Ep. 2171 Cameron Jones interviews Alessia C. Travaglini | Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2478 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Pablo Fernandez IWA interviews Andrea Piccin of Cantina Grifalco in Basilicata. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  More about today’s host:   Born in Florianópolis, Pablo graduated in civil engineering with a specialization in project and contracts management in the renewable energy industry. During his sabbatical year in 2019 he traveled 13,000 kilometers through Italy. Then, he decided to follow his passion for the Bel Paese and turn it into his professional hobby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began his wine education, earning several certificates. In 2022, he started his studies for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. Also, in 2022, Pablo became an Italian Wine Ambassador and in 2023 a Certified Educator for the Vinitaly International Academy. Pablo offers educational services for winelovers and students of Italian wines in Brazil, with his project focused on Italy. As a certified educator by the Vinitaly International Academy, he delivers the Italian Wine Maestro course in Brazil. He also regularly writes about wine for the digital wine magazine Única.He occasionally writes about Brazilian wines for the South America Wine Guide website. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psfernandez/  Website: https://beboitalia.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/psfernandez/  More about today’s guest:   The Grifalco winery was founded in 2004 by the desire of Fabrizio and Cecilia Piccin to take a new path after producing Nobile di Montepulciano for 20 years, focusing on what is considered the most important grape variety in southern Italy, Aglianico del Vulture. The project is currently led by their sons, Lorenzo and Andrea. The winery has a surface area of 16 hectares with the age of the vineyards ranging from 10 to 80 years, divided into several municipalities of the Vulture, resulting in greater complexity in the wines that are produced. Andrea is responsible for the commercial aspects of the winery, as well as, media relations and supporting importers. Connect Website: https://grifalcovini.com/en/home-2/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grifalco/  _______________________________  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!

25 Sep 45min

Welcome to Episode 2477 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim meets Melissa Graeff, a VIA Expert in the Making. Melissa is aiming to achieve the Expert level certification at the Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador’s course in Chicago. In this conversation with Stevie Kim she explains what motivates her, her background in Italian wine and her specific method of study, as well as some tips and tricks on how to pass the challenging exam.  More about today’s guest:  Melissa Graeff is a Brand Manager at Kobrand Corporation in New York and an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA, Class of 2024). A recipient of the SommCon USA 2023 scholarship, Melissa brings a strong background in wine education, holding certifications from WSET and continually expanding her expertise. Passionate about Italian wine and culture, she shares her knowledge through active engagement in the global wine community. Connect:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagemel30   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagraeff/  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 & 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:  LinkedIn: 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!

24 Sep 8min

Welcome to episode 2476 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 210 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Giampaolo Tabarrini of the Tabarrini winery, one of the best-known and most respected artisan wine producers in Montefalco, a historic hill town in Umbria, Central Italy.  This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest: Tabarrini is one of the best-known and most respected artisan wine producers in Montefalco with its vineyards and wine cellar located in and around the hamlet of Turrita. Giampaolo – who represents the fourth generation of the farmers of the Tabarrini family – is a passionate and eccentric winemaker and master and architect of this uncompromising and developing project. A visionary who remains true to himself while striving for change, Giampaolo has, since taking over his parents’ farm in the late 1990s, transformed it into the extraordinary success story it is today. The company that bears his name reflects his character – constantly moving in search of perfection and fresh challenges, with a dynamism that’s focused on the future but with the confidence of being founded on strong roots – on their own land, while upholding the Tabarrini family values passed through the generations, as well as the local traditions. Connect Website: https://tabarrini.com/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabarrinimontefalco Campaign financed according to EU Reg. N. 1308/13 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!

23 Sep 34min

Welcome to Episode 2475 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald meets Christina Solazzo of Dialect Imports. Key Takeaways: Multigenerational continuity: how wineries can evolve and adapt to global markets. Women in wine: reshaping the industry with fresh perspectives and leadership. Scarcity & varietal diversity: how Italy’s diverse grape heritage creates opportunities to connect with new consumers. This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest:  Christina Solazzo is a second-generation wine importer and the CEO & Co-Founder of Dialect Imports. She holds an MBA and an MA in Food Studies from Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability, a BA in Sociology from the College of Wooster and WSET Level 2. First introduced to the industry through her father’s import company, she built her own career in partnership management, events, and marketing for food and wine organizations. With Dialect Imports, Christina champions multigenerational wineries rooted in the hyperlocal traditions of Italian culture, with a portfolio that strongly features female producers. At 30, she brings fresh perspective and entrepreneurial drive to Italian wine in the US. Connect:  Website: https://dialectimports.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dialectimports  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialectimports/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-solazzo-18083972/  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!

