Italian Wine Podcast

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 T

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 partne

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

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 wa

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 viti

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 internationa

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 o

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 Sommeli

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 b

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

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 a

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): 

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 fr

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 deca

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, wh

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

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 develop

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 au

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

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.