Italian Wine Podcast Ep. 2329 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Harmon Skurnik of Skurnik Wines & Spirits | Masterclass US Wine Market
Welcome to Episode 2329 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Harmon Skurnik, President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, to discuss how U.S. tariffs on imported wines are impacting the distribution system—and ultimately, the consumer.
Key takeaways:
- Tariffs in Real Time – What’s happening now, and what’s at stake?
- Collateral Damage – How tariffs are hurting U.S. businesses and consumers
- Business in a Volatile Market – Strategies for building your wine business amid uncertainty
More about the guest: Harmon Skurnik
Harmon Skurnik is the President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, a leading U.S. importer and distributor of fine wines, spirits, sake, and cider. He joined the company in 1989 after a successful career in advertising, where he worked on major accounts like Apple and Pepsi.
Since then, Harmon has helped grow Skurnik from a small startup into a nationally respected portfolio representing over 800 family-owned producers. He personally tastes and approves every product alongside his brother and co-founder, Michael Skurnik.
Harmon is also a founding board member and Treasurer of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and is proud to see the next generation—his children David and Erica—taking leadership roles in the company. A graduate of the University at Albany, Harmon brings a mix of business acumen, family values, and a passion for excellence to the wine industry.
Connect:
Website: https://www.skurnik.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skurnikwines/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skurnikwines/
More about the host: Barbara Fitzgerald
With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries.
As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/
Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com
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