Ep. 2473 Jessica Dupuy interviews Amanda Barnes MW | TEXSOM 2025

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 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

Welcome to Episode 2470 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 Valeria Bianchin. Today’s question(s):  🇬🇧 Is there still room today for a “scientific” narrative of wine’s origin—through DNA, genetic traceability, terroir and microbiomes — or do people still prefer the romantic story of “nonno’s wine”? 🇮🇹 C’è ancora spazio oggi per una narrazione “scientifica” sull’origine del vino—tramite DNA, tracciabilità genetica, terroir e microbiomi — oppure la gente preferisce ancora la storia romantica del “vino del nonno”?   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

17 Sep 9min

Welcome to episode 2469 of the Italian Wine Podcast and a very special edition of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc celebrates four years of hosting his popular show, Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon, on the Italian Wine Podcast. Join Marc as he remembers some of his favourite guests and reflects on some of the best moments as he travels the length and breadth of Italy and beyond to discover the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most iconic vineyards.   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!

16 Sep 35min

Welcome to Episode 2468 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Tyler Balliet of Rebel School of Wine, an entrepreneur, author, and innovator who has been reshaping how consumers experience wine. Key Takeaways: Using storytelling over education — focus on narratives, not lectures. Building confidence by making people feel comfortable with wine. Creating fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for consumers. More about the guest:  Tyler Balliet is an entrepreneur, author, and journalist who has been reshaping the wine industry since 2006. She is the author of Rebel School of Wine, nominated for a 2025 James Beard Book Award. Tyler created Rosé Mansion and Wine Riot, two groundbreaking wine experiences that drew more than half a million guests and redefined how a new generation connects with wine. A former Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 and Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 honoree, she has judged international wine competitions, traveled extensively through global wine regions, and appeared in outlets like the New York Times, LA Times, CNN, ABC News, and Good Morning America. Known for blending history, culture, and bold storytelling, she has spent nearly two decades making wine more accessible, inclusive, and fun for everyone. Tyler lives in New York City’s Chinatown with her partner. Connect:  Website: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerballiet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerballiet/ 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!

15 Sep 45min