Ep. 2731 The Chocolate of Modica with Simone Sabaini of Sabadì | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2731 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 251 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Simone Sabaini, founder of Sabadì, about the history, craftsmanship, and global rise of Modica chocolate. They explore how Spanish influence shaped Sicily's unique chocolate-making tradition, what distinguishes Modica chocolate from conventional chocolate, how Simone has elevated its quality while preserving tradition, the parallels between perfume and chocolate making, the art of infused chocolate, and why Modica chocolate has earned international recognition. More about today’s guest: Simone Sabaini, a former financier from Verona, moved to Modica to redefine the quality of local chocolate by founding Sabadì. His vision transformed the traditional "flaws" of Modica chocolate into excellence: cold-processed without added cocoa butter, his chocolate is shiny, compact, and long-lasting on the palate. For 15 consecutive years, Sabadì has been awarded the "Tavoletta d’Oro" for "Best Modica Chocolate." In 2018, he opened the world’s first chocolate aging cellar, where cocoa naturally absorbs notes of tobacco, tea, spices, or resins. Available in over 30 countries and top luxury department stores, Sabadì has boutiques in Modica, Syracuse, Noto, and Paris. Sabaini is also active in the agricultural sector, producing organic citrus drinks, natural Vermouth, and Bitters through his farms, Madre and Naturale. Connect: Website: http://www.sabadi.it Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilgiornocheforsenonesiste/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cioccolatodimodica More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!