Ep 2314 Cinzia Benzi | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon
Welcome to episode 2314 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 186 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is esteemed wine writer and gastronomy expert, Cinzia Benzi. More about today’s guest: Born in Canelli, Monferrato, Cinzia Benzi is a passionate wine writer and gastronomy expert. Her love for wine, inherited from her father, led her to a career exploring its complexities and the personalities behind it. Splitting her time between Milan, Canelli, and Cesenatico, she finds inspiration by the sea and in France, where she deepens her oenological studies. With a background in psychology, Cinzia transitioned into gastronomy, collaborating with Identità Golose and journalist Paolo Marchi. She has authored several books, including works on Moreno Cedroni, Sauternes, and Château d’Yquem, with her latest published in 2024. In 2022, she was awarded Barbateller, and in 2024, she was named Best Bubbly Writer in the World by Guia Melendo. She also coordinates the Bollicine del Mondo project. Beyond wine and food, she collects fountain pens, enjoys jazz, and experiments with unexpected food and wine pairings. Connect: Website: http://www.cinziabenzi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinziabenzi.cb/ 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 Huhti 31min
Ep 2313 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Benjamin Gibson | Masterclass US Wine Market
Welcome to Episode 2313 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Benjamin Gibson, Founder and CEO of Winehub.io, to discuss how wineries can grow their DTC channels and leverage automation for more efficient DTC programs. Key takeaways: Is there still room for growth in the DTC channel? What is Tech Stack, and why is it a key success factor for DTC? Best practices for DTC programs – including automation and personalization. More about the guest: Benjamin Gibson is the Founder & CEO of Winehub.io, the largest DTC plugin for wineries and wine merchants on Shopify. Winehub enhances Shopify’s platform with sector-specific benefits, helping wineries optimize online sales, tasting room experiences, wine clubs, loyalty programs, allocation systems, and order management. A recognized industry speaker, Benjamin frequently presents at global wine events and is passionate about ensuring Winehub remains the best-in-class DTC platform for wine sellers of all sizes. Connect: Website: http://www.winehub.io Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sella-delle-spine/ 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 Huhti 45min
Ep. 2312 McKenna Cassidy interviews Pilar Brito | Next Generation
Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2312 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews wine educator and content creator, Pilar Brito. Together, they dive into the world of social media and explore the importance of digital communication in the wine industry. More about today’s guest: Pilar Brito Pilar Brito is a wine and social media personality who has built a following of 140K followers across Instagram and YouTube in just over a year. Pilar holds a degree in law but decided to pivot to the wine industry, driven by her passion for wine and education. She is known for her accessible yet aspirational approach to wine education, wine collecting, and her wine and cooking videos. Her platform features a diverse array of content, including in-depth explorations of renowned wines such as Tignanello, Château d'Yquem, and Mas Doix 1902. Pilar’s approachable style and informative posts have made her a leading voice among wine influencers, and she continues to inspire her growing audience to explore and appreciate the world of wine. Connect: Website: https://barpilarr.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barpilarr/ More about the host: McKenna Cassidy 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: Facebook: @mckennacassidy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ Website 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!
6 Huhti 31min
Ep. 2311 Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy Part 3 | On the Road with Stevie Kim
Welcome to Episode 2311 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 3 of Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is on a special mission in Bordeaux to discover this important French region with one of the world's greatest Bordeaux experts. Over the course of four days, Stevie travels through Bordeaux's iconic Left Bank, visiting the "best of the best" — the legendary producers ranked as Premier Cru: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild, all rated as "First Growths." This episode focuses on the Margaux, a commune and Appellation d'origine contrôlée within Haut-Médoc centred on the village of Margaux, and the Pessac-Léognan appellation in the south of Bordeaux. Further reading: More information about this Bordeaux series is available on the Italian Wine Podcast website at: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/italian-wine-blog/discovering-bordeaux-left-bank-with-stevie-kim-and-bernard-burtschy-part-2-covers-the-northern-corner-of-the-left-bank/ More about today’s guest: Bernard Burtschy Bernard Burtschy holds a PhD in Mathematical Statistics and has been a professor at Télécom ParisTech and École Centrale de Paris for over 30 years, specializing in data mining and big data research. He has collaborated with top American universities and supported numerous students in launching business ventures in the tech sector. Hailing from Alsace, Bernard’s family has always produced wine. His passion for wine led him to pursue tasting courses at the Académie du Vin in Paris in 1977, where he became an instructor and, by the early 1980s, a senior contributor to Revue du Vin de France and Gault & Millau. Since 2007, he has been a wine taster and columnist for Le Figaro and Figaro Magazine. His personal cellar boasts over 40,000 bottles from the past 50 vintages. Connect: Website: https://www.bernardburtschy.com/ 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!
