Ep. 2215 Mario Fontana | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon
Welcome to episode 2215 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 174 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Mario Fontana of the Cascina Fontana winery in the Langhe region of Piedmont in northwest Italy. Mario Fontana has been named Winemaker of the Year 2025 by Gambero Rosso. In this episode, they talk about the history of the winery, sustainable viticulture and winemaking techniques used by the estate, their flagship wines and some of the unexpected food and wine pairings. More about today’s guest: Mario Fontana together with his wife Luisa and sons Edoardo and Vasco are the proprietors of Cascina Fontana which comprises 5 hectares (about 12.5 acres) of estate vineyards dedicated exclusively to the cultivation of the classic grape varieties of Le Langhe: dolcetto, barbera and nebbiolo. Mario’s vineyards are located in the best zones of production in the commune of Castiglione Falletto (vigna Valletti, cru Mariondino, vigna Villero/cru Villero e vigna del Pozzo); La Morra (vigna Gallinotto/cru Giachini); and Sinio (vigna del Castello). Cascina Fontana is a wholly traditional wine estate that respects and follows the culture, traditions and history of Le Langhe. Mario himself personally oversees the entire cycle of production, from the tending of the vineyards to the making of the wines, taking the greatest and most meticulous care at every stage of the process. Connect Website: https://www.cascinafontana.com/language/en-US/Home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascina_fontana/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cascina-Fontana-vini/100063535721637/ More about the host Marc Millon: Marc Millon, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador 2021, has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about wine, food and travel for nearly 40 years. Born in Mexico, with a mother from Hawaii via Korea and an anthropologist father from New York via Paris, he was weaned on exotic and delicious foods. Marc and his photographer wife Kim are the authors of 14 books including a pioneering series of illustrated wine-food-travel books: The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. Other titles include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, Wine, a global history. Marc regularly lectures and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy and France with Martin Randall Travel, the UK’s leading cultural travel specialist. He has also been the host of the ‘Wine, food and travel with Marc Millon’ series on the Italian Wine Podcast since 2021. When not on the road Marc lives on the 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!
14 Tammi 40min
Ep. 2214 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Erica Nonni | Masterclass US Wine Market
Welcome to Episode 2214 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode Barbara Fitzgerald interviews the marketing and communications consultant Erica Nonni. Together, they talk about marketing agencies and collaborations, different media channels and the importance of developing sales mindset. More about the guest: Erica Nonni founded Nonni Strategic Marketing (NSM) in 2014 to serve international wine and food brands in pursuit of communications objectives to support export sales to the USA. Before opening NSM, Erica worked for 10+ years in wine, food and consumer goods marketing in the USA, the UK and continental Europe, developing trade, press and consumer campaigns to help brands and institutional clients achieve growth. An agency of one has become a dynamic team of professionals who support wine and specialty food brands exporting to the US, the UK and around the world from four continents. Erica has worked in traditional and digital marketing with McCann-Erickson, in wine retail sales (Oddbins UK, Wine Library USA), and as Marketing Director of a London fine wine merchant. She holds a Bachelor's degree cum laude from Georgetown University, a Master’s degree (with Merit) from the London School of Economics and the WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits (with Distinction). Connect: Website: http://www.nonnimarketing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonnimarketing/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericanonni/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericanonni/ 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/aprilabottiglia 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!
13 Tammi 35min
Ep. 2213 McKenna Cassidy interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova | Next Generation
Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2213 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova, an IWA based in Kazakhstan and a new member of the Italian Wine podcast team. Together, they explore Roza's inspiring journey into wine, her approach to studying and building a career in wine and their experience with VIA. More about today’s guest: Roza 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 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 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: 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!
12 Tammi 26min
Ep. 2212 Jessica Dupuy interviews Matt Dulle | TexSom 2024
Welcome to Episode 2212 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews sommelier Matt Dulle live from TEXSOM 2024! Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. More about today’s guest: Matt Dulle is the CMS Advanced Sommelier with over two decades of experience in hospitality. He is the wine director of Spago, the flagship restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Connect: Website: https://wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/spago-beverly-hills/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somm_antics/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dulle-903a9b17/ More about today’s host: Jessica Dupuy covers wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma with the Wine & Spirit Educatiol Trust, is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. Dupuy’s work has appeared in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. She recently published, The Wines of Southwest USA in addition to six regional cookbooks. She also co-hosts podcast, Another Bottle Down. Connect: Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/ _______________________________ 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!
