Welcome to episode 2700 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 246 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Salvatore Santus of the Agricola Punica winery located in the Basso Sulcis region of southwestern Sardinia.

As well as  considering Sicilian wine and cuisine more generally, this conversation explores the contribution of Giacomo Tachis (1933–2016), widely regarded as the founding father of the modern Italian wine renaissance, to the transformation of Sardinian winemaking.

More about today’s guest:

Salvatore Santus is the export and logistics manager for Agricola Punica, a prominent Sardinian winery. He acts as the winery's ambassador, promoting Sardinian and French blends in the international market. Santus has contributed to Sardinian winemaking by championing the "Super-Sardo" model popularized by the late winemaker Giacomo Tachis. He plays a key role in strengthening the winery’s global presence and building long-term relationships with international partners.

Connect:

Website: https://www.agripunica.it/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-santus-13697327/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agripunica/ 

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 and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. 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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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 2699 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald sits down with the award-winning wine journalist and consultant Susan Kostrzewa.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore current consumption behaviors in the American wine market and why opportunities still exist despite the overall decline in wine consumption.
• Understand how experiential in-person events, trade fairs, and wine travel create stronger emotional connections between consumers and Italian wine brands.
• How to reach American consumers with creative outreach regardless of your marketing budget or winery size.

More about the guest:

Susan Kostrzewa is a veteran wine writer, editor, global educator and the founder of Resplendent Ink, a content strategy consultancy specializing in storytelling and communications in the wine space. She is the former editor-in-chief of Wine Enthusiast Media, has co-authored numerous books on wine, food and travel and was previously named one of Wine Business’ Top 50 Most Influential Leaders as well as a Top Woman in Media by Folio Magazine. Kostrzewa is a former consulting editorial director for JamesSuckling.com and JancisRobinson.com, and has contributed articles to JamesSuckling.com. Food & Wine and Wine Business Monthly, among others. She is also a wine travel educator and co-host of global consumer tours with Gunnell Innovation and on the board of Les Dames D'Escoffer New York.

Connect: 

Website: https://www.resplendentink.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suskostrzewa/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kostrzewa-81b796/ 

More about the host:

With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald 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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2698 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026.

As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking 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 insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene.

Today, Stevie Kim’s guest is Tim Marson MW, category director of wine.com, the largest online wine retailer in the United States.

In this conversation for the Italian Wine Podcast, Tim discusses his career and role at wine.com, the market for Italian wines, and recent trends in wines from Piemonte. Tim also reveals how wines are selected by wine.com, how they help customers make informed choices, and navigating fluctuating trading conditions. Finally, Tim discusses recent trends in the wine sector and the challenges facing the future.

About the Grandi Langhe: 

Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market.

Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ 

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2697 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Mustafa Özel, operational manager of Esperanza Hospitality Group in Almaty.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand how multi-concept hospitality groups in Kazakhstan integrate wine into modern dining and entertainment experiences.
• Explore how Italian wines perform across different restaurant concepts within the group.
• Identify future hospitality and wine consumption trends shaping the next generation of Kazakhstani consumers.

More about today’s guest:

Mustafa Özel is an operational manager of Esperanza Group in Almaty. Originally from Turkey, Mustafa has lived in Kazakhstan for nearly two decades and has played an active role in the development of large-scale restaurant, entertainment, and hospitality projects across the region.

Esperanza Group brings together a diverse portfolio of concepts, including Georgian, Central Asian, Turkish, Mediterranean-inspired restaurants, as well as banquet halls, karaoke venues, coffee houses, and nightlife projects. Beyond hospitality, the group is also involved in hotel and infrastructure development, alongside social responsibility initiatives supporting the local community.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esperanzakz/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ozel-b7217a22/ 

More about the host:

Roza 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 the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ 

_______________________________

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Until Next Time Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2596 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Frank Cornelissen shares his personal and professional journey in the world of wine, from his early inspirations and experiences to his path toward becoming a winemaker in the Etna region of Sicily. The conversation also explores his philosophy, career evolution, and deep connection to the unique terroir of Mount Etna.

