Welcome to Episode 2718 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald sits down with Dimitrios Karagiannis, Wine Director at Babbo, one of New York City's most celebrated Italian restaurants.

Together, they explore the evolving role of sommeliers in wine discovery, discuss lesser-known Italian wine regions gaining traction with consumers, and examine the changing expectations of today's luxury wine drinkers. The conversation also offers valuable insights into guest retention and hospitality excellence at Babbo.

Key Takeaways:

• Is the restaurant still the primary place where wine discovery happens, and how are consumers finding wine today?
• What hospitality lessons can wine professionals learn from Babbo's approach to guest experience and retention?
• What do modern luxury consumers value most when selecting and enjoying wine?

More about the guest:

Dimitrios Karagiannis is the Wine Director at Babbo, the iconic New York Italian restaurant operated by STARR Restaurants. He oversees one of the city's most acclaimed Italian wine programs, recognized by Star Wine List for its depth and excellence. At Babbo, Dimitrios leads a team dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Italian wine while delivering memorable hospitality experiences.

Connect: 

Website: https://babbonyc.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrios-karagiannis-b081a5254/ 

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

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/ 

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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 2717 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 Mary Ewing-Mullingan MW. 

One of the most influential figures in the wine industry, Mary became the first woman in the United States to earn the prestigious Master of Wine title in 1992. During the interview, she reflects on how this achievement paved the way for her to introduce the WSET certification to the U.S. through the International Wine Center (IWC), which she co-founded.

She also shares the story behind the creation of the bestselling Wine For Dummies and discusses her expectations, impressions, and experiences at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026.

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  Episode 2716 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Episode 2 of Study Smart with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 2: Bordeaux Overview

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an accessible and engaging way.

This new series has been designed in partnership with the Italian Wine Academy, a Verona-based, internationally recognized wine school founded in 2017 that provides WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses and specialized training. 

The series is delivered by the acclaimed wine educator Gill Gordon Smith. 

Gill is a VIA certified Italian Wine Expert, an artisan wine producer, retailer, writer, judge and educator based between Australia's McLaren Vale Region and Verona and Tuscany in Italy. 

Look out for new episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts!

_______________________________

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 2715 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of Almaty Special Edition, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Nisia David, Export Manager at Piccini 1882, responsible for Central Asia, several Balkan countries, and Israel.

As Piccini 1882 prepares to participate in the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow for the second consecutive year, Nisia shares insights into the company's international strategy, evolving consumer trends, and the opportunities she sees in emerging wine markets.

Key learning objectives:

• Discover the evolution of Piccini 1882 from a historic Tuscan winery to a multi-regional powerhouse.
• Analyze global export dynamics, shifting consumer trends, and brand management strategies.
• Examine the strategic potential of Kazakhstan and the practical joint marketing initiatives required to build a long-term brand foothold.

More about today’s guest:

Nisia David is the Export Manager at Piccini 1882, overseeing Central Asia, several Balkan countries, and Israel. Passionate about languages, cultures, and international markets, she developed a particular interest in the post-Soviet region during her studies in Moscow.

After joining Piccini 1882 in a back-office role, Nisia pursued wine education through WSET and FISAR courses while gradually moving into export sales. Today, she combines her expertise in wine and international business to develop key export markets and strengthen the global presence of Piccini 1882.

Connect:

Website: https://www.piccini1882.it/en/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisia-david/?locale=en-US 

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 Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2714 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Darya Nagornyak interviews Kaidi Kerdt of Masi Agricola in Valpolicella.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

• Masi’s winemaking philosophy and Venetian heritage, and how tradition and innovation shape its identity today.
• The evolution of Masi’s wines in the context of modern trends toward lighter, fresher styles, including key wines such as Campofiorin.
• Masi’s international outlook, including projects in Italy and abroad, and the role of indigenous varieties and long-term experimentation in defining its future.

More about today’s host: 

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 today’s guest:  

Masi Agricola is one of the leading wine producers in the Veneto region, internationally recognized for its role in shaping the identity of Amarone and the wider Valpolicella area. The estate is known for combining deep Venetian heritage with continuous innovation, particularly through its historic Appassimento technique and iconic wines such as Campofiorin.

Kaidi Kerdt represents Masi’s contemporary voice, contributing to the winery’s international communication and development.

Connect:

Website: https://www.masi.it/en/ 

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

_______________________________ 

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 2713 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the second episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 20: Il Vino Olimpico della Calabria.

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:

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. 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/ 

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

_______________________________

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 2712 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 248 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Lan Kristančič of Movia Winery in Slovenia's renowned Brda wine region. Their conversation explores the history and unique landscape of Brda, the philosophy and legacy of Movia, the region's distinctive wines, innovative projects at the estate, and the rich culinary traditions that make Brda one of Europe's most exciting food and wine destinations.

More about today’s guest:

Lan Kristančič, together with his father Aleš, manages a 30-hectare estate, of which 26 hectares are vineyards located in the Slovenian Goriška Brda and across the border in Italy’s Collio region. They cultivate their vineyards using biodynamic composts, and all their wines ferment exclusively with indigenous yeasts.

Their goal is to produce wines that are pure and vibrant, expressing the character of their terroir—particularly the opoka marl soil that defines the region. The estate has held organic certification since 2004. Today, Aleš and Lan represent the 8th and 9th generations of winemakers in their family.

