Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2286 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews Emanuel Schürer and Christian Ramisch of Munich’s Society of Sommeliers. The main topic of today’s interview is Student Wine Clubs and how the younger generation perceives wine. More about today’s guests: Emanuel has been the Head of Partnerships at the Society of Sommeliers e.V., Munich’s first and largest student wine club, for the past year. A founding member, he has been actively involved since the club’s inception, contributing to its growth and success. Emanuel is currently pursuing a degree in Management and Technology at the Technical University of Munich.Connect: Website: https://www.societyofsommeliers.de/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/societyofsommeliers/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/societyofsommeliers/ Christian is a board member responsible for partnerships at the Society of Sommeliers. Alongside Emanuel, he oversees the club’s collaborations, external relations, and strategic partnerships. Over the past year, they successfully secured the club’s first long-term partnership with one of Germany’s top 10 wine distributors—a major milestone in the club’s history.Christian first joined the club through friends and quickly became fascinated by the world of wine. With a grandfather deeply knowledgeable about wine, but never fully understanding his insights, Christian saw the club as the perfect place to learn. The strong sense of community and shared passion among members naturally led him to take on a leadership role.Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissirms/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ramisch/ More about today’s host McKenna Cassidy:McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years.Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023).She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian Wine.Connect:Facebook: @mckennacassidyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/Website Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy_______________________________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 2285 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews the sommelier and wine director, Austin Farina.The fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) takes place in Austin, Texas on 25 March 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on three southwestern states, with educational events and dedicated tastings taking place in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado throughout February 2025.Italian Wine Podcast is a proud media partner of BBWO and is pleased to present this series of interviews recorded for this year’s event.Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.More about today’s guest:Austin Farina is the son of an Italian immigrant. He has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years, including in the world of wine for ten. He has a passion for education and has worked with the wine programs at the iconic Greenbrier Resort, Michelin-Starred MARCH Restaurant, as well as Jeffrey’s and Sammie’s Italian in Austin, Texas. He is currently overseeing wine programs with MML Hospitality, which operates in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, and California.Connect:Website: https://mmlhospitality.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_farina/ More about today’s host Jessica Dupuy:Jessica Dupuy is a seasoned writer covering wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators.Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, including Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. Jessica is the author of The Wines of Southwest USA and six regional cookbooks. Additionally, she co-hosts the podcast Another Bottle Down, where she shares her insights and passion for the world of wine.Connect:Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/Twitter: https://x.com/jessicandupuy_______________________________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 2284 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Piedmont. Today’s guest is the award-winning sommelier and wine consultant, Reeze Choi.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: Meticulous about his service and knowledgeable on food and beverage, Reeze is one of the most sought-after sommeliers in the world. He has worked at prestigious restaurants such as L’atelier de Joël Robuchon Hong Kong and Upper Modern Bistro. His acquaintance with various cuisines and beverages—from French menu, cheese and coffee, to Cantonese dishes, sake and tea—has invested him with the ingenuity in curating original drinking and gastronomic experience for his guests. Reeze joined the Star Wine List as their Hong Kong Ambassador in 2019, and thereafter, has introduced the world some of the best wine places and stories in Hong Kong. Having been the ambassador of Château de Meursault and Château de Marsannay, he has shared ample insights in Burgundy wine with the field. Reeze has also been appointed as an ambassador of Japanese wine by JFoodo.Connect:Website: https://www.sommsphil.com/about-usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/somms_philosophy/_______________________________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 2283 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 Elena Z.Today’s question(s):  How is climate change influencing Italian vine growers in terms of varietal selection?  In che modo il cambiamento climatico sta influenzando le scelte dei viticoltori italiani in termini di varietà coltivate?  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 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!To find out more about Stevie Kim visit: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 :)

Justin Noland, Vice President of Digital Experience for Treasury Americas at Treasury Wine Estates, shares insights on adopting AI in the wine industry. He discusses how generative AI is revolutionizing operations, enhancing consumer engagement, and refining winemaking. Noland emphasizes the importance of technology in marketing and e-commerce, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. His vision for the future includes leveraging AI to build deeper connections with customers, making the wine experience more personalized and innovative.

