Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2517 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Sarah Looper, a sommelier, wine educator and influencer, to talk about her path in wine and studying at the Culinary Institute of America, the impact of female mentors, making wine more approachable through modern language, and debunking the myth that young people aren’t interested in it. More about the guest: Professional sommelier and wine educator Sarah Looper has worked in the food and wine world for over twenty-five years. She is a graduate of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma program, an expert-level qualification covering all aspects of wine; a Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators; and she is a candidate for the Master Sommelier Diploma, the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service, with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Sarah has worked in several areas of the wine industry including journalism, retail, import and

Welcome to episode 2516 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 216 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Riccardo Giorgi and Adeline Maillard of the Cián du Giorgi winery in the Cinque Terre. More about the guest: The Cián du Giorgi winery is a small family-run winery located in the Cinque Terre National Park in Liguria between the villages of Vernazza and Corniglia. The winery's cellar is situated in the medieval village of San Bernardino, and its vineyards are on the steep terraces overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The Cián du Giorgi winery primarily makes white and rosé wines, reflecting its location in the Cinque Terre region. Key wines include the white wine Amante Dei Venti, a blend of Vermentino, Bosco, and Albarola grapes, and Amante del Sole, a macerated, orange wine also made from local white grapes. They also produce a rosé called Ade.   Riccardo Giorgi and Adeline Maillard are the owners of the winery, a couple in their life and in their work, but most of al

Welcome to Episode 2515 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Blake Gray of Wine-Searcher in a conversation that focuses on neo-prohibitionism and other topical issues currently affecting the US wine market. Key Takeaways:  The current status of the neo-prohibitionist movement Generational shifts and how the wine industry is adapting What's on the horizon and how things might change in the future? 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.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-blake-gray-69b4b91ab/  M

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2514 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Marie Cheslik, founder of Slik Wines, a platform for wine education. More about today’s guest: Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse and certified sommelier. In 2010, she moved to Chicago to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also working as a part-time hostess in a restaurant. She balanced two careers, working as a nurse and at award-winning restaurants, becoming more passionate about wine. In 2018, Marie passed the Certified Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers, worked as Wine Director at a Michelin-star restaurant, Elske, and received nominations including Jean Banchet's 'Best Sommelier' in 2019 and Eater’s 'Young Guns’ in 2020. In August 2020, she created Slik Wines to make fun and approachable wine education for everyone. In 2023 she was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers and has worked with notable brands such as Wines of Germany, Vini d’Abruzzo, Rick Ba

Welcome to episode 2513 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025 . 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 business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Moderated by Juliana Colangelo IWA and Barbara Fitzgerald IWA, this session spotlights Italy's next generation of winemakers and emerging wineries. Innovative Italian startups showcase how they are experimenting with native grapes, sustainable practices, and new storytelling approaches to capture the attention of American consumers. Producers include Maria Faretra (Maria Faretra winery), Stephanie Cuadra (Lasorte Cuadra), Cecilia Longo (Terre Rosse Vallania), Federico Veronesi (Podere Guardia Grande), Marco Iuppa (Iuppa), and M

Welcome to Episode 2512 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is “In the Mensa with Scienza!” In this special episode, Stevie Kim is at the famous Trattoria Tre Marchetti in Verona with Professor Attilio Scienza and Davide to sample some local dishes and find the perfect pairing.  Owner and local chef Matteo Barca is on hand to guide his special guests through three typical dishes from Verona, while the professor provides some technical insights and Davide offers a more youthful perspective! 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 OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podca

Welcome to Episode 2511 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 Beatrice Motterle (Part 1). Today’s question(s): 

