Old Vine Conference Podcast

Welcome to Episode 8, Old Vines and Steep Terraces: Defining quality in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. In this episode, host Cynthia Chaplin sits down with Diego Tomasi, Director of the Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, and winemaker Primo Franco of Nino Franco to explore the vital role of old vines in the denomination. Together, they discuss the deep-rooted resilience of steep hillside ciglioni vineyards, the critical distinction between hillside DOCG diversity and flatland DOC production, and how massal selection, sustainable practices, and adaptive viticulture are preserving the region's heritage against climate change.To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines. More about Diego Tomasi:Diego Tomasi is a leading Italian viticultural researcher and an authority on vine physiology and terroir. After years as a senior researcher at CREA-VE in Conegliano, he became Director of the Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco in January 2022, bringing strong scientific leadership to the region.Tomasi’s work focuses heavily on root architecture and climate resilience. He advocates for preserving old vines, whose deep root systems reach lower subsoil water to withstand severe droughts better than young vines -a trait crucial for protecting the character of the region’s 43 steep hillside Rive sites. Under his direction, the Consorzio translates this research into practical guidance for growers, promoting adaptive practices like canopy shading, subsoil irrigation, eliminating synthetic nitrogen, and rainwater harvesting to safeguard the denomination against climate change.More about Primo Franco:Primo Franco is widely recognized for transforming Prosecco from an inexpensive local drink into a respected global sparkling category. After graduating from the Scuola Enologica di Conegliano, he joined his family winery in 1971 and took full charge in 1982 following the sudden death of his father, Giovanni "Nino" Franco. In 1983, he made history by launching "Primo Franco," the first Prosecco to feature both a vintage year and the winemaker's signature. He then spent decades traveling internationally to position Prosecco Superiore DOCG as a terroir-driven wine suited for fine dining.Franco views older plots as crucial repositories of genetic diversity—what he calls a vigneto di popolazione ("vineyard of population"). Unlike flatland vineyards planted with identical clones, older hillside plots feature diverse Glera biotypes that yield exceptional depth, balance, and aromatic complexity. To harness the deep-root resilience and natural adaptability of these old vines, he initiated long-term massal selections at Nino Franco, identifying superior mother plants across historical plots like Villa dei Poloni to propagate future vineyards.About the host Cynthia Chaplin:Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture. She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy.Learn more:⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to Episode 7, "Zýmē Winery: Experience meets innovation, native grapes & old vines in Valpolicella" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Cynthia Chaplin sits down with Celestino Gaspari, owner of Zýmē Winery in the Valpolicella region in Verona. Today’s discussion is all about the old vines at the Zýmē winery and Gaspari’s philosophy on winemaking and life. He has done a significant amount of research and conservation, working on the recovery of buds from unknown vines to comprehend the heritage better. They also discuss Gaspari getting the native grape Oseleta re-certified, and his efforts to have it revalued, understood and protected in the Veneto region. To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us atwww.oldvines.organd follow us on instagram:@ouroldvines. More about Celestino Gaspari:Celestino Gaspari, a native of Val d'Illasi in Italy's Valpolicella region, began his agricultural career on his family's land. He apprenticed with renowned winemaker Giuseppe Quintarelli, working alongside him for 11 years. In 1999, Gaspari founded Zýmē Winery, named after the Greek word for "yeast," reflecting his commitment to natural winemaking processes.The winery is situated in a 15th-century sandstone quarry in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, symbolizing the harmony between tradition and innovation. Gaspari's philosophy emphasizes sustainability and a deep respect for nature, aiming to produce wines that transparently convey the essence of their terroir.Learn more:Website:https://www.zyme.it/en/winery/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zyme_winery/About the host Cynthia Chaplin:Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture. She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy.Learn more:⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to Episode 6, "Benanti’s Etna: old vines, new perspectives" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Cynthia Chaplin sits down with a twin tour de force, Salvino and Antonio Benanti of the iconic Benanti winery on Etna started by their father Cavagliere del lavoro Giuseppe Benanti.  Today’s discussion is all about Benanti’s indigenous vines; and the grapes that are harvested by hand, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante. The brothers speak about the autochthonous yeasts and the ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines, which vary between  95-115 years old. They also discuss the business aspect of winemaking on Etna and what the region needs for ongoing success.  To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines.  More about Salvino & Antonio Benanti: Antonio and Salvino were born at the foot of the Etna volcano, in Catania, Sicily, in May 1974. After enjoying their childhood in Sicily, Antonio and Salvino left to attend school in Switzerland and the UK.  After many years spent abroad, the brothers returned to Sicily for good and started working alongside their father (until his passing in 2023), a visionary of many interests and talents. The brothers assumed leadership of the winery in 2012.  The Benanti family can proudly claim to be one of the pioneers of Etna’s winemaking, instrumental in its viticulture throughout history, contributing first hand to its evolution.  