Ep. 137 Monty Waldin interviews Simon Grosjean (Grosjean Winery) | Discover Italian Regions: Valle d'Aosta

Welcome to episode 2410 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 200 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Anna Ruini from Pellegrino Winery in Marsala, Sicily, winner of 5StarWines BEST FORTIFIED WINE 2025.    More about today’s guest:  Born in Florence, Anna Ruini holds a degree in Gastronomic Sciences from the University of Pollenzo. In 2010, she moved to Sicily, where she has worked in the wine sector for over 15 years, specializing in marketing and public relations. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with several prominent Sicilian wineries. She currently serves as Head of Corporate Public Relations at Cantine Pellegrino, one of the island’s most historic and renowned wine producers. The Pellegrino vineyards are located in the westernmost part of Sicily where the family-owned winery was established in 1880. Today the daily management of the winery is in the hands of the seventh generation. The vineyard produces a range of single variety, organic, aromatic, sparkling, sweet and fortified wines. The winery’s Marsala DOC Ambra Superiore Riserva Old John 1998 won 5StarWine’s Best Fortified Wine 2025. Connect Website: https://www.carlopellegrino.it/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pellegrinowines/    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!

15 Juli 34min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2409 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews Riccardo Baldi of La Staffa from Castelli di Jesi.   More about today’s guest:  Riccardo Baldi (born 1990) heads La Staffa, an organic family winery in Staffolo, Marche, overseeing twelve hectares primarily planted with Verdicchio and Montepulciano. Although he at first studied Economics, in 2009 he officially took over the cellar he co-founded with his father and swiftly immersed himself in vineyard and cellar management. Under his leadership, La Staffa became one of Italy’s most acclaimed producers, earning the Best Winemaker Under 35 award at the 2021 Food & Wine Italia Awards. A passionate advocate of tradition blended with innovation, Riccardo pursues artisan winemaking that both honors Verdicchio’s heritage and enhances terroir expression using modern insights . His flagship wines, such as the classic La Staffa, Rincrocca (from a 1972 vineyard), and the bottle-fermented “Mai Sentito!”, highlight the region's steep, calcareous slopes, thermal shifts, and mineral-rich soils. These efforts helped La Staffa win Tre Bicchieri in 2020 for the 2017 Rincrocca Verdicchio Riserva. Now exporting over 50% of its production to markets including the U.S., France, Russia, Japan, and Northern Europe, Riccardo views his mission as revealing the elegance and aging potential of Verdicchio, making terroir-driven wines with international appeal. Connect:   Website: https://vinilastaffa.it/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_maisentito_/  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!

13 Juli 30min

Welcome to Episode 2408  of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition. In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim meets Antonello De Riu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to the Republic of Kazakhstan More about our guest:  Antonello De Riu, born in Chieti in 1968, is the current Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan. A political science graduate and career diplomat since 1995, he has held key posts in countries such as Iran, South Korea, Tunisia, Hong Kong, and most recently Kosovo. Appointed to Astana in 2025, he is focused on strengthening economic, cultural, and scientific ties between Italy and Kazakhstan, with particular attention to energy, agribusiness, and innovation. Known for his practical approach and openness to dialogue, he also actively promotes academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Connect:  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/italyinkazakhstan/  Web-site: https://ambastana.esteri.it/it/   More about the host: 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!

12 Juli 24min

Welcome to Episode 2407 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio 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 Giulia Stocchetti and it is: 🇬🇧 What is the main cause of varietal diversity? 🇮🇹 Qual è la causa principale della diversità varietale?   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! 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! Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek :)

