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

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2399 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Samuela Speri of Cantina Siridia in Valpolicella. 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:   Discover how new-generation winemakers are reshaping tradition in Valpolicella. Explore the power of storytelling and experience in modern wine branding.  Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of building an export strategy from scratch. Co-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/   More about the winery:  Siridia is a new and independent winery based in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, founded in 2019 by siblings Samuela and Edoardo Speri. The project was born from a desire to give new life to their family’s vineyards and express a personal and contemporary vision of wine. Edoardo, Siridia’s winemaker, had previously worked for a renowned winery before choosing to build something of his own. Samuela, co-founder and export manager, brings her international experience and passion for storytelling to share Siridia’s wines and values with the world. Today, Siridia produces 7 permanent wines, including the traditional appellations of Valpolicella, limited-edition wines and original creations such as a Vermouth and an Amaro made from Amarone’s dried grapes.  Connect:  Website: https://www.siridia.it/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siridiawines/  _______________________________  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!

3 Heinä 46min

Welcome to episode 2398 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 198 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Emiliano Morando of Pico Maccario in Piedmont, winner of 5StarWine’s BEST RED WINE 2025.   More about today’s guest: Emiliano Morando Emiliano Morando has been an export manager of Pico Maccario since 2017. He has been in the wine business for 23 years, specialized in overseas and North American markets. Runned by the Maccario family for 3 generations, Pico Maccario is a leader located in Piemonte with 112 hectares of vineyards in one piece of property in the heart of the Langhe and Monferrato region with vineyards in Nizza Monferrato area, Neive, Barolo and Serralunga d'Alba. Pico Maccario winery’s Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2021 won the 5StarWines – the Book 2025 Best Red Wine.  Connect Website: https://www.picomaccario.it/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picomaccario/     More about the host: Marc Millon 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!

1 Heinä 33min

Welcome to Episode 2397 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Andrea Eby of the Wine Scholar Guild. Key takeaways: Understanding the rising interest in wine education while consumption is in decline. How to empower trade professionals to educate customers confidently, without overwhelming them. Tips for translating Italian wine stories into language that resonates with American consumers. More about the guest: Andrea Eby Andrea Eby is the Italian programs director at the Wine Scholar Guild and a stage two Masters of Wine student with over a decade of experience in the wine trade. In 2020 she founded Vinsanity Consulting and Vinsanity School of Wine in Winnipeg, Canada. She imports Italian wines and consults for Italian wineries looking for help to navigate the complex Canadian market. Connect: Website: https://www.winescholarguild.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_elizabeth_eby/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaeby More about the host: Barbara Fitzgerald 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!

30 Kesä 36min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2396 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews Luca Paolo Virgilio of the Caprera farm winery in Abruzzo.   More about today’s guest:  The Caprera winery is located in Pietranico, in the heart of the Abruzzo region. It was founded in 2013 by two friends, Luca Paolo Virgilio and Alfonso Morelli. In 2014, they planted their first two vineyards of Montepulciano and Trebbiano and in 2018 they bottled their first vintage. The winery forms part of an organic, artisan farm that also produces its own olive oil. Connect:    Website: https://www.agricolacaprera.it/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agricolacaprera/  More about the host:    McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian Wine.   Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy _______________________________   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!

29 Kesä 27min

Welcome to Episode 2395 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim meets Spanish Master of Wine Almudena Alberca to explore the iconic Ribera del Duero region. Almudena shares what sets this area apart—its altitude, soils, and climate—and how these factors shape its bold, age-worthy wines. She also touches on local winemaking techniques, blending styles, and the importance of Tempranillo. A must-listen for anyone curious about one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. More about our guest: Almudena Alberca MW Almudena Alberca MW is Spain’s first female Master of Wine and a leading voice in modern Spanish winemaking. With a background in agricultural engineering and oenology, she has built an impressive career working across some of Spain’s top wine regions, including Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Rías Baixas, and Toro. Almudena has held technical director roles at renowned wineries such as Viñas del Cenit and Entrecanales Domecq e Hijos, where she led sustainability and innovation initiatives across hundreds of hectares. Her deep knowledge of terroir, climate, and indigenous grape varieties makes her a powerful advocate for Spanish wine on the global stage. She is also a respected educator, consultant, and brand ambassador, bringing her expertise to wine lovers worldwide. In this episode of the Italian Wine Podcast, Almudena shares her insights into the unique character of Ribera del Duero and the future of Spanish wine through her pioneering lens. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almudenaalbercamw/  Linkedin: https://es.linkedin.com/in/almudena-alberca-mw-098409166    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!

28 Kesä 8min

Welcome to Episode 2394 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 Claudia Stern (Part 2).   Today’s question(s):  🇬🇧 The vineyard is no longer an isolated factory of grapes. It becomes a living part of the land again. A being among beings. Is Tuscany for example on the way to find a new inner logic?  🇮🇹 Il vigneto non è più una fabbrica isolata di uva. Torna a essere una parte viva del territorio. Un essere tra gli esseri. La Toscana, per esempio, è forse sulla strada per ritrovare una nuova logica interiore?   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 :)

27 Kesä 11min

Welcome to Episode 2393 and the tenth episode of the special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Denis Salimzianov of ABR Restaurant Group.   Key Learning Objectives: Learn about ABR, one of the biggest restaurant chains in Almaty. Explore the Blanca and Astra restaurants, their wine lists, what is trending among consumers, and their bestselling Italian wines. Get to know what wine styles or varieties have a potential in the market. 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: Denis Salimzianov Denis Salimzianov began his career as a vascular surgeon in Moscow, but life had other plans. After relocating to Almaty, everything changed: wine, once a personal passion, became his true calling. Today, Denis is recognized as one of Kazakhstan’s leading sommeliers. He is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and holds the prestigious ASI Diploma. He currently serves as a chef sommelier at Blanca and Astra restaurants in Almaty which belong to ABR Restaurant Group. His background in medicine gave him discipline, precision, and analytical thinking—qualities that have propelled his swift rise in the wine world. Denis’s style blends deep knowledge with theatrical flair and a hint of rebellion. From the operating room to the tasting room, his story is told - one bottle at a time. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dionis/#  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denis.salimzanov    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!

26 Kesä 31min

Welcome to episode 2392 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 197 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Gian Paolo Repetto of Vigneti Repetto winery in Piedmont, winner of 5StarWine’s BEST WHITE WINE 2025.   More about today’s guest: Born into a family of farmers, Gian Paolo was always considered the black sheep—drawn more to technology than to the land. At the age of twenty, he chose to follow his passion by founding an engineering company, leaving behind the countryside in pursuit of innovation. Starting from scratch, the company grew successfully over the years. However, the demands of international business kept him away from home for more than half the year. Twelve years ago, he made a life-changing decision: to sell the company’s operations outside of Italy and return to his roots. Together with his wife Marina, he chose to fully embrace farming once again, focusing on the winery. Guided by the motto “ancient method, modern technology,” they produce wines that honor both the environment and the people who make them—combining traditional techniques with the best of sustainable innovation. For him, the values and rhythm of rural life remain truly irreplaceable. Vigneti Repetto winery’s Colli Tortonesi DOC Timorasso Derthona Quadro 2022 won the 5StarWines – the Book 2025 Best White Wine.  Connect Website: https://www.vignetirepetto.it/en-gb/home  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vigneti_repetto/    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!

24 Kesä 26min