Welcome to Episode 2682 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 15th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 15: La Romea Strata tra ambra, vino e imperi

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 2681 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 243 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 episode 2680 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 is the American wine educator Julia Coney Walters. 

In this conversation with Stevie Kim, Julia shares her strategy for navigating Grandi Langhe, her approach to wine education, and her top takeaway from the event.

Julia also discusses Black Wine Professionals, the resource she founded for wine industry employers, gatekeepers, professionals, and the broader food and beverage community.

Find about more about Julia and her work at: https://www.juliaconey.com/

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: Almaty Special Edition and Episode 2679 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Natalya Budayeva, a wine educator at Champagne Sommelier School in Almaty. Together, they dive into the role of education in shaping the market, and the opportunities for building a stronger connection between trade and HoReCa.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand the role of wine education in Kazakhstan, including current knowledge levels, key challenges, and how educators make wine more accessible.
• Identify the main gaps between education, trade, and HoReCa, and how industry initiatives contribute to building wine culture in an emerging market.
• Learn how to build and position a wine portfolio for Kazakhstan, including selection criteria and market fit.

Bonus: Natalya’s favorite wine spots in Almaty:

• Champagne Wine Gallery
• Agora

More about today’s guest:

Natalya Budayeva is a wine educator and industry professional based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, working at the intersection of wine education, trade, and hospitality. She is an educator at the Champagne Sommelier School, where she develops training programs, teaches courses for professionals and wine lovers, and organizes tastings and brand presentations.

She also plays an active role in the local wine community as Board Coordinator of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association (KazSomm), contributing to competitions, tastings, and educational initiatives that support the growth of wine culture in the region. Natalya holds the DipWSET qualification and takes part in international wine competitions as a jury member.

Connect:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/notifications/?filter=all 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?checkpoint_src=any 

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 

Explore New Market Opportunities with Us!

Until Next Time Cin Cin!

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2678 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Jessica Dupuy, co-author of “Italianity, The Culture of Italian Wine”. 

Highlights of the conversation include:

• What is “Italianity”?
• Working with Andrea Lonardi MW
• Exploring Italy and the concept of “Italianity”
• Embracing the Italian concept of “sprezzatura”
• How the US Wine Market has survived recent political and economic instability 

Further reading:

“Italianity, The Culture of Italian Wine” is available online at: www.italianity.wine and www.jessicadupuy.com and other major online retailers.

Jessica’s substack is: https://jessicadupuy.substack.com/.

The restaurant in Masala that Jessica mentioned in the conversation is Le Lumie (https://www.ristorantelelumie.com/). 

The Book Review by Richard Hough:

“Italianity is an extraordinary achievement. Not only have Jessica Dupuy and Andrea Lonardi created a sumptuous, original and insightful meditation on the culture of Italian wine, they have done so in two languages in a style that is ambitious yet humble, soaring yet grounded. Italianity is one of those books that effortlessly inspires, as it takes the reader on an unforgettable journey across Italy alongside two of the wine world’s most capable contemporary communicators.”

About today’s guest:

Jessica Dupuy covers wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma with the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust, is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. Dupuy’s work has appeared in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. She recently published, The Wines of Southwest USA in addition to six regional cookbooks. She also co-hosts podcast, Another Bottle Down.

Connect:

Website: www.jessicadupuy.com  

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

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 2677 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews Moreno Petrini  of Tenuta di Valgiano in Lucca, Tuscany.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn a bit about the history and territory of Lucca.
• Understand how French varieties first came to this region.
• Learn about the biodynamic movement that dominates Lucca’s winemaking culture.

More about today’s host:

As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling.

Connect:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Moreno Petrini was born and raised in Lucca in a traditional Lucchese family. After studying Political Science in Milan, he began his professional career in the glass industry before moving into private equity for an American company.

In 1993, Moreno acquired Tenuta di Valgiano, the historic estate neighboring his family property, and for many years balanced a double life between the corporate world and wine production until dedicating himself fully to wine in 2015. Located in the hills north of Lucca, Tenuta di Valgiano is known for its biodynamic philosophy, low-intervention approach, and elegant wines that express the unique terroir of Tuscany’s Colline Lucchesi area. In 2005, Moreno also became a permanent member of the prestigious Grand Jury Européen.

Connect:

Website: https://www.valgiano.it/ 

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

_______________________________ 

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 2676 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 14th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 14: Storie di crinali, Medici e mercati.

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 2675 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 242 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Marco De Grazia of the Sicilian Tenuta delle Terre Nere about his extraordinary journey through the Italian wine world — from Tuscany and the Langhe during the rise of the Barolo Boys to pioneering cru-based winemaking on Mount Etna. Together, they explore the evolution of Barolo and Etna, the philosophies of Etna and Burgundy, the relationship between wine and food, and Marco’s commitment to supporting the next generation of winemakers.

