Ep. 26 Monty Waldin interviews legendary wine expert Steven Spurrier | Italian Wine Personalities

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 Mars 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 Mars 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 Mars 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 Mars 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 Mars 22min

Welcome to episode 2297 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 184 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Tessa Donnadieu of Vinchio Vaglio Cantina Cooperativa, located in the Monferrato wine region of Piedmont, northern Italy. More about today’s winery: The name of the winery derives from the Vinchio and Vaglio Serra villages where nineteen vine growers founded the cooperative in 1959. The cooperative is located in Piedmont, Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at the foot of the Alps. Nowadays the cooperative represents nearly 200 family vine growers who take daily care of 500 hectares mostly planted in Barbera grapes (70% of our production) and other indigenous grapes from Piedmont, such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Ruché, Albarossa, Grignolino, Arneis, Cortese, Moscato and Brachetto. Since 1985, the winery had sought to maintain and protect the oldest vineyards of minimum 50 years vines of Barbera from which the brand Vigne Vecchie was born. The cooperative is part of a unique and international network established by a UK MW,  The Old Vine Conference. The winery’s latest achievement is the Equalitas certification as a sustainable winery.  Connect Website: https://vinchio.com/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinchiovaglio/  Linkedin: https://it.linkedin.com/company/vinchiovaglio  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinchioVaglioSerra/  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!

25 Mars 35min

Welcome to Episode 2296 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Gary Fisch, Founder and CEO of Gary's Wine & Marketplace, and Scott Ades, President of Dalla Terra Winery Direct, to discuss the potential impact of US tariffs on EU wines and how these changes could affect the wine industry. Key takeaways: What is the current status of US tariffs on EU wines? How will these tariffs affect the US wine industry? What actions can wineries take in response? More about the guest: Gary Fisch  Gary Fisch is the Founder and CEO of Gary's Wine & Marketplace, a leading wine and spirits retailer. He launched his first store in Madison, NJ, in 1987 and has since expanded to multiple locations, including St. Helena, California, in 2019. By 2017, Gary’s Wine & Marketplace surpassed $50M in revenue.  With 35+ years in the industry, Gary has built one of the largest fine wine businesses, known for exceptional customer service and curated selections. His company has been featured in Fox Business, CNN, The New York Times, Wine Enthusiast, and The Wall Street Journal. Beyond retail, Gary actively contributes to the wine community through industry events and mentorship. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-fisch-b195461/  Website: https://garyswine.com/  More about the guest: Scott Ades Scott Ades serves as the President and Partner of Dalla Terra Winery Direct, a company specializing in importing Italian wines and spirits directly from family-owned producers. He joined Dalla Terra in 2016, bringing over 11 years of experience from his previous role as Chief Operating Officer at The Winebow Group, a prominent distributor of Italian wines in the U.S. Under Ades' leadership, Dalla Terra has expanded its portfolio to include a curated selection of Italian wines and spirits, emphasizing partnerships with family-owned wineries to ensure quality and authenticity. The company operates on a "Winery Direct" model, allowing U.S. distributors to purchase directly from Italian producers, thereby reducing costs and enhancing value for consumers. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ades-a76855/  Website: https://www.dallaterra.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: 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!

24 Mars 32min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2295 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Giulia Stocchetti meets Skinny Pablo, a musician and record producer based in Mosel, Germany. More about today’s guest: Skinny Pablo Skinny Pablo is a funky, multifaceted artist from Guam — musician, record producer, DJ, filmmaker, and fashion designer — known for blending sound, culture, and adventure into immersive sensory experiences. Best recognized for Paris Mosel, a film and soundtrack that merges his love for food, wine, and music, Skinny spent over 12 years in Los Angeles before relocating to Germany’s Mosel wine country in 2023 to further develop the project. He also created Radio Terroir, a short-format show spotlighting his underground music catalog under the Mosai Music label. His work has led him to collaborate with legends like Lee "Scratch" Perry and Cypress Hill. As Paris Mosel continues to evolve, the next vintage is set for release in 2025. Connect:  Website: https://mosaimusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinny.pablo/ More about the host: Giulia Stocchetti Giulia is an AIS Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. She has 360° experience in the cellar, harvesting, tasting and teaching. Enthusiastic communicator of wine, she believes every bottle is a small universe to discover and her slogan is “Sharing wine means love.” She’s passionate about terroir wines made with autochthonous grape varieties and constantly looking for them and their small producers. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giulia.caravaggi/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinesoulgirl/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-stocchetti-caravaggi-58a54ab0/  _______________________________ 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!

23 Mars 51min