Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to episode 2279 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 182 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Svetlana Melnichenko, export manager for Montalbera, a family-run winery in Piemonte. More about today’s guest: Svetlana Melnichenko is a seasoned wine professional with over 20 years of international experience in sales, business development, and export management. Her expertise spans key account management, international marketing, PR, and event organization. She currently serves as Senior Export Manager at Montalbera. The Montalbera Winery was founded at the beginning of the 20th century in an area located in the townships of Grana, Castagnole Monferrato and Montemagno. Montalbera’s property extends over 115 hectares cultivated with vineyards in the Monferrato and Langhe. Montalbera is the largest private producer of Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato.  Connect: Website:https://www.montalbera.it/index.php?l=en Instagram: https://instagram.com/montalbera Linkedin: https://www.lin

Welcome to Episode 2278 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Alisha Zaveri, the Digital Account Director at Colangelo and Partners. Key takeaways: Tiktok and how wineries can engage with it Mastering algorithms on existing digital platforms Diversifying marketing mix on multiple channels More about the guest:  Alisha Zaveri is a global communications and digital marketing expert with experience across the US, UK, India, and Singapore. Specializing in food and beverage marketing and consumer packaged goods (CPG) branding, she excels in digital strategy, social media growth, and influencer marketing. As a media strategist and content creator, Alisha develops multi-channel marketing campaigns, secures top-tier media coverage, and builds engaged online communities. She is the Digital Account Director at Colangelo & Partners, a top wine and spirits PR agency known for brand storytelling, social media strategy, and influencer collaborati

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2277 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews wine marketing professional, Striker Reese. More about today’s guest:  Striker Reese was born in Columbia, SC. With a lifelong passion for wine moving to Washington DC to pursue a career in wine. Graduating with his Masters in management from The Catholic University of America. Working in wine retail and marketing wine from brands all New Zealand to Virginia. Striker is the current marketing chair for The Bourgogne Board for the roots fund and founder of Anime & Wine combining his interest in wine with the unique world of anime and manga to engage new audiences in the world of wine.  Connect:  Website: https://www.animeandwine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animeandwine/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/striker-reese-444a281ba/ More about today’s host: Born in the Dominican Republic, Karla Ravagnolo holds the WSET Level 3 Certificate and has an endless curiosity for all things wi

Welcome to Episode 2276, where Jessica Dupuy interviews the experienced wine and liquor marketing executive Sandra Spalding. Together, they dive into the Austin market and decode the concept of "Italianality.'" Italian Wine Podcast is a proud media partner of Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening and is pleased to present this series of interviews recorded for this year’s event. The fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) takes place in Austin, Texas on 25 March 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on three southwestern states, with educational events and dedicated tastings taking place in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado throughout February 2025. Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, a

Welcome to Episode 2275 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Piedmont. Today’s guest is the international wine writer, educator, judge and speaker, Michaela Morris. 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:  Michaela Morris is an international wine writer, educator, judge and speaker based in Vancouver, Canada, with frequent engagements in Italy. Besides writing for several Canadian publications including Taste and Quench, Michaela contributes to Meininger’s Wine Business International and Decanter online and print magazines. Michaela successfully comple

Welcome to Episode 2274 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 James McNay. Today’s question(s):  Can you please go into detail about the physiological effect of altitude, temperature and temperature differential on a vine, and how these factors influence the wine in the glass? I'm particularly interested in Priè Blanc and in the Nebbiolo of Carema, Donnas and Valtellina. Potrebbe gentilmente analizzare l'effetto fisiologico dell'altitudine, della temperatura e della variazione di temperatura sulla vite, e come questi fattori influenzano il vino nel calice? Sono specialmente interessato al Priè Blanc ed al Nebbiolo di Carema, Donnas e Valtellina. More about Professor Scienza: Professor Atillio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” inste

Welcome to Episode 2273, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Engaging the Next Generation: The Future of Italian Wine Communication”. The session features Michaela Morris, DipWSET; Justin Noland; Jessica Dupuy DipWSET; Chris Struck; and Alojz Felix Jermann. Key talking points include: Reaching new audiences through social media  Communicating with younger generations  Who’s drinking NOLO wines? Why are they drinking it?  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. Find more about the session at:  https://www.v

