Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2307 in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Marvina Robinson, founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, the first Champagne brand to be owned by a Black American woman, in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guest: Marvina RobinsonMarvina Robinson is the founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Her journey into the champagne industry is anything but traditional. After spending two decades on Wall Street, Marvina took a bold leap, leaving behind a successful career in finance to follow her true passion—champagne.She traveled extensively to Champagne, France, learning the intricate art of winemaking and immersing herself in an industry where few people of color have historically had a presence. In 2020, she launched B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand that is grown, harvested, and bottled in Champagne, France, adhering to the region’s strict regulations to ensure authenticity and quality. Marvina’s entrepreneurial vision didn’t stop there. She opened a 2,000-square-foot tasting room in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, creating an elevated yet approachable space where people can experience champagne in a welcoming, inclusive environment. As one of the few Black American women in the industry, she is passionate about breaking barriers, proving that luxury and diversity can coexist.Connect:Website: https://www.stuyvesantchampagne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuyvesantchampagne/About today’s host: Cynthia ChaplinVIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a wine content creator, author and judge for several international wine competitions. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine.Connect:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=enLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179/ _______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/Until next time, Cin Cin!Share this pod! Remember Voices is all about diversity, equity, and heart-warming personal stories about real people!

Welcome to episode 2306 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 185 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Luca Ciotoli of Eroico Vino, a family-run winery overlooking Vernazza, one of the five stunning villages that make up the Cinque Terre.More about today’s guest: Luca CiotoliLuca, born in 1993, began his career in academia, earning a PhD in Digital Storytelling. Today, he has fully dedicated himself to his family’s vineyard in Vernazza, where he produces Eroico wine and welcomes visitors from around the world. As an Environmental Guide and sommelier, he shares the rich stories of the Ligurian landscape, offering local insights along the way.In 2025, he launched be Eroico, a project that reinvests part of the profits from vacation rentals into restoring the terraced landscape of the Cinque Terre—an extraordinary yet fragile ecosystem that requires ongoing care. Together with his family, Luca is committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Liguria, a passion they look forward to sharing with you.Connect:Website: https://www.eroico-wine.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eroicovino/More about the host: Marc MillonMarc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy and France in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. Since 2021, he has also been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England.Connect:Website: https://www.quaypress.uk  https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk   https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

Welcome to Episode 2305 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews George Christie, Founder and CEO of Wine Industry Network and Partner of Saini Vineyards, to discuss winning brand strategies and his insights on customer engagement.Key takeaways: Brands that are thriving despite current challenges. Essential changes in brand strategy for success. Effective customer engagement across all age groups. More about the guest: George Christie Originally from New Jersey, George Christie moved to Sonoma County in 1991 and quickly found his passion in the wine industry. Since then, he has built a diverse career spanning winery management, vineyard operations, grower relations, distributor management, and national marketing campaigns. George has held leadership roles on the boards of key industry organizations, including the Russian River Wine Road, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma State Wine Business Institute, and WineAmerica.In 2008, he and his wife, Tami, partnered with the Saini Family—fifth-generation grape growers in Sonoma County—to establish Saini Vineyards. The following year, George launched Wine Industry Network (WIN) as an online directory. Over time, WIN has grown into a premier B2B marketing and media platform, serving as a vital resource for the North American wine industry. Today, WIN collaborates with over 600 industry vendors and produces major events, including the North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo) and the Wine Sales Symposium, along with educational webinars.Additionally, WIN publishes Wine Industry Advisor, the Afternoon Brief—a daily wine business newsletter with over 38,000 subscribers—and WIN Jobs, a dedicated employment platform for the industry.Connect:Website: http://wineindustryadvisor.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgechristie/ 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_______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2304 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews the San Francisco based wine PR and external relations specialist, Margherita Andrenacci.Exciting News! Margherita will also be joining the Next Generation series as a host, bringing fresh perspectives and conversations to the Italian Wine Podcast. Stay tuned for more!More about today’s guest: Margherita AndrenacciMusic producer, biker, and runner, Margherita Andrenacci is a wine PR professional driven by a love for storytelling and cultural connection. Her journey with wine began as a way to get closer to people—she values the conversations it sparks and the stories it uncovers. Born in Trento, she has lived in Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, and across Italy, and is now exploring life in San Francisco. With a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, she carries her passions with her wherever she goes, always finding wine to be a powerful bridge that brings people together.Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baciclette/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margherita-a-77764511b/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dl6pMa0GoglHmzoWcCLEu?si=Rjc8JszpSiS2lfFOYIWLFA More about the host: Karla RavagnoloBorn in the Dominican Republic, Karla Ravagnolo holds the WSET Level 3 Certificate and has an endless curiosity for all things wine and beverage. Her never-ending quest for knowledge has led her to multiple international beverage experiences in Italy, the USA and Japan.During her time at Colangelo & Partners, a New-York based wine PR agency, she recognized the challenges of conveying the cultural, geographical and historical value of Italian wine to an international and inter-generational audience. Her goal has always been to make wine more approachable and inclusive, through sharing authentic experiences and making real interpersonal connections!Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlamassielravagnolo/_______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2303 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 2 of Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy.In this special On the Road series, Stevie Kim is on a special mission in Bordeaux to discover this important French region with one of the world's greatest Bordeaux experts.Over the course of four days, Stevie travels through Bordeaux's iconic Left Bank, visiting the "best of the best" — the legendary producers ranked as Premier Cru: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild, all rated as "First Growths."In this episode Stevie visits three subregions of the world famous Medoc region, Saint-Estephe AOC, Pauillac AOC and Saint-Julien AOC. Monsieur Burtschy explains the origins and terroir of each appellation, the typical characteristics of the world famous château associated with them, and what to expect from the 2022 vintage.Further reading:More information about this Bordeaux series is available on the Italian Wine Podcast website at: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/italian-wine-blog/discovering-bordeaux-left-bank-with-stevie-kim-and-bernard-burtschy-part-2-covers-the-northern-corner-of-the-left-bank/  More about today’s guest: Bernard BurtschyBernard Burtschy holds a PhD in Mathematical Statistics and has been a professor at Télécom ParisTech and École Centrale de Paris for over 30 years, specializing in data mining and big data research. He has collaborated with top American universities and supported numerous students in launching business ventures in the tech sector.Hailing from Alsace, Bernard’s family has always produced wine. His passion for wine led him to pursue tasting courses at the Académie du Vin in Paris in 1977, where he became an instructor and, by the early 1980s, a senior contributor to Revue du Vin de France and Gault & Millau. Since 2007, he has been a wine taster and columnist for Le Figaro and Figaro Magazine. His personal cellar boasts over 40,000 bottles from the past 50 vintages.Connect:Website: https://www.bernardburtschy.com/More about the host: Stevie KimStevie 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 and 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 Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series.Stevie also frequently joins Professor Attilio Scienza on his shows—helping keep our beloved professor in check!Connect:Social Links: https://zaap.bio/steviekim Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!Remember to follow us! Travel Italy, food and wine, winery visits and so much more!

