Italian Wine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 2790 Italian Wine in the US: Building a Narrative and Reaching Asian American Consumers with Susan R. Lin MW | Masterclass US Wine Market Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 2790 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald is joined by Susan R. Lin MW to explore how Italian wine producers can build stronger narratives in the US market and connect with one of the industry's fastest-growing audiences: Asian-American consumers.

Susan also shares five key elements of a strong wine narrative and insights from her work combining storytelling, music and wine, including the examples of wineries from the US and Italy.

Key Takeaways:

Price matters, but your narrative matters more.
Memorable experiences are the key to building presence.
Asian-American wine consumers represent a fast-growing, high-value market segment in the US.

More about the guest:

Susan R. Lin, MW, is Head of Wine Expertise for San Francisco-based boutique retailer Belmont Wine Exchange and President & Co-Founder of the Asian Wine Association of America. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology, and in her independent consultancy she specializes in music and wine pairings and experiences grounded in academic research and brand strategy. Susan previously worked in tech as a program manager for Google Search and Maps quality and has lived and traveled extensively in East Asia. She was named a Master of Wine in 2021 after her research paper on the influence of classical music on the perception of Champagne.

Connect:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/susanrlin/

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

Website: https://linsusanr.wixsite.com/susan

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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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2789 ColleMassari: a long-term vision rooted in Montecucco with Giuliano Guerrini | On The Road With Stevie Kim Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 2789 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On The Road Special Edition, Stevie Kim visits Castello ColleMassari and talks with Giuliano Guerrini, Agronomist at ColleMassari, who has spent 27 years working in the Montecucco DOC and knows this territory inside out.

Through Giuliano’s perspective, we get a closer look at what makes Montecucco different, how the identity of the DOC has evolved over time, and the role ColleMassari has played in bringing greater recognition to this part of Tuscany.

More about the winery:

The history of the ColleMassari winery began when siblings Claudio Tipa and Maria Iris Bertarelli set out to revive an overlooked corner of Tuscany's Maremma region, just south of Montalcino. They acquired the estate and immediately converted the existing vineyards to organic farming, with all new plantings organic from the start. In 1999, the family purchased the 13th-century castle and hamlet of Montecucco, expanding the property's hospitality offerings. The winery itself, a striking work of contemporary architecture built into the hillside, opened in 2005, won the Fassa Bortolo International Prize for Sustainable Architecture in 2006, and was later named Gambero Rosso's Winery of the Year in 2014. Today the estate spans some 1,200 hectares, the majority left as wild habitat, with vineyards dedicated largely to Sangiovese and Vermentino. Giuseppe Di Gioia joined the group as CEO in September 2021, bringing prior experience from Zonin 1821 and Bertani.

Connect:

Website: https://collemassari.it/

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

More about the host Stevie Kim:

Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale.

The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check!

Connect:

Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events/operawine/stevie-kim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/?hl=en

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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2788 Ep. 14: Austria and Hungary | Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 14 of Study Smart and Episode 2787 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 14: Austria and Hungary

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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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2787 Prosecco Superiore by Dr Susan H. Gordon | Book Club with Richard Hough Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2787 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with the wine writer, researcher, and author, Dr Susan H. Gordon. Susan is the author of “The Story of Prosecco Superiore”.

This conversation explores Susan’s background and career as a wine writer, the origins of her fascination with Prosecco, the factors that shape the current success of Prosecco internationally, and her approach to wine writing.

Further reading:

“What a Little Hilltop in Abruzzo Can Tell Us About Words for Place” published in Gastronomica (University of California Press).
“A Short History of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce” by Massimo Montanari
“Gastronativism: Food, Identity, Politics” by Fabio Parasecoli
“The Power of the Terroir: The Case Study of Prosecco Wine” by Diego Tomasi (Autore), Federica Gaiotti (Autore), Gregory V. Jones (Autore)

The Book Review by Richard Hough:

By the author’s own admission this is a complex piece of writing that will challenge its readers to move beyond the superficial. The book tells the story behind Prosecco Superiore, its roots in Italian languages and cultures, the key historical figures and local producers who have shaped its development, and the scientific and agricultural innovations that have allowed Prosecco to become the global phenomenon that we know today. With 57 pages of detailed footnotes, the author has taken a profound dive into the subject matter to produce a unique account of one of Italy’s most iconic wines.