22 Sep 41min

Welcome to Episode 2474 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Ben Aneff of US Wine Trade Alliance. Stevie and Ben discuss the impact of tariffs on the Italian wine sector and whether a further escalation is likely, how the tariff affects the US wine market, how Italian wineries can protect themselves when entering the US market and whether collaboration between producers and wine marketers can strengthen Italian wineries from the current trade war.  More about today’s guest:  Ben Aneff is the Managing Partner of Tribeca Wine Merchants in New York City, named one of “America’s Best Wine Shops” by Food & Wine Magazine, and an “Editor’s Favorite” by Wine Spectator. Ben has been involved in the fight against wine tariffs from the beginning. Prior to the formation of the US Wine Trade Alliance, Ben worked on campaigns that led to over 28,000 letters to Congress through work with the National Association of Wine Retailers and other constituents. He has led discussions on tariffs, testified on their effects at the International Trade Commission, and worked with a range of allies, from Congressional offices to wine trade members.  Connect:   Website: https://winetradealliance.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-aneff-b2582232/  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 & 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!

21 Sep 6min

Welcome to Episode 2473 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Amanda Barnes MW at TEXSOM 2025. This episode focuses on the wines of South America, Amanda’s transition from the UK to South America, her career in journalism, the journey to becoming a Master of Wine, and her relationship with Italian wines. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the support of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, celebrating and promoting the vibrant culture of Texas wine. More about today’s guest: Amanda is an award-winning wine writer, presenter, and consultant. Originally from Hampshire, England, she has been based in South America since 2009 and is widely recognized as a leading authority on the region’s wines. She is also the first Master of Wine to earn the prestigious qualification while living in South America. Author of The South America Wine Guide: The Definitive Guide to Wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia & Peru, Amanda has explored wine regions both well-known and undiscovered. A multimedia journalist, she works across video, audio, and print, serving as a key correspondent for major UK and US wine publications and books. She is also the Regional Chair for Chile at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Beyond journalism and wine criticism, Amanda is a sought-after educator and host, leading tastings and wine events around the world. She also consults internationally on wine lists, programs, and events, helping shape the global conversation on South American wine and beyond. Connect: Website: https://www.amandabarnes.co.uk/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_wine/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaBarnesWine  More about today’s host: Jessica Dupuy covers wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma with the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust, is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. Dupuy’s work has appeared in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. She recently published, The Wines of Southwest USA in addition to six regional cookbooks. Her forthcoming book, Italianity, with co-author Andrea Lonardi MW explores and celebrates the culture of Italian wine. (Release Spring 2026). She also co-hosts podcast, Another Bottle Down. Connect: Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-norman-dupuy-86486a4/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/#    _______________________________ 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!

20 Sep 34min

Welcome to Episode 2472 and Episode 2 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. 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. In this episode Ryan reads from chapters 4, 5 and 6 of the Art of Wine Storytelling, focusing on the Science of Emotion.   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!

19 Sep 30min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2471 of the Italian Wine Podcast.  In this bonus episode, IWP producer Beatrice Motterle hosts an interactive discussion with Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi of Rocca di Montegrossi in Gaiole, Chianti Classico. Marco answers questions from the Vinitaly International Academy community, offering his perspective on the wine market and pricing, blending varieties such as Pugnitello, his views on NOLO wines and related regulations in Italy. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  More about today’s guest:   Rocca di Montegrossi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the town of Monti in Chianti, within the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany. The winery is situated near the Romanesque church of San Marcellino, in an area characterized by rolling hills, limestone soils, and an altitude ranging from 340 to 510 meters above sea level. The fortress Rocca di Montegrossi was established by Geremia, founder of the Ricasoli Firidolfi family, during the Longobard period (VII-VIII Centuries AD). It is strategically located, dominating much of Chianti and the Valdarno Superiore, and has had an adventurous, rich, and at times dramatic history. The estate produces two Chianti Classicos, both based on Sangiovese. To increase the complexity of the wines, two indigenous complementary varietals are added: Canaiolo and Pugnitello. Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi, the current owner, personally oversees all the operations in the vineyards. Connect:  Website: https://roccadimontegrossi.it/en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccadimontegrossi/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoccadiMontegrossi/?locale=it_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!

18 Sep 24min