Italian Wine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 2810 Buried Italy with Joseph Walker | Book Club with Richard Hough Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

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/

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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!

Ep. 2809 The presence of Italian Wine in the Dutch culture: A conversation between Karlijn Tiemersma and Arnoud Zuijdendorp | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

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/

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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!

Ep. 2808 From Sunken Roman Cities to Piedirosso: Exploring Campi Flegrei Through Wine with Gilda Martusciello of Salvatore Martusciello winery | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

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.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!

Ep.2807 Importing Italian Wine to the US with Giuseppe LoCascio of Lucidity Wine Merchants | Masterclass US Wine Market Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

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:

Finding the importer that needs you is the first step toward a successful US launch.
Getting an importer is just the beginning — the real work starts after the contract is signed.
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/

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

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

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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!

Ep. 2806 Ep. 17: Greece and Portugal | Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

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!

_______________________________

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!

Ep. 2805 Singapore: A Gateway to Premium Wine in Asia with Gerald Lu of Praelum Part 1 | Asia Wine Market Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2805 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.

Part 1 explores Singapore’s wine market, including its import and distribution landscape, key players in Italian wine, consumer profiles and preferences, and the balance between volume and premium positioning. Gerald also shares insights into Praelum and its wine portfolio.

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/

_______________________________

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!

Ep. 2804 How a New Generation of Women Is Shaping Italy’s Wine Industry with Michela Adriano of Marco Adriano e Vittorio | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2804 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Saloni Khanapurkar IWA interviews Michela Adriano of Marco Adriano e Vittorio, who shares her experience working in her family winery and her perspective on the evolving role of women in Italy’s wine industry.

Michela discusses the unique terroir of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio in Barbaresco, her work with Sbarbatelle, and the importance of creating a more connected and inclusive wine community. She also reflects on staying grounded, having fun in the industry, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

About today's host:

Saloni Khanapurkar is an Italian wine professional, educator, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of wine, culture, and India. She is India’s first and only Italian Wine Ambassador, a WSET Level 3 in Wine holder, and currently a DipWSET candidate. She has worked with Italian wineries and wine organizations across Piemonte, Tuscany, Lombardy, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with experience spanning wine education, export consulting, communications, and cross-cultural projects. Saloni is currently one of the producers of the Italian Wine Podcast, where she contributes to the creation and production of conversations around Italian wine and its people. She is also the founder of SipSaathi, a women-first wine ecosystem focused on building education, professional opportunities, and global connections for India’s emerging wine community.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saloni-khanapurkar/

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

More about today's guest:

Michela Adriano represents the third generation of her family’s winery in the Langhe, where wine has been part of her life since childhood. Today, she is involved in sales and general management of Adriano Winery. For Michela, wine is first and foremost about the people who make it special: the family, the people who work alongside her, and all those who put their passion, knowledge and personality into every bottle. She believes that these people are what truly make the difference in wine.

Her approach is simple, friendly and inclusive. She wants wine to be something people can enjoy without feeling intimidated or feeling they need to “know enough.” For Michela, wine is a way to connect: to sit around a table, share a bottle, talk about life and exchange stories. Connection is her K-word in wine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.adrianovini.it/

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

_______________________________

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!

Ep. 2803 From Brodetto to Ribona: Exploring Le Marche Through Food and Wine with Lucrezia Bencivenga of Cantine Fontezoppa | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to episode 2803 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 263 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with wine export manager Lucrezia Bencivenga to explore the story of Ribona and the dual soul of Le Marche.

They explore Ribona’s history and character, the influence of Le Marche’s coastal and mountain landscapes, and how local wines reflect the region’s food, traditions and sense of place.

More about the guest:

Lucrezia Bencivenga is a multilingual commercial executive whose career brings together international communication, strategic thinking and a deep passion for wine. Before entering the business world, she worked as an interpreter at the European Parliament, an experience that sharpened her ability to navigate different cultures, build connections and communicate with clarity in complex environments.

Today, as Commercial Director of Cantine Fontezoppa, she oversees sales development in Italy and abroad, manages key accounts and distribution networks, and contributes to the positioning and evolution of the brand. She is also actively involved in developing partnerships, hospitality projects and wine-tourism experiences that bring people closer to the identity of the Marche region.

Connect:

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

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

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!

Ep. 2802 Italian Wine in South Florida: Restaurant Strategies & Opportunities with Jacqueline Pirolo | Masterclass US Wine Market Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 2802 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa Muoio is joined by award-winning Italian-born restaurateur, beverage director, and sommelier Jacqueline Pirolo in a conversation that focused on how Italian wines are positioned, sold and scaled across multiconcept restaurants in South Florida.

Key Takeaways:

How to position Italian wines across different restaurant concepts and guest experiences.
Strategies for introducing indigenous Italian grapes to consumers more familiar with Napa and California wines.
How seasonality, climate, tourism and distributor relationships shape the South Florida wine market.

More about the guest:

Born in Italy and raised in New York, Jacqueline Pirolo is an award-winning restaurateur, beverage director, and sommelier based in Miami. She began her hospitality career in New York before co-founding The Saint Austere in Brooklyn in 2011. In 2012, she joined her brother, Chef Mike Pirolo, and partner Jen Chaefsky to open Macchialina in Miami, where she serves as partner and beverage director, building a celebrated wine program focused on Italian terroir.

Her work has earned recognition from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Gambero Rosso and the James Beard Foundation. In 2025, she received the Michelin Guide Florida Sommelier Award. She also co-founded Bar Bucce, a casual Italian market, pizzeria, wine bar and bottle shop in Miami’s Little River neighborhood, which was named a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Bar in 2026.

Connect:

Website: https://macchialina.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lambrusco574/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jienna-basaldu/

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 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!

Ep. 2801 Ep. 16: Italy | Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 16 of Study Smart and Episode 2801 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 15: Italy

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.

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!