Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2816 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova speaks with Gerald Lu, President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, seasoned sommelier, and director and owner of Praelum Wine Bistro, one of Singapore’s best-known wine spots.

In Part 2, they discuss career opportunities and salary expectations in the wine industry, the role of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, and advice for Italian wine producers looking to enter the market. 

Listen to Part 1:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2805-singapore-a-gateway-to-premium-wine-in-asia-with-gerald-lu-of-praelum-part-1-asia-wine-market/

Gerald also shares his favourite wine spots across the city:

• Luxury: 67 Pall Mall, Park90
• Cosy: Soif & Co, Patrimonio Wines, Convivial
• Natural wine: Revolution, Temple Cellars

Key Takeaways:

• Understand Singapore's Role as Asia's Wine Hub: Explore why Singapore has become one of Asia's most important markets for premium wine, re-export, hospitality and international trade.
• Discover What Drives Singaporean Wine Consumers: Learn about Praelum, consumer preferences and opportunities for Italian wines.
• Learn How Sommeliers Shape Wine Culture: Understand how education, competitions and professional associations influence both consumers and the wine trade.

About today’s guest:

After completing his national service in 2007, Gerald Lu began his wine career with the IndoChine Group of Restaurants. He earned qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Court of Master Sommeliers, and in 2009 received the Singapore Experience Award for Best Service in Food & Beverage. He went on to win Singapore’s National Sommelier Competition in 2010 and again in 2017.

In 2011, Gerald opened Praelum Wine Bistro in Duxton Hill, which today encompasses a restaurant and bar, wine education, events and wine tourism. He is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore. He is also Chief Critic at Asian Wine Review and a judge and speaker for international wine publications and events including Decanter, IWSC, Vinexpo and ProWein.

Connect:

Website: https://praelum.com.sg/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-lu-a3445646/ 

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/ 

More interviews on Asia Wine Market:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/asia-wine-market-almaty-special-edition/ 

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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

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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 2815 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA meets Luca Speri, sixth-generation member and export manager of the Speri family winery in Valpolicella Classica and newly appointed president of Famiglie Storiche.

Luca shares the family’s commitment to estate-grown grapes, native varieties and organic viticulture, as well as the association’s mission to protect Amarone’s quality and identity. They also discuss the 2026 harvest, adapting to warmer summers and welcoming visitors to the family’s restored 15th-century home.

About today's host:

Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a certified wine sommelier and content creator from Yekaterinburg, Russia, specializing in Italian wines. She holds WSET Level 3 and is an accredited Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) through Vinitaly International Academy. Ekaterina is also a guest blogger for the Italian Wine Podcast and a passionate wine traveler, sharing insights on wine tourism, viticulture, and Italian wine culture.

Connect:

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

More about today's guest:

Luca Speri is the sixth generation of the Speri family, one of the historic producers of Valpolicella Classica, with the seventh generation already involved in the winery. Having grown up immersed in every aspect of the family business, he is now Export Manager, overseeing sales across approximately 65 countries.

Involved with Famiglie Storiche since its foundation in 2009, Luca also served as president of the board of Verona’s Bottega del Vino. After three years as vice-president, he was elected president of Famiglie Storiche, the association of historic Amarone producers.

Connect:

Website: http://www.speri.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speriwinery/?hl=en 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/speri-viticoltori/?originalSubdomain=it 

More interviews on Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/clubhouse-ambassadors-corner/   

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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!

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 2814 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 1 of the Italianity series with Jessica Dupuy. In this episode, Jessica is in conversation with Yannick Benjamin, owner of the Beaupierre wine store in NYC, about Italian hospitality and the people who made him feel welcome and inspired his career in wine.

From Lidia Bastianich’s “nonna” treatment to his early days at Le Cirque under Sirio Maccioni, Yannick shares the experiences that shaped his journey. He also discusses changing wine tastes, his discovery of lighter reds, the influence of Stoicism on his work, his connection to Rome and his love for the wines of Valle d’Aosta.

More about the guest:

Yannick Benjamin is a New York City-based sommelier, wine educator and advocate for accessibility in hospitality. He is Director of Wine at the University Club of New York, co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits and founder of Wine on Wheels, a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities through community, education and advocacy. He co-founded Beaupierre with his wife and fellow sommelier, Heidi Turzyn, and the shop is named after his father, Pierre. A car accident in 2003 left him paralyzed, but he went on to become a sommelier, working at Le Cirque, Jean-Georges, Felidia and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton. He also co-founded Contento in East Harlem, and starred in the Esquire TV documentary series "Uncorked". He received the Michelin Guide New York Sommelier Award in 2023, and was named Sommelier/Wine Director of the Year at the 2021 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards. 

