Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2819 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Episode 266 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc speaks with Vincenzo Orabona of Villa Dora about winemaking on the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius, where old, ungrafted vines and indigenous varieties give the wines their distinctive character.

They explore the legend of Lacrima Christi, the evolution of vineyard practices, and the potential of Caprettone to produce age-worthy wines. Vincenzo also discusses Catalanesca, a grape reflecting Spain’s historical influence on Campania, and shares local food pairings, from spaghetti alle vongole to Neapolitan pizza and ragù napoletano.

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Welcome to Episode 2818 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Juliana Colangelo is joined by Amari Collins, the New York wine educator and creator known as Vin Dealer, to explore how wine can be made more culturally relevant, more fun, and more exciting for the next generation of drinkers.

Amari shares her approach to teaching and tasting at Swirl School, her three-hour wine experience that mixes education, games, and movement, and who actually shows up to her events. She talks about taking Swirl School from New York out on the...

Welcome to Episode 19 of Study Smart and Episode 2817 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 19: USA Overview

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve t...

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2816 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova speaks with Gerald Lu, President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, seasoned sommelier, and director and owner of Praelum Wine Bistro, one of Singapore’s best-known wine spots.

In Part 2, they discuss career opportunities and salary expectations in the wine industry, the role of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, and advice for Italian wine producers looking to enter the market. 

Listen to Part 1:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2805-singapore-a-gateway-to-premium-wine-in-asia-with-gerald-lu-of-praelum-part-1-asia-wine-market/

G...

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2815 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA meets Luca Speri, sixth-generation member and export manager of the Speri family winery in Valpolicella Classica and newly appointed president of Famiglie Storiche.

Luca shares the family’s commitment to estate-grown grapes, native varieties and organic viticulture, as well as the association’s mission to protect Amarone’s quality and identity. They also discuss the 2026 harvest, adapting to warmer summers and welcoming visitors to the family’s restored 15th-century home.

About today's host:

Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a cer...

Welcome to episode 2814 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 1 of the Italianity series with Jessica Dupuy. In this episode, Jessica is in conversation with Yannick Benjamin, owner of the Beaupierre wine store in NYC, about Italian hospitality and the people who made him feel welcome and inspired his career in wine.

From Lidia Bastianich’s “nonna” treatment to his early days at Le Cirque under Sirio Maccioni, Yannick shares the experiences that shaped his journey. He also discusses changing wine tastes, his discovery of lighter reds, the influence of Stoicism on his work, his connection to Rome a...

Welcome to episode 2813 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 265 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Greg Parsons of Sharpham Cheese.

They discuss the landscape of Southern Devon, the current state of farming and the market, the history of cheesemaking in Devon, the challenges of taking over the business in 2019, the product range, and English wine and cheese pairings.

More about the guest:

Greg Parsons is the owner and managing director of Sharpham Dairy, a prominent artisan cheesemaking business based in...

Welcome to Episode 2812 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa Muoio IWA speaks with Brooklyn-based sommelier, wine director, and restaurateur Andrea Mancin about Brooklyn’s evolving wine scene, pairing Italian wines with creative pasta dishes, and the opportunities for small, sustainable producers in New York City.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Episode 18 of Study Smart and Episode 2811 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 18: Canada

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in a...

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2810 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Joseph Walker, author of “Buried Italy”.

Highlights of the conversation include:

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2809 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Karlijn Tiemersma interviews Arnoud Zuijdendorp, director of NOVITALIA, an Italian food and wine distributor in the Netherlands, about the evolving Dutch wine market and the growing popularity of Italian wines.

They discuss changing consumer preferences, the importance of storytelling and food pairings, and how Italian producers can stand out in a competitive market. Arnoud also shares how NOVITALIA selects its winery partners, promotes lesser-known Italian regions and varieties, and builds connections between Italian wine, food and culture.

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Welcome to episode 2808 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 264 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Gilda Martusciello of Salvatore Martusciello winery to explore Campi Flegrei, from sunken Roman cities to Piedirosso.

They discuss what it means to make wine on an active volcano, how the volcanic and yellow tuff soils shape the wines, and how Campi Flegrei differs from Vesuvius. Gilda also shares how her husband's family helped map the area's key terroirs and grapes and were the first to petition for DOC status in Campania. The...

Welcome to Episode 2807 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald is joined by Giuseppe LoCascio of Lucidity Wine Merchants to explore how Italian wine producers can find the right importer and turn that partnership into lasting success in the US market.

Giuseppe explains how his company chooses the producers it works with and the main pillars behind those decisions. He also breaks down the differences between key California markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego, and shares how producers can support their importer once...