Welcome to episode 2510 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 215 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Elena Penna of Cascina Penna-Currado winery in Piemonte, to discuss their philosophy behind this exciting winemaking project, and how they’re reimagining Piedmont’s traditions through both wine and spirits. More about the guest: Cascina Penna-Currado is the new, contemporary winemaking project of Luca Currado Vietti and Elena Penna, formerly of the historic Vietti winery. The project is based in a restored 1554 farmhouse near Serralunga d'Alba and is known for its modern approach to winemaking in the Langhe region, focusing on indigenous Piedmontese grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Timorasso. In addition to their wines, Elena and Luca have also launched Elena Spirits, a line of artisanal distillates and vermouths that reflect the same craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity found in their winemaking, blending tradition with a fresh, modern vision of Piedmont’s

Welcome to Episode 2509 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kathleen Willcox, an award-winning food and drinks journalist, to discuss Kathleen’s recent research and article on how millennials are reshaping wine collecting and consumption. Key Takeaways:  Younger generations appreciate wine and are willing to spend, but they seek different experiences. Millennials and Gen Z care about what a brand stands for and its values. Making wine fun through storytelling and unique experiences helps connect with modern consumers. Kathleen’s article in the Wine Enthusiast magazine on the investment habits of millennials is available online at: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/millennials-wine-collecting/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOR-iiqNks-VGy34Qj7XcY1Whsr28PhSC0U3qiMd1fySx6Kp0T  More about the guest:  Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about food, wine, beer, and popular culture. She is keenly interested in sustainability issues, and the business of mak

Welcome to Episode 2508 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Master Sommelier and restaurateur Chris Gaither to talk about his first sommelier job, his journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, and founding Ungrafted, one of San Francisco’s most exciting wine destinations. They also break down the Master Sommelier vs. Master of Wine programs, exploring the key differences and challenges of each path. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine 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. This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the

Welcome to Episode 2507 of the Italian Wine Podcast.This is Next Generation episode where Stevie interviews, in Italian, Professor Vincenzo Russo, Director of the project and expert in neuromarketing applied to wine. Together, they explore the Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index, an innovative tool designed to measure how appealing wineries, products, and communication are to younger audiences.  Powered by Sardegna Ricerche with the support of Assoenologi Sardegna and under the supervision of IULM – Behavior & Brain Lab, the project marks a pioneering pilot in the Italian wine scene. Stevie and the Professor will discuss Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index’s five-step methodology, the Cannonau case study, and the evolving relationship between young consumers and wine. More about today’s guest:  Professor Vincenzo Russo is Full Professor of Consumer Psychology and Neuromarketing, Founder and Coordinator of the Neuromarketing Research Center 'Behavior and Brain Lab IULM', Scientific Director of the Master's Pr

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2506 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Anna Obukhovskaya IWA interviews Laura Bosio of Bosio winery in Franciacorta. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Learning objectives: Help listeners understand the distinct styles and terroir that define Bosio wines. Explore what makes this Franciacorta expression unique, how the estate achieves elegance and refinement in its winemaking.  Gain deeper insight into the artistry behind Bosio’s approach to sparkling wine. More about today’s host:   Anna Obukhovskaya has over 15 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She has worked in several large companies and independent projects, and founded the italian wine tasting club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became a certified Italian wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to Slovenia. She currently leads export de

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2505 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Ren Peir, a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer, to discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for queer wine drinkers and challenging traditional notions within the wine world. More about the guest: Ren Peir (she/her) is a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer dedicated to cultivating inclusive wine spaces. After 15 years in the corporate world, Ren pivoted to wine and now serves as sommelier at Somm Time Wine Bar, educator & sales at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, and host of BABE Wine Bar and Sweeter The Juice BK. She is a WSET Diploma candidate and uses her platform to create safe, welcoming environments for queer and trans people of color to explore wine. Connect: Website: https://www.renpeir.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renrenwine/  More about our host:  VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommeli

Welcome to episode 2504 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 214 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Rodrigo Redmont of Tenuta Talamonti in Abruzzo.  This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest: Rodrigo Brian Redmont, Founding Partner of Tenuta Talamonti, was born in Rio de Janeiro and has extensive experience in managing the export sales of Italy’s leading wine estates, including Castello Banfi, Redmont joined forces with his wife, Antonella, they launched their own family estate in Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo in 2001. Talamonti, one of Italy’s most dynamic boutique wine producers, is the first winery to earn the GEEIS-Diversity International Certification. The Talamonti Family Estates includes iconic sustainably produced wines from 75 hectares of estate vineyards and olive groves in the village of Loreto Aprutino (Abruzzo) in Central Italy under Talamonti (www.tenutatalamonti.it), Ilauri (www.i-lauri.it) and Colle

Welcome to Episode 2503 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Brian Cronin MS, director of operations of A16 Restaurant in San Francisco. Key Takeaways:  How restaurants act as gateways for introducing guests to Italian wine. The evolution of Italian wine culture across the Bay Area and West Coast. New opportunities and trends shaping Italian wine in the Bay Area and West Coast. More about the guest:  Master Sommelier Brian Cronin began his wine career in Raleigh, North Carolina, after studying biology and discovering a passion for wine through restaurant work. He has served as Wine Director at top U.S. restaurants including Charlie Trotter’s, Gary Danko, and Aqua at the St. Regis, and later expanded his career into importing and retail, running his own wine shop and bar in Seattle. Known for his engaging, down-to-earth teaching style, Brian blends deep industry expertise with a passion for service.  Today, Brian is Director of Operations for A16 Restaurant

Welcome to episode 2502 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Edition, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, at Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. 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 business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Mr Zoppas gives his first impressions of Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, and explains the role the Italian Trade Agency plays in supporting Italian producers internationally, particularly at this critical moment for the global wine trade. He also explains what his mantra of “putting the right producers in front of the right buyers” means in practice and how the Italian Trade Agency is supporting small and

Welcome to Episode 2501 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Kathleen Thomas, the self-styled Wine Goddess and founder of CORE Body Mind, LLC, a consultancy and support network for the hospitality industry.  The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine 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. This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the support of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, celebrating and promoting the vibrant culture of Texas wine. More about today’s guest: In 2020 Kat founded CORE B

Welcome to Episode 2500 of the Italian Wine Podcast!!! To mark this momentous milestone, Stevie Kim hosts a very special episode of the Italian Wine Podcast, bringing together hosts and producers past and present to reflect on what has worked (and what hasn’t) during the last seven eventful years of Italian wine podcasting. Amongst the esteemed roster of hosts and producers who joined Stevie for this very special (and slightly chaotic) reunion were Barbara Fitzgerald, Beatrice Motterle, Jessica Dupuy, Joy Livingston, Juliana Colangelo, Marc Millon, Margherita Andrenacci, McKenna Cassidy, Monty Waldin, Richard Hough, Roza Zharmukhambetova and, all the way from Connecticut, the legendary Steve Raye.  As always with the Italian Wine Podcast, perfection is never the objective! Instead, what follows is an honest, authentic and sometimes comical look back over the last 2500 episodes. So, on behalf of the Italian Wine Podcast Team past and present, a massive thanks for sharing the journey with us! Here’s to the

Welcome to Episode 2499 and Episode 4 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. 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. In this episode Ryan explores why branding is so important for wine and how the concepts of synesthesia and the proust phenomenon impact our appreciation and understanding of wine.   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 of New Haven, and is the Principal at SommCentric, a beverage education an

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2498 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Darya Nagornyak IWA interviews Elena Fucci. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Learning Objectives: Explore Elena Fucci’s personal journey and her path to becoming a renowned winemaker. Understand the social project she has developed with her husband and its impact on the local community. Gain insights into the diversity of Aglianico del Vulture, including its different clones and crus. More about today’s host:   Darya Nagornyak is a wine specialist and sommelier from Kazakhstan who has served as the Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association and holds a WSET Level 3 certification. She is also associated with the Kazakhstan Wine and Sommelier Guild, working with Alma Wine Group. She is also a certified Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dashkevich_ns  More about today’s guests: