Ep. 2530 Adriana Valentini of Monteverdi Tuscany Resort | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2531 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews the winemaker Priyanka French for an inspiring conversation about her journey from growing up in Mumbai to becoming one of Napa Valley’s rising stars. They discuss her early interest in wine, the challenge of convincing her family to support an unconventional career, and her commitment to mentoring and supporting under-represented communities in the wine world, all while navigating life as a young mother of two. More about the guest: Priyanka French is the General Manager of Napa Wine Company and Winemaker for Ghost Block Estate Wines. Born and raised in Mumbai, she is one of the few Indian winemakers in California and among the youngest women leading a major Napa winery. She earned a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai and became the first Indian national to complete the Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Priyanka has worked in top wine regions around the world, including Burgundy, Cognac, New Zealand, and Napa Valley, with early roles at Louis M. Martini, Hospices de Beaune, and Stags’ Leap. She spent five years at Dalla Valle under Naoko Dalla Valle before joining Signorello Estate as Winemaker in 2019. Today, she oversees operations and strategy at Napa Wine Co. while making single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon for Ghost Block. A strong advocate for diversity in wine, she serves on the Board of Wine Unify, directs the Bâtonnage mentorship program, and was named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 in 2023. Connect: Website: https://www.napawineco.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyad87/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-dhar-french-5511b123/  More about our host:  VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia- _______________________________  Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!

19 Marras 51min

Welcome to Episode 2529 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo meets Giovanna Bagnasco of the Agricola Brandini winery in Piedmont for a wide-ranging conversation about the estate’s evolution from its family history and conversion to organic farming, to the creative choices behind their labels, their approach to the US market, strategic partnerships, and the rise of Italy’s next generation of women in wine. Key Takeaways: A new generation of winegrowers: how young leaders like Giovanna are shaping the future of Piedmont. Entering the US wine market: what matters most from a producer’s point of view. Adapting to new consumers: trends, expectations, and how wineries can connect with the next generation of wine drinkers. More about the guest:  Agricola Brandini is known for its organic Barolo and Piedmont wines, produced with a deep respect for tradition and the environment. The winery is known for its high-quality, terroir-driven wines, which are a result of its certified organic farming practices, the use of native grape varieties, and the direct supervision of every stage of production. It is a relatively young winery, but has quickly become a respected name in the Langhe region, also gaining recognition for their hospitality with the addition of the Coltivare Agri-Relais.  In 2018, 19-year-old Giovanna Bagnasco took over the family-owned winery with her sister Serena and they have been running it ever since.  Connect:   Website: https://www.agricolabrandini.it/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agricolabrandini/  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!

17 Marras 23min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2528 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Liza and Lucas Grinstead of Grinsteads On The Vine to talk about their journey from wine newbies to content creators, exploring Italian vineyards, travel adventures, and life with their puppy, Nebbiolo. More about today’s guest: Grinsteads On The Vine is a social media account, run by Liza and Lucas Grinstead, that focuses on sharing recommendations for wine, travel, and dog-friendly lifestyles. Liza and Lucas create content about wine regions, vineyards, and restaurants, and often include their dog, Nebbiolo, in their posts. Their content includes travel tips, wine tasting notes, and dog-parenting lifestyle tips.  Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grinsteadsonthevine/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grinsteadsonthevine  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!

16 Marras 44min

Welcome to episode 2527 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “Unearthing Italy’s hidden gems: sourcing & positioning small-batch grower wines” Speaker: Brian Larky, Moderator: Roberto Bruno This edition of wine2wine focuses on how local markets interpret global wine brands, and how producers and importers can adjust to a constantly evolving consumer base. The session provides an overview of the history of the US Italian wine import business vs where we are today and foresight as to where we may be going in the near future. We’re living in challenging times for Italian wines sales worldwide – looking from Italy to the world as US importation. It’s getting tougher to bridge the Atlantic. Americans are drinking less; costs are increasing and of course the ominous threat of tariffs. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Learn more about the event: wine2wine.net/programma/?lang=en  _______________________________ 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!