More about today’s guest:  

Frank Cornelissen is a prominent natural winemaker based on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Originally from Belgium, he transitioned from a career as a wine broker to establish his estate in 2001. Over the years, he has become one of the most influential voices in the Etna wine movement, known for his low-intervention philosophy and commitment to expressing the purity of Etna’s volcanic terroir.

Connect:

Website: https://www.frankcornelissen.it/?lang=it 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankcornelissen_winery/ 

_______________________________ 

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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 Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2695 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Mihai Popescu IWA interviews Daniel Fabbro from San Polino winery in Montalcino.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

The conversation covered the work of the family run San Polino estate, Daniel’s background as a biologist, the winery’s use of regenerative viticulture and spontaneous fermentation, the importance of biodiversity and the impact of climate change, as well as the drinking habits of younger consumers.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the philosophy behind regenerative viticulture at San Polino.
• Explore how biology and ecology influence modern winemaking.
• Examine the future of wine through climate change and shifting consumer trends.

More about today’s host: 

Mihai Popescu is a Canadian-based wine expert dedicated to helping producers enter and thrive in the Canadian market. A WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Italian Wine Ambassador, and international wine judge, he supports wineries with strategic brand positioning, market access, and distribution.

Mihai organizes professional tasting events, attends major trade shows, and creates tailored marketing plans to boost visibility and sales. Active on Instagram and social media, he reviews and promotes wines—mainly Italian—to an engaged audience of wine lovers and professionals, blending digital influence with in-market expertise.

Connect:

Website: https://www.brutus-wine.ca/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mihai.popescu 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihai.wine 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mihaipopescumtl 

More about today’s guest:  

Daniel Fabbro is a winemaker and biologist at San Polino winery in Montalcino. He focuses on ecosystem coordination and biodiversity in the vineyard, conducting research into spontaneous fermentation and sustainable viticulture to produce highly acclaimed Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Connect:

Website: https://sanpolino.it/en/home/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunello.san.polino/ 

_______________________________ 

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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 2694 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 17th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 17: Dalla Via Appia ai vulcani del Sud

You want to dive into the stories and myths behind Professor Scienza’s new series, but Italian isn’t your thing? No problem! You’ll find all the conversations, translated in English, in the new Mamma Jumbo Shrimp book: An Italian Wine Pilgrimage: with Professor Attilio Scienza. Now available in English on Amazon.

A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine.

Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza.

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:

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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 2693 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 245 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. 

Will you be following the Giro d’Italia? 

After three days in Bulgaria, this 3-week Grand Tour stage race will commence in Italy in Calabria on Tuesday May 12 before moving relentlessly from south to north, west to east, over the steepest bumps and highest mountains to arrive finally in Rome on May 31. 

Beyond cycling, the Giro is a celebration of Italy in all its glorious variety, its rugged and challenging terrain, its beautiful countryside, its art, culture, history and, of course, its gastronomy and wines. 

Marc Millon will be podcasting three episodes this year on May 12, 19, 26, following the route in the company of James MacNay⁩ and his wife Cinzia Long. James will be offering wine suggestions along the route while Cinzia, a certified Italian cheese expert, will highlight cheeses from each area. 

It’s going to be a fun journey and the Giro always offers drama and the unexpected. Hope you will join us and enjoy the Giro d’Italia!

More about today’s guests:

James MacNay⁩ grew up in East Sussex, studied humanities, and holds both British and Italian passports. He began his career as a walking tour guide before moving into the wine and food trade. In 2016, alongside his partner Cinzia, he founded MacNay Travel & Wine, launching their first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps. A top-scoring Italian Wine Ambassador, James is among fewer than 500 IWAs worldwide. He also holds other wine qualifications and loves sharing his passion for Italian wine and culture through writing and public speaking.

Cinzia Long, originally from Piemonte and raised in the high Alps of Valle d’Aosta, studied Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Turin, where she wrote her thesis on the wild red squirrel population of Gran Paradiso National Park. In 2022, she and her family returned to Italy, settling in Torre Pellice, Piedmont. In June 2025, she began her journey to become a Master Cheese Taster, passing the first level with ONAF, Italy’s national organization for cheese experts.