Welcome to Episode 17 of Study Smart and Episode 2806 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 17: Portugal and Greece 

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning ob...

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2805 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova speaks with Gerald Lu, President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, seasoned sommelier, and director and owner of Praelum Wine Bistro, one of Singapore’s best-known wine spots.

Part 1 explores Singapore’s wine market, including its import and distribution landscape, key players in Italian wine, consumer profiles and preferences, and the balance between volume and premium positioning. Gerald also shares insights into Praelum and its wine portfolio.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2804 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Saloni Khanapurkar IWA interviews Michela Adriano of Marco Adriano e Vittorio, who shares her experience working in her family winery and her perspective on the evolving role of women in Italy’s wine industry.

Michela discusses the unique terroir of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio in Barbaresco, her work with Sbarbatelle, and the importance of creating a more connected and inclusive wine community. She also reflects on staying grounded, having fun in the industry, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Welcome to episode 2803 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 263 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with wine export manager Lucrezia Bencivenga to explore the story of Ribona and the dual soul of Le Marche.

They explore Ribona’s history and character, the influence of Le Marche’s coastal and mountain landscapes, and how local wines reflect the region’s food, traditions and sense of place.

More about the guest:

Lucrezia Bencivenga is a multilingual commercial executive whose career brings together international commun...

Welcome to Episode 2802 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa Muoio is joined by award-winning Italian-born restaurateur, beverage director, and sommelier Jacqueline Pirolo in a conversation that focused on how Italian wines are positioned, sold and scaled across multiconcept restaurants in South Florida.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Episode 16 of Study Smart and Episode 2801 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 15: Italy 

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an...

Welcome to Episode 2800 and Episode 12 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. 

Episode 12: What Ancient Vines Can Teach Us About Wine Today?

In this episode, Ryan Robinson explores how ancient vine-training systems reveal the cultural boundaries between early Italian viticulture and that of ancient Greek colonizers. From vines trained on living trees in Italy to different practices in ancient Greece, these traditions offer clues about how viticulture developed across the Mediterranean.

Ryan also reflects on how we tell and understand wine stories today, from the limitations of wine tourism and maps t...

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2799 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA is in conversation with Sue Tolson MW, exploring her path to achieving the prestigious Master of Wine title and her experience of the Hungarian wine market.

Sue shares insights into the development and character of the Hungarian wine market, including the role of importers, how consumers discover and purchase wine, and the changing dynamics of the local wine trade. The conversation also looks at the position of Italian wines in Hungary, exploring how Italian wine is perceived, where it...

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2798 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy is in conversation with the New York City-based sommelier, beverage director, and wine educator with over twenty years in the hospitality industry Chris Struck

Chris talks about his masterclass at Texsom and explains why Greek wines might be the answer to falling wine consumption. The conversation also covers eating out and the hospitality industry in the context of the current cost of living crisis. Finally the conversation shifts to AI and its possible impact on consumer habits. 

The Italian W...

Welcome to this very special episode of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon!

This is episode 2797 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 262 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon.

In this episode Marc celebrates his 5th anniversary as host on the Italian Wine Podcast. To mark this momentous milestone occasion, Marc shares some of the highlights from the past 5 years with personal recollections, special guests and a few surprises!

For five years, his blend of deep cultural storytelling and approachable, friendly style has proved a hit with listeners, making him one of...

Welcome to Episode 2796 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Juliana Colangelo is joined by the seasoned American sommelier and wine educator, Jienna Basaldu to discuss, amongst other things, pricing strategies,  Italian wines’ competitive advantage, and how it's becoming increasingly hard to wow consumers.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Episode 15 of Study Smart and Episode 2795 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 15: Spain 

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an...

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2794 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is in conversation with the Regional Sales Manager for South Korea at Ethica Wines and VIA Italian Wine Ambassador Juhee Ryou IWA.

Juhee offers an overview of the South Korean wine market, from its key cities, consumer groups and distribution channels to recent market developments. She explores what Korean consumers are drinking, how Italian wines are performing, which regions and styles have the greatest potential, and where Italian wine faces competition. 

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2793 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto IWA is in conversation with Alexandre Centeleghe to explore what it really takes to teach wine well in today's market.

Alex reflects on a career spanning sales, education and wine criticism, including his time in Asia during its market boom and working with James Suckling. He shares his perspective on Italian wine and the relationship between quality and appellation, as well as why effective wine education is about sharing experience, not just information.

These sessions are recorded from...

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2792 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews longtime friend and fellow wine professional Scott Ota, sommelier and Culinary Institute of America instructor.

