Ep. 2426 Jessica Dupuy interviews James Tidwell of TEXSOM Conference & Awards | TEXSOM 2025

Welcome to Episode 2338 and the second episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Ratmir Akhmetov of Kazakhstan Wines & Spirits.  Key Learning Objectives: Explore how sommelier training and competitions are raising the bar for wine professionals in Kazakhstan. Learn about Kazakhstan Wines & Spirits and potential opportunities for Italian wineries. Get a glimpse into consumer trends in Kazakhstan through wine events and experiences. 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 Kazakhstan wine market or expand your brand presence in Asia, this series is your starting point. To learn more about Kazakhstan market, listen to Stevie’s interview with Marco Alberti, the former Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2205-marco-alberti-ambassador-of-italy-to-kazakhstan-on-the-road-with-stevie-kim/  Today’s guest: Ratmir Akhmetov  Ratmir Akhmetov has been a driving force in elevating Kazakhstan’s sommelier standards through competition, education, and international engagement. With over a decade of experience, he has earned multiple national titles, including Best Sommelier of Kazakhstan in 2022, and is a gold medalist of the prestigious ASI Diploma. In his current role as Sommelier and Brand Activation Manager at Kazakhstan Wines and Spirits, Ratmir is responsible for staff training, portfolio development, and brand activation for some of the world’s most esteemed wine producers. This year, Ratmir will represent Kazakhstan on the international stage at the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific competition in Kuala Lumpur. Connect: Website: https://kws.kz/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shudzor/  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/ To learn more about Roza’s background and career path, listen to her interview for Italian Wine Podcast Next Generation hosted by McKenna Cassidy: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2213-mckenna-cassidy-interviews-roza-zharmukhambetova-next-generation/  _______________________________ 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!

1 Touko 35min

Welcome to episode 2337 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 189 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is the Italian Wine Ambassador and founder, owner & general manager of MineWine.pl, Sławomir Komiński. More about today’s guest: Slawomir Komiński is a wine lover, especially one of Italian wine, and has a strong determination to turn the combination of his passion for wine and business into a success. A formidable communicator, he has excellent interpersonal skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. He is a wine expert with a deep knowledge of the wine business, including warehousing, logistics, customer service and marketing. He has gained numerous work experience with cross-functional teams, acquiring a dynamic and result-oriented management style, with a problem solving attitude. He is always looking to optimise processes and identify opportunities for growth. Sławek has an in-depth knowledge of digital media and online marketing tools, as well as advanced business negotiation skills and a natural aptitude that helps him establish and maintain long-term relationships with business partners. Sławek Komiński is the founder, owner and general manager of MineWine.pl, which operates in the Polish wine retail market. Connect: Website: https://www.minewine.pl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s%C5%82awomir-komi%C5%84ski-bb00713/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.kominski/ 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!

29 Huhti 33min

Welcome to Episode 2336 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Elmer Contreras, vice president and sales director of the wholesale wine merchant, Frederick Wildman and Sons. Key takeaways: The evolution of NY city on premise market over the last 30 years  How have beverage programs have evolved NY city wine market & Italian wines  More about the guest: VP, Sales Director, Metro NY Wholesale. Elmer started in the food and wine industry in the fall of 1991 in NY, after working in many restaurants he decided to start selling wine in 1999 and joined Livio Panebianco, in 2007 he was offered a position as a District Sales Manager at Frederick Wildman Wholesale /Italian wine specialist and today he is VP of sales at Metro Wholesale Frederick Wildman. His love for culture and gastronomy has shaped his commitment to the industry he embraces. He believes in the art of selling and considers himself more of a coach when it comes to selling wine. Frederick Wildman Wholesale portfolio is one of the most competitive in the market. He believes in building strong relationships that are feed by the balance of romanticism and business. He is excited for the new young generation that embraces the wine / dinning culture. He is happily married and has two daughters. Connect: Website: https://frederickwildman.com/ More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022 Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ _______________________________ 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!

28 Huhti 26min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2335 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Giulia Stocchetti interviews the entrepreneur Tommaso Inghirami.  More about today’s guest: The Inghirami family provides living proof that success is synonymous with curiosity and creativity. With Tommaso, one of the most illustrious surnames in Italy in terms of clothing enters its third generation with enthusiasm. Despite his age, the 35-year-old entrepreneur has been combining for 7 years now the two souls of the family business, which is in every way an ode to Made in Italy. On the one hand, there is the shirt production of Inghirami, the famous shirt company founded by his grandfather Fabio Inghirami in 1949 and which is today one of the founders of the Associazione dei Marchi Storici d’Italia. On the other, Fattoria di Grignano joins this picture with wine and olive oil production. Situated on the Florentine hills of Pontassieve, this former Medici estate is a thriving 600-hectare winery that has been employing innovating and sustainable winemaking techniques since the 1970s, in order to produce fine wines reflecting the identity of their territory of origin. The Inghirami family combines the historical excellence of Tuscany’s wine and olive oil with the craftsmanship of shirts and suits. Connect:  Web-site: https://www.inghirami1949.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingram1949 Linkedin: https://it.linkedin.com/company/ingramcamiceria Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingram1949 More about the host: Giulia is an AIS Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. She has 360° experience in the cella, harvesting, tasting and teaching. Enthusiastic communicator of wine, she believes every bottle is a small universe to discover and her slogan in “sharing wine means love”.  She’s passionate about terroir wine made with autochthonous grape varieties and constantly looking for them and their small producers. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinesoulgirl/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giulia.caravaggi/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-stocchetti-caravaggi-58a54ab0/  _______________________________ 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!

27 Huhti 38min

Welcome to Episode 2334 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, Discovering Château Cantemerle in Bordeaux. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is back in Bordeaux to interview Laure Canu, the general manager and CEO of Château Cantemerle, in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. Laure discusses her professional background and the career path that brought her to Château Cantemerle, as well as her motivation and the changes that she has overseen in the past four years. Laure also explains what makes Château Cantemerle, one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, so special.   Finally, as a young female leader, Laure has some advice for anyone considering a career in the industry. Website: https://cantemerle.com/en/ 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 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!

26 Huhti 10min

On this Episode the Italian Wine Podcast wishes to pay tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis by gratefully and respectfully sharing the message he addressed to the world of wine during his speech “To the Producers participating in the Vinitaly Event” on January 22, 2024. It is a meaningful acknowledgment that celebrates the cultural, social, and spiritual value of wine — a message that deeply resonates with our mission to tell the story of Italian wine in all its richness and nuance. _______________________________ 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

25 Huhti 5min

Welcome to Episode 2333 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Wim Sas. Today’s question(s):  Can you specify the relationship between Vermentino and Furmint? In Episode 882, I heard Ivan Giuliani from Terenzuola mentioning Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle and Furmint in the one sentence as the same grape? This was new for me since I thought they were only DNA related and not the same. Potrebbe specificare la relazione esistente fra Vermentino e Furmint? Nell’Episodio 882, ho sentito Ivan Giuliani di Terenzuola affermare che Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle e Furmint sono la stessa varietà. E’ stata una novità per me, perchè pensavo avessero solo dei tratti del DNA in comune, non che fossero la stessa uva. 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 :)

25 Huhti 13min

Welcome to Episode 2332, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Compiling a Vintage Report” with Michaela Morris DipWSET, IW. Decanter has long been committed to providing readers with extensive annual vintage reports of key wine regions from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Napa and Barossa - and beyond. As a regular contributor on Italian wine since 2017, Michaela Morris compiles the vintage reports for Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. As of 2025, she’ll be taking over the annual reports for Barolo and Barbaresco, and she recently published Decanter’s first-ever report for her home wine region of Canada’s Okanagan Valley. Michaela will discuss what makes a vintage good, great, outstanding or mediocre. This session will go beyond assigning point scores to individual wines and instead look at assessing a vintage as a whole. Three Brunello di Montalcino from 2017, 2018 and 2019 will serve as a launching pad for discussing how vintages are evaluated. Michaela Morris is a freelance wine writer and educator, splitting her time between Canada, Italy and the UK. As a regular contributor on Italian wine for Decanter, she presents masterclasses and leads wine tours on the magazine’s behalf. She also writes for several other international and Canadian publications such as Meininger’s Wine Business International and Quench. In addition to writing, she moderates seminars, speaks at conferences and judges wine competitions around the globe. As of 2024, she is the joint Regional Chair for Piedmont at Decanter World Wine Awards. With a career in wine spanning over 25 years, Michaela’s previous roles include managing a portfolio of premium Italian wine for a Canadian importer, overseeing the Bordeaux En Primeur campaign for a boutique retailer, curating cellars for collectors and working in fine dining restaurants. Michaela holds the WSET Diploma and was a longtime guest lecturer for the program. She is also a certified Italian Wine Expert through Vinitaly International Academy earning the top mark in VIA’s inaugural year in 2015. She is an Honorary Chianti Classico ambassador as well as Vini del Piemonte’s ambassador in Canada speaking on behalf of both. Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of market-focus sessions, recorded in Verona in November 2024. wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide. Find more about the session at:  https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events-calendar/wine2wine/ticket-wine2wine-business-forum-2024/compiling-a-vintage-report/ _______________________________ 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!

24 Huhti 33min