Welcome to Episode 2302 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Torino. Today’s guest is Markus Holmberg, Project Manager at Vinunic AB, a leading wine importing company based in Sweden.As the official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe 2025—Piedmont’s premier wine event. Join top producers, buyers, and experts as they explore emerging styles, vineyard innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future.From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes access, revealing Piedmont’s impact on the global wine stage.More about today’s guest: Markus HolmbergMarkus Holmberg is a Product Manager at Vinunic AB, one of Sweden’s leading wine importers. With over eight years of experience in digital consumer behavior and communication, he brings a strategic approach to product management and brand development.Founded in 1992, Vinunic AB specializes in importing high-quality wines from prestigious producers worldwide, working closely with restaurants, retailers, and Systembolaget, Sweden’s state-run alcohol retailer. At Vinunic, Markus oversees product portfolios, cultivates relationships with top wine producers, and contributes to the company’s continued success in the Swedish wine market.Connect:Website: https://www.vinunic.se Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-holmberg1981/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuskarlake/ _______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2301 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Ekaterina Vislinskaya.Today’s question(s):  What is currently in your focus in a scientific exploration field and what do you consider to be the most important topics for study and publication during the 2025? Qual è attualmente l’oggetto della Sua ricerca in campo scientifico e quali ritiene essere gli argomenti più importanti di studio e di pubblicazione nel 2025? More about Professor Scienza:Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff!To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit:https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ _______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek :)

Join Master of Wine Andrea Lonardi, a specialist in fine Italian wines, and award-winning wine writer Robert Joseph as they dive into the nuances of wine competitions. They unveil the behind-the-scenes process of selecting top-scoring wines for 5StarWines, emphasizing the role of blind tastings and the collective insights of diverse panels. The duo also celebrates unique Italian varietals like Lambrusco, discussing how factors like acidity and oak shape their character. Enjoy anecdotes and vivid recommendations that highlight the richness of Italian winemaking.

Welcome to Episode 2299 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Stevie Kim’s Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Beverley Bourdin IWA interviews Grégoire Desforges of Baglio di Pianetto.Today’s learning objectives: To learn about the challenges Baglio di Pianetto is facing now. To understand what it takes to bottle great wine during a generational transition. Co-Moderator – Beverley BourdinBeverley Bourdin  IWA lives in Alberta, Canada. Although her career has been a Registered Nurse in the operating room, she is a serious wine enthusiast and promoter of quality Italian wines, particularly those of smaller producers. Her qualifications include International Sommelier Guild Advanced, several Wine Scholar Guild programs, WSET 3 and most notably, Italian Wine Ambassador through Vinitaly International Academy . Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevbourdin/Guest Bio – Grégoire DesforgesBorn and raised in Paris to an Italian mother and a French father, Grégoire Desforges is part of the fourth-generation winemaking Marzotto family on his maternal side. Having lived in five countries and traveled to over 75, his global outlook is complemented by prior experiences in management consulting and entrepreneurial ventures in the food and beverage sector. Recently, he acquired his family’s winery and hotel, located in the mountains of Palermo up to 930 meters asl. The estate, a distressed asset, and is unprofitable. Grégoire’s challenge is to breathe new life into both businesses (winery and hotel) placing humans and nature at the core of the transformation, with a vision that combines innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for tradition.Connect:Website: https://bagliodipianetto.it/en/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagliodipianetto_official/_______________________________Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

Welcome to Episode 2298 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special edition, Juliana Colangelo interviews her co-host, Barbara Fitzgerald, to discuss the power of Wine Advocacy and the role of positive communication in wine. They explore the impact of Come Together, an initiative dedicated to fostering social connection through wine.Come Together was founded in 2024 by Karen MacNeil, Gino Colangelo, and Kimberly Noelle Charles to promote wine’s role in social connection. Their initiatives, like Come Over October and Share & Pair Sundays, encourage gatherings centered around wine and food. The organization aims to highlight wine’s cultural and communal significance.Key Takeaways:  Why advocating for positive communication around wine is more important now than ever?  Case Study: Come Over October  New initiative: Share & Pair Sundays and how wine brands can get involved   More about today’s guest: Barbara FitzgeraldWith 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 More about the host: Juliana ColangeloJuliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022 Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador.Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/Twitter: https://x.com/julezcolang?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/_______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!