Ep. 1368 Massimiliano Menon | The Next Generation

Welcome to episode 1368, in which host Victoria Cece interviews Masimilliano Menon this week on The Next Generation.

The Next Generation where Victoria Cece interviews young Italian wine people shaking up the wine scene.

More about today’s guest:

“I was born in Venice, attended “London South Bank” University in London and developed my green thumb here in Ridgewood, precisely in my backyard in Queens during the global pandemic.

Felicity Lawrence’s book “Not on The Label” changed forever my understanding on environmental issues in production and packaging of food and drinks. Avoiding mass produced sugary abominations and promoting polyculture, biodiversity and a more conscientious lifestyle.

Taking part in the first UK natural wine fair in Borough Market made me understand how a natural approach could have helped preserve wine’s interest. Not just wine as a homogenized commodity, placed in supermarkets and convenience stores but a diversity of distinctive fermented grape juice with a sense of place.

Through my harvest experiences in Mendoza, Loire Valley and Penedes, I was lucky enough to understand that grapes are not just a raw ingredient in a manufacturing process but wine had a more socially responsible and ethical mission, the power to tell the story of its origin through passion, tradition, emotion, heritage, legacy and culture of those persons involved.

Currently living in NYC, I am an Italian Sommelier Association Diploma (AIS) holder and Wine and Spirit Education Trust Advanced level (WSET) certified with a deep understanding and a holistic approach towards the business of food and wine.

Unfortunately, consumers lack understanding of what wine and food is, let alone what authentic wine and food is. My objectives through the years pouring glasses to customers in Brooklyn was to help them progress in their journey, enhancing their dining and drinking experiences. When addressing specialist retailers and training restaurant staff member, informing them about the point of difference amongst organic, biodynamic and naturalness.

Since that day at Oxfam where I found the book, I’ve always been convinced of food and wine as a driving force to change. My main role has always been to help people reconnecting to nature in a largely disconnected life.”

To learn more visit:

linkedin.com/in/massimiliano-menon-06389094

More about the host:

Victoria Cece is a food and beverage storyteller whose curiosity is somewhere deep in a bowl of pasta or a bottle of wine. A fool for history, you can find her reading up about ancient grape varietals or wandering around a little Italian town eating everything in sight, under her alias Slutti Spaghetti.

To learn more visit:

Instagram: @sluttispaghetti

Twitter: @sluttispaghetti

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cece/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!