Ep. 2371 Erin DeMara of WineKnow Inc | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Episode 2305 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews George Christie, Founder and CEO of Wine Industry Network and Partner of Saini Vineyards, to discuss winning brand strategies and his insights on customer engagement. Key takeaways: Brands that are thriving despite current challenges. Essential changes in brand strategy for success. Effective customer engagement across all age groups. More about the guest: George Christie  Originally from New Jersey, George Christie moved to Sonoma County in 1991 and quickly found his passion in the wine industry. Since then, he has built a diverse career spanning winery management, vineyard operations, grower relations, distributor management, and national marketing campaigns. George has held leadership roles on the boards of key industry organizations, including the Russian River Wine Road, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma State Wine Business Institute, and WineAmerica. In 2008, he and his wife, Tami, partnered with the Saini Family—fifth-generation grape growers in Sonoma County—to establish Saini Vineyards. The following year, George launched Wine Industry Network (WIN) as an online directory. Over time, WIN has grown into a premier B2B marketing and media platform, serving as a vital resource for the North American wine industry. Today, WIN collaborates with over 600 industry vendors and produces major events, including the North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo) and the Wine Sales Symposium, along with educational webinars. Additionally, WIN publishes Wine Industry Advisor, the Afternoon Brief—a daily wine business newsletter with over 38,000 subscribers—and WIN Jobs, a dedicated employment platform for the industry. Connect: Website: http://wineindustryadvisor.com  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgechristie/  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!

31 Mar 34min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2304 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo interviews the San Francisco based wine PR and external relations specialist, Margherita Andrenacci. Exciting News! Margherita will also be joining the Next Generation series as a host, bringing fresh perspectives and conversations to the Italian Wine Podcast. Stay tuned for more! More about today’s guest: Margherita Andrenacci Music producer, biker, and runner, Margherita Andrenacci is a wine PR professional driven by a love for storytelling and cultural connection. Her journey with wine began as a way to get closer to people—she values the conversations it sparks and the stories it uncovers.  Born in Trento, she has lived in Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, and across Italy, and is now exploring life in San Francisco. With a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, she carries her passions with her wherever she goes, always finding wine to be a powerful bridge that brings people together. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baciclette/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margherita-a-77764511b/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dl6pMa0GoglHmzoWcCLEu?si=Rjc8JszpSiS2lfFOYIWLFA  More about the host: Karla Ravagnolo Born in the Dominican Republic, Karla Ravagnolo holds the WSET Level 3 Certificate and has an endless curiosity for all things wine and beverage. Her never-ending quest for knowledge has led her to multiple international beverage experiences in Italy, the USA and Japan. During her time at Colangelo & Partners, a New-York based wine PR agency, she recognized the challenges of conveying the cultural, geographical and historical value of Italian wine to an international and inter-generational audience. Her goal has always been to make wine more approachable and inclusive, through sharing authentic experiences and making real interpersonal connections! Connect:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlamassielravagnolo/ _______________________________ 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 Mar 37min

Welcome to Episode 2303 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, and Part 2 of Discovering Bordeaux's Left Bank with Bernard Burtschy. In this special On the Road series, 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." In this episode Stevie visits three subregions of the world famous Medoc region, Saint-Estephe AOC, Pauillac AOC and Saint-Julien AOC. Monsieur Burtschy explains the origins and terroir of each appellation, the typical characteristics of the world famous château associated with them, and what to expect from the 2022 vintage. 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: Social Links: https://zaap.bio/steviekim  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! Remember to follow us! Travel Italy, food and wine, winery visits and so much more!

29 Mar 10min

Welcome to Episode 2302 of the Italian Wine Podcast coming live from the Grandi Langhe 2025 in Torino. Today’s guest is Markus Holmberg, Project Manager at Vinunic AB, a leading wine importing company based in Sweden. As the official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe 2025—Piedmont’s premier wine event. Join top producers, buyers, and experts as they explore emerging styles, vineyard innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes access, revealing Piedmont’s impact on the global wine stage. More about today’s guest: Markus Holmberg Markus Holmberg is a Product Manager at Vinunic AB, one of Sweden’s leading wine importers. With over eight years of experience in digital consumer behavior and communication, he brings a strategic approach to product management and brand development. Founded in 1992, Vinunic AB specializes in importing high-quality wines from prestigious producers worldwide, working closely with restaurants, retailers, and Systembolaget, Sweden’s state-run alcohol retailer.  At Vinunic, Markus oversees product portfolios, cultivates relationships with top wine producers, and contributes to the company’s continued success in the Swedish wine market. Connect: Website: https://www.vinunic.se  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-holmberg1981/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuskarlake/  _______________________________ 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 Mar 13min

