Italian Wine Podcast

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 SkurnikHarmon 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_______________________________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 2328 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Margherita Andrenacci interviews Migle Kanapeckaite of Dead and Vintage and John of Horses Market. More about today’s guest:Migle Kanapeckaite is the founder and creative force behind Dead and Vintage, a vintage store selling unique stuff from the 40s/70s. With a keen eye for timeless style and circle fashion, Migle has curated one of the best thrifting hotspot of the Mission, San Francisco.Connect: Instagram: @deadendvtgMore about today’s guest: John is one of the co-owners and faces behind the counter of Horsies Market & Saloon, a cozy, horse-themed bar located at 3368 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. They offer a selection of vermouth cocktails, beers and wine. With seating for just eight patrons inside and cute red patio outside, it provides an intimate and charming atmosphere. The name "Horsies" reflects a playful and whimsical spirit, and the place is “run mom n pop style”.Connect: Instagram: @horsiesmarketsfMore about the host: Music 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 _______________________________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 2327 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition.In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is still in Bordeaux with Lorenzo Pasquini, the estate manager and technical director of Château d'Yquem, in the famous Sauternes region of Bordeaux.Lorenzo discusses the fast-track career path that took him to the prestigious estate as well as the famous chateau's other links with Italy. He also unpacks the 2022 vintage, the driest and hottest vintage on record, and the impact of this on the vintage and offers some career advice to those at the beginning of their professional journey. Finally, Lorenzo introduces the recently translated book about the life of Joséphine d'Yquem and her role in transforming the chateau. Website: https://yquem.fr/int-en/More about the host: Stevie 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:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/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!

Welcome to Episode 2326 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 Beatrice Motterle.Today’s question(s):  Professore, ancestral wines are making a comeback, but with a much more conscious and scientific approach. In your opinion, what are the most fascinating aspects of these ancient practices that, despite being traditional, might find a place in the future of winemaking, perhaps through the use of modern technologies? Professore, i vini ancestrali stanno tornando in auge, ma con un approccio molto più consapevole e scientifico. Secondo Lei, quali sono gli aspetti più affascinanti di queste pratiche antiche che, pur essendo tradizionali, potrebbero trovare un posto nel futuro del vino, magari grazie alle moderne tecnologie? 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/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler:Stevie 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 & 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 often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods!Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/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!Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek :)

Welcome to Episode 2325 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Anna Obuhovskaya interviews Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago of the Attimis-Maniago Winery, located in the Buttrio area of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC.Today’s learning objectives: To gain deeper insight into the Pignolo grape variety — its characteristics, history, and potential. To explore international perspectives on Friuli wines and their place on the global wine stage. Co-Moderator – Anna Obuhovskaya:Anna Obuhovskaya has 16 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She worked in a number of bigger wine importing companies and independent projects, and founded the Italian Wine Tasting Club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became an Italian Wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to the charming Slovenia to work even closer with European wine producers. Currently Anna lives in Ljubljana where she started a new wine club and collaborates with the wineries and distributors as an independent wine portfolio and sales strategy consultant. Connect:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obuhovskaya-0a4789261/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/About the guest - Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago:Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago is a member of the 18th generation of the historic Conte d'Attimis-Maniago estate, located in Buttrio, at the heart of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC in northeastern Italy. Holding a degree in Economics, Fabio works closely with his father, Count Alberto d'Attimis-Maniago, playing an active role in managing the estate and guiding its future. He also currently serves as a president of the Pignolo Association.With roots dating back to 1585, when the estate was acquired through marriage, the family has upheld a continuous winemaking tradition for over four centuries. The property spans 110 hectares, with 86 hectares under vine, and is known for its dedication to both indigenous and international grape varieties—including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Tazzelenghe, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, and Merlot. The winery champions sustainable viticulture and a profound respect for the local terroir, producing wines that truly embody the character of the Friuli region.Connect:Website: https://www.contedattimismaniago.it/en/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attimismaniago_wines/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fdamm/ _______________________________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 2324 and a pilot episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Stevie Kim interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA, the Co-Producer of the Italian Wine Podcast and the host of the upcoming series. Asia Wine Market is a brand-new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports.The first installment, Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition, focuses on Kazakhstan’s emerging wine scene. Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the Kazakhstan wine market or expand your brand presence in Asia, this series is your starting point.To learn more about Kazakhstan market, listen to Stevie’s interview with Marco Alberti, the former Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan:https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2205-marco-alberti-ambassador-of-italy-to-kazakhstan-on-the-road-with-stevie-kim/ 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 & Wine Without Walls. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale.To find out more about Stevie Kim visit:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ More about the guest: Roza ZharmukhambetovaRoza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/To learn more about Roza’s background and career path, listen to her interview for Italian Wine Podcast Next Generation hosted by McKenna Cassidy:https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2213-mckenna-cassidy-interviews-roza-zharmukhambetova-next-generation/ _______________________________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 2323 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this installment of Voices, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Shayla Varnado, Chief Marketing Officer at ALYAHS Consulting and Founder of Black Girls Wine.About today’s guest: Shayla Varnado has been a leading voice in the wine industry since 2016, creating wine reviews and content that bring the world of wine to life. As the founder of the world’s first society for Black women wine lovers (2019-2022), she built a thriving community centered around culture, connection, and the joy of a great pour. Her expertise has been recognized in Wine Enthusiast, Black Enterprise, and on the Today Show. Now, she hosts a weekly talk show every Wednesday where she shares wine reviews and inspires her audience to sip, savor, and live their best lives.Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BlackGirlsWine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsWine About today’s host: VIA 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 2322 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 187 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Ambrogio Cremona Ratti of Tenuta Sette Cieli, a boutique winery nestled in the hills near Monteverdi Marittimo in Tuscany.More about today’s guest: Ambrogio Cremona Ratti is the Owner and Brand Ambassador of Tenuta Sette Cieli, a boutique winery nestled in the hills near Monteverdi Marittimo, between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.Born in Milan in 1985, Ambrogio studied in both England and Italy before working in renewable energy and real estate. He eventually returned to his roots, taking over the winery founded by his mother, Erika Ratti, in 1994.Today, alongside CEO and winemaker Elena Pozzolini, Ambrogio leads a passionate team dedicated to producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect the soul of Bolgheri. Under their leadership, Tenuta Sette Cieli has earned its place among the great names of the Super Tuscan category, featured in top restaurants and prestigious wine clubs around the world.Connect:Website: https://www.settecieli.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenutasettecieli/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenuta-sette-cieli/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SetteCieli More about the host: Marc 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 2321 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Jason Haas, second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek Vineyard in California. They discuss the impact of tariffs on imported wines to the U.S. and explore Jason’s perspective on how these trade policies could affect the domestic wine producers as well.Key takeaways: Navigating market uncertainty, as distributors and importers delay key decisions. The risks and complexities within the U.S. wine distribution system. The looming impact of retaliatory tariffs on international trade. More about the guest: Jason HaasJason Haas is the second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek, serving as Partner and General Manager and directing operations there for two decades. In addition to his work at Tablas Creek, Jason has led the boards of directors of both the Rhone Rangers and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, and is a board member of Free the Grapes and WineAmerica. He is principal author of the Tablas Creek blog, and his writing has been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Decanter, Wine Industry Network and Wine Searcher.Jason was voted by his peers 2015 Paso Robles Wine Country Wine Industry Person of the Year and 2017 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Person of the Year, and in 2022 was named a Food & Wine Magazine Drinks Innovator of the Year. Tablas Creek Vineyard, founded in 1989 in the Paso Robles Adelaida District, is a pioneer of the American Rhone movement and the first Regenerative Organic Certified™ winery in the world. Connect:Website: https://tablascreek.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tablascreek/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tablascreek Twitter: https://x.com/tablascreek Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-c-haas/ 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 2320 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews Alessandro Nigro Imperiale, Best Sommelier in Italy 2022 (AIS) and Best Sommelier in France 2023 (Gault&Millau Guide). They discuss Alessandro’s journey into the world of wine, his career highlights, and what’s next on his horizon.More about today’s guest: Born in 1991 in Puglia, Italy, Alessandro Nigro began his career in a humble trattoria in Foggia, where a job soon became a passion. He earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Foggia, specializing in spontaneous fermentations in natural wine. His journey took him to Bordeaux, Stellenbosch, and France, gaining hands-on winemaking experience before shifting focus to sommelier expertise.In Paris, he refined his skills at the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic, rising quickly to Assistant Head Sommelier. He later joined Four Seasons Hotel George V, recognized as the "Best Hotel in the World" (2019), before moving to the French Riviera in 2022 to lead the wine program at Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. That same year, he won Best Sommelier in Italy (AIS), followed by Best Sommelier in France (Gault&Millau) in 2023.Now Wine Director at the Grand Hotel, Alessandro oversees wine programs for multiple restaurants and venues. He also founded ANI Consulting, offering masterclasses and F&B coaching to Italian and French brands.Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alenigroimperiale/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alessandro.nigroimperiale/?locale=it_IT Linkedin: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-nigro-imperiale-41390482 More about the host: Born 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: 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!