Episodi

  • Ep. 2674 Beyond the Wine List: Inside Union Square Hospitality Group with Vincent Morrow MS | Masterclass US Wine Market
    May 4 2026
    Welcome to Episode 2674 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald speaks with Vincent Morrow MS, Wine & Beverage Director at the Union Square Hospitality Group. Key Takeaways: Understand how restaurants can rebuild wine relevance through guest experience and hospitality. Explore how Union Square Hospitality Group approaches wine buying decisions across its restaurant portfolio. Learn the key principles behind designing successful restaurant wine programs today. More about the guest: Vincent Morrow is a Master Sommelier and Wine & Beverage Director at Union Square Hospitality Group. Previously, he served as Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant, where he helped oversee the world’s largest collection of Napa Valley wines and led the program to its first Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2022 — a rare recognition for a regionally focused wine list. A recipient of multiple industry honors, Vincent was named Michelin Guide California Sommelier of the Year and VinePair Next Wave Sommelier of the Year in 2022. His career includes experience at renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry, Benu, Gary Danko, and ONE65 in San Francisco. Beyond hospitality, Vincent is a strong advocate for diversity, mentorship, and greater accessibility in wine education and the broader wine industry. Connect: Website: https://www.ushg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnychaseswine/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-morrow-ms-582ba923/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!
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    48 min
  • Ep. 2673 The joy of pairing wine with foods from everywhere with Cha McCoy | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026
    May 3 2026
    Welcome to episode 2673 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today’s guest: Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier, educator, entrepreneur, and NAACP-nominated author. More about the guest: Cha McCoy is the founder of Cha Squared, a beverage experience company focused on events, tourism, and education. She is known for making wine more accessible and challenging “palate discrimination” through initiatives like her global wine dinner series The Communion and her retail space, The Communion Wine & Spirits. Her book Wine Pairing for the People (HarperCollins, 2025) further explores the connection between wine, food, and culture. Cha has held key roles such as Beverage Director of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Beverage Director and Editor at Cherry Bombe. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast, she now works between Portugal and Italy, collaborating to make the hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible. Connect: https://www.chamccoy.com/ About the Grandi Langhe: Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!
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    12 min
  • Ep. 2672 From Michelin Kitchens to Kazakh Butchery & Italian Wines with Svetlana Khaninaeva | Asia Wine