Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2318 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, if you were to make a wine using the most advanced technologies — perhaps something like grape genomics or precision soil sensors — what grape variety and winemaking method do you think could produce the most futuristic wine of our time? 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 m

Welcome to Episode 2316 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Alberto Martinez-Interiano IWA interviews Emiliano Giorgi of Progetto Sete, a winery located in the Priverno area of Lazio. Today’s learning objectives: To discover the terroir and native grape varieties of the Priverno area in Southern Lazio. To explore a project aimed at restoring old vineyards and revaluing a historical landscape. To delve into the world of Italian natural winemaking. Co-Moderator – Alberto Martinez-Interiano: Alberto is a wine educator, writer, and communicator based in Seattle, Washington. He teaches WSET and Wine Scholar Guild courses in both Seattle and Portland, helping students deepen their knowledge and passion for wine. A frequent judge at international wine competitions, Alberto’s insights have also appeared in respected industry publications, including SOMMTV and The Vintner Project. He holds the WSET Diploma and is a certified Italian Wine Amba

Welcome to Episode 2317, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “AI for enthusiasts: a tasting with Megan de Angelo and Danielle Callegari”. Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of market-focus sessions, recorded in Verona in November 2024. wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide. Today’s session: Does AI have a place in wine tasting and evaluation? While technology can enhance efficiency, it raises important questions: Can AI provide personal insights and professional expertise in wine tasting? Is a numerical score enough, or do consumers need descriptive context to truly understand a wine? Will AI assist wi

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2315 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Susan Keevil, the Editorial Director of the Académie du Vin Library and editor of On Tuscany, a charming compendium of wine writing on that most enchanting Italian wine region. Amongst other things, the conversion covers Susan’s career in wine writing, her early experiences as a winemaker in Australia, and rediscovering the hidden gems of Italian wine writing.   On the bookshelf: The books discussed in today’s show include:  Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst Caledonia Road by Andrew O’Hagan Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan Taste the limestone, smell the slate by Professor Alex Maltman The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Atillio Scienza About today’s guest: Susan Keevil is the Editorial Director of the Académie du Vin Library, the London-based wine publisher founded by Steven Spurrier in 2018. Passionate about wine literature, she takes pride in curating high-quality books, particul

Welcome to episode 2314 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 186 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is esteemed wine writer and gastronomy expert, Cinzia Benzi. More about today’s guest: Born in Canelli, Monferrato, Cinzia Benzi is a passionate wine writer and gastronomy expert. Her love for wine, inherited from her father, led her to a career exploring its complexities and the personalities behind it. Splitting her time between Milan, Canelli, and Cesenatico, she finds inspiration by the sea and in France, where she deepens her oenological studies. With a background in psychology, Cinzia transitioned into gastronomy, collaborating with Identità Golose and journalist Paolo Marchi. She has authored several books, including works on Moreno Cedroni, Sauternes, and Château d’Yquem, with her latest published in 2024. In 2022, she was awarded Barbateller, and in 2024, she was named Best Bubbly Writer in the World by Guia Melendo. She also coordinates the Bollicine del Mondo project.

Welcome to Episode 2313 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Benjamin Gibson, Founder and CEO of Winehub.io, to discuss how wineries can grow their DTC channels and leverage automation for more efficient DTC programs. Key takeaways: Is there still room for growth in the DTC channel? What is Tech Stack, and why is it a key success factor for DTC? Best practices for DTC programs – including automation and personalization. More about the guest: Benjamin Gibson is the Founder & CEO of Winehub.io, the largest DTC plugin for wineries and wine merchants on Shopify. Winehub enhances Shopify’s platform with sector-specific benefits, helping wineries optimize online sales, tasting room experiences, wine clubs, loyalty programs, allocation systems, and order management.  A recognized industry speaker, Benjamin frequently presents at global wine events and is passionate about ensuring Winehub remains the best-in-class DTC platform for wine sellers of all sizes. Connect: Web

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2312 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews wine educator and content creator, Pilar Brito. Together, they dive into the world of social media and explore the importance of digital communication in the wine industry.  More about today’s guest: Pilar Brito Pilar Brito is a wine and social media personality who has built a following of 140K followers across Instagram and YouTube in just over a year. Pilar holds a degree in law but decided to pivot to the wine industry, driven by her passion for wine and education. She is known for her accessible yet aspirational approach to wine education, wine collecting, and her wine and cooking videos. Her platform features a diverse array of content, including in-depth explorations of renowned wines such as Tignanello, Château d'Yquem, and Mas Doix 1902. Pilar’s approachable style and informative posts have made her a leading voice among wine influencers, and she continues to inspire her growing audience t

Welcome to Episode 2311 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 3 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 episode focuses on the Margaux, a commune and Appellation d'origine contrôlée within Haut-Médoc centred on the village of Margaux, and the Pessac-Léognan appellation in the south of Bordeaux. Further reading: More information about this Bordeaux series is available on the Italian Wine Podcast website at: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/italian-wine-blog/discovering-bordeaux-left-bank-wi

Welcome to Episode 2310 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 Ekaterina Vislinskaya (Part 2). Today’s question(s):  What makes you happy? / Che cosa La rende felice? What does curiosity mean to you?" / Che cos’è per Lei la curiosità? 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

Welcome to Episode 2309, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Understanding maturity by the glass: old whites from Italy” with Cristina Mercuri DipWSET and Gill Gordon Smith IWE. Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of market-focus sessions, recorded in Verona in November 2024. wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide. Today’s session: The international reputation of Italian wines and Italian classic regions is focused on red wines: their distinctive flavors, assertive structure and high aging potential. Consumer trends demonstrate a growing appreciation towards white wines, and Italy is well regarded with hi

