Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2626 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Daniel Mwangi interviews Roberto Bava and Roberto Cardinale of Bava winery in Piedmont. 

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

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the Bava Winery Identity. Explore the family’s journey, heritage, and what distinguishes their winery within the Piedmont wine landscape.
• Viticulture, Winemaking & Innovation. Learn about their approach to vineyard management, winemaking philosophy, and the technologies and innovations shaping their wines.
• Market Vision & Future Direction. Understand how the winery responds to evolving consumer trends and what their long-term vision is for the future.

More about today’s host:

Daniel Mwangi is a sommelier and food & beverage expert from Kenya. He has served as a sommelier with Silversea / Celebrity Cruises, curating fine wine experiences for a global clientele, and has worked in the Armani, Marriott and Intercontinental hotels in Dubai.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mwangi-b96b1495/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Bava Winery is a historic family estate located in the hills of Monferrato, with vineyards also extending into Langhe. Founded in 1911, the winery is known for producing classic Piedmont wines such as Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, and Moscato d'Asti. The Bava family has played an important role in the development of the Alta Langa DOCG and is recognized for innovation in the region, including early use of barriques and the revival of indigenous grape varieties.

Roberto Bava, co-owner and Export & Marketing Director, represents the fourth generation of the family. Known for his creative approach to hospitality and communication, he has organized international “Bava Concept Dinners,” collaborating with chefs, artists, and performers across five continents. Since 1982, Roberto has also served as Managing Director of Giulio Cocchi, where he helped revive historic products such as Barolo Chinato and played a key role in restoring the designation Vermouth di Torino. He is a former president of the Consorzio del Vermouth di Torino.

Roberto Cardinale is Asia, Pacific and Africa Manager at Bava Winery. With over 20 years of experience in international wine markets, he works closely with partners across multiple regions to promote the wines of the estate. Based in Tuscany, he speaks several languages and combines his passion for wine with a strong commitment to family life and cultural exchange.

Connect:

Website: https://www.bava.com/en/ 

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

_______________________________ 

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 2625 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the fifth episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 5: Moscato, Barolo e l’alba della modernità.

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 

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 2624 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 233 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, In this episode, Marc speaks with Emanuele Scarello and Michela Scarello of Agli Amici, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant group, to explore the diversity of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, from its people and landscapes to its culinary traditions and wines.

They discuss how the restaurant adapts traditional recipes, the importance of sourcing exceptional local ingredients such as Prosciutto di San Daniele and regional cheeses, and how their signature dishes are paired with local wines.

More about today’s guests:

Emanuele Scarello and Michela Scarello are the fifth-generation siblings leading Agli Amici, a historic restaurant founded in 1887 and awarded two Michelin stars. 

Born in 1970, Emanuele developed his passion for cooking through the influence of his mother Ivonne. After training at hospitality school and gaining experience in Italy and abroad, he joined the family restaurant’s kitchen in 1998. His cuisine combines innovation with tradition, emphasizing outstanding local ingredients and the culinary heritage of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. 

Michela has been managing the hospitality, service and cellar of Agli Amici with dedication and passion for almost twenty years. She is an excellent sommelier, she takes care of rediscovering forgotten vines, enhancing even small producers without losing sight of the excellent labels.

Today, the Agli Amici group also operates locations in Venice and Rovinj at the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, continuing the family’s legacy of refined hospitality and contemporary regional cuisine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.agliamici.it/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agliamici1887/ 

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 

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 2623 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald talks with the wine business consultant and researcher Tim Hanni MW about how individual taste preferences and perception challenge traditional wine communication, why perceptual segmentation matters, and how conventional sensory-based wine education may unintentionally exclude many consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• Individual Preference vs. Wine Culture. Why wine preference is highly individual and how this reality often clashes with the way the U.S. wine market promotes wine.
• The Power of Perceptual Segmentation. How segmenting consumers by shared perceptual traits, alongside demographics, can fundamentally change how the wine industry understands and reaches drinkers.
• Rethinking Wine Education. How traditional wine education and sensory evaluation frameworks may unintentionally suppress demand instead of growing it.