About today’s guest:

Susan H. Gordon is a wine writer, researcher, and author specializing in Italian wines, known widely for her deep-dive coverage of Prosecco Superiore and regional Italian winemaking. Born in Rome, Italy, and raised in New York City, she holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in fiction from The New School and a PhD focused on creativity, culture, and the technology of wine zones from the University of the Arts. Certified as an Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy and holds advanced Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) credentials. She is a regular contributor to Forbes’ online platform where she writes about Italian wine.

“The Story of Prosecco Superior” by Susan H. Gordon is published by Bloomsbury and is available in both hardback and paperback at: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/story-of-prosecco-superiore-9798216494102/

Connect:

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

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/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2786 A Journey into Italian Biodynamic Wine with Stefania Pepe and Artem Lebedev IWA | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2786 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Artem Lebedev IWA is in conversation with Stefania Pepe.

Stefania shares her lifelong connection to wine and her journey from working alongside her father in the vineyards to establishing her own azienda agricola. She discusses her philosophy of biodynamic winemaking, traditional methods and the dedication behind creating authentic, artisanal wines.

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

More about today’s host:

Artem Lebedev is an international wine specialist and communicator (DipWSET, DipASI), with over a decade of experience in wine education and events. A VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, he is a judge for top competitions like Mundus Vini and 5StarWines and a speaker at global forums such as Wine2Wine.

As the founder and first president of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association, Artem has been a trailblazer in advancing wine culture in the country. He co-owns IWINE and CAWU educational projects and leads the Wine Department at Alma Wine, a major import and distribution company.

Connect:

Website: https://iwine.kz/

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

More about today’s guest:

Stefania Pepe is an organic and biodynamic winemaker from Abruzzo, and the daughter of legendary natural wine pioneer Emidio Pepe. She grew up pressing grapes with her father at the age of four and started her own estate to focus fully on modern organic and biodynamic methods. In 1989 she helped found Le Donne del Vino, a prominent association for women in the wine industry. Her winery is based in Torano Nuovo on the Teramo hills of Abruzzo.

She manages about 8 hectares of land using strictly natural methods and produces classic local varieties like Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo.

Connect:

Website: https://www.montepulcianodabruzzo.it/

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

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

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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. 2785 From Volunteer to Speaker at TEXSOM with Samantha Cole Johnson | TEXSOM 2026 Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2785 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews wine journalist, educator and sommelier, Samantha Cole Johnson DipWSET.

In this conversation, Samantha traces her path through the wine trade, from waitress to sommelier at some of the industry's most prestigious wine bars and restaurants, through five harvests, before falling in love with the education and journalism side of the business. She now writes for JancisRobinson.com. Samantha also reflects on TEXSOM itself: she first came as a volunteer, and says that while the masterclasses and lectures are extraordinary, the knowledge held by everyone at the event, including the service staff, might be the best part of all.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today's guest:

Samantha Cole Johnson, DipWSET is a wine journalist and educator from Oregon. She built her career in the wine trade as a waitress and later a sommelier at leading wine bars and restaurants, worked five harvests, and now writes for JancisRobinson.com, focusing on wine education and journalism.

Connect:

Website: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/author/samantha-cole-johnson

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-cole-johnson-b609a827b

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2784 The Other Side of Valpolicella: Volcanic Soils & Sparkling Wines with Francesca Marcato of Talestri Winery | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

What happens when volcanic soils meet the classic wines of Valpolicella?

Welcome to episode 2784 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 260 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Francesca Marcato to explore Valpolicella through its wines, landscapes, food, and fascinating local stories.

Together, they explore the heart of the region, discovering what makes Valpolicella unique, including the volcanic soils surrounding Francesca’s winery, a distinctive feature that sets this part of the area apart. Francesca also shares the story of the winery and its connections to the neighbouring wine territories of Lessini and Soave.

From the classic wines that have made Valpolicella famous to a more unexpected discovery of sparkling wines made from grapes traditionally associated with the region, this episode reveals a playful and surprising side of Valpolicella.

And, of course, no journey through Italian wine is complete without food. Marc and Francesca explore typical dishes from the area and discover how the region’s wines come alive when paired with its traditional cuisine.

