Ep. 2500 Italian Wine Podcast Special 2500th Anniversary Edition | Bonus Episode

Welcome to episode 2510 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 215 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Elena Penna of Cascina Penna-Currado winery in Piemonte, to discuss their philosophy behind this exciting winemaking project, and how they’re reimagining Piedmont’s traditions through both wine and spirits. More about the guest: Cascina Penna-Currado is the new, contemporary winemaking project of Luca Currado Vietti and Elena Penna, formerly of the historic Vietti winery. The project is based in a restored 1554 farmhouse near Serralunga d'Alba and is known for its modern approach to winemaking in the Langhe region, focusing on indigenous Piedmontese grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Timorasso. In addition to their wines, Elena and Luca have also launched Elena Spirits, a line of artisanal distillates and vermouths that reflect the same craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity found in their winemaking, blending tradition with a fresh, modern vision of Piedmont’s flavors. Connect Website: https://cascinapennacurrado.com/en/ https://www.elenaspirits.com/en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascinapennacurrado/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cascina-Penna-Currado/61557067481394/  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!

Welcome to Episode 2509 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kathleen Willcox, an award-winning food and drinks journalist, to discuss Kathleen’s recent research and article on how millennials are reshaping wine collecting and consumption. Key Takeaways:  Younger generations appreciate wine and are willing to spend, but they seek different experiences. Millennials and Gen Z care about what a brand stands for and its values. Making wine fun through storytelling and unique experiences helps connect with modern consumers. Kathleen’s article in the Wine Enthusiast magazine on the investment habits of millennials is available online at: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/millennials-wine-collecting/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOR-iiqNks-VGy34Qj7XcY1Whsr28PhSC0U3qiMd1fySx6Kp0T  More about the guest:  Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about food, wine, beer, and popular culture. She is keenly interested in sustainability issues, and the business of making ethical drinks and food. Her work appears regularly in Wine Searcher, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, The Drinks Business, Wine Industry Advisor and many other publications. She recently coauthored, with Tessa Edick, “Hudson Valley Wine: A History of Taste & Terroir.” She lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Connect:   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-willcox-7a46074/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenwillcox/  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!

Welcome to Episode 2508 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Master Sommelier and restaurateur Chris Gaither to talk about his first sommelier job, his journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, and founding Ungrafted, one of San Francisco’s most exciting wine destinations. They also break down the Master Sommelier vs. Master of Wine programs, exploring the key differences and challenges of each path. 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: With a career in hospitality spanning 20 years, Chris took his first restaurant job while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. His passion and curiosity for wine led him to apply for and receive a coveted wine internship at The French Laundry. He moved to San Francisco to work as a Sommelier at Spruce and from there went on to be the Wine Director at Restaurant Gary Danko. After stints at Sociale, Michael Mina and Octavia, Chris got the opportunity in 2018 to open Ungrafted with his wife, Master Sommelier Rebecca Fineman. In May of 2023 they also opened their wine bar, GluGlu, at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. He is director of wine education and brand ambassador at the Brown Estate in Napa Valley. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gaither-ms-299b71135/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommthingelse/  More about the 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!

Welcome to Episode 2507 of the Italian Wine Podcast.This is Next Generation episode where Stevie interviews, in Italian, Professor Vincenzo Russo, Director of the project and expert in neuromarketing applied to wine. Together, they explore the Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index, an innovative tool designed to measure how appealing wineries, products, and communication are to younger audiences.  Powered by Sardegna Ricerche with the support of Assoenologi Sardegna and under the supervision of IULM – Behavior & Brain Lab, the project marks a pioneering pilot in the Italian wine scene. Stevie and the Professor will discuss Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index’s five-step methodology, the Cannonau case study, and the evolving relationship between young consumers and wine. More about today’s guest:  Professor Vincenzo Russo is Full Professor of Consumer Psychology and Neuromarketing, Founder and Coordinator of the Neuromarketing Research Center 'Behavior and Brain Lab IULM', Scientific Director of the Master's Program in Food and Wine Communication (IULM), the Master's Program in Sport Communication and Marketing (IULM), and the Executive Master's Program in Neuromarketing, Consumer Neuroscience and Market Research (IULM). Founded in 1968, IULM University (Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM) is a private university in Milan specializing in languages, communication, marketing, and cultural studies. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, IULM bridges academia and industry, offering programs in media, marketing, and food and wine communication, and is home to cutting-edge research in consumer psychology and neuromarketing. Connect:   Website: https://www.iulm.it/  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!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2506 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Anna Obukhovskaya IWA interviews Laura Bosio of Bosio winery in Franciacorta. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Learning objectives: Help listeners understand the distinct styles and terroir that define Bosio wines. Explore what makes this Franciacorta expression unique, how the estate achieves elegance and refinement in its winemaking.  Gain deeper insight into the artistry behind Bosio’s approach to sparkling wine. More about today’s host:   Anna Obukhovskaya has over 15 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She has worked in several large companies and independent projects, and founded the italian wine tasting club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became a certified Italian wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to Slovenia. She currently leads export development and sales strategies at Nautilus Trade, the company she founded, specializing in expanding market opportunities for wineries and food producers. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obukhovskaia-0a4789261/  Website: http://nautilus-trade.com More about today’s guests:   The Bosio winery, founded in 1998, is located in the north of Franciacorta, a few kilometres from Lake Iseo, and has an area of 23 hectares under vine. In the 1990s, the Bosio family decided to embark on an exciting adventure in the world of winemaking, reconciling their passion for the land with their desire to innovate. The estate’s primary objective is to produce quality wines with the utmost respect for the environment, and with this in mind numerous projects have been undertaken, including the management of all the vineyards according to organic farming methods and measuring and limiting the quantity of carbon dioxide produced per bottle. Laura Bosio co-manages the family-run winery alongside her brother Cesare.Alongside her entrepreneurial work, she teaches at the University of Brescia’s Faculty of Economics, maintaining close ties with younger generations and fostering a continuous exchange of ideas. Connect Website: https://www.bosiofranciacorta.it/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bosio-Franciacorta/100063518582718  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosiofranciacorta/ _______________________________  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!