Welcome to Episode 2301 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. Today’s question(s):  What is currently in your focus in a scientific exploration field and what do you consider to be the most important topics for study and publication during the 2025? Qual è attualmente l’oggetto della Sua ricerca in campo scientifico e quali ritiene essere gli argomenti più importanti di studio e di pubblicazione nel 2025? 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/  _______________________________ 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 :)

28 Mar 13min

Welcome to Episode 2300, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session with Robert Joseph and Andrea Lonardi MW is entitled “An Inside Look at Wine Competitions and 5StarWines - the Book” . This Tasting Session guided by Robert Joseph and Andrea Lonardi MW, two of the General Chairs of 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls 2024, explores some of the “Top Scoring” wines selected for 5StarWines - the Book 2025. The tasting features three of the award-winning wines. During the session, the General Chairs explain the tasting process and the rationale behind such exceptional scores, simulating the discussion that takes place during the evaluation process for the Selection, giving participants the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls. 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/an-inside-look-at-wine-competitions-and-5starwines-the-book/ More about the Speakers:  Robert Joseph is an award-winning wine writer, editor, and industry expert. He co-founded Meininger’s Wine Business International, the International Wine Challenge, and Wine International magazine. Author of 25+ books, he has chaired over 50 wine competitions worldwide and frequently appears in media. His Le Grand Noir Wines sell over 3.8M bottles annually in 60+ countries. He recently launched a Georgian wine venture, K’AVSHIRI. Contact:  Website: https://winethinker.com/  Andrea Lonardi is a viticulturist, enologist, and business strategist specializing in fine Italian wines. Formerly COO of Angelini Wine Estates, he has revitalized historic brands in Valpolicella, Montalcino, and beyond. A Master of Wine since 2023, he pioneered innovations in vineyard management and labeling regulations. He is a regular educator at Vinitaly International Academy and collaborates with top wineries on strategic development. Contact:  Website: https://www.andrealonardi.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!

27 Mar 41min

Welcome to Episode 2299 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Stevie Kim’s Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Beverley Bourdin IWA interviews Grégoire Desforges of Baglio di Pianetto. Today’s learning objectives: To learn about the challenges Baglio di Pianetto is facing now. To understand what it takes to bottle great wine during a generational transition. Co-Moderator – Beverley Bourdin Beverley Bourdin  IWA lives in Alberta, Canada. Although her career has been a Registered Nurse in the operating room, she is a serious wine enthusiast and promoter of quality Italian wines, particularly those of smaller producers.  Her qualifications include International Sommelier Guild Advanced, several Wine Scholar Guild programs, WSET 3 and most notably, Italian Wine Ambassador through Vinitaly International Academy .  Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevbourdin/ Guest Bio – Grégoire Desforges Born and raised in Paris to an Italian mother and a French father, Grégoire Desforges is part of the fourth-generation winemaking Marzotto family on his maternal side. Having lived in five countries and traveled to over 75, his global outlook is complemented by prior experiences in management consulting and entrepreneurial ventures in the food and beverage sector.  Recently, he acquired his family’s winery and hotel, located in the mountains of Palermo up to 930 meters asl. The estate, a distressed asset, and is unprofitable. Grégoire’s challenge is to breathe new life into both businesses (winery and hotel) placing humans and nature at the core of the transformation, with a vision that combines innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for tradition. Connect: Website: https://bagliodipianetto.it/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagliodipianetto_official/ _______________________________ 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!

27 Mar 36min

Welcome to Episode 2298 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special edition, Juliana Colangelo interviews her co-host, Barbara Fitzgerald, to discuss the power of Wine Advocacy and the role of positive communication in wine. They explore the impact of Come Together, an initiative dedicated to fostering social connection through wine. Come Together was founded in 2024 by Karen MacNeil, Gino Colangelo, and Kimberly Noelle Charles to promote wine’s role in social connection. Their initiatives, like Come Over October and Share & Pair Sundays, encourage gatherings centered around wine and food. The organization aims to highlight wine’s cultural and communal significance. Key Takeaways:  Why advocating for positive communication around wine is more important now than ever?  Case Study: Come Over October  New initiative: Share & Pair Sundays and how wine brands can get involved    More about today’s guest: 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   More about the host: Juliana Colangelo 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?lang=en 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!

26 Mar 22min