Connect:

Website: https://travelandwine.co.uk/ 

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 and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. 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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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 the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2692 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Daria Nagornyak IWA, the Kazakhstan-based wine expert, sommelier and educator.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand how wine culture is evolving in Astana and how consumers differ from other cities in Kazakhstan.
• Gain insights into AlmaWine’s portfolio strategy, market positioning, and collaboration with Italian producers.
• Explore trends, price segments, and opportunities for Italian wines in the Kazakhstan market.

Daria’s favorite wine spots in Astana:

• Wine Street by Almawine
• Monte Bianco Astana
• Yellow Bottle

More about today’s guest:

Since 2018, Darya Nagornyak has been working in the restaurant industry with a strong focus on wine, specializing in Italian wines. She currently serves as Wine Development Manager at Almawine and holds the title of Italian Wine Ambassador. A certified WSET Level 3 professional, Darya is also Vice President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association in Astana, where she works closely with young professionals to foster and develop wine culture in the city.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dashkevich_ns/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-nagornyak-4a5046304/ 

More about the host:

Roza 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 the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ 

_______________________________

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Until Next Time Cin Cin!

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2691 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Kevin Ferguson on the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris to discuss Kevin’s forthcoming book, “Rain on the Monte Bello Ridge, a memoir about health, aging and winemaking”.

Topics of conversation include:

• The 1976 Judgment of Paris and its impact on the California wine scene
• Kevin’s personal connection with the Judgement
• The history of the Gemello Winery in California
• Prohibition and its aftermath
• Well-being, longevity and coping with loss and ageing

Further reading:

Judgment of Paris by George M. Taber.

Follow Kevin’s Substack at: https://gemello.substack.com/.

The Book Review by Richard Hough:

“Kevin Ferguson’s forthcoming book, “Rain on the Monte Bello Ridge, a memoir about health, aging and winemaking”, promises to be a fascinating account of the history of one of Californian’s most interesting historical wineries, the Gemello Winery. Across three generations, the iconic family winery experienced the highs and lows of winemaking in America in the 20th century, from Prohibition and the Great Depression to Gemello’s extraordinary triumph at a 2002 reenactment of the Judgement of Paris. Intertwined with the story of migration, loss and longevity it’s a book I’m looking forward to reading soon.

About today’s guest:

Kevin Ferguson worked as a journalist for over a decade, covering sports, business and politics in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He’s currently writing a memoir about his bond with his grandparents, California winemaker Mario Gemello and his centenarian widow Kay. The forthcoming book is called, “Rain on the Monte Bello Ridge, a memoir about health, aging and winemaking”.

Connect: 

Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinferguson1/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemellowinery/ 

More about the host:

Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, 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, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. 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: https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/

_______________________________

Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp  

If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/.

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2690 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto interviews Pasi Ketolainen MW to explore his journey to becoming a Master of Wine and gain insights on wine in Finland.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the journey to becoming a Master of Wine, including the level of dedication, challenges, and professional growth involved.
• Gain insight into the Finnish and Scandinavian wine markets, with a focus on how monopoly systems shape distribution and trade.
• Explore perspectives on Italian wine in Northern Europe, along with practical advice for those aspiring to enter the MW program.

More about today’s host:

Lisa Lazzaretto, PhD, is a Swiss-based entrepreneur, wine professional, and marketing strategist. She holds a doctorate in Political Science and a Diploma in Marketing, and is the founder of Wine Mood, an e-commerce platform dedicated to curated Italian wines. An Italian Wine Ambassador and WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Lisa bridges academic insight with hands-on industry expertise. Her recent research focuses on neuromarketing, consumer behavior, and modern wine communication. Active across international wine fairs and competitions, she combines research, storytelling, and business innovation to connect people with Italian wine.

Connect:

Website: http://www.winemood.ch 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemood_ch/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Pasi holds a BSc in hospitality management and an MBA, for which he received an academic achievement award in recognition of outstanding academic performance. After a career as a sommelier and completing his WSET Diploma in 2003, he worked in sales and product management positions at various wine importers in Finland. Pasi has partner and board member experience and has consulted in an advisory role on strategy, customer relationship management and start-up company development. He has also represented Finland in blind tasting competitions. As well as speaking four languages, lecturing on wine, and conducting educational tastings, Pasi judges at wine competitions and in 2019 started as the commercial director at Viinitie Oy.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoveries_pasimw 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasiketolainen 

_______________________________ 

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 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 

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!