Ep. 2461 Juliana Colangelo interviews John Gillespie of Wine Opinions LLC | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2454 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews the leading winery brand strategist Barbara Gorder to discuss smart marketing strategies for wineries. Key Takeaways: Cracking the US marketing code: what domestic and international wineries need to know Managing marketing budgets and investments effectively Practical, real-world insights and tips for wineries More about the guest:  Barbara Gorder is the President of Undisclosed Location, a national consulting firm. She helps her clients build successful business strategies and creative marketing plans by building bespoke, experienced teams from around the US for clients. After completing her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University and earning her master’s degree at Cambridge University, Barbara began her career in Chicago at Leo Burnett and DDB, creating fully integrated advertising campaigns for General Mills, Maybelline, Hallmark, General Motors, P&G, and Reebok. She has won many awards across a wide variety of consumer categories: ADDYs, One Show Gold Pencils, Mobius Awards, D&AD, Effie Awards, GM Launch of the Year (2X), a Cannes Gold Lion, and a Coty Award. Her clients range from start-ups to Public Companies--Tech to CPG. They include Purple Wine Group, Constellation, and Aetna, among many others. She enjoys giving back by working for local 501C3s like Audubon Canyon Ranch and Caritas Village in Sonoma County. Barbara lives on Sonoma Mountain and has worked as Keynote Chair of the DTC Wine Symposium since 2010. Connect:  Website: https://www.unlo.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlogorder/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-gorder-7a27a4/  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!

1 Sep 47min

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2453 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In today’s show, Giulia Stocchetti interviews Giorgia Calì from Poggio Gavi in Piemonte.   More about today’s guest:  Giorgia Calì is the manager of Il Poggio di Gavi, her family’s winery in the hills of Gavi. She studied languages and tourism and in recent years she specialized in marketing and communication. Thanks to several experiences abroad, Giorgia has developed a fresh and open perspective, which she brings into her everyday life with enthusiasm. Today she runs the winery together with her mother, combining tradition with new ideas. She takes care of hospitality, communication, and marketing, as well as sales and exports. Il Poggio di Gavi is a winery and hospitality business located in the Piedmont region of Italy, near the Ligurian border. Founded in 1919 as a hunting reserve and established as a winery by Francesca Poggio in 2003, it produces wines from the native Cortese grape, as well as Timorasso, and is known for its classic-method sparkling wines, wine resort and venue.  Connect:   Website: https://www.ilpoggiodigavi.com/?lang=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilpoggiodigavi/  More about the host: Giulia Stocchetti is an AIS Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. She has 360° experience in the cellar, harvesting, tasting and teaching. An 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!

31 Aug 24min

Welcome to Episode 2452 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews the leading wine retailer, educator and writer, Christy Frank at TEXSOM 2025 for a deep dive into the world of wine retail. 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. Learn more about Christy and her TEXSOM 2024 panel here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2242-jessica-dupuy-interviews-christy-franck-texsom-2024/  More about today’s guest: Christy Frank is a leader of the independent wine retail scene. Her original shop, Frankly Wines, which sold in 2017, was regarded as one of the top small wine shops in America. She is the founder of Copake Wine Works in the Hudson Valley/Berkshires region. Her shops have been recognized by publications such as the Financial Times, the New York Times, Grub Street, and Food & Wine. Christy writes for various industry publications. She has served on the New York Times “Wine of the Times” Tasting Panel, Wine & Spirits tasting panels and is one of “Food & Wine’s Top Wine Experts” to follow on Twitter.  She is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds the WSET Diploma in Wines from International Wine Center, is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier and serves as a mentor with the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program and The Roots Foundation. Connect: Website: https://www.copakewineworks.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christy.frank.wine/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyfrank/  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!

30 Aug 41min

Welcome to Episode 2451 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 Júlio César Kunz. Today’s question(s):  🇬🇧 Brazil's viticulture encompasses three distinct models: the traditional temperate vineyards of the south (e.g., Serra Gaúcha), the tropical systems in the northeast (e.g., São Francisco Valley), and the innovative winter harvests in the southeast (e.g., Minas Gerais). Each presents unique climatic challenges and opportunities. Considering your extensive research in ampelography and climate adaptation, what strategies would you recommend for Brazilian producers to optimize grape variety selection and vineyard management across these diverse environments? 🇮🇹 La viticoltura brasiliana si articola in tre modelli distinti: i vigneti tradizionali in clima temperato del sud (es. Serra Gaúcha), i sistemi tropicali nel nord-est (es. Valle di São Francisco) e le innovative vendemmie invernali nel sud-est (es. Minas Gerais). Ognuno di questi presenta sfide climatiche e opportunità uniche. Considerando le tue approfondite ricerche in ampelografia e adattamento climatico, quali strategie consiglieresti ai produttori brasiliani per ottimizzare la selezione delle varietà di uva e la gestione dei vigneti in questi ambienti così diversi?   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. 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 :)

