Ep 2408 Antonello De Riu, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Kazakhstan | On the Road with Stevie Kim
Welcome to Episode 2408 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim meets Antonello De Riu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to the Republic of Kazakhstan More about our guest: Antonello De Riu, born in Chieti in 1968, is the current Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan. A political science graduate and career diplomat since 1995, he has held key posts in countries such as Iran, South Korea, Tunisia, Hong Kong, and most recently Kosovo. Appointed to Astana in 2025, he is focused on strengthening economic, cultural, and scientific ties between Italy and Kazakhstan, with particular attention to energy, agribusiness, and innovation. Known for his practical approach and openness to dialogue, he also actively promotes academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Connect: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/italyinkazakhstan/ Web-site: https://ambastana.esteri.it/it/ More about the host: 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 and Wine Without Walls. 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 also frequently joins Professor Attilio Scienza on his shows—helping keep our beloved professor in check! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 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!
12 Heinä 202524min
Ep. 2407 Giulia Stocchetti Part 2 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza
Welcome to Episode 2407 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way! These episodes are generally in Italian. Today’s question comes from Giulia Stocchetti and it is: 🇬🇧 What is the main cause of varietal diversity? 🇮🇹 Qual è la causa principale della diversità varietale? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit:https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: 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 & Wine Without Walls. 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! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 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! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek :)
11 Heinä 202512min
Ep. 2406 Mihai Popescu IWA interviews Charlie Iacono of Iaco-Vino Wines & Spirits in Canada | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner
Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2406 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Mihai Popescu IWA interviews Charlie Iacono of Iaco-Vino Wines & Spirits in Canada. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and replayed here on the Italian Wine Podcast. In this interview, today’s guest host covers the following learning objectives: The Role of Italian Wines in the Canadian Market Current Trends and Consumer Demand in the Canadian Wine Market U.S. Tariffs: A Strategic Opportunity for Italian Wine Producers in Canada? More about our Co-host: Mihai Popescu is a Canadian-based wine expert dedicated to helping producers enter and thrive in the Canadian market. A WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Italian Wine Ambassador, and international wine judge, he supports wineries with strategic brand positioning, market access, and distribution. Mihai organizes professional tasting events, attends major trade shows, and creates tailored marketing plans to boost visibility and sales. Active on Instagram and social media, he reviews and promotes wines—mainly Italian—to an engaged audience of wine lovers and professionals, blending digital influence with in-market expertise. Connect: Website: https://www.brutus-wine.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mihai.popescu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihai.wine LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mihaipopescumtl More about the guest: Charlie Iacono is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate wine connoisseur, best known as the co-founder (since 2017) of IACO‑VINO Wine & Spirits, a privately importing agency based in Quebec that specializes in premium European wines and spirits. His deep-rooted love for wine and gastronomy emerged early in life. Before founding IACO‑VINO, Charlie dedicated over 30 years as co-owner of Le Muscadin, one of Montreal’s top ten Italian restaurants, where he honed his operational expertise and enhanced the establishment's reputation in North America. During those decades, Charlie built an impressive personal cellar of some 22,000 bottles through numerous tastings and relationships with winemakers, cultivating a finely tuned palate and profound knowledge of international varietals. With IACO‑VINO, Charlie's mission is to introduce Quebec consumers to a carefully curated selection of high‑quality wines and spirits from passionate European producers, offering exclusive, private‐imported portfolios. Connect: Website: https://iaco-vino.ca/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieiacono/?hl=it _______________________________ 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! 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!
10 Heinä 202533min
Ep 2405 Felicia Livengood of Gallo | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin
Welcome to Voices and Episode 2405 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia interviews Felicia Livengood of Gallo. More about the guest: In 2016, Felicia emerged from the University of Florida, diving headfirst into the dynamic world of wine with Breakthru Beverage in Jacksonville, Florida. Her career’s trajectory took her to the esteemed Johnson Brothers and Gallo Winery, where she honed her skills across Indiana and South Carolina. Now based in Tampa, Florida, with her husband, Felicia channels her industry expertise into her current role as the Director of Future Leaders for The Veraison Project. Known for her bright demeanor and passion for bringing smiles to those around her, Felicia is a driving force behind the organization’s mission. She oversees the Future Leaders Program program, steering the organization towards its goal of creating meaningful change. With an unwavering commitment to The Veraison Project, Felicia is set on leveraging her role to build a more inclusive community and transform lives. Connect: Website: https://theveraisonproject.com/ Instagram: @theveraisonproject @feliciatakiya More about our host: VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia- _______________________________ 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!
9 Heinä 202531min
Ep. 2404 Vitis in Vulture Winery in Basilicata | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon (5StarWines - the Book 2025 Series)
Welcome to episode 2404 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 199 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Giuseppe Avigliano from Vitis in Vulture in Basilicata, winner of 5StarWine’s BEST ROSE' WINE 2025. More about today’s guest: Vitis in Vulture, with its 95 hectares of vineyards spread across the Vulture area, is one of the most important wine producers in the Basilicata region. Leading this enterprise is President Giuseppe Avigliano, an agronomist and agricultural entrepreneur with significant experience in the winemaking and agri-food sectors. The company’s goal is to create a unique connection throughout the production chain, starting from vineyard cultivation, passing through the various stages of vinification and aging in the cellar, and culminating in bottling and distribution in Italy and around the world. At the heart of the company is the innovative winery, designed by renowned Japanese architect Hikaru Mori—a modern and distinctive structure where activities, spaces, and visitors come together in a unified body that reflects the culture of wine and the Mediterranean. In front of the winery lies a large archaeological complex, dating from the 4th to the 7th century AD. On its western edge, one can still see housing pits for two phitoi—large containers lined with mortar, once used for fermenting high-quality wines. Connect Website: https://vitisinvulture.com/en/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vitis_in_vulture/?hl=it 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, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History. In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy and France in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. Since 2021, he has also been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. 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!
