Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to episode 2537 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 219 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Heydi Bonanini of Possa Winery in the Cinque Terre, exploring the region’s ancient myths, its harsh past, and the loss of vineyards after people left for work in the 1960s. Once home to 24 native grape varieties, the area risked losing much of its biodiversity, yet Heydi, who began this work at just 17, has already restored 19 of them and continues bringing the heritage of the Cinque Terre back to life. More about today’s guest: Samuele Heydi Bonanini is a wine producer from the municipality of Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region, the heroic territory more commonly known as Cinque Terre. Possa winery is famous for heroic viticulture in the Cinque Terre region, which involves cultivating vineyards on steep, terraced hillsides. It is particularly renowned for preserving and producing local wines, especially the sweet Sciacchetrà dessert

Welcome to Episode 2536 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Courtney O'Brien, beverage brand strategy expert and founder of The Outlier Initiative, to explore how modern beverage and wine brands can sharpen their marketing strategy. Courtney shares practical insights on brand storytelling, consumer behavior, and how companies can position themselves clearly in a crowded market. Key Takeaways: The wine industry focuses too much on product storytelling and not enough on building a clear, compelling brand identity. Younger consumers view wine as part of a broader lifestyle ecosystem rather than a standalone luxury item. Future growth depends on simple, disciplined brand positioning that brings clarity instead of complexity. More about the guest:  Courtney O’Brien is a strategic brand leader behind some of the most successful beverage brands in the world. She built Apothic into a $100M+ wine powerhouse, led the U.S. launch and repositioning of Coke Zero into

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2535 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Roza Zharmukhambetova sits down with Reeze Choi, Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025, to explore the Hong Kong wine scene, uncover consumer trends, and discuss opportunities for Italian wines in this dynamic market. Key learning objectives: Understand the Hong Kong wine market, consumer preferences, and top-performing Italian wines. Learn practical strategies for market entry, partnerships, and brand activation. Gain insights on cultural adaptation, education, and long-term planning for success. More about today’s guest: Reeze Choi is one of the world’s most acclaimed sommeliers. He has worked at prestigious venues in Hong Kong and, in 2019, became the Hong Kong Ambassador for Star Wine List, sharing the city’s best wine stories with the world. He is the founder of Somm's Philosophy, a sommelier services and wine consultancy company, and launched his winemaking project in Hiroshima with Vinoble Vineyard and

Welcome to episode 2534 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “Cracking Canada: Understanding its government Liquor Control Boards and unlocking the opportunities within and beyond.” Speakers: Michaela Morris DipWSET & IWE and Jenna Briscoe DipWSET & IWA Moderator: Alessandro Pasqua When it comes to the importation and distribution of alcohol, Canada has a reputation for being convoluted. However, many Italian brands have enjoyed long-term success. As producers actively explore markets beyond the USA, its neighbour to the north presents unique opportunities. Michaela Morris and Jenna Briscoe have worked in various aspects of the industry collectively for over 45 years. They provide an overview of Canada’s multifaceted system highlighting the country’s most important markets. Their presentation reveals Canada’s current appetite for Italian wine and offers insight into what and where the most viable prospects lie. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of

Welcome to Episode 2533 of the Italian Wine Podcast. This is a bonus episode where the Italian Wine Academy educators, Gill Gordon-Smith IWE and Cynthia Chaplin IWA, break down the program from the inside. Together they share how the course was born:  from a book that looked more like a journal, to a podcast series where IWA talked about their favorite Italian grapes, finally evolving, after more than a year of work, into a full educational program put together by Gill and Cynthia. More about the Course:   The Italian Grape Geek program teaches Italian wine knowledge and tasting skills through two levels. The course is divided into two parts. Level 1 is completely online, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere. For those who want the full experience, Level 2 offers in-person lectures and guided tastings led by specialized educators around the world. Developed by Italian wine specialists, the course, along with its companion podcast series, aims to make Italian wine more accessible, engaging, and enjo

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2532 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Natasha Hughes MW to discuss her book, The Wines of Beaujolais. On the bookshelf: The books discussed in today’s episode include: The Wines of Beaujolais by Natasha Hughes MW is available now at: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/ and all good bookshops. Further reading: That classic episode of Only Fools and Horses (if you look closely you can see the iconic “Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé” poster in the background): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rcdLeXiU8.  You can find out why Beaujolais Day is celebrated like Christmas Day in Swansea here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyv75yznqe0o  Finally, the seemingly innocuous sounding dish to avoid if you are a vegetarian is Salade de museau. About today’s guest:  Natasha Hughes is a freelance wine and food writer, consultant and educator. Her exploration of the world of wine began when she ran a catering company part-ti