11 Juli 12min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2406 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Mihai Popescu IWA interviews Charlie Iacono of Iaco-Vino Wines & Spirits in Canada. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and replayed here on the Italian Wine Podcast.  In this interview, today’s guest host covers the following learning objectives:   The Role of Italian Wines in the Canadian Market Current Trends and Consumer Demand in the Canadian Wine Market U.S. Tariffs: A Strategic Opportunity for Italian Wine Producers in Canada? More about our Co-host:  Mihai Popescu is a Canadian-based wine expert dedicated to helping producers enter and thrive in the Canadian market. A WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Italian Wine Ambassador, and international wine judge, he supports wineries with strategic brand positioning, market access, and distribution.  Mihai organizes professional tasting events, attends major trade shows, and creates tailored marketing plans to boost visibility and sales. Active on Instagram and social media, he reviews and promotes wines—mainly Italian—to an engaged audience of wine lovers and professionals, blending digital influence with in-market expertise. Connect: Website: https://www.brutus-wine.ca/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mihai.popescu  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihai.wine  LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mihaipopescumtl    More about the guest:  Charlie Iacono is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate wine connoisseur, best known as the co-founder (since 2017) of IACO‑VINO Wine & Spirits, a privately importing agency based in Quebec that specializes in premium European wines and spirits. His deep-rooted love for wine and gastronomy emerged early in life. Before founding IACO‑VINO, Charlie dedicated over 30 years as co-owner of Le Muscadin, one of Montreal’s top ten Italian restaurants, where he honed his operational expertise and enhanced the establishment's reputation in North America. During those decades, Charlie built an impressive personal cellar of some 22,000 bottles through numerous tastings and relationships with winemakers, cultivating a finely tuned palate and profound knowledge of international varietals. With IACO‑VINO, Charlie's mission is to introduce Quebec consumers to a carefully curated selection of high‑quality wines and spirits from passionate European producers, offering exclusive, private‐imported portfolios. Connect:  Website: https://iaco-vino.ca/home  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieiacono/?hl=it  _______________________________  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!

10 Juli 33min

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2405 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia interviews Felicia Livengood of Gallo.  More about the guest: In 2016, Felicia emerged from the University of Florida, diving headfirst into the dynamic world of wine with Breakthru Beverage in Jacksonville, Florida. Her career’s trajectory took her to the esteemed Johnson Brothers and Gallo Winery, where she honed her skills across Indiana and South Carolina. Now based in Tampa, Florida, with her husband, Felicia channels her industry expertise into her current role as the Director of Future Leaders for The Veraison Project. Known for her bright demeanor and passion for bringing smiles to those around her, Felicia is a driving force behind the organization’s mission. She oversees the Future Leaders Program program, steering the organization towards its goal of creating meaningful change. With an unwavering commitment to The Veraison Project, Felicia is set on leveraging her role to build a more inclusive community and transform lives. Connect: Website: https://theveraisonproject.com/  Instagram: @theveraisonproject @feliciatakiya 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!

9 Juli 31min

Welcome to episode 2404 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 199 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Giuseppe Avigliano from Vitis in Vulture in Basilicata, winner of 5StarWine’s BEST ROSE' WINE 2025.  More about today’s guest:  Vitis in Vulture, with its 95 hectares of vineyards spread across the Vulture area, is one of the most important wine producers in the Basilicata region. Leading this enterprise is President Giuseppe Avigliano, an agronomist and agricultural entrepreneur with significant experience in the winemaking and agri-food sectors. The company’s goal is to create a unique connection throughout the production chain, starting from vineyard cultivation, passing through the various stages of vinification and aging in the cellar, and culminating in bottling and distribution in Italy and around the world. At the heart of the company is the innovative winery, designed by renowned Japanese architect Hikaru Mori—a modern and distinctive structure where activities, spaces, and visitors come together in a unified body that reflects the culture of wine and the Mediterranean. In front of the winery lies a large archaeological complex, dating from the 4th to the 7th century AD. On its western edge, one can still see housing pits for two phitoi—large containers lined with mortar, once used for fermenting high-quality wines. Connect Website: ⁠https://vitisinvulture.com/en/⁠  Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/vitis_in_vulture/?hl=it⁠    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 Juli 20min

Welcome to Episode 2403 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Molly Matelski of Vinitaly USA to talk about Vinitaly USA 2025 — happening this year on October 5–6 at Navy Pier in Chicago! Key takeaways: What can exhibitors expect from this year's Vinitaly USA? What’s in store for buyers at the trade show? How does the team maintain strong ties between US trade and Italian producers? More about the guest:  Molly Matelski is the Director of Buyer Relations, Programming, and Media Partnerships for Fiere Italiane and Vinitaly.USA, the leading Italian wine and spirits expo in the United States. She is also the founder of Mmmm...Enjoy., a modern wine and lifestyle brand rooted in the belief that life’s greatest luxury is being fully present and savoring the moment. Through fresh storytelling and thoughtful collaborations, she brings a contemporary lens to Italian wine and spirits while honoring their deep legacy. As the Chicago Co-Host of Let’s Talk Womxn, Molly also champions equity and collaboration among women entrepreneurs in food and beverage, blending creativity, culture, and commerce in everything she does. Connect: Website: https://www.vinitalyusa.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly_matelski/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-matelski-a481501b/  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 Juli 35min