As old friends, Jessica and Scott reflect on their shared journey in wine. Scott talks about the community and camaraderie that make TEXSOM special, as well as his unique role at the Culinary Institute of America, where he teaches students from their first through final semester. He also shares what it takes to succeed in today’s hospitality industry and what the next generation of wi...

Welcome to episode 2791 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 261 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Nicola Biasi to explore how Italian wineries are adapting to a changing climate, and why the answer may lie less in chasing higher altitudes and more in rethinking which grapes we grow.

Nicola explains why wineries should consider autochthonous and PIWI varieties as a response to climate change, exploring what PIWIs are and their potential to reduce a winery’s carbon and water footprint. He also challenges the traditional link between grape varieties an...

Welcome to Episode 2790 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald is joined by Susan R. Lin MW to explore how Italian wine producers can build stronger narratives in the US market and connect with one of the industry's fastest-growing audiences: Asian-American consumers.

Susan also shares five key elements of a strong wine narrative and insights from her work combining storytelling, music and wine, including the examples of wineries from the US and Italy.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to Episode 2790 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On The Road Special Edition, Stevie Kim visits Castello ColleMassari to discover Montecucco with Giuseppe Di Gioia, CEO of ColleMassari Estates.

Discover the history of the ancient estate where the winery is located, the development of this extraordinary family winery, and the winemaking techniques involved in producing its famous wines.

More about the winery:

The history of the ColleMassari winery began when siblings Claudio Tipa and Maria Iris Bertarelli set out to revive an overlooked corner of Tuscany's...

Welcome to Episode 14 of Study Smart and Episode 2787 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 14: Austria and Hungary

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their l...

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2787 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with the wine writer, researcher, and author, Dr Susan H. Gordon. Susan is the author of “The Story of Prosecco Superiore”.

This conversation explores Susan’s background and career as a wine writer, the origins of her fascination with Prosecco, the factors that shape the current success of Prosecco internationally, and her approach to wine writing.

Further reading:

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2786 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Artem Lebedev IWA is in conversation with Stefania Pepe.

Stefania shares her lifelong connection to wine and her journey from working alongside her father in the vineyards to establishing her own azienda agricola. She discusses her philosophy of biodynamic winemaking, traditional methods and the dedication behind creating authentic, artisanal wines.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

More about today’s host: 

Artem Lebedev is an intern...

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2785 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews wine journalist, educator and sommelier, Samantha Cole Johnson DipWSET.

In this conversation, Samantha traces her path through the wine trade, from waitress to sommelier at some of the industry's most prestigious wine bars and restaurants, through five harvests, before falling in love with the education and journalism side of the business. She now writes for JancisRobinson.com. Samantha also reflects on TEXSOM itself: she first came as a volunteer, and says that while the masterclasses and lectures are extraordinary, the...

What happens when volcanic soils meet the classic wines of Valpolicella?

Welcome to episode 2784 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 261 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Francesca Marcato to explore Valpolicella through its wines, landscapes, food, and fascinating local stories.

Together, they explore the heart of the region, discovering what makes Valpolicella unique, including the volcanic soils surrounding Francesca’s winery, a distinctive feature that sets this part of the area apart. Francesca also shares the story of the winery and its connections to the neighbouring wi...

Is New Jersey the untapped gold mine for Italian wine?

In episode 2783, Marissa Muoio is joined by Brittney Abell to explore New Jersey’s wine market and the opportunities hiding within its affluent suburban retail and dining scene.

Together, they unpack what makes the New Jersey consumer unique, why the state represents an important opportunity for Italian wine producers, and how brands can communicate more effectively with consumers who may be curious about wine but are often looking for familiar entry points.

From organic and biodynamic practices to the importance of simplifying complex wi...

Welcome to Episode 13 of Study Smart and Episode 2782 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 13: Germany and Alsace

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their l...

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2781 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is once again in conversation with China-based wine educator and consultant Fongyee Walker MW.

In Part 2, the conversation explores the evolving role of wine education in China, from the changing motivations of wine learners to the growing influence of digital platforms and social commerce. Fongyee also shares her insights into wine pairing with Chinese cuisine, communicating wine heritage and regional identity to Chinese consumers, and building sustainable, long-term wine brands in the Chinese market.

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Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2780 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Alberto Rivera IWA is in conversation with Serena Costanzo from the Palmento Costanzo winery on the northern slope of Mount Etna.

The conversation explores the vineyard's use of the traditional Alberello Etneo training system, the restoration of the estate’s 18th-century lava stone Palmento, and the local native varieties used to produce authentic Etna DOC wines.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

More about today’s host: 

Al...