Connect:

Website: https://movia.si/en 

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

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 2711 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo speaks with Laura Gabriel, founder of the brand strategy consultancy Gabriel & Company and co-founder of the consumer-facing wine projects Paper Planes and The River Club, about modern wine marketing, brand building, and creating authentic connections with today's consumers.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Lessons from Laura's entrepreneurial journey and her work across wine, hospitality, entertainment, and consumer marketing.
• How authenticity, accessibility, and storytelling can help wine brands connect with younger consumers.
• The role of packaging, branding, and visual identity in building memorable wine brands, and why Laura describes brand strategy as "brand therapy."

More about the guest: 

A Boston University College of Communication graduate with roots in film, TV, and music, Laura Gabriel brings a storyteller’s mindset to the wine industry. After roles at Capitol Records and Universal Pictures, she launched Paper Planes Wine Company in 2014 and went on to a brand manager role at Treasury Wine Estates before leading marketing for Quintessa and Bundschu Company, driving new product development, national launches, and brand strategy. Laura also has extensive experience bringing partnerships and cultural moments to life, from producing large-scale concerts, music festivals and events to facilitating Netflix and Food Network productions at Napa wineries. 

In 2024, Laura co-founded The River Club, named one of San Francisco Chronicle’s best wineries in Napa Valley, and in 2025 founded Gabriel and Company brand strategy. Today, she consults with experience-driven hospitality brands on strategy, content, and partnerships that build community and drive growth.

Connect: 

Website: http://gabrielandcompany.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesemustbethegrapes/ https://www.instagram.com/paperplaneswine/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gabriel-13b36024/ 

More about the host:

Juliana Colangelo is the Director of Marketing at T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a NYC-based national importer and distributor. She leads marketing strategy across a growing portfolio of global wine and spirits producers, driving brand development, trade engagement, and national visibility during a period of expansion.

Previously, she was Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman & Sons, where she led marketing for key Italian wine portfolios including Gruppo Italiano Vini and Cantine Riunite. Prior to that, she served as Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, where she helped establish the firm’s Bay Area office in 2016.

Juliana is widely recognized as a leading voice in wine marketing and a mentor and connector for women in the beverage alcohol industry.

Connect:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/

Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang

LinkedIn: 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 

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 2710 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 the Mexican sommelier Elsa Georgina Estrada Gil. 

Elsa Georgina is the President of the Mexican Sommelier Association.

In this conversation with the Italian Wine Podcast, Elsa Georgina explains the role and composition of the Mexican Sommeliers Association, trends in the Mexican wine market, and the affordability of wine in Mexico.

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 Episode 1 of Study Smart and Episode 2709 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an accessible and engaging way.

This new series has been designed in partnership with the Italian Wine Academy, a Verona-based, internationally recognized wine school founded in 2017 that provides WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses and specialized training. 

The series is delivered by the acclaimed wine educator Gill Gordon Smith. 

Gill is a VIA certified Italian Wine Expert, an artisan wine producer, retailer, writer, judge and educator based between Australia's McLaren Vale Region and Verona and Tuscany in Italy. 

Look out for new episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts!

_______________________________

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 Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2708 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode Fulvia Tai IWA interviews Domenico Tappero Merlo from Tappero Merlo winery in Piemonte. The conversation explores the winery’s pioneering approach to the Erbaluce grape, an indigenous white variety of Northern Piedmont, and its flagship wines, KIN and Acini Perduti.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

• To understand how the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre’s glacial, sandy, mineral-rich soils shape the style and identity of Canavese wines.
• To explore how Erbaluce di Caluso’s high acidity is balanced through winemaking choices while preserving its mineral character.
• To examine the philosophy of “slow wine” at Tappero Merlo, including long aging, ritual service, and the role of time in wine expression.

More about today’s host: 

Fulvia Tai IWA is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and Sommelier based in Emilia-Romagna. Originally from Taiwan, she specializes in Italian wine education, tasting, and cross-cultural communication, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties.

An AIS-certified taster, Italian Wine Scholar, and Vinitaly Wine Ambassador, she is also pursuing the WSET Diploma. Alongside her academic credentials, Fulvia has worked with international wine importers and founded Diffusa, a consultancy supporting wineries in accessing Asian markets. Today, she bridges Italy and Asia through wine education, strategic consulting, and storytelling.

Connect:

Website: http://www.diffusaitaly.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulvia.tai/ 

More about today’s guest:  

The Tappero Merlo boutique winery is located in the Canavese region of Piedmont, Italy, at the edge of the Aosta Valley. Its vineyards stretch across about 3 hectares within the unique, glaciated Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater. Domenico Tappero Merlo is an acclaimed Italian winemaker, sommelier, and author. He is best known for his dedication to reviving and elevating Erbaluce di Caluso, a native white grape variety from the Canavese region in Piedmont. In 2001, he left the tech industry to return to his family's farming roots in the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater, taking over his family's land to prevent the vineyards from disappearing.

He utilizes plant extracts, essential oils, and minimal copper to protect the vines, while self-producing organic compost to enrich soil fertility. By championing biodiversity—fostering an ecosystem full of beneficial fauna—and using massal selection from ancient vines, he crafts exceptional wines that elevate his grandfather’s legacy.

Connect:

Website: https://www.tapperomerlo.it/en/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568259354306 

_______________________________ 

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!