Learn more: Website:https://www.benanti.it/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benantiwinery/ About the host Cynthia Chaplin: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture.  She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy. Learn more: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠ ⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to Episode 5, "Winemaking and viticulture with the old vines of the Don Melchor vineyard in Puente Alto" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Today Cynthia Chaplin sits down with Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor in Chile. Also in attendance is Ben Smith, in charge of Corporate Communications for Concha y Toro UK. Today’s discussion is all about Viña Don Melchor, focusing on its Puente Alto vineyard. Enrique highlights the unique terroir influenced by the Andes, the use of Massal selection, and their agroecology model, dividing the vineyard into 151 mini parcels to enhance biodiversity and achieve purity and precision in winemaking. They also talk about the intriguing Sundial Project, initiated in 2018. This is an innovative vineyard design at Don Melchor, featuring a radial, sunburst pattern aimed at sustainability and climate adaptation. The project tests factors like row orientation and density, gathering data to enhance both new and old vines, preserving the old vineyard’s genetic legacy.  To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines. More about Enrique Tirado and Viña Don Melchor: Enrique Tirado is a leading figure in Chile's wine industry, known for his expertise in the Puente Alto appellation. Since 1997, he has directed Don Melchor, Chile’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, maintaining a tradition of collaboration with top Bordeaux consultants. With a degree in agronomy and studies in Bordeaux, he became GM of Viña Don Melchor in 2019. Enrique's innovative projects, including the Sundial Vineyard, focus on sustainability and terroir excellence. Learn more: Website:https://donmelchor.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmelchorwine/ About the host Cynthia Chaplin: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture.  She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy. Learn more: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠ ⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to Episode 4 "The Old Vine Registry: one year on" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠ podcast. Today’s episode is a special webinar featuring Sarah Abbott MW and Alder Yarrow. Together they discuss the The Old Vine Registry and the Heritage Vine Hunt Contest.  The Registry is the world’s first crowdsourced global database of living historic vineyard sites. The Old Vine Registry is a grassroots, volunteer effort inspired and begun by wine critic Jancis Robinson and several of her colleagues. In 2010 she and writer Tamlyn Currin began compiling a registry of old vines, triggered by a growing sense that these old vineyards were important elements of cultural and scientific heritage as well as the source of some particularly beautiful wine.The purpose of the Old Vine Registry has evolved over the years. Today it is intended to be a valuable tool for wine lovers, winegrowers and the wine trade alike.  The prizes for this contest have been generously sponsored by: Wine Scholar Guild, JancisRobinson.Com,  Académie du Vin Library, Vinous, The World of Fine Wine and The Old Vine Conference The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding old vines of qualitative, cultural and ecological value, by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, workshops, partnerships, tastings, field-trips and more! To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines. More about Alder Yarrow: In late 2003, Vinography founder Alder Yarrow created one of the first wine blogs, pioneering the field after realizing there were no such resources available. Hailed by San Francisco Magazine as "The Wine World’s Brightest Cyberstar," Alder has spoken at numerous wine events globally and has been contributing as a columnist for Jancis Robinson's website since 2011. He authored the award-winning book "The Essence of Wine" and contributed to "Opus Vino." In 2013, he was inducted into the Wine Media Guild of New York’s Wine Writer’s Hall of Fame. Alder graduated from Stanford, studied at Oxford, and resides in Oakland, California with his family. To learn more about Speaker, Alder Yarrow: Website: https://www.vinography.com/about Twitter: https://x.com/vinography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinography/ More about today’s moderator, Sarah Abbott MW: Sarah Abbott MW is co-founder of The Old Vine Conference and the director of marketing agency Swirl Wine Group, she has worked in the wine industry for 25 years. Her interest in ancient varieties and the origins of wine is long-standing. She works with generic and national wine bodies, advising them on how to communicate their shared identity and increase their collective brand value. To learn more about Sarah Abbott MW visit: website: www.oldvines.org Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-abbott-mw-45602a4/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahabbottmw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swirlwinegroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahabbottmw/