15 Marras 27min

Welcome to Episode 2526 and Episode 5 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. In this episode, Ryan explores the fascinating concept of minerality in wine through the lens of synesthesia, the way our senses intertwine to create meaning. Why do we describe wine as tasting like stone? What do we really mean when we say “minerality”? Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an eager student, or simply a curious wine lover, The Art of Wine Storytelling takes you on a journey that bridges ancient history with modern consumer culture. Discover how wine is much more than just a drink – it’s a narrative shaped by centuries of tradition, innovation and human interaction. Ignite your imagination, deepen your appreciation for wine, and be inspired to savor not just what’s in the bottle, but the remarkable story behind each and every glass.   About Ryan Robinson: Ryan Robinson is the Director of Education for Brescome-Barton Inc., and Worldwide Wines in Connecticut, an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, and is the Principal at SommCentric, a beverage education and consulting agency. He is a member on the USA Wine Tasting Team, representing the United States and the World Wine Tasting Championships and holds the credentials of Advanced Sommelier-CMS; WSET Diploma and WSET Educator in Wine, Sake and Beer; Rioja Wine Educator; VIA Italian Wine Ambassador; Wine Scholar Guild Educator and Italian and Spanish Wine Specialist; and Certified Scotch Whisky. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommryan/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sommryan/  The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza is available now at: https://mammajumboshrimp.com/products/the-art-of-wine-storytelling  _______________________________ 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!

14 Marras 30min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2525 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Daisy Penzo IWA interviews Veronica Tommasini of Piccoli winery in Valpolicella. Together, they explore the story of Piccoli Wines and the inspiring women behind the labels, while discussing the modern challenges and opportunities facing Italy’s new generation of winemakers. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  More about today’s host:   Daisy Penzo is an Italian-born wine professional, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, and entrepreneur based in South Florida. As Sales Director for Vivino Selections, she leads U.S. market development for a growing portfolio of European wineries. She’s also the founder of Tuscany Wines Import and women-owned brand Fiori & Colori Wines, Daisy champions boutique producers and sustainable, value-driven wines that celebrate authenticity and accessibility. A certified Wine Scholar Guild educator with the Florida Wine Academy, she shares her passion for Italian wine at national trade events and seminars. Connect: Website: https://tuscanywinesimport.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-p-a48251139/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy_wines/  More about today’s guest:   The Piccoli winery is located in Parona di Valpolicella. The winery is situated on Monte la Parte hill and specializes in red wines from the Valpolicella region, including Amarone, with a focus on indigenous grapes and a modern approach to winemaking that also respects tradition. It is known for its high-quality wines that express the characteristics of its terroir, and for being a female-run business with a strong connection to the land.  Veronica Tommasini is a third-generation winemaker at Piccoli winery, where she continues the family business her grandmother started in the 1960s. Working alongside her sister Alice, she combines her passion for winemaking with her background in design, having created the company's logo and designed the wine tasting rooms.  Connect Website: https://www.piccoliwine.it/en   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piccoliwines   _______________________________  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!

13 Marras 20min

Welcome to Episode 2524 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo reconnects with Blake Gray, the US Editor at Wine-Searcher, for a follow-up conversation diving deep into the current status of tariffs, the VOS Selections vs. Trump legal case, and their broader implications for the wine trade. Key Takeaways:  The latest updates on the tariff situation. How tariffs are shaping the wine industry in the U.S. What these changes mean for Italian wine and its future in the American market. More about the guest:  W. Blake Gray is an award-winning wine writer and the US Editor for Wine-Searcher. He is known for his work as a journalist, blogger, and speaker, with a career that includes roles as the former wine editor for the San Francisco Chronicle and food editor for SF Weekly. Gray has also written for publications like The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine, and is the author of the Japanese-language guide "California Winetopia".  Connect:   Website: https://www.wine-searcher.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-blake-gray-69b4b91ab/  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!

12 Marras 18min