richness and nuance. _______________________________ 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

Welcome to Episode 2333 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Wim Sas. Today’s question(s):  Can you specify the relationship between Vermentino and Furmint? In Episode 882, I heard Ivan Giuliani from Terenzuola mentioning Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle and Furmint in the one sentence as the same grape? This was new for me since I thought they were only DNA related and not the same. Potrebbe specificare la relazione esistente fra Vermentino e Furmint? Nell’Episodio 882, ho sentito Ivan Giuliani di Terenzuola affermare che Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle e Furmint sono la stessa varietà. E’ stata una novità per me, perchè pensavo avessero solo dei tratti del DNA in comune, non che fossero la stessa uva. More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the

Welcome to Episode 2332, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Compiling a Vintage Report” with Michaela Morris DipWSET, IW. Decanter has long been committed to providing readers with extensive annual vintage reports of key wine regions from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Napa and Barossa - and beyond. As a regular contributor on Italian wine since 2017, Michaela Morris compiles the vintage reports for Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. As of 2025, she’ll be taking over the annual reports for Barolo and Barbaresco, and she recently published Decanter’s first-ever report for her home wine region of Canada’s Okanagan Valley. Michaela will discuss what makes a vintage good, great, outstanding or mediocre. This session will go beyond assigning point scores to individual wines and instead look at assessing a vintage as a whole. Three Brunello di Montalcino from 2017, 2018 and 2019 will serve as a launching pad fo

Welcome to Episode 2331 and the first episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Zulfiya Ibragimova, President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association and Import and Portfolio Manager at Almawine.  Key Learning Objectives: Explore the evolution of Kazakhstan’s wine industry and the role of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association in growing the wine community. Learn about ALMAWINE, one of Kazakhstan’s leading wine importers and distributors. Identify opportunities for Italian wines in this emerging market, including popular styles, underrepresented regions, and importer preferences. Asia Wine Market is a new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports. To learn more about the new series, listen to the

Welcome to episode 2330 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 188 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Sarah Abbott MW, founder and director of Swirl Wine Group. More about today’s guest: Sarah Abbott MW is a pioneering force in the world of wine, renowned for her expertise, innovation, and unwavering passion for the craft. With a career spanning over two decades in the wine industry, Sarah's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of wine marketing and distribution. Sarah is the founder of marketing agency Swirl Wine Group, and the co-founder of The Old Vine Conference. She is a specialist in the wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and has advised the Consorzio on UK market strategy for 5 years. Connect: Website: https://swirlwinegroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahabbottmw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swirlwinegroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-abbott-mw-4560

Welcome to Episode 2329 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Harmon Skurnik, President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, to discuss how U.S. tariffs on imported wines are impacting the distribution system—and ultimately, the consumer. Key takeaways: Tariffs in Real Time – What’s happening now, and what’s at stake? Collateral Damage – How tariffs are hurting U.S. businesses and consumers Business in a Volatile Market – Strategies for building your wine business amid uncertainty More about the guest: Harmon Skurnik Harmon Skurnik is the President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, a leading U.S. importer and distributor of fine wines, spirits, sake, and cider. He joined the company in 1989 after a successful career in advertising, where he worked on major accounts like Apple and Pepsi. Since then, Harmon has helped grow Skurnik from a small startup into a nationally respected portfolio representing over 800 family-owned producers. He personally t

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2328 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Margherita Andrenacci interviews Migle Kanapeckaite of Dead and Vintage and John of Horses Market. More about today’s guest: Migle Kanapeckaite is the founder and creative force behind Dead and Vintage, a vintage store selling unique stuff from the 40s/70s. With a keen eye for timeless style and circle fashion, Migle has curated one of the best thrifting hotspot of the Mission, San Francisco. Connect: Instagram: @deadendvtg More about today’s guest: John is one of the co-owners and faces behind the counter of Horsies Market & Saloon, a cozy, horse-themed bar located at 3368 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. They offer a selection of vermouth cocktails, beers and wine. With seating for just eight patrons inside and cute red patio outside, it provides an intimate and charming atmosphere. The name "Horsies" reflects a playful and whimsical spirit, and the place is “run mom n pop style”. Connect: Instagram: @horsie

Welcome to Episode 2327 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is still in Bordeaux with Lorenzo Pasquini, the estate manager and technical director of Château d'Yquem, in the famous Sauternes region of Bordeaux. Lorenzo discusses the fast-track career path that took him to the prestigious estate as well as the famous chateau's other links with Italy. He also unpacks the 2022 vintage, the driest and hottest vintage on record, and the impact of this on the vintage and offers some career advice to those at the beginning of their professional journey. Finally, Lorenzo introduces the recently translated book about the life of Joséphine d'Yquem and her role in transforming the chateau.  Website: https://yquem.fr/int-en/ More about the host: 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 OperaW