Welcome to Ep. 3 "Old vines from vineyard to glass: Villa Bogdano 1880" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Today we speak with Domenico Veronese, owner of this historic, organic winery in Lison di Portogruaro, Veneto. Today host Cynthia Chaplin and Domenico Veronese discuss Villa Bodano's unique location, climate, and viticultural practices, including -and most importantly- their use of old vines and sustainable approaches. Domenico discussed the challenges of climate change and their efforts to preserve biodiversity. They also delved into the significance of old vines in winemaking, the importance of massal selection, and the potential economic and environmental benefits. Finally, they highlighted the role of initiatives like the Old Vine Conference in promoting awareness and collaboration among producers for the preservation and promotion of old vine heritage. To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines. More about Villa Bogdano 1880 and owner, Domenico Veronese: Villa Bogdano 1880 traces its origins back to the 16th century when the Giustinian family invested in agricultural works and built the villa we see today. It was restored in 1880, with viticulture becoming its main focus. Situated on a single-body estate bordered by two rivers, the 106-hectare vineyard maintains its original characteristics in clayey and calcareous soil, forming a protected oasis.  Since 2016, Domenico Veronese and oenologist Lucio Tessari have led the estate as responsible custodians, committed to biodiversity protection; they now celebrate over thirty years of organic conversion, dedicated to the preservation of old vines. To learn more visit: Website: https://www.villabogdano1880.it/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaBogdano1880Wines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villa_bogdano_wines/   About the host Cynthia Chaplin: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture.  She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy. Find out more about the host: ⁠https://www.cynthia-chaplin-wine.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠ ⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to Ep. 2 "Soil for survival: the key to Jumilla's resilient vineyards" on The Old Vine Conference Podcast. This is a recording of the fifth Old Vine Conference Community workshop hosted by co-founder of The Old Vine Conference, Sarah Abbott MW and Carolina Martínez Origone, Agricultural Engineer & General Secretary of the Consejo Regulador DOP Jumilla, the focus of this workshop is the role soil plays in a vine's ability to grow old. The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding old vines of qualitative, cultural and ecological value, by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, workshops, partnerships, tastings, field-trips and more! To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines.  More about today’s guest speaker Carolina Martinez Origone: Carolina Martinez Origone, Agricultural Engineer and Specialist in Wines and Foods with Designation of Origin and Agri-food Quality, has been Secretary of the Jumilla PDO Regulatory Council since September 2017. To learn more visit: Website: https://jumilla.wine/carolina-martinez-origone-secretaria-general/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carolina-martínez-origone-7b2511b2 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JumillaWine Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinosjumilla/?hl=en More about today’s moderator, Sarah Abbott MW: Sarah Abbott MW is co-founder of The Old Vine Conference and the director of marketing agency Swirl Wine Group, she has worked in the wine industry for 25 years. Her interest in ancient varieties and the origins of wine is long-standing. She works with generic and national wine bodies, advising them on how to communicate their shared identity and increase their collective brand value. To learn more visit: website: www.oldvines.org Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-abbott-mw-45602a4/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahabbottmw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swirlwinegroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahabbottmw/

Welcome to Ep. 1 "Old Vine Barbera in Piedmont" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Today we speak with Tessa Donnadieu, Export Manager at Vinchio Vaglio. Host Cynthia Chaplin attended The ⁠Old Vine Conference⁠, Piedmont edition, on November 7th 2023. It was here that Cynthia sat down with Tessa to discuss Vinchio Vaglio's old Barbera vines and the history and challenges the Cooperative has faced to bring their old vine project to life. The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding old vines of qualitative, cultural and ecological value, by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, workshops, partnerships, tastings, field-trips and more! To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us at www.oldvines.org and follow us on instagram: @ouroldvines. More about today’s guest: Tessa Donnadieu is the export manager for ⁠Vinchio Vaglio⁠ in Piedmont, responsible for making the excellence of this territory known in Italy and throughout the world.  Vinchio Vaglio ⁠ is a Cooperative that straddles the villages of Vinchio and Vaglio Serra in the Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy. Over 200 families in the area are members of the Cooperative covering around 500 hectares of vines. Vinchio Vaglio started their old vine Barbera project in 1987 and are considered old vine pioneers in the region.  To learn more visit: Website: ⁠https://vinchio.com/en/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠linkedin.com/in/tessa-donnadieu-32a48622⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/VinchioVaglioSerra/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vinchiovaglio/⁠   About the host Cynthia Chaplin: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture.  She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy. Find out more about the host: ⁠https://www.cynthia-chaplin-wine.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠ ⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠

Welcome to the The Old Vine Conference Podcast, bringing you all the important questions and debates on the significance of old vines as we hear from guardians, champions and pioneers of viticultural heritage around the world. Join me, Cynthia Chaplin, as I uncover inspiring and informative old vine stories and conversations, and explore why old vines and the transcendent wines they produce deserve your attention. The Old Vine Conference Podcast: Old Vines, New Category, Global Movement. Episodes of The Old Vine Conference Podcast will be available on all major podcast players. Follow us on instagram @ouroldvines and for more information visit oldvines.org. Hello All! Stay tuned for episode 1. Host Cynthia Chaplin will be sitting down with Tessa Donnadieu, Export Manager at Vinchio Vaglio in Piedmont to talk about old vine Barbera and their project to protect, preserve and make wines from these vineyards. #oldvineconference #oldvines #newpodcast #podcast #wine #vineyards #winemaking #podcasting #cynthiachaplin