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2531 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews the winemaker Priyanka French for an inspiring conversation about her journey from growing up in Mumbai to becoming one of Napa Valley’s rising stars. They discuss her early interest in wine, the challenge of convincing her family to support an unconventional career, and her commitment to mentoring and supporting under-represented communities in the wine world, all while navigating life as a young mother of two. More about the guest: Priyanka French is the General Manager of Napa Wine Company and Winemaker for Ghost Block Estate Wines. Born and raised in Mumbai, she is one of the few Indian winemakers in California and among the youngest women leading a major Napa winery. She earned a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai and became the first Indian national to complete the Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Priyanka has worked in top wine reg

Welcome to episode 2530 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 218 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc speaks with leading wine consultant and sommelier Adriana Valentini about Monteverdi Tuscany, where she shares insights into modern wine service, the evolving role of the sommelier, and how authentic communication can elevate every guest experience. More about today’s guest: Adriana Valentini is a multilingual wine and hospitality professional with over 15 years of international experience in luxury hotels, fine dining, and beverage management. An AIS Professional Sommelier since 2005 and WSET-certified, she has built a global career across Milan and London, specializing in wine programs, restaurant operations, purchasing, event planning, and team training. After leading wine programs in London, Adriana returned to Italy in 2024, consulting for Aethos Hotels and later serving as Wine Manager for Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio’s Triple Sea Food Group, overseeing restaurants in Milan, Portofi

Welcome to Episode 2529 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo meets Giovanna Bagnasco of the Agricola Brandini winery in Piedmont for a wide-ranging conversation about the estate’s evolution from its family history and conversion to organic farming, to the creative choices behind their labels, their approach to the US market, strategic partnerships, and the rise of Italy’s next generation of women in wine. Key Takeaways: A new generation of winegrowers: how young leaders like Giovanna are shaping the future of Piedmont. Entering the US wine market: what matters most from a producer’s point of view. Adapting to new consumers: trends, expectations, and how wineries can connect with the next generation of wine drinkers. More about the guest:  Agricola Brandini is known for its organic Barolo and Piedmont wines, produced with a deep respect for tradition and the environment. The winery is known for its high-quality, terroir-driven wines, which are a result of its certifie

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2528 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Liza and Lucas Grinstead of Grinsteads On The Vine to talk about their journey from wine newbies to content creators, exploring Italian vineyards, travel adventures, and life with their puppy, Nebbiolo. More about today’s guest: Grinsteads On The Vine is a social media account, run by Liza and Lucas Grinstead, that focuses on sharing recommendations for wine, travel, and dog-friendly lifestyles. Liza and Lucas create content about wine regions, vineyards, and restaurants, and often include their dog, Nebbiolo, in their posts. Their content includes travel tips, wine tasting notes, and dog-parenting lifestyle tips.  Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grinsteadsonthevine/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grinsteadsonthevine  More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and purs

Welcome to episode 2527 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “Unearthing Italy’s hidden gems: sourcing & positioning small-batch grower wines” Speaker: Brian Larky, Moderator: Roberto Bruno This edition of wine2wine focuses on how local markets interpret global wine brands, and how producers and importers can adjust to a constantly evolving consumer base. The session provides an overview of the history of the US Italian wine import business vs where we are today and foresight as to where we may be going in the near future. We’re living in challenging times for Italian wines sales worldwide – looking from Italy to the world as US importation. It’s getting tougher to bridge the Atlantic. Americans are drinking less; costs are increasing and of course the ominous threat of tariffs. 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 Vinital

Welcome to Episode 2526 and Episode 5 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. In this episode, Ryan explores the fascinating concept of minerality in wine through the lens of synesthesia, the way our senses intertwine to create meaning. Why do we describe wine as tasting like stone? What do we really mean when we say “minerality”? 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 is the Director of Education for Brescome-Barton Inc., and Worldwide Wines in Connecticut, an Adjunct Professor at the University o

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2525 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Daisy Penzo IWA interviews Veronica Tommasini of Piccoli winery in Valpolicella. Together, they explore the story of Piccoli Wines and the inspiring women behind the labels, while discussing the modern challenges and opportunities facing Italy’s new generation of winemakers. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  More about today’s host:   Daisy Penzo is an Italian-born wine professional, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, and entrepreneur based in South Florida. As Sales Director for Vivino Selections, she leads U.S. market development for a growing portfolio of European wineries. She’s also the founder of Tuscany Wines Import and women-owned brand Fiori & Colori Wines, Daisy champions boutique producers and sustainable, value-driven wines that celebrate authenticity and accessibility. A certified Wine Scholar Guild educator with the Florida Wine Acad

Welcome to Episode 2524 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo reconnects with Blake Gray, the US Editor at Wine-Searcher, for a follow-up conversation diving deep into the current status of tariffs, the VOS Selections vs. Trump legal case, and their broader implications for the wine trade. Key Takeaways:  The latest updates on the tariff situation. How tariffs are shaping the wine industry in the U.S. What these changes mean for Italian wine and its future in the American market. More about the guest:  W. Blake Gray is an award-winning wine writer and the US Editor for Wine-Searcher. He is known for his work as a journalist, blogger, and speaker, with a career that includes roles as the former wine editor for the San Francisco Chronicle and food editor for SF Weekly. Gray has also written for publications like The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine, and is the author of the Japanese-language guide "California Winetopia".  Connect:   Website: https://www.wine-searcher.c