More about the guest:

Tim Hanni MW is a wine industry consultant, lecturer, and researcher with more than 50 years of experience in food and wine. A professionally trained chef, he was one of the first two resident Americans to pass the Master of Wine examination and earn the prestigious title.

Tim is President of Calyber LLC and HanniCo LLC, where he researches and quantifies the factors that influence personal wine preferences. Widely recognized as an internationally renowned “flavor maven,” he brings a distinctive perspective to the study of taste, consumer behavior, and wine enjoyment.

In addition to his consulting work, Tim is involved in wine business education, providing courses for individuals, organizations, and universities. He also serves as Wine Industry Faculty at Sonoma State University. He is the author of the book Why You Like the Wines You Like, which explores the science and psychology behind personal taste preferences.

Connect: 

Website: https://www.timhanni.com/

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

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 

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 2622 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’s guest: Sergio Germano, President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani

More about the Consorzio:

The Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani is the official producers’ association that protects, regulates and promotes some of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions and their wines including Barolo, Barbaresco, Dogliani and other Langhe appellations. Founded in 1934, the Consorzio oversees production standards, defends collective wine trademarks, monitors markets for authenticity, and works to raise awareness of these wines and their terroirs around the world. It represents hundreds of growers and wineries dedicated to quality hillside viticulture and the heritage of Piedmont’s Langhe wine landscape. 

Connect: https://www.langhevini.it/en/ 

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 

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 2621 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Chloë Syrah Schwartz to break down the Supreme Court ruling and examine what it signals for the future of the U.S. wine trade.

Key Takeaways:

• Why a family-run wine importer took a stand when others didn’t.
Victor and Chloe (and by extension V.O.S.) didn’t just join a lawsuit, they became the public face of a challenge that other businesses were hesitant to touch.
• How tariffs disrupt small business operations.
The story isn’t abstract, it’s about cash flow, relationships with producers abroad, and survival tactics.
• Unanswered questions and strategic positioning.
The larger story is about anticipation, uncertainty, and how a business positions itself after a major but incomplete legal outcome.

More about the guest: 

Chloe Syrah Schwartz is the Vice President at V.O.S. Selections, a wine & spirits importer founded by her father, Victor, in 1987. Chloe and Victor were the lead plaintiffs in V.O.S. Selections v Trump, which successfully overturned the "Liberation Day" tariffs at the US Supreme Court.

Connect: 

Website: https://vosselections.com/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-syrah-schwartz/ 

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 

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 Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2620 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto interviews Tancredi Biondi Santi of Castello di Montepò in Maremma, Tuscany. They explore the legacy (and pressures) of growing up in the iconic Biondi Santi family, the family’s bold move from Montalcino to Maremma, and the unique Sangiovese Grosso clone discovered in the 1970s. Along the way, they discuss how terroir shapes Sangiovese differently in Montalcino versus Maremma, the estate’s wines, the challenge of climate change, and even the rumors that Elon Musk once eyed Castello di Montepò.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the legacy of the Biondi Santi family and the evolution from Montalcino to Maremma.
• Learn about the unique Sangiovese Grosso clone and the differences in growing Sangiovese between Montalcino and Maremma.
• Gain insight into Castello di Montepò’s wines, terroir, and approach to climate challenges.

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: https://www.winemood.ch/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lazzaretto/ 

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

More about today’s guest:  

The Castello di Montepò winery is located in the heart of the Maremma Toscana region, in the province of Grosseto, north of the municipality of Scansano. It is situated in a hilly area (between 300 and 460 meters above sea level) and is famous for producing the high-quality Super Tuscan wine Sassoalloro (100% Sangiovese Grosso BBS11). Castello di Montepò represents the current chapter of the Biondi Santi family’s winemaking history.

Tancredi Biondi Santi, son of Jacopo Biondi Santi, is fully involved in the estate and serves as co-winemaker alongside his father, contributing to vineyard management, cellar work, and the long-term qualitative direction of the wines. He lives between Castello di Montepò and New York City, where he is also active in the international market development and global positioning of the family estate.