More about today’s guest:

Marco de Grazia is one of the pioneering figures behind the international rise of Etna wines. Originally from Tuscany, he first built his reputation as a wine merchant and exporter, working closely with some of the most influential producers in Piemonte during a transformative period for Barolo and Barbaresco. Through these experiences, Marco developed a deep understanding of terroir, single-vineyard expressions, and fine wine culture.

In 2002, he founded Tenuta delle Terre Nere on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, becoming one of the first producers to champion the concept of cru-based Etna wines. His work helped establish Etna as one of the world’s most exciting fine wine regions, known for elegance, minerality, and transparency of terroir. Today, Marco continues to advocate for artisanal winemaking, vineyard identity, and the mentorship of young winegrowers shaping the future of Italian wine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.tenutaterrenere.com/en/home-english/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenuta-delle-terre-nere/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075632151951 

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 2674 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald speaks with Vincent Morrow MS, Wine & Beverage Director at the Union Square Hospitality Group.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how restaurants can rebuild wine relevance through guest experience and hospitality.
• Explore how Union Square Hospitality Group approaches wine buying decisions across its restaurant portfolio.
• Learn the key principles behind designing successful restaurant wine programs today.

More about the guest:

Vincent Morrow is a Master Sommelier and Wine & Beverage Director at Union Square Hospitality Group. Previously, he served as Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant, where he helped oversee the world’s largest collection of Napa Valley wines and led the program to its first Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2022 — a rare recognition for a regionally focused wine list.

A recipient of multiple industry honors, Vincent was named Michelin Guide California Sommelier of the Year and VinePair Next Wave Sommelier of the Year in 2022. His career includes experience at renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry, Benu, Gary Danko, and ONE65 in San Francisco. Beyond hospitality, Vincent is a strong advocate for diversity, mentorship, and greater accessibility in wine education and the broader wine industry.

Connect: 

Website: https://www.ushg.com/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-morrow-ms-582ba923/ 

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 2673 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: Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier, educator, entrepreneur, and NAACP-nominated author.

More about the guest:

Cha McCoy is the founder of Cha Squared, a beverage experience company focused on events, tourism, and education. She is known for making wine more accessible and challenging “palate discrimination” through initiatives like her global wine dinner series The Communion and her retail space, The Communion Wine & Spirits. Her book Wine Pairing for the People (HarperCollins, 2025) further explores the connection between wine, food, and culture.

Cha has held key roles such as Beverage Director of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Beverage Director and Editor at Cherry Bombe. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast, she now works between Portugal and Italy, collaborating to make the hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible.

Connect: https://www.chamccoy.com/ 

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 2672 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Svetlana Khaninaeva, one of the few female butchers in the world, about her journey from Michelin-starred restaurants to butchery, the DNA of Kazakh cuisine, and the unique concept behind Kazmyaso. They also explore imposter syndrome in hospitality, the similarities between Italian and Kazakh food cultures, and pairing Italian wines with different types of meat.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand Kazakh meat culture and dining habits: how local ingredients, cuts, and traditions shape the way wine should be positioned.
• Identify practical pairing strategies between Italian wines and Central Asian dishes (especially meat-driven cuisine).
• Learn how to localize Italian wine storytelling to resonate with Kazakh consumers through culture, hospitality, and food.

Bonus: Svetlana’s favorite wine spots in Almaty:

• Agora
• Them

More about today’s guest:

As one of the few female butchers in the world, Svetlana has redefined Central Asian meat culture with Kazmyaso, the only restaurant in Central Asia with its own herd of Black Angus cattle. She has international training in butchering and charcuterie, including with Christian Puglisi at Relae (Copenhagen), Brad Farmerie at Saxon+Parole (New York), as well as at M25, the farm-to-table butchery in Tel Aviv. 

At Kazmyaso, Svetlana and her team handled everything from feed production to dry-aging, ensuring complete control over the process. The restaurant’s menu celebrated the richness of locally raised beef with dishes ranging from marrow bone tartare to dry-aged steaks and handcrafted charcuterie, including camel, horse, duck and other local meats. 

Svetlana is currently working on a new farm-to-table project focused on local meats and destined to redefine local steakhouse culture yet again, with plans to open in 2026.

Svetlana also takes part in international events, including guest shifts around the world (Piano 35 1*, Atto di Vito Mollica 1*, Gucci Giardino, etc.). She is also a Tatler columnist, a TEDx and an UN Tourism Conference speaker.

More about Svetlana: https://www.cibotoday.it/storie/svetlana-khaninaeva-chef-kazakistan.html 

Connect:

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

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

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/ 

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