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-benjamin-b50a5b5/

Wine on Wheels: https://wineonwheels.org

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/YannickBenjamin

More about the host:

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. Her book Italianity, released this year and co-authored with Andrea Lonardi MW, explores and celebrates the culture of Italian wine. She also co-hosts podcast, Another Bottle Down.

Connect:

Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-norman-dupuy-86486a4/  

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

_______________________________

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

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

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

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 2813 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 265 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Greg Parsons of Sharpham Cheese.

They discuss the landscape of Southern Devon, the current state of farming and the market, the history of cheesemaking in Devon, the challenges of taking over the business in 2019, the product range, and English wine and cheese pairings.

More about the guest:

Greg Parsons is the owner and managing director of Sharpham Dairy, a prominent artisan cheesemaking business based in South Devon, England. Along with his wife, Nicky Parsons, he acquired the company in 2019 after working as a food industry veteran for roughly 40 years with major brands like Unilever and Dairy Crest.

Connect:

Website: https://sharphamcheese.co.uk/ 

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-parsons-a9209b5/ 

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

More interviews on Wine, Food & Travel:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/food-travel/ 

_______________________________

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 2812 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa Muoio IWA speaks with Brooklyn-based sommelier, wine director, and restaurateur Andrea Mancin about Brooklyn’s evolving wine scene, pairing Italian wines with creative pasta dishes, and the opportunities for small, sustainable producers in New York City.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Brooklyn’s evolving palate: How local diners are moving beyond established Italian appellations toward organic wines, skin-contact whites, and low-intervention styles, with authenticity increasingly taking precedence over prestige.
• Pairing pasta and wine: How to train restaurant staff to match high-acid, structured wines and funkier natural wines with inventive pasta dishes.
• Reaching the modern NYC wine buyer: How Italian wineries and importers can present smaller-scale, sustainability-focused producers in an increasingly competitive New York market.

More about the guest:

Andrea Mancin is an Italian sommelier, wine director, and restaurateur based in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known as a co-owner and the wine curator behind popular Brooklyn dining spots, LaRina Pastificio & Vino and Briscola Trattoria, managing extensive wine lists heavily focused on natural wines, small-scale producers, and indigenous Italian varietals

Connect:

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

Website: https://larinabrooklyn.com/

More about the host:

Equal parts wine geek and storyteller, Marissa Muoio turns up the volume on the Italian Wine Podcast as a host of the Masterclass US Wine Market series! Marissa’s love affair with Italian wine started with a simple realization: behind every bottle of Nebbiolo, Brunello, or Fiano is a wild story of ancient history, passionate families, and incredible food pairings. But getting those stories onto American tables takes strategy.

In the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa bridges the gap between Italian cellars and the American trade. She brings high energy, sharp questions, and plenty of laughs while chatting with top industry insiders, sommeliers, and importers on the East Coast. When she’s not in front of the mic geeking out over volcanic soils and forgotten appellations, you’ll usually find Marissa on the hunt for the perfect plate of pasta, road-testing new wine bars, or swirling something new with friends. Her ultimate motto? No acqua, solo vino.

Connect: 

Website: http://linktr.ee/marissamuoio 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissamuoio/c 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-muoio/ 

More interviews on the US Wine Market: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/

_______________________________

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 18 of Study Smart and Episode 2811 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 18: Canada

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 Book Club and Episode 2810 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Joseph Walker, author of “Buried Italy”.

Highlights of the conversation include:

• Joseph’s personal background and career in the US military
• His “origin story” as an explorer of Italian history
• The discovery of the submerged Roman remains at Portus Julius
• Tourism as a vehicle for sharing history and storytelling
• The challenges of managing competing demands of tourism and preservation
• How to be a more responsible tourist in Italy
• The importance of wine to the Italian visitor experience
• What wine can tell us about the history of Italy

“Buried Italy” by Joseph M. Walker is available to order on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/06NdhEa3.

About today’s guest:

The US military sent Joseph Walker to Italy in 1988, and the country has had a hold on him ever since. He began studying history in Naples, before returning to the States to wrap up his Master’s degree. By 1994, he was back in Italy with a burning curiosity and absolutely no plans to leave. Over the next thirty years, Joseph personally guided more than three thousand groups across the country. He even became the very first person to take travelers underwater to explore the sunken Roman ruins of Portus Julius near Naples! His deep expertise has also caught the eye of television producers, leading him to consult as a historian for shows on the History Channel, the BBC, and the Discovery Channel. Today, Joseph channels everything he’s uncovered over the last three decades — the buried cities, the forgotten kingdoms, and the fascinating stories that never make the guidebooks — into crafting unforgettable itineraries for his clients.