11 Tammi 27min
Ep. 2211 Markus Patz | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza
Welcome to Episode 2211 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 shows are generally in the Italian language. Today’s question comes from Markus Patz. Today’s question(s): Throughout your distinguished career in viticulture and vine genetics, what has been the most fascinating or unexpected discovery that particularly influenced your understanding of the vine and its relationship with terroir? Durante la sua illustre carriera in viticoltura e genetica, qual è stata la scoperta più affascinante o inaspettata che ha influenzato la sua comprensione della vite e il suo rapporto con il terroir? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Atillio 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/ _______________________________ 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 :)
10 Tammi 9min
Ep. 2210 Antonina Sergeyeva interviews Alberto Lusini from Bertani | Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner
Welcome to Episode 2210 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Stevie Kim’s Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Antonina Sergeyeva interviews Alberto Lusini from Bertani. Today’s learning objectives: Learn about the history of the winery and the modern technologies it has embraced Discuss marketing strategies which can be useful for importers Learn about innovations at the winery and future plans Co-Moderator – Antonina Sergeyeva In 2018, Antonina was working in the procurement department of a distribution company when she first developed an interest in wine. Her role required her to communicate with producers about contract terms, orders, and logistics. To enhance her knowledge of wines and wine regions, she enrolled in a basic sommelier course. Her passion for wine deepened as she studied, leading her to earn a WSET Level 2 certificate in spring 2019 and compete for the title of Best Sommelier of Kazakhstan. Antonina went on to achieve her WSET Level 3 certificate, transition into a new role, earn an ASI Level 1 certificate, and secure a spot among the Top 10 Best Sommeliers of Kazakhstan. Most recently, she achieved the prestigious title of Italian Wine Ambassador. Today, Antonina works as a Brand Manager in the wine department, focusing on Italy—a country she deeply admires for its wines, cuisine, culture, and people. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vselesha/ Guest Bio – Alberto Lusini Alberto Lusini is an experienced C-level executive with over two decades of experience in the Italian Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, particularly in the beverage sector, with an international background. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering and an MBA, both earned from the University of Bologna. Alberto’s extensive professional and academic background positions him as a highly qualified leader, adept at managing complex projects and business operations on an international scale. His strategic leadership and innovative approach have consistently contributed to the success of the companies he has served, highlighting his management expertise and commitment to excellence. Before joining the Angelini Group as Head of Angelini Wines & Estates, Alberto served as CEO of the American business unit, MZB USA, for Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group S.p.A. In the wine industry, he has held director positions at leading companies, including Mezzacorona, Allegrini, and Gruppo Lunelli-Ferrari. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alusini/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/casteler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-lusini/ Website: https://www.angeliniwinesandestates.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! 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!
9 Tammi 46min
Ep. 2209 Dr. Liz Thach MW | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin
Welcome to Episode 2209, in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Master of Wine Liz Thach in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guest: Dr. Liz Thach, MW, is a professor, wine writer, and consultant based in Napa and Sonoma, California. She is an award-winning author and educator specializing in wine business strategy, marketing, leadership/executive development, and wine lifestyle. As one of the nation’s leading wine experts, Liz also serves as President of the Wine Market Council, a non-profit organization that provides research on U.S. wine consumer behaviors and attitudes. Her passion is wine, and she has visited most of the major wine regions of the world and more than 70 countries. Liz has published over 200 articles and nine books, including Call of the Vine, Best Practices in Global Wine Tourism, and Wine Marketing & Sales. She frequently contributes to Forbes, Wine Business Monthly, Wine Spectator, and The SOMM Journal, among others. In addition, Liz teaches wine classes at Stanford Continuing Education and Sonoma State University while also working as a consultant and wine judge. A fifth-generation Californian, Liz earned her Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and now resides on Sonoma Mountain. She achieved the prestigious title of Master of Wine (MW) in May 2011, becoming the first female MW from California. Connect: Website: https://lizthachmw.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizthach/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-thach-mw/ Twitter: https://x.com/thachliz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizthach/ About today’s Host: Cynthia Chaplin is a VIA-certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS. She is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture with 20 years of experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a wine content creator, author, and judge for several international wine competitions. She designs and hosts events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients, and collaborates with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting the Voices podcast has deepened her commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the wine sector. Through interviews with emerging and established wine professionals, she explores topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability, and the challenges faced by under-represented groups as they pursue careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about advancing wine education and building a future where everyone has a place at the table in the world of 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 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!
8 Tammi 37min
Ep. 2208 Paolo Tegoni | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon
Welcome to episode 2208 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 173 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is the gastronome and professor of food and wine, Paolo Tegoni. More about today’s guest: Paolo Tegoni is a gastronome and professor of food and wine studies at various Italian universities and training centers. Throughout his professional career, he has worked as a sommelier in Paris, collaborated on the creation of important cultural exhibitions related to food, and has written—and continues to write—for various agri-food sector magazines. He is also a tireless traveler of wine terroirs, and in 2022, he published his first book titled "Malvasia, un diario mediterraneo" (Malvasia, a Mediterranean Diary), with Terrae Opificio Culturale Enogastronomico. In the book, he explores wines made from different Malvasia grape varieties grown in the vineyards of Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy. Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italian_association_exeter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianCultureExeter More about the host Marc Millon: Marc Millon, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador 2021, has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about wine, food and travel for nearly 40 years. Born in Mexico, with a mother from Hawaii via Korea and an anthropologist father from New York via Paris, he was weaned on exotic and delicious foods. Marc and his photographer wife Kim are the authors of 14 books including a pioneering series of illustrated wine-food-travel books: The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. Other titles include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, Wine, a global history. Marc regularly lectures and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy and France with Martin Randall Travel, the UK’s leading cultural travel specialist. He has also been the host of the ‘Wine, food and travel with Marc Millon’ series on the Italian Wine Podcast since 2021. When not on the road Marc lives on the 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!
7 Tammi 34min