Welcome to episode 2523 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 217 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with James MacNay and Cinzia Long from MacNay Travel & Wine, to talk about organizing wine tourism activities across Italy.  More about today’s guests: James grew up in East Sussex, studied humanities, and holds both British and Italian passports. He began his career as a walking tour guide before moving into the wine and food trade. In 2016, alongside his partner Cinzia, he founded MacNay Travel & Wine, launching their first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps. A top-scoring Italian Wine Ambassador, James is among fewer than 500 IWAs worldwide. He also holds other wine qualifications and loves sharing his passion for Italian wine and culture through writing and public speaking. Cinzia, originally from Piemonte and raised in the high Alps of Valle d’Aosta, studied Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Turin, where she wrote her thesis on the wild re

Welcome to Episode 2522 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Mike Hansen, an Associate Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in the sale and acquisition of premium vineyards and wineries. Together, they explore the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the global wine market. Key Takeaways:  What drives valuations in the global wine market? Mergers and acquisitions and their impact on Italian producers. How to build long-term value after an acquisition? More about the guest:  Mike Hansen is an Associate Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in the sale and acquisition of premium vineyards and wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties. With an extensive background in business and real estate, Mike offers a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on experience in the wine industry. Mike holds an MBA from Sonoma State University and is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional through the New York Institute

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2521 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Roza Zharmukhambetova sits down with Adriano Albanese, the Asia-Pacific Export Manager for Tommasi Family Estates. Together, they explore Adriano’s journey and the lessons he’s learned from working on both sides of the wine industry, for an importer and now as a wine producer representative. Key learning objectives: Understand the Chinese wine market: its structure, major players, consumer trends, and key cities. Explore the Asia-Pacific market, and how Tommasi develops Valpolicella and Amarone wines across Asian markets. Gain practical insights into cross-cultural adaptation, partnerships, and long-term brand strategy in Asia. More about today’s guest: Adriano Albanese is the Asia-Pacific Export Manager for Tommasi Family Estates. He brings extensive international experience in the wine industry across the UK, China, and Thailand, and is currently based in Bangkok. With a background in Chinese langu

Welcome to episode 2520 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “From Critic to Sommelier: Mastering Italian Wine with VIA Benchmark Wines” Speakers: Stephanie Johnson DipWSET & IWE, Torrence R. O'Haire IWE, Moderator: Alessio Planeta This 45-minute masterclass brings together two Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Experts Stephanie Johnson, long-time Italian Wine Editor at Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Torrence O’Haire, sommelier, wine educator, and hospitality group beverage director, for a dynamic tasting of VIA benchmark wines. From Stephanie’s vantage point as a journalist and critic, Italian wines tell stories of place, culture, and evolving styles that shape international perception. From Torrence’s role as a sommelier and educator, the focus shifts to how Italian wines live on the table: how to communicate their character to guests, pair them with food, and integrate them into diverse wine programs.Together, they will contrast their perspectives while sharing

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2519 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with David Hewson and Philip Gwynne Jones to discuss their careers as crime writers and the crime fiction festival they inspired, Venice Noir. On the bookshelf: The books discussed in today’s episode include: Semana Santa (reissued as Death in Seville) by David Hewson Romeo and Juliet, A Novel, by David Hewson The Venice Project (reissued as To Venice with Love) by Philip Gwynne Jones Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct Series Roads to Rome by Catherine Fletcher The works of H. P. Lovecraft The Predicament by William Boyd Travel Tips: The places and recommendations mentioned in today’s show include: Osteria ai Pugni, Venice Adagio, Venice Al Canton Santa Marta, Venice Birreria Santa Maria, Verona Mancondo Alberoni Beach Bar, Venice  Read more about the typical Venetian dish La Castradina in David Hewson’s blog on the subject: https://davidhewson.com/your-no

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2518 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Daniel Mwangi interviews Federico Bibi of the Terre Margaritelli winery in Umbria to explore the region’s unique grape varieties and discover why Umbria plays such an important role in Italy’s wine landscape. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. More about today’s host:   Daniel Mwangi is a sommelier and food & beverage expert from Kenya. He has served as a sommelier with Silversea / Celebrity Cruises, curating fine wine experiences for a global clientele, and has worked in the Armani, Marriott and Intercontinental hotels in Dubai. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danthesomm?igsh=MTdodDY3M3VzbDlsOQ==  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mwangi-wset-l3-b96b1495  More about today’s guest:   The Terre Margaritelli winery is located in Miralduolo di Torgiano, in the Umbria region of Italy, near the towns of Perugia and A