Welcome to Episode 2308 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Anna Obuhovskaya interviews Sara Repetto of Vigneti Repetto, a winery located in the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont. Today’s learning objectives: To explore the key qualities and characteristics of the Timorasso grape variety. To identify the factors that influence its quality. 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 a new wine club and collaborates with the wineries and distributors as an independent wi

Welcome to Episode 2307 in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Marvina Robinson, founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, the first Champagne brand to be owned by a Black American woman, in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guest: Marvina Robinson Marvina Robinson is the founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Her journey into the champagne industry is anything but traditional. After spending two decades on Wall Street, Marvina took a bold leap, leaving behind a successful career in finance to follow her true passion—champagne. She traveled extensively to Champagne, France, learning the intricate art of winemaking and immersing herself in an industry where few people of color have historically had a presence. In 2020, she launched B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand that is grown, harvested, and bottled in Champagne, France, adhering to the region’s strict regulations to ensure authenticity and quality.

Welcome to Episode 2307 in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Marvina Robinson, founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, the first Champagne brand to be owned by a Black American woman, in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast.  About today’s guest: Marvina Robinson Marvina Robinson is the founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Her journey into the champagne industry is anything but traditional. After spending two decades on Wall Street, Marvina took a bold leap, leaving behind a successful career in finance to follow her true passion—champagne. She traveled extensively to Champagne, France, learning the intricate art of winemaking and immersing herself in an industry where few people of color have historically had a presence. In 2020, she launched B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand that is grown, harvested, and bottled in Champagne, France, adhering to the region’s strict regulations to ensure authenticity and quality. 

Welcome to episode 2306 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 185 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Luca Ciotoli of Eroico Vino, a family-run winery overlooking Vernazza, one of the five stunning villages that make up the Cinque Terre. More about today’s guest: Luca Ciotoli Luca, born in 1993, began his career in academia, earning a PhD in Digital Storytelling. Today, he has fully dedicated himself to his family’s vineyard in Vernazza, where he produces Eroico wine and welcomes visitors from around the world. As an Environmental Guide and sommelier, he shares the rich stories of the Ligurian landscape, offering local insights along the way. In 2025, he launched be Eroico, a project that reinvests part of the profits from vacation rentals into restoring the terraced landscape of the Cinque Terre—an extraordinary yet fragile ecosystem that requires ongoing care. Together with his family, Luca is committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Liguria, a passion they look f

Welcome to Episode 2305 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews George Christie, Founder and CEO of Wine Industry Network and Partner of Saini Vineyards, to discuss winning brand strategies and his insights on customer engagement. Key takeaways: Brands that are thriving despite current challenges. Essential changes in brand strategy for success. Effective customer engagement across all age groups. More about the guest: George Christie  Originally from New Jersey, George Christie moved to Sonoma County in 1991 and quickly found his passion in the wine industry. Since then, he has built a diverse career spanning winery management, vineyard operations, grower relations, distributor management, and national marketing campaigns. George has held leadership roles on the boards of key industry organizations, including the Russian River Wine Road, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma State Wine Business Institute, and WineAmerica. In 2008, he and hi

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2304 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews the San Francisco based wine PR and external relations specialist, Margherita Andrenacci. Exciting News! Margherita will also be joining the Next Generation series as a host, bringing fresh perspectives and conversations to the Italian Wine Podcast. Stay tuned for more! More about today’s guest: Margherita Andrenacci Music producer, biker, and runner, Margherita Andrenacci is a wine PR professional driven by a love for storytelling and cultural connection. Her journey with wine began as a way to get closer to people—she values the conversations it sparks and the stories it uncovers.  Born in Trento, she has lived in Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, and across Italy, and is now exploring life in San Francisco. With a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, she carries her passions with her wherever she goes, always finding wine to be a powerful bridge that brings people together. Conne

Welcome to Episode 2303 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 2 of Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy. In this special On the Road series, 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." In this episode Stevie visits three subregions of the world famous Medoc region, Saint-Estephe AOC, Pauillac AOC and Saint-Julien AOC. Monsieur Burtschy explains the origins and terroir of each appellation, the typical characteristics of the world famous château associated with them, and what to expect from the 2022 vintage. Further reading: More information about this Bordeaux series is available

Welcome to Episode 2302 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Torino. Today’s guest is Markus Holmberg, Project Manager at Vinunic AB, a leading wine importing company based in Sweden. As the official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe 2025—Piedmont’s premier wine event. Join top producers, buyers, and experts as they explore emerging styles, vineyard 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 access, revealing Piedmont’s impact on the global wine stage. More about today’s guest: Markus Holmberg Markus Holmberg is a Product Manager at Vinunic AB, one of Sweden’s leading wine importers. With over eight years of experience in digital consumer behavior and communication, he brings a strategic approach to product management and brand development. Founded in 1992, Vinunic AB specializes in importing high-quality

Welcome to Episode 2301 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 Ekaterina Vislinskaya. Today’s question(s):  What is currently in your focus in a scientific exploration field and what do you consider to be the most important topics for study and publication during the 2025? Qual è attualmente l’oggetto della Sua ricerca in campo scientifico e quali ritiene essere gli argomenti più importanti di studio e di pubblicazione nel 2025? 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

Welcome to Episode 2300, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session with Robert Joseph and Andrea Lonardi MW is entitled “An Inside Look at Wine Competitions and 5StarWines - the Book” . This Tasting Session guided by Robert Joseph and Andrea Lonardi MW, two of the General Chairs of 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls 2024, explores some of the “Top Scoring” wines selected for 5StarWines - the Book 2025. The tasting features three of the award-winning wines. During the session, the General Chairs 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 & Wine Without Walls. Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of market-focus sessions, recorded in Verona in November 2024. wine2wine Business