More about the guest:

Francesca Marcato is an agronomist, agricultural entrepreneur and co-founder of Talestri Winery, located in the volcanic hills of Lavagno, in eastern Valpolicella. Coming from a historic winemaking family, she studied agriculture before founding Talestri in 2015 with her father Francesco and sisters Anna and Lisa.

Today, Francesca oversees the winery’s agronomic management and brand promotion, with a focus on sustainable, biodiversity-friendly viticulture and the distinctive character of the area’s volcanic soils. Talestri works with native varieties including Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, producing Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone, as well as Metodo Classico sparkling wines.

Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talestri.winery/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talestri-winery/

Website: https://www.talestri.com/en

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

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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. 2783 The Suburban Gold Mine: Insights into New Jersey’s Wine Market with Brittney Abell | Masterclass US Wine Market Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Is New Jersey the untapped gold mine for Italian wine?

In episode 2783, Marissa Muoio is joined by Brittney Abell to explore New Jersey’s wine market and the opportunities hiding within its affluent suburban retail and dining scene.

Together, they unpack what makes the New Jersey consumer unique, why the state represents an important opportunity for Italian wine producers, and how brands can communicate more effectively with consumers who may be curious about wine but are often looking for familiar entry points.

From organic and biodynamic practices to the importance of simplifying complex wine terminology, Brittney shares practical insights into how producers and wine professionals can make Italian wine more approachable, while building narratives that resonate with the American consumer.

What makes New Jersey a “Suburban Gold Mine”?

New Jersey’s affluent suburban communities offer a compelling mix of retail, dining, and wine consumers and understanding how to reach them can unlock significant opportunities for Italian wine.

Discover why New Jersey could be one of the most exciting opportunities for Italian wine in the US.

More about the guest:

Brittney Abell of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in Madison, New Jersey, is a North Jersey native with more than a decade of experience in hospitality and the New Jersey wine industry. She previously served as Wine Director and Buyer at Grape Collective in Montclair and led the wine program for Skopos Hospitality Group. A CMS Level 2 sommelier currently pursuing WSET Level 3, Brittney also holds certifications in Sherry and Sake. She is passionate about discovering distinctive wines, making wine education approachable, and connecting consumers with the stories and people behind each bottle.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beable122/

Website: https://garyswine.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.

On 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:

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

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/marissa-muoio/

Website: http://linktr.ee/marissamuoio

More interviews on US Wine Market:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/

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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2782 Ep. 13: Germany and Alsace | Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 13 of Study Smart and Episode 2782 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 13: Germany and Alsace

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:

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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2781 China’s Wine Market: From Misleading Import Numbers to Today’s Consumer with Fongyee Walker MW - Part 2 | Asia Wine Market Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2781 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is once again in conversation with China-based wine educator and consultant Fongyee Walker MW.

In Part 2, the conversation explores the evolving role of wine education in China, from the changing motivations of wine learners to the growing influence of digital platforms and social commerce. Fongyee also shares her insights into wine pairing with Chinese cuisine, communicating wine heritage and regional identity to Chinese consumers, and building sustainable, long-term wine brands in the Chinese market.

Key Takeaways:

Understand Market Realities: Track how the Chinese wine market has transformed over the past two decades and where true growth opportunities lie today.
Decode Consumer & Culinary Psychology: Learn how Chinese wine lovers actually think about wine, wine education, premiumization, and family-style food pairing.
Execute Actionable Strategies: Discover practical, budget-conscious strategies for wineries seeking long-term success through storytelling, local relevance, and cultural understanding.

Listen to Part 1 of their conversation: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2770-chinas-wine-market-from-misleading-import-numbers-to-todays-consumer-with-fongyee-walker-mw-part-1-asia-wine-market/

More about today’s guest:

Fongyee Walker MW is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Chinese wine market and the first Master of Wine based in mainland China. She became an MW in 2016 and is the co-founder of Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting, one of China’s most respected independent wine education and consulting companies.

Fongyee developed her passion for wine while studying Classical Chinese at the University of Cambridge, where she captained the university’s blind wine tasting team. In 2007, she moved to Beijing and co-founded Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting with Edward Ragg MW, helping shape China’s wine education landscape through training, consulting, and market development.

A specialist wine educator and consultant in both English and Mandarin, Fongyee is also a highly regarded international wine judge, regularly serving on panels for competitions and wine shows in Australia, Chile, South Africa, and the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fongyee-walker-mw-1426514/

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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Until Next Time Cin Cin!