Welcome to Episode 2326 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Beatrice Motterle. Today’s question(s):  Professore, ancestral wines are making a comeback, but with a much more conscious and scientific approach. In your opinion, what are the most fascinating aspects of these ancient practices that, despite being traditional, might find a place in the future of winemaking, perhaps through the use of modern technologies? Professore, i vini ancestrali stanno tornando in auge, ma con un approccio molto più consapevole e scientifico. Secondo Lei, quali sono gli aspetti più affascinanti di queste pratiche antiche che, pur essendo tradizionali, potrebbero trovare un posto nel futuro del vino, magari grazie alle moderne tecnologie? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the on

Welcome to Episode 2325 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Anna Obuhovskaya interviews Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago of the Attimis-Maniago Winery, located in the Buttrio area of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC. Today’s learning objectives: To gain deeper insight into the Pignolo grape variety — its characteristics, history, and potential. To explore international perspectives on Friuli wines and their place on the global wine stage. Co-Moderator – Anna Obuhovskaya: Anna Obuhovskaya has 16 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She worked in a number of bigger wine importing companies and independent projects, and founded the Italian Wine Tasting Club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became an Italian Wine Ambassador.  Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to the charming Slovenia to work even closer with European wine producers. Currently Anna lives in Ljubljana where she started

Welcome to Episode 2324 and a pilot episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Stevie Kim interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA, the Co-Producer of the Italian Wine Podcast and the host of the upcoming series.  Asia Wine Market is a brand-new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports. The first installment, Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition, focuses on Kazakhstan’s emerging wine scene. Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the Kazakhstan wine market or expand your brand presence in Asia, t

Welcome to Episode 2323 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this installment of Voices, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Shayla Varnado, Chief Marketing Officer at ALYAHS Consulting and Founder of Black Girls Wine. About today’s guest: Shayla Varnado has been a leading voice in the wine industry since 2016, creating wine reviews and content that bring the world of wine to life. As the founder of the world’s first society for Black women wine lovers (2019-2022), she built a thriving community centered around culture, connection, and the joy of a great pour.  Her expertise has been recognized in Wine Enthusiast, Black Enterprise, and on the Today Show. Now, she hosts a weekly talk show every Wednesday where she shares wine reviews and inspires her audience to sip, savor, and live their best lives. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BlackGirlsWine  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsWine  About today’s host: VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a pro

Welcome to episode 2322 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 187 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Ambrogio Cremona Ratti of Tenuta Sette Cieli, a boutique winery nestled in the hills near Monteverdi Marittimo in Tuscany. More about today’s guest: Ambrogio Cremona Ratti is the Owner and Brand Ambassador of Tenuta Sette Cieli, a boutique winery nestled in the hills near Monteverdi Marittimo, between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Born in Milan in 1985, Ambrogio studied in both England and Italy before working in renewable energy and real estate. He eventually returned to his roots, taking over the winery founded by his mother, Erika Ratti, in 1994. Today, alongside CEO and winemaker Elena Pozzolini, Ambrogio leads a passionate team dedicated to producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect the soul of Bolgheri. Under their leadership, Tenuta Sette Cieli has earned its place among the great names of the Super Tuscan cate

Welcome to Episode 2321 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Jason Haas, second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek Vineyard in California. They discuss the impact of tariffs on imported wines to the U.S. and explore Jason’s perspective on how these trade policies could affect the domestic wine producers as well. Key takeaways: Navigating market uncertainty, as distributors and importers delay key decisions. The risks and complexities within the U.S. wine distribution system. The looming impact of retaliatory tariffs on international trade. More about the guest: Jason Haas Jason Haas is the second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek, serving as Partner and General Manager and directing operations there for two decades. In addition to his work at Tablas Creek, Jason has led the boards of directors of both the Rhone Rangers and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, and is a board member of Free the Grapes and WineAmerica. He is principal author of the Tablas Cr

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2320 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews Alessandro Nigro Imperiale, Best Sommelier in Italy 2022 (AIS) and Best Sommelier in France 2023 (Gault&Millau Guide). They discuss Alessandro’s journey into the world of wine, his career highlights, and what’s next on his horizon. More about today’s guest: Born in 1991 in Puglia, Italy, Alessandro Nigro began his career in a humble trattoria in Foggia, where a job soon became a passion. He earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Foggia, specializing in spontaneous fermentations in natural wine. His journey took him to Bordeaux, Stellenbosch, and France, gaining hands-on winemaking experience before shifting focus to sommelier expertise. In Paris, he refined his skills at the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic, rising quickly to Assistant Head Sommelier. He later joined Four Seasons Hotel George V, recognized as the "Best Hotel in the World" (2019), before moving to the Fren

Welcome to Episode 2319 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 4 of Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is on a special mission in Bordeaux to discover this important French region with one of the world's greatest Bordeaux experts. Over the course of four days, Stevie travels through Bordeaux's iconic Left Bank, visiting the "best of the best" — the legendary producers ranked as Premier Cru: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild, all rated as "First Growths." This final episode focuses on Sauternes, which represents the sweeter side of Bordeaux and is made with the region’s less common white grapes, with a particular focus on the 2022 vintage. Monsieur Burtschy guides Stevie on a journey through four important châteaux, Château d'Yquem, Château Suduiraut, Château Climens and Château Doisy-Védrines, setting out the climatic conditions, soil types and hi