Welcome to Episode 2281 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Julianne Farricker IWA interviews Mattia Montanari of Opera 02 wine resort in Emilia-Romagna.Today’s learning objectives: To understand the uniqueness of Lambrusco Grasparossa in the world of Lambrusco. To explore other native grapes vinified in Emilia-Romagna. To discover essential pairings with the region’s gastronomic powerhouse. Co-Moderator – Julianne Farricker:Julianne is an Italian Wine Ambassador and co-owner of The Italian Cellar. She has visited all 20 regions of Italy, especially focusing on her maternal roots on the island of Stromboli. She is also in her 21st year of teaching high school English, economics and European history. Connect:Website: https://www.theitaliancellar.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giuliafarr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-farricker-484202169/About the guest - Mattia Montanari:Mattia Montanari started producing wine 23 years ago in 2002. He is a first generation winemaker,  even though he actually studied and graduated in economics. It was early on that he decided that he preferred grapes to numbers and his mission from the beginning at Opera has been to elevate and associate Lambrusco with quality and innovation.  Connect:Website: https://www.opera02.it/en/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opera02resort/_______________________________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 Book Club and Episode 2280 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Mike Madaio to discuss his book, “A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches: Steaks, Hoagies, Iconic Eateries & More”. Mike Madaio: “As I’ve come along in my career as a food and wine writer, I think that so many of the most compelling stories are human stories, so when I interview an Italian wine maker to talk about his or her wine I want to understand who that person is, what motivates them, what struggles they’ve had. All those things make the story more compelling than just saying ‘here’s a wine that tastes like this or here’s a sandwich that tastes like that’, so I’m glad that came across.” On the bookshelf:The books discussed in today’s show include: Lost Mount Penn: Wineries, Railroads and Resorts of Reading by Mike Madaio Becoming Chianti Classico: A Wine Region's Fight for Authenticity by Mike Madaio Chianti Classico: The Search for Tuscany's Noblest Wine by Bill Nesto The Crocodile by Maurizio De Giovanni The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro See also:For a deep dive into how the £8bn a year British sandwich industry transformed the way Brits eat lunch, see “How the sandwich consumed Britain” at:https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/24/how-the-sandwich-consumed-britainFor more on the the Pomodoro® Technique that Mike uses when writing, see: https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/welcome/More about today’s guest:Mike Madaio’s wine and food writing has appeared in publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Edible Philly, and VinePair, and he has achieved Italian Wine Ambassador certification from the Vinitaly International Academy. He has written two culinary history books, "Lost Mount Penn" and "A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches," and two wine-related monographs, "Becoming Chianti Classico" and "Mysterious Origins of the Italian Wine Formerly Known as Tocai". Find more of Mike’s writing at LifeatTable.com, or follow him on social media. Connect:Website: https://lifeattable.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeattable/ More about the host Richard Hough:Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine! With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast. Connect:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/ricksnotesfromverona Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/Coming soon:Next month’s guest is Susan Keevil and we’ll be discussing her book “On Tuscany”._______________________________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 2279 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 182 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Svetlana Melnichenko, export manager for Montalbera, a family-run winery in Piemonte.More about today’s guest:Svetlana Melnichenko is a seasoned wine professional with over 20 years of international experience in sales, business development, and export management. Her expertise spans key account management, international marketing, PR, and event organization. She currently serves as Senior Export Manager at Montalbera.The Montalbera Winery was founded at the beginning of the 20th century in an area located in the townships of Grana, Castagnole Monferrato and Montemagno. Montalbera’s property extends over 115 hectares cultivated with vineyards in the Monferrato and Langhe. Montalbera is the largest private producer of Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato. Connect:Website:https://www.montalbera.it/index.php?l=enInstagram: https://instagram.com/montalberaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlana-melnichenko-a746633aMore about the host Marc Millon: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 2278 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Alisha Zaveri, the Digital Account Director at Colangelo and Partners.Key takeaways: Tiktok and how wineries can engage with it Mastering algorithms on existing digital platforms Diversifying marketing mix on multiple channels More about the guest: Alisha Zaveri is a global communications and digital marketing expert with experience across the US, UK, India, and Singapore. Specializing in food and beverage marketing and consumer packaged goods (CPG) branding, she excels in digital strategy, social media growth, and influencer marketing. As a media strategist and content creator, Alisha develops multi-channel marketing campaigns, secures top-tier media coverage, and builds engaged online communities.She is the Digital Account Director at Colangelo & Partners, a top wine and spirits PR agency known for brand storytelling, social media strategy, and influencer collaborations in the beverage industry.Connect:Website: https://www.colangelopr.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-zaveri-65411a44/More about the host: Barbara FitzgeraldWith nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald is a leader in D2C wine marketing, business strategy, and brand growth. Coming from a 4th-generation Italian-American winemaking family, she has spent her life immersed in wine growing, production, and hospitality, gaining experience across top California wineries.As an Italian Wine Ambassador, Barbara bridges the gap between Italian and U.S. wine markets, helping wineries develop consumer-focused strategies through Apri La Creative Consulting. She also co-owns a boutique wine production company and an Italian wine import business, blending her passion for authentic winemaking with modern marketing expertise. Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilabottigliaLinkedIn: 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 2277 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews wine marketing professional, Striker Reese.More about today’s guest: Striker Reese was born in Columbia, SC. With a lifelong passion for wine moving to Washington DC to pursue a career in wine. Graduating with his Masters in management from The Catholic University of America. Working in wine retail and marketing wine from brands all New Zealand to Virginia. Striker is the current marketing chair for The Bourgogne Board for the roots fund and founder of Anime & Wine combining his interest in wine with the unique world of anime and manga to engage new audiences in the world of wine. Connect: Website: https://www.animeandwine.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animeandwine/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/striker-reese-444a281ba/More about today’s 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: 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!