8 Heinä 202520min
Ep. 2403 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Molly Matelski of Vinitaly USA | Masterclass US Wine Market
Welcome to Episode 2403 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Molly Matelski of Vinitaly USA to talk about Vinitaly USA 2025 — happening this year on October 5–6 at Navy Pier in Chicago! Key takeaways: What can exhibitors expect from this year's Vinitaly USA? What’s in store for buyers at the trade show? How does the team maintain strong ties between US trade and Italian producers? More about the guest: Molly Matelski is the Director of Buyer Relations, Programming, and Media Partnerships for Fiere Italiane and Vinitaly.USA, the leading Italian wine and spirits expo in the United States. She is also the founder of Mmmm...Enjoy., a modern wine and lifestyle brand rooted in the belief that life’s greatest luxury is being fully present and savoring the moment. Through fresh storytelling and thoughtful collaborations, she brings a contemporary lens to Italian wine and spirits while honoring their deep legacy. As the Chicago Co-Host of Let’s Talk Womxn, Molly also champions equity and collaboration among women entrepreneurs in food and beverage, blending creativity, culture, and commerce in everything she does. Connect: Website: https://www.vinitalyusa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly_matelski/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-matelski-a481501b/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 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!
7 Heinä 202535min
Ep. 2402 Margherita Andrenacci interviews Erin Kirschenmann of Wine Business Monthly | Next Generation
Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2402 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Margherita Andrenacci interviews Erin Kirschenmann of Wine Business Monthly. More about today’s guest: Erin Kirschenmann is a dynamic wine entrepreneur and the Managing Editor of Wine Business Monthly, where she covers industry trends across business, technology, marketing, and beyond. In addition to her editorial and production work, she curates content for WBM’s trade shows and seminars and frequently speaks at leading conferences like the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium and the World Bulk Wine Exhibition. Erin is also the founder of NOVEL PAIRING, a creative book club that blends literature, wine, music—and mindfulness. Each month, members explore curated wine and book pairings, along with custom playlists, guided meditations, and creative workshops. Erin has judged at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles since 2016 and contributes her expertise to wine competitions across the U.S. In 2025, she was named to Beverage Dynamics' prestigious 40 Under Forty list, recognizing her leadership and innovation in the world of wine. Connect: Website: https://www.erinkirschenmann.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinakirsch/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-kirschenmann-017b2234/ More about the host: Music producer, biker, and runner, Margherita Andrenacci is a wine PR professional driven by a love for storytelling and cultural connection. Her journey with wine began as a way to get closer to people—she values the conversations it sparks and the stories it uncovers. Born in Trento, she has lived in Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, and across Italy, and is now exploring life in San Francisco. With a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, she carries her passions with her wherever she goes, always finding wine to be a powerful bridge that brings people together. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baciclette/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margherita-a-77764511b/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dl6pMa0GoglHmzoWcCLEu?si=Rjc8JszpSiS2lfFOYIWLFA _______________________________ 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!
6 Heinä 202536min
Ep. 2401 Alexey Dudin of Where To Eat Award | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition
Welcome to Episode 2401 and the eleventh episode of the special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Alexey Dudin of Where To Eat Award. This episode is recorded in Russian. Key Learning Objectives: Inside WHERETOEAT: how the award works, who votes, and why it matters in the restaurant world. WHERETOEAT in Kazakhstan: current status, goals, and why the award is expanding into this dynamic market. Practical insights: how restaurants, chefs, and sommeliers can raise their visibility and stand out in the eyes of the professional community. Asia Wine Market is a new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports. Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the wine market or expand your brand presence in Central Asia, this series is your starting point. Today’s guest: Alexey Dudin Alexey Dudin is the Executive Director of WHERETOEAT Kazakhstan, the country’s premier restaurant award. With a long-standing career in gastronomy and media, Alexey brings deep industry insight and a passion for spotlighting culinary excellence across Kazakhstan. WHERETOEAT Kazakhstan is an annual ranking of the country’s best restaurants, based on the anonymous votes of a broad expert panel—chefs, sommeliers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, winemakers, bartenders, journalists, and influencers, all living and working in Kazakhstan. The mission of the project is to support the growth of Kazakhstan’s restaurant industry by celebrating talent, encouraging innovation, and drawing attention to noteworthy venues—from fine dining to local gems. The award also aims to strengthen culinary tourism and preserve gastronomic heritage by raising awareness of Kazakhstan’s rich food culture on the international stage. Connect: Website: https://wheretoeat.kz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vseved68/ https://www.instagram.com/wheretoeat.kz/ Today’s host: Roza Zharmukhambetova 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 late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 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!
5 Heinä 202537min
