Ep. 367 Sangiovese Lambrusco... | Curious Case of Lambrusco

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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 18min

Welcome to episode 2523 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 217 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with James MacNay and Cinzia Long from MacNay Travel & Wine, to talk about organizing wine tourism activities across Italy.  More about today’s guests: James grew up in East Sussex, studied humanities, and holds both British and Italian passports. He began his career as a walking tour guide before moving into the wine and food trade. In 2016, alongside his partner Cinzia, he founded MacNay Travel & Wine, launching their first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps. A top-scoring Italian Wine Ambassador, James is among fewer than 500 IWAs worldwide. He also holds other wine qualifications and loves sharing his passion for Italian wine and culture through writing and public speaking. Cinzia, originally from Piemonte and raised in the high Alps of Valle d’Aosta, studied Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Turin, where she wrote her thesis on the wild red squirrel population of Gran Paradiso National Park. In 2022, she and her family returned to Italy, settling in Torre Pellice, Piedmont. In June 2025, she began her journey to become a Master Cheese Taster, passing the first level with ONAF, Italy’s national organization for cheese experts. Connect Website: https://travelandwine.co.uk/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macnay_travel_and_wine/  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. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other 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 in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. 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!

11 Nov 35min

Welcome to Episode 2522 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Mike Hansen, an Associate Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in the sale and acquisition of premium vineyards and wineries. Together, they explore the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the global wine market. Key Takeaways:  What drives valuations in the global wine market? Mergers and acquisitions and their impact on Italian producers. How to build long-term value after an acquisition? More about the guest:  Mike Hansen is an Associate Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in the sale and acquisition of premium vineyards and wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties. With an extensive background in business and real estate, Mike offers a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on experience in the wine industry. Mike holds an MBA from Sonoma State University and is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional through the New York Institute of Finance, making him exceptionally qualified to navigate complex transactions. He functions in both brokerage and advisory roles on both the sale and acquisition side, providing valuable insight to maximize returns for sellers and source exceptional deals for buyers. In addition to brokerage, Mike draws personal farming experience through the management of his family’s historic ranch in the Petaluma Gap AVA, giving him direct expertise in vineyard management and agricultural operations. Connect:   Website: https://www.mikesellsvineyards.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hansen-mba/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansen_land/ 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!

10 Nov 43min

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2521 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Roza Zharmukhambetova sits down with Adriano Albanese, the Asia-Pacific Export Manager for Tommasi Family Estates. Together, they explore Adriano’s journey and the lessons he’s learned from working on both sides of the wine industry, for an importer and now as a wine producer representative. Key learning objectives: Understand the Chinese wine market: its structure, major players, consumer trends, and key cities. Explore the Asia-Pacific market, and how Tommasi develops Valpolicella and Amarone wines across Asian markets. Gain practical insights into cross-cultural adaptation, partnerships, and long-term brand strategy in Asia. More about today’s guest: Adriano Albanese is the Asia-Pacific Export Manager for Tommasi Family Estates. He brings extensive international experience in the wine industry across the UK, China, and Thailand, and is currently based in Bangkok. With a background in Chinese language and translation studies, Adriano began his wine journey in Scotland before relocating to Beijing in 2018. There, he worked as On-Trade Sales Manager for EMW Fine Wines, one of China’s leading wine importers and distributors. During nearly six years in the Chinese wine industry, Adriano completed his WSET Level 4 Diploma before moving “to the other side” of the industry as Export Manager for Tommasi Family Estates. Now at the heart of Asia’s dynamic food and beverage scene, Adriano frequently travels across the Asia-Pacific region, promoting Italian wine and embracing the diversity it offers to both a curious mind and palate. Connect: Website: https://www.tommasi.com/wines/?lang=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriano_albanese/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianoalbanese/  More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova 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 Ambassador (VIA), 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: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/  _______________________________ 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 Nov 47min