Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2497 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 Noah Carrenca (part 2). Today’s question(s): 

Welcome to episode 2496 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 213 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Chiara Condello from the Condé and Chiara Condello wineries in Emilia-Romagna.  This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest: The Condé winery is located in Predappio, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Founded by Francesco Condello in 2001, it is known for producing high-quality Sangiovese wines and for its commitment to organic farming, sustainability, and authentic winemaking traditions. Today, the winery is run by Chiara Condello, a rising star among Italy’s new generation of female winemakers. Born in Forlì and raised in Fiumana di Predappio near her family’s estate, Chiara studied economics at Bocconi University in Milan before returning home to join the family business. In 2015, she took over several old vineyards and established her own label, Chiara Condello. She now farms six hectares of vines using

Welcome to Episode 2495 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kaleigh Theriault of NielsenIQ, the global leader in consumer intelligence and analytics. Key Takeaways: How moderation trends are changing not only how much we drink, but what we drink. The evolution of premiumization: authenticity and craftsmanship. How economic pressures are pushing consumers to prioritize value and meaning in their purchases. More about the guest:  Kaleigh Theriault is Director of Beverage Alcohol Thought Leadership at NielsenIQ (NIQ), the leading global consumer intelligence company that provides data, analytics, and technology to help retailers and consumer brands understand consumer buying behavior and market trends. Kaleigh has 9 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories.  She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last five years working on Thought Leadership, industry insights, and client speci

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2494 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Danny Vale to talk about life at Chicago Yacht Club, from hosting exclusive yacht club events to curating wine experiences for its members. Danny also shares insights on his preparations for the VIA Chicago. More about today’s guest: The Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) is famous for hosting the Race to Mackinac, the world's longest annual freshwater sailing race, and for its long history as one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the United States, founded in 1875. The club is also known for its active racing and junior sailing programs, commitment to promoting the sport of sailing, and its community outreach through the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. The clubhouse offers upscale dining with both indoor and outdoor seating and views of Lake Michigan. Danny Vale is Assistant Food and Beverage Director of the Yacht Club. Connect: Website: https://www.chicagoyachtclub.org/  LinkedIn: ​​https:

Welcome to Episode 2493 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Steven McDonald MS of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse at TEXSOM 2025.  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: Steven McDonald, MS is the Executive Wine Director for Pappas Bros. Steakhouses in both Houston and Dallas. He oversees the win

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2492 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Sunny Hodge to discuss his new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine. In this in-depth conversation, Richard and Sunny discuss Sunny’s varied career in hospitality, the ups and downs of the London wine scene, the philosophies behind his award winning wine bars, and the science behind his book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine.  On the bookshelf: Sunny shared his passion for journals articles on mycorrhizal networks, while currently on Richard’s bookshelf is Question 7 by Richard Flanagan.  The Cynic’s Guide to Wine is published by The Académie du Vin Library and is available to order at: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-cynics-guide-to-wine-sunny-hodge.  About today’s guest:  Sunny Hodge is the founder of two renowned London wine bars and a recognised disruptor in the wine trade. With a background in hospitality and a passion for truth-telling, Hodge has built a reputatio

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2491 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Federica Fina of Cantine Fina from Marsala in Sicily. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Learning Objectives: Discover the legacy of Cantine Fina and how tradition and innovation shaped its iconic wines and family values. Learn about the role of women in Italian wine through Federica Fina’s personal journey and leadership in a male-dominated industry. Gain practical insights into wine tasting, food pairing, client engagement, and global promotion of Cantine Fina wines. More about today’s host:   Alberto Rivera IWA 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 profess

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2490 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Leslie Frelow of The Wine Concierge. More about the guest: Following her passion, Leslie Frelow launched her wine focused business, Vino 301 Wine Concierge, in January 2013. Sparked by a pandemic pivot and a social justice awakening after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Leslie recognized the extreme underrepresentation of Black professionals in wine—less than 1%—and took bold action. She launched The Wine Concierge to create a curated platform highlighting wines by Black, women, and minority winemakers who are often excluded from national distribution channels. Rather than rely on traditional supply chains, The Wine Concierge built an independent sourcing system—researching winemakers through personal networks, online forums, and professional directories. Its approach enables The Wine Concierge to bypass conventional barriers and support small-batch producers directly, despite the logistical and

Welcome to episode 2489 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 212 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Marco Iuppa from Cantine Iuppa.  This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest: Cantine Iuppa is renowned for producing authentic, high-quality organic wines from Etna's indigenous grape varieties, such as Carricante and Nerello Mascalese, using a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques on the volcano's eastern slope in Milo. The winery is known for its Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco, and even a Champenoise method sparkling wine made from Nerello Mascalese, all reflecting Etna's unique terroir. Today, the next generation, including Marco Iuppa, is involved in running the estate with the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and authentic expression. Marco frequently travels across the United States with his importers, Christina Solazzo and her father Antony, owners of Dialect Imports.  Connect Website:

Welcome to Episode 2488 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Jonathan Pogash of The Cocktail Guru Inc. Key Takeaways: How are Italian wines and spirits offering a more versatile flavor palette for traditional and innovative cocktails? Why are aperitivo & spritz cultures so popular today? How can regional Italian products fit into modern cocktail programs? More about the guest:  Jonathan Pogash is one of the industry’s leading cocktail consultants and bartenders. His signature cocktails can be seen and enjoyed in many of North America’s most upscale cocktail lounges and restaurants. With nearly 20 years experience in the hospitality space, Jonathan shares his insights with the most influential publications from around the world, and is a regular contributor on television shows and national radio. He is the owner and president of The Cocktail Guru, a well-respected, full service beverage consulting firm.  Connect:  Website: https://www.thecocktailguru.com/