Connect:

Website: https://castellodimontepo.it/en/ 

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

_______________________________ 

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 2619 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the fourth episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 4: Vie della fede, vie del vino.

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 

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 2618 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 232 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Alessandro Cellai of Domini Castellare di Castellina in the heart of Chianti Classico. They explore the estate’s history and philosophy, from the legacy of mezzadria to pioneering work with Attilio Scienza on Sangiovese clone selection, long before the Chianti 2000 project. The conversation also covers organic vineyard practices, the key soils shaping Sangiovese’s expression, lessons from Giacomo Tachis, signature wines, Malvasia Nera as Sangiovese’s partner, and the gastronomy and hospitality that define the Castellare vision.

More about today’s guest:

Founded in the 1970s, Castellare di Castellina was created with the goal of producing high-quality, terroir-driven Chianti Classico rooted in Tuscan tradition. The estate spans about 80 hectares, with 33 hectares of vineyards farmed according to organic principles at around 370 meters above sea level. Known for low yields, careful clone selection, and a strong commitment to biodiversity, symbolized by the rare birds featured on each label, the winery focuses on expressing pure Sangiovese and the distinctive soils of Chianti Classico.

Alessandro Cellai is the head winemaker, general manager and  managing director of Castellare di Castellina. He studied oenology at the Istituto Tecnico of Siena and chemistry at the University of Florence. Considered one of the most authoritative voices in the world wine scene, he is known for his philosophy based on technique, passion and innovation.

Connect:

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

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/domini-castellare-di-castellina/ 

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 

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 2617 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo is in conversation with the wine sales and brand development leader, Kevin Di Lucente, focusing on small regional markets in the Northeast US. Together, they discuss promising cities and areas, the advantages these markets offer compared to major metro areas, price “sweet spots”, and the common mistakes brands make when entering these markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Why smaller Northeast markets offer strong growth potential.
• How to adapt portfolio, pricing, and positioning for regional markets.
• What to understand about distribution, depletion, and velocity outside major metro areas.

More about the guest: 

Kevin Di Lucente is an experienced leader in wine sales and brand development, with over 16 years of experience growing premium portfolios. He is an ambassador for the Vinitaly International Academy and a specialist in Italian wines. Kevin has focused much of his career on expanding distribution for family-owned producers in smaller communities across New York State. Outside of wine, Kevin is a musician, improv comedian, and proud cat dad.

Connect: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-di-lucente-a830712a/ 

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PVU6Atuoj0pwejKUlFYjt 

More about the host:

Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. 

During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador.

Connect:

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

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

Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang

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 

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 #openbarstevie and Episode 2617 of the Italian Wine Podcast. 

It’s a casual video podcast filmed in the office, where wine people drop by, open a bottle or two, and hang out with moi! 😝Sometimes they come alone, often in pairs or small groups. The conversation flows naturally and is not limited to wine. It touches on family, friendships, work, failures, successes, current events, and above all the Italian way of living.

This is not an interview series in the traditional sense. It is closer to friends meeting at aperitivo time. Wine is the excuse, NOT the subject. The focus is on lived experience. What it really means to live and work in Italy today. The beauty, the contradictions, the chaos, the privilege, and the everyday rituals that define Italian lifestyle.

💡 Format:

30 to 45 minutes

Filmed in the office with a relaxed, low-production setup

1 to 3 guests per episode

Guests can be producers, communicators, importers, educators, creatives, or friends of the wine world. Any recommendations for potential guests⁉️

Today’s guests are Sabrina Tedeschi and Luca Nicolis from Antica Bottega del Vino.

More about today’s guest:

Antica Bottega del Vino is one of the oldest and most historical osteria in Verona. Founded in 1890 it is one of the most renowned restaurants in Verona, especially for its legendary wine list. With more than 1500 labels and 40.000 bottles it offers something for every taste and budget..

Connect:

Website: https://bottegavini.it/ 

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

More about the host:

Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning 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/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ 

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 

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!