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2505 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Ren Peir, a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer, to discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for queer wine drinkers and challenging traditional notions within the wine world. More about the guest: Ren Peir (she/her) is a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer dedicated to cultivating inclusive wine spaces. After 15 years in the corporate world, Ren pivoted to wine and now serves as sommelier at Somm Time Wine Bar, educator & sales at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, and host of BABE Wine Bar and Sweeter The Juice BK. She is a WSET Diploma candidate and uses her platform to create safe, welcoming environments for queer and trans people of color to explore wine. Connect: Website: https://www.renpeir.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renrenwine/  More about our host:  VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia- _______________________________  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!

Welcome to episode 2504 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 214 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Rodrigo Redmont of Tenuta Talamonti in Abruzzo.  This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports. More about the guest: Rodrigo Brian Redmont, Founding Partner of Tenuta Talamonti, was born in Rio de Janeiro and has extensive experience in managing the export sales of Italy’s leading wine estates, including Castello Banfi, Redmont joined forces with his wife, Antonella, they launched their own family estate in Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo in 2001. Talamonti, one of Italy’s most dynamic boutique wine producers, is the first winery to earn the GEEIS-Diversity International Certification. The Talamonti Family Estates includes iconic sustainably produced wines from 75 hectares of estate vineyards and olive groves in the village of Loreto Aprutino (Abruzzo) in Central Italy under Talamonti (www.tenutatalamonti.it), Ilauri (www.i-lauri.it) and Colle Corviano estates (www.collecorviano.it).  Diversitas is a wine brand from Tenuta Talamonti, located in Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo, Italy. The winery's name, Diversitas, reflects its focus on the region's biodiversity and the use of eco-friendly farming methods to produce its wine. The Diversitas winery is famous for its sustainable and biodiversity-focused wines, which are named after and showcase the native animals of the Abruzzo region in Italy. The wines are made by the Redmont-Di Tonno family at the Tenuta Talamonti estate and celebrate the unique terroir of Abruzzo.  Connect Website: https://www.tenutatalamonti.it/en/home-en/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenutatalamonti/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenutaTalamonti/  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!

Welcome to Episode 2503 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Brian Cronin MS, director of operations of A16 Restaurant in San Francisco. Key Takeaways:  How restaurants act as gateways for introducing guests to Italian wine. The evolution of Italian wine culture across the Bay Area and West Coast. New opportunities and trends shaping Italian wine in the Bay Area and West Coast. More about the guest:  Master Sommelier Brian Cronin began his wine career in Raleigh, North Carolina, after studying biology and discovering a passion for wine through restaurant work. He has served as Wine Director at top U.S. restaurants including Charlie Trotter’s, Gary Danko, and Aqua at the St. Regis, and later expanded his career into importing and retail, running his own wine shop and bar in Seattle. Known for his engaging, down-to-earth teaching style, Brian blends deep industry expertise with a passion for service.  Today, Brian is Director of Operations for A16 Restaurant Group in San Francisco, renowned for its Southern Italian cuisine and wine program. The restaurant is named after the Autostrada A16 in Italy and was founded in February 2004 by Shelley Lindgren, a sommelier turned restaurateur, Victoria Libin, a tech lawyer, and Christophe Hille the founding chef. Outside of wine, Brian devotes much of his spare time to running marathons for charity with the American Cancer Society. In 2016 he ran all the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which are Tokyo, London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and NYC marathons for charity, one of first people in the world to accomplish this feat. In 2020 Brian completed the World Marathon Challenge, which is 7 marathons, on 7 continents, in 7 consecutive days, and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity. Brian currently the Director of Operations for the A16 Restaurant Group, based in San Francisco. Connect:  Website: https://www.a16pizza.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cronin-ms-a6518b5/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningwineguy/  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!

Welcome to episode 2502 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Edition, Stevie Kim is in conversation with Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, at Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Mr Zoppas gives his first impressions of Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, and explains the role the Italian Trade Agency plays in supporting Italian producers internationally, particularly at this critical moment for the global wine trade. He also explains what his mantra of “putting the right producers in front of the right buyers” means in practice and how the Italian Trade Agency is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to breach the complex American market. Finally, he reveals how he balances his competing roles on the international stage. About ITA - the Italian Trade Agency: ITA - the Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy.  With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world. Connect: https://www.ice.it/en/  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2501 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Kathleen Thomas, the self-styled Wine Goddess and founder of CORE Body Mind, LLC, a consultancy and support network for the hospitality industry.  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: In 2020 Kat founded CORE Body | Mind, LLC, a consultancy and support network for the hospitality industry. Self-dubbed as the “Wine Goddess”, Kat is also a certified personal trainer, yoga guide, and cancer exercise specialist, striving to balance hospitality and life for herself and to inspire others. As the Wine Goddess she offers personalised tastings, mentorship for healing and intention, customised seminars for events, all while creating memorable experiences with her warm smile and helping hand.   Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogakat/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winegoddesslv  More about the 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!