29 Aug 8min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2450 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Hannes Pichler of Contrada Palui in Valpolicella. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives:   Discover the personal story and values that inspired Hannes to create Contrada Palui from scratch in the Valpolicella hills. Understand Contrada Palui’s terroir-driven, organic approach and how it shapes the character of their Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Gain insights into how the winery is evolving, and how it fits into the broader conversation about sustainability, identity, and innovation in Italian wine. More about our Co-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: Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/ LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/⁠ More about today’s guest:   Hannes Pichler is the founder of Contrada Palui, a young, organically farmed winery in Valpolicella, near Verona. His love for grapes began as a child on his grandfather’s wine estate in St. Justina above Bolzano—though it often ended with a stomach ache from overindulgence. The estate was lost during his teenage years, but his passion for wine remained. After studies in London (LSE) and Oxford, followed by a career in London and Milan, Hannes returned to South Tyrol to work in renewable energies while also pursuing cellar management and sommelier training. When the chance came to establish vineyards in Valpolicella, he embraced it.  Contrada Palui started as a true greenfield project: meadows untouched by pesticides were transformed into vineyards, and an old hay barn became the cellar, now filled with barrels and amphorae. The estate’s high-altitude site (around 500 meters) is distinguished by its rare mix of white limestone, black basalt, and flint, lending a striking minerality to the wines. Contrada Palui focuses on native grapes, Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, crafted into intense, complex, and elegant wines through organic farming and thoughtful vinification. Connect:  Website: https://www.contradapalui.com/?lang=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contradapalui/  _______________________________  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!

28 Aug 41min

Welcome to episode 2449 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 206 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Antonio Capaldo from Feudi di San Gregorio winery located in Irpinia in the Campania region.   More about today’s guest: Since 2009, Antonio Capaldo has been the Chairman and CEO of Feudi di San Gregorio, largest family-owned winery in Southern Italy. Before, Antonio was a Partner in Mckinsey (2004-2009) and an Associate in the Investment Banking Department at Lazard in Paris (1999-2003). In 2003-2004, Antonio completed a PhD program on finance and management (University of Rome & London School of Economics) Feudi di San Gregorio is a renowned Italian winery, founded in 1986, a flagship of the wine renaissance in Southern Italy's Campania region. The winery, located in Irpinia, is known for producing high-quality wines from indigenous varieties like Aglianico, Greco, and Fiano, and is notable for its modern, design-focused architecture, commitment to sustainability, and status as a cultural center for art and ideas. Feudi di San Gregorio also owns several wineries in different Italian regions (Sirch in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Campo alle Comete in Bolgheri and Basilisco in Basilicata) and operates several restaurants.  Connect: Website: https://www.feudi.it/en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feudi_di_san_gregorio/?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!

26 Aug 35min

Welcome to Episode 2448 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews wine educator and content creator Pilar Brito. You can access Pilar’s previous interview with McKenna Cassidy on the Italian Wine Podcast here:  https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2312-mckenna-cassidy-interviews-pilar-brito-next-generation/.  Key Takeaways: Building authentic online communities that foster real-life connections Understanding what the next generation seeks in wine experiences and events How Italian wineries can better resonate with younger audiences More about the guest:  Pilar Brito is a wine and social media personality who has quickly built a following of 140K followers across Instagram and YouTube. Pilar has a degree in law but decided to pivot to the wine industry, driven by her passion for wine and education. She is known for her accessible yet aspirational approach to wine education, wine collecting, and her wine and cooking videos. Her platform features a diverse range of content, including in-depth explorations of renowned wines such as Tignanello, Château d'Yquem, and Mas Doix 1902. Pilar’s approachable style and informative posts have made her a leading voice among wine influencers, and she continues to inspire her growing audience to explore and appreciate the world of wine. Connect:  Website: https://barpilarr.substack.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barpilarr/ 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!

25 Aug 26min

Welcome to Episode 2447 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special TEXSOM 2025 episode, Stevie Kim sits down with Jessica Dupuy, host of this series. They discuss TEXSOM’s role as one of the leading conferences for beverage professionals in the US, along with Jessica’s unique perspective on the connections between wine, people, and place. 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 TEXSOM Conference: TEXSOM was founded in 2005 as the Texas Sommelier Conference to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further beverage education and certification, and raise public awareness about professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. What began as an opportunity for Texas sommeliers to learn and train evolved into an international event for beverage professionals from all tiers of the industry to network and grow. In 2014, the TEXSOM spirit of camaraderie and community expanded from an annual conference and sommelier competition to include wine awards of international scope. In conjunction with the TEXSOM Awards, the TEXSOM Retreat continues the spirit of community building and learning while offering top beverage professionals a unique opportunity to enhance engagement with the TEXSOM Awards production team, winery, distillery, and importer entrants, and the submitted wines and spirits. Key buyers from across the United States participate in mentored blind tastings, educational seminars, and training. Retreat participants are mentored in communication and writing by an editor team of noted journalists and in knowledge and skills by a cadre of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and other wine industry subject area specialists. Connect: Website: https://texsom.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texsom/  _______________________________ 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 Aug 19min