Welcome to Episode 2272 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Alberto Rivera interviews Giovanna Neri of Col di Lamo winery. Today’s learning objectives: To explore Giovanna’s transition from an Italian attorney to a winemaker in Montalcino. To examine the role of women in the Italian wine industry, especially in Tuscany. To reflect on how wine can evoke memories and deepen appreciation over time. Co-Moderator – Alberto Rivera: Alberto majored in International Relations and worked as a diplomat in Tokyo, as well as under a United Nations mandate to promote the Sustainable Development Goals within Chihuahua’s regional policies. After the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, he decided to take his passion for wine tasting to a professional level. He completed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and followed his love for Italy by combining these interests as an Italian wine instructor on an online education platform in Mexico. Last year, he set his sigh

Welcome to Episode 2271, in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews the award-winning sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. Pascaline is also a wine educator and author of the critically acclaimed book, One Thousand Vines, A New Way to Understand Wine.   About today’s guest:  Pascaline Lepeltier is a sommelier based in Manhattan who grew up in the Loire Valley and detoured from a career as a philosophy teacher. After working in Michelin-star restaurants in France, she moved to New York City in 2009, and since has run numerous award-winning wine programs including at Chambers (TriBeCa) where she is currently the beverage director.  MS, Best French Sommelier 2018 and MOF, she placed 4th in the 2023 ASI Best Sommelier in the World Competition, and 2nd in the Best Sommelier of Europe, Middle East and Africa in 2024. She collaborates in chëpìka, a wine project in the Finger Lakes, writes for La Revue du Vin de France, and lectures all over the world. Her first solo book,

Welcome to episode 2270 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 181 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Maurizio Zanella of Ca' del Bosco winery in Franciacorta, the famous sparkling region in Lombardy, northern Italy. More about today’s guest: Maurizio Zanella is the founder and Chairman of Ca’ del Bosco. He studied agriculture and his introduction to the world of wine came in the 1960s, when his mother acquired a small hillside property called “Ca’ del Bosc”. Maurizio is an extensively travelled wine cosmopolitan who has put into practice in his native Franciacorta what he learned in France, particularly Burgundy and Bordeaux. In 1969, he created Ca’ del Bosco, today the leading producer of fine-bubbled Franciacortas. Ca’ del Bosco’s pre-eminence has been driven by Zanella’s passionate enthusiasm. In the early 1970s, he embraced his artistic creativity and became one of the leading figures in Italy’s wine renaissance by transforming what was a house in the chestnut woods into o

Welcome to Episode 2269 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Ellie Mullins, an American wine retailer and entrepreneur, who shares insights on running a successful independent wine shop in the Midwest. Key takeaways: Local Market Trends: Key factors in selecting wines for retail Retailer-Importer Partnerships: How strong relationships drive wine sales Independent Wine Business: Challenges and strategies for success in the American Midwest. More about the guest:  Ellie Mullins is a passionate wine entrepreneur with a talent for connecting people with exceptional wines. With over 20 years of experience, she started her career in renowned California restaurants before transitioning into wine retail.  Wine is deeply rooted in her family—her brother is a Sonoma winemaker, her sister-in-law, Barbara Fitzgerald, is an Italian Wine Ambassador, and her parents are grape growers. Connect: Website: https://pebottleshop.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pebottleshop/

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2268 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Giulia Stocchetti interviews the award-winning sommelier and educator Marvella Castaneda. Together, they dive into Marvella's current projects, food and wine pairings, as well as WSET Diploma studies and art. More about today’s guest:  Marvella Castaneda brings almost 15 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, including in Michelin-starred establishments and as part of the opening team for a 976-room hotel in downtown Atlanta. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Star Chefs Rising Star Sommelier Award, recognizing her ability to deliver an exceptional experience in food and wine pairings. She is currently the wine director for Capital City Club. As a WSET Diploma candidate and a nominee for 2024 Wine Educator of the Year, Marvella is deeply passionate about wine education. While she has a profound love for Italian wines, her expertise extends to curating programs that showcase excellent wines from all over the

Welcome to Episode 2267 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Austin-based Sommelier Ali Schmidt, Wine Director for Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group and Pullman Market. Italian Wine Podcast is a proud media partner of Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening and is pleased to present this series of interviews recorded for this year’s event. The fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) takes place in Austin, Texas on 25 March 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on three southwestern states, with educational events and dedicated tastings taking place in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado throughout February 2025. Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. More a