Welcome to Episode 2487 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Maryam Ahmed of Maryam + Company at TEXSOM 2025.  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: Maryam Ahmed is a Napa, CA based food and wine entrepreneur. As the owner of Maryam + Company, a certified B Corporation, she works at the i

Welcome to Episode 2486 and Episode 3 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 reads from chapters 7, 8 and 9 of the Art of Wine Storytelling, focusing on the Myth 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 and consulting agency. He is a member on the USA Wine Tasting Team,

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2485 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Marco Nordio interviews Anna Campagna and Vera Malisani of Ethica Wines, a global wine importer and distributor specializing in premium Italian wines. With headquarters in the United States and offices across Asia-Pacific, Ethica Wines focuses on connecting family-owned Italian wineries with international markets. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Learning Objectives: How Ethica Wines uses scale and expertise to grow Italian wine in Asia-Pacific. Why wineries and importers benefit from partnering on logistics, marketing, and promotions. Strategies to boost market presence and brand visibility through collaboration. More about today’s host:   Marco Nordio, a graduate of Bocconi University in Milan with a degree in Monetary Economics, is a wine entrepreneur based in New Zealand. In 2013, he founded Sapori d’Italia Import Ltd, a com

Welcome to Episode 2484 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 Noah Carrenca. Today’s question(s): 

Welcome to episode 2483 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 211 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Silvia Imparato and Gaia Marano from the Montevetrano winery which is located within the province of Salerno in the Campania region of Southern Italy.  More about the guest: Montevetrano winery is famous for its high-quality, cult-following red wine of the same name, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Aglianico grapes, often called the "Sassicaia of the South". Created by Silvia Imparato with Riccardo Cotarella's expertise, the wine is known for its sophistication, complexity, and longevity, reflecting the unique terroir near Salerno in Campania, Italy. The winery also produces the acclaimed 100% Aglianico "Core" red wine, further cementing its reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and typical regional character.  Owner Silvia Imparato's passion and vision set a new standard for winemaking in the region, aiming to produce wines that compet

Welcome to Episode 2482 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck and Ryan Goydos of SuperVinoBros to explore how traditional wine criticism and modern digital content intersect in today’s wine market. Key Takeaways: The evolving role of the wine critic vs. the influencer in shaping opinions and driving sales. How digital storytelling can transform curiosity into deeper engagement with wine. Ways the Italian wine sector can leverage both expert voices and creative content to connect with new audiences. More about the guests:  Audrey Frick is Senior Editor and Wine Critic for Italy, Champagne, Sonoma and Oregon at JebDunnuck.com. Her goal at JebDunnuck.com is to navigate the confusing nature of Italian wine law, history and regionality to help inform the reader on what to drink, when to drink it, and what to have on the table alongside it. Connect:  Website: https://jebdunnuck.com/author/audreyfrick/  Linkedin: https://www.linked

Welcome to Episode 2481 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this Bonus Episode, Stevie Kim interviews Letizia Corbetta of Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato. Together, they explore the unique wine heritage of the Asti and Monferrato area. Letizia discusses the Consorzio’s role in promoting the wines of the territory, the events they organize and participate in, and the best food pairings for the region’s wines. She also highlights how the Consorzio collaborates with partners to engage younger consumers and spread awareness of these iconic Italian wines. More about today’s guest:  The Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato represents over 400 wineries across 9 DOC and 4 DOCG denominations in the heart of Piedmont. Covering more than 12,000 hectares across Asti and Alessandria, the Consorzio safeguards quality, tradition, and the unique wine culture of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Its mission is to protect and promote the wines of the region through events, education, and internati

Welcome to Episode 2480 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Shana Clarke at TEXSOM 2025. Amongst other things, Jessica and Shana discuss what makes a great wine story, the "Rule of 3" for a trending story, new opportunities for wineries to be featured in the media, and Shana’s book, 150 Vineyards You Need to Visit Before You Die. 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, celebra

Welcome to Episode 2479 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is the guest of Francesco Marone Cinzano at the Col d'Orcia winery. In this open and enlightening conversation, Francesco Marone Cinzano and his son Santiago sit down with Stevie Kim for a deep dive into the history, philosophy and geography behind the Col d'Orcia estate.  Amongst the topics discussed today are the estate's production values and capacity, its commitment to organic farming, growing up on a remote vineyard in Chile, the challenges currently facing the sector, and, of course, the estate's "obsession" with nature. Finally, some mouth-watering pairing ideas! More about today’s guest:  Count Francesco Marone Cinzano is an Italian businessman, renowned wine personality, and owner of Col d’Orcia, one of Montalcino’s most historic estates. The name Col d’Orcia means “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” a nod to its prime location on the southern slopes of Montalcino, at the heart of the Bru

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2478 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Pablo Fernandez IWA interviews Andrea Piccin of Cantina Grifalco in Basilicata. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  More about today’s host:   Born in Florianópolis, Pablo graduated in civil engineering with a specialization in project and contracts management in the renewable energy industry. During his sabbatical year in 2019 he traveled 13,000 kilometers through Italy. Then, he decided to follow his passion for the Bel Paese and turn it into his professional hobby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began his wine education, earning several certificates. In 2022, he started his studies for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. Also, in 2022, Pablo became an Italian Wine Ambassador and in 2023 a Certified Educator for the Vinitaly International Academy. Pablo offers educational services for winelovers and students of Italian wines in Brazil, wit