5 Huhti 9min
Ep. 2310 Ekaterina Vislinskaya Part 2 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza
Welcome to Episode 2310 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 Ekaterina Vislinskaya (Part 2). Today’s question(s): What makes you happy? / Che cosa La rende felice? What does curiosity mean to you?" / Che cos’è per Lei la curiosità? 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! To find out more about Stevie Kim visit: 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 :)
4 Huhti 7min
Ep. 2309 Understanding maturity by the glass: old whites from Italy with Cristina Mercuri DipWSET and Gill Gordon Smith IWE | wine2wine Business Forum 2024
Welcome to Episode 2309, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Understanding maturity by the glass: old whites from Italy” with Cristina Mercuri DipWSET and Gill Gordon Smith IWE. 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. Today’s session: The international reputation of Italian wines and Italian classic regions is focused on red wines: their distinctive flavors, assertive structure and high aging potential. Consumer trends demonstrate a growing appreciation towards white wines, and Italy is well regarded with high-quality white native grapes. But what about their potential for aging? Can Italian whites develop beautifully with time and become a must-have in international consumers’ cellars? Find more about the session at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events-calendar/wine2wine/ticket-wine2wine-business-forum-2024/understanding-maturity-by-the-glass-old-whites-from-italy/ _______________________________ 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!
3 Huhti 32min
Ep. 2308 Anna Obuhovskaya IWA interviews Sara Repetto of Vigneti Repetto | Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner
Welcome to Episode 2308 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Anna Obuhovskaya interviews Sara Repetto of Vigneti Repetto, a winery located in the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont. Today’s learning objectives: To explore the key qualities and characteristics of the Timorasso grape variety. To identify the factors that influence its quality. Co-Moderator – Anna Obuhovskaya: Anna Obuhovskaya has 16 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She worked in a number of bigger wine importing companies and independent projects, and founded the Italian Wine Tasting Club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became an Italian Wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to the charming Slovenia to work even closer with European wine producers. Currently Anna lives in Ljubljana where she started a new wine club and collaborates with the wineries and distributors as an independent wine portfolio and sales strategy consultant. Connect: Website: www.nautilus-trade.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obuhovskaya-0a4789261/ About the guest - Sara Repetto: Sara is a seasoned wine ambassador and export manager with decades of experience. Originally from Piedmont, born in Gavi, she tirelessly travels the world about 200 days a year, promoting Italian wine culture. As a consultant in export and marketing, she is also a member of the “Donne del Vino” association. She is passionate about sharing the stories of native grape varieties, winemakers, and their territories. Derthona is her great love. Connect: Website: https://www.vignetirepetto.it/en-gb/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sararepetto_winetrotter/ https://www.instagram.com/vigneti_repetto/ _______________________________ 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 Huhti 36min
Ep. 2307 Marvina Robinson | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin
Welcome to Episode 2307 in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Marvina Robinson, founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, the first Champagne brand to be owned by a Black American woman, in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guest: Marvina Robinson Marvina Robinson is the founder and CEO of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Her journey into the champagne industry is anything but traditional. After spending two decades on Wall Street, Marvina took a bold leap, leaving behind a successful career in finance to follow her true passion—champagne. She traveled extensively to Champagne, France, learning the intricate art of winemaking and immersing herself in an industry where few people of color have historically had a presence. In 2020, she launched B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand that is grown, harvested, and bottled in Champagne, France, adhering to the region’s strict regulations to ensure authenticity and quality. Marvina’s entrepreneurial vision didn’t stop there. She opened a 2,000-square-foot tasting room in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, creating an elevated yet approachable space where people can experience champagne in a welcoming, inclusive environment. As one of the few Black American women in the industry, she is passionate about breaking barriers, proving that luxury and diversity can coexist. Connect: Website: https://www.stuyvesantchampagne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuyvesantchampagne/ About today’s host: Cynthia Chaplin 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 wine content creator, author and judge for several international wine competitions. 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-chaplin-190647179/ _______________________________ 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 this pod! Remember Voices is all about diversity, equity, and heart-warming personal stories about real people!
2 Huhti 43min