Welcome to Episode 2266 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Piedmont. Today’s guest is Wojciech Bonkowski MW, a renowned wine writer and consultant. As the official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e Il Piemonte Del Vino 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:  Wojciech Bońkowski is a prominent wine writer from Poland with an MA in Italian literature and a PhD in musicology from the University of Warsaw. His book, Chopin Gourmet, published by the Chopin Institute in 2010, explores the favorite foods and wines of the composer. After working in London, Wojciech returned to Poland, publishing eight boo

Welcome to Episode 2265, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Generative AI: Big Possibilities and Unexpected Pitfalls with Felicity Carter”. 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. Find more about the session at:  https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events-calendar/wine2wine/ticket-wine2wine-business-forum-2024/generative-ai-big-possibilities-and-unexpected-pitfalls/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ital

Welcome to Episode 2264 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Michele Longari IWA interviews Francesco Assini of Ca’ Stelle Winery. Nestled in the heart of the Campania region, Ca’ Stelle is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Today’s learning objectives: To explore the historic varieties of Castelvenere and its winemaking traditions. To understand the challenges faced by wine producers, both historically and recently. To reflect on the significance of modern and innovative business management strategies in the wine industry. Co-Moderator – Michele Longari Ten years ago, Michele Longari was a Computer Engineer in Emilia Romagna, Italy, but his true passion for wine and food inspired him to explore Italy’s culinary traditions. He enrolled in the professional sommelier diploma course with the Italian Sommelier Association, initially without plans to take the final exams. However, as his love for wine grew, he compl

Welcome to episode 2263 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 180 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Pierguido Ceste, , fourth-generation owner of Ceste Winery and chairman of PIWI Piemonte, leading the charge for resistant grape varieties in the region. More about today’s guest: Pierguido Ceste is a fourth-generation winemaker and the chairman of PIWI Piemonte, an association dedicated to promoting resistant grape varieties and sustainable viticulture in Piedmont. As the owner of Ceste Winery, a 36-hectare estate, he balances tradition and innovation, producing classic Barbera, Nebbiolo, Arneis, and Moscato, alongside natural wines, Pet-Nat, orange wines, and dried-grape varieties. In 2010, Ceste Winery became the first in Piedmont to plant PIWI grapes, pioneering the movement for eco-friendly and disease-resistant wines despite challenges from regulators and industry traditionalists. His passion for pushing boundaries in winemaking has made him a sought-after speaker among pr

Welcome to Episode 2262 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Justin Noland, Vice President of Digital Experience at Treasury Americas (Treasury Wine Estates), to explore how AI is revolutionizing wine marketing and customer engagement.  Key takeaways:  AI & Personalized Marketing – How artificial intelligence is reshaping the wine industry. Agentic AI & Customer Experience – The next big trend in digital interaction. AI Ethics in Marketing – Balancing innovation and responsibility. More about the guest:  Justin Noland is the Vice President of Digital Experience for Treasury Americas at Treasury Wine Estates, one of the world’s leading wine companies. A digital marketing strategist and AI-driven customer experience expert, Justin is at the forefront of wine industry innovation, leveraging technology, data, and AI to enhance brand engagement and consumer interaction. With extensive experience in e-commerce, omnichannel marketing, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategi

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2261 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews Alessio Inama of the Inama winery in Soave. More about today’s guest: Alessio Inama is defined by his brothers as the "creative director" of the homonymous company. The term refers to the fact that his direction of sales, communication, marketing and packaging combines the artistic aspect with the strategic part. Alessio, despite being part of the third generation of wine producers of the Inama family, due to a strong pollen allergy, gave up on sector studies to follow a rather unusual path. After a degree in Physics in Turin and a master's degree in Decision Sciences at the City University of London, he dealt with strategic consultancy for start-ups covering the role of "growth hacker". From 2017 he began to get closer to the family legacy leading some projects, and in 2018 he moved to New York to work for one year at the prestigious wine communication agency "Colangelo & partners". In 2019 he emb

Welcome to Episode 2260 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews the Master Sommellier and wine director at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Steven McDonald.  Italian Wine Podcast is a proud media partner of Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening and is pleased to present this series of interviews recorded for this year’s event. The fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) takes place in Austin, Texas on 25 March 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on three southwestern states, with educational events and dedicated tastings taking place in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado throughout February 2025. Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. More about today’s guest