Connect:

Website: https://italianhistorywithjoseph.com/

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

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/

More interviews hosted by Richard Hough:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/italian-wine-book/

_______________________________

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 2809 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Karlijn Tiemersma interviews Arnoud Zuijdendorp, director of NOVITALIA, an Italian food and wine distributor in the Netherlands, about the evolving Dutch wine market and the growing popularity of Italian wines.

They discuss changing consumer preferences, the importance of storytelling and food pairings, and how Italian producers can stand out in a competitive market. Arnoud also shares how NOVITALIA selects its winery partners, promotes lesser-known Italian regions and varieties, and builds connections between Italian wine, food and culture.

About today's host:

Karlijn Tiemersma is a marketer, creative connector and curious woman with a love for bringing people and ideas together. Alongside her work in marketing, she has a soft spot for Italy, wine, travel and the stories that unfold around a table. Grounded by her Dutch roots and inspired by the Italian way of life, Karlijn is always looking for new places, people and experiences. She has been a part of the Italian Wine Ambassador community since this April.

Connect:

Website: http://karlijntiemersma.nl

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

More about today's guest:

Arnoud Zuijdendorp is the director of NOVITALIA, a rapidly growing company specializing in Italian food and wine distribution. Representing 40 food and beverage producers and around 15 wineries, NOVITALIA supplies restaurants across the Netherlands, helping them bring Italian products and wines to their menus. Passionate about Italian wine, Arnoud regularly visits wineries, attends tastings and trade fairs, and organizes training to share his knowledge and promote Italian wine.

Connect:

Website: http://novitalia.nl

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoud-zuijdendorp-54475345/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnoud.zuijdendorp

More interviews on Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/clubhouse-ambassadors-corner/

_______________________________

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 2808 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 264 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Gilda Martusciello of Salvatore Martusciello winery to explore Campi Flegrei, from sunken Roman cities to Piedirosso.

They discuss what it means to make wine on an active volcano, how the volcanic and yellow tuff soils shape the wines, and how Campi Flegrei differs from Vesuvius. Gilda also shares how her husband's family helped map the area's key terroirs and grapes and were the first to petition for DOC status in Campania. The conversation ends with food and wine pairings, from Falanghina and Piedirosso with local seafood to Asprinio with mozzarella.

More about the guest:

Gilda Guida Martusciello discovered her love for wine through her encounter with Salvatore Martusciello and his family, pioneers since the 1990s in reviving Campania's native grape varieties. Their commitment and perseverance promoted the very creation of three DOCs: Campi Flegrei, Aversa (home of Asprinio) and Penisola Sorrentina. A passion Gilda married into in 2005, and turned into a shared project in 2015, when she and Salvatore founded their own winery, Salvatore Martusciello. Together they carry his family's name and legacy forward, engaging the local rural community and helping bring these territories back to life. Gilda tells their story, in Italy and abroad, weaving Greek, Roman and Italic heritage into every glass — wine first as culture, then as product. She is Delegate for Campania of Le Donne del Vino, Vice President of Vitica, a board member of the Consorzio Penisola Sorrentina DOP, holds a WSET Level 2 diploma, and is an ONAS Maestra Assaggiatrice.

Connect:

Website: https://www.salvatoremartusciello.it/ 

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

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.ukhttps://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 2807 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald is joined by Giuseppe LoCascio of Lucidity Wine Merchants to explore how Italian wine producers can find the right importer and turn that partnership into lasting success in the US market.

Giuseppe explains how his company chooses the producers it works with and the main pillars behind those decisions. He also breaks down the differences between key California markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego, and shares how producers can support their importer once the contract is signed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Finding the importer that needs you is the first step toward a successful US launch.
2. Getting an importer is just the beginning — the real work starts after the contract is signed.
3. Choosing the right market within the US matters, as each region, even within California, has its own dynamics.

More about the guest:

Born in New York City, Giuseppe grew up in Italy, where he earned a degree in Economics and Business. He returned to New York in 2002 and obtained an MBA from the Fordham Graduate School of Business in 2010. In 2004, he spent a year in Florence as a Junior Associate at Matura, a consulting firm specializing in the wine business and owned by renowned Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini. Until August 2016, Giuseppe served as Vice President of Portfolio Management at Leonardo LoCascio Selections, the Italian wine import division of The Winebow Group. Prior to his current role, he worked as Brand Management Director for Italy and Austria, National Brand Manager for the Allegrini Group, and Sales Manager for New York City and Westchester County. Passionate about wine and food, Giuseppe enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with friends and clients.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-l-locascio-1805141

Website: https://www.luciditywine.com/ 

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/

More interviews on US Wine Market: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/

_______________________________

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 17 of Study Smart and Episode 2806 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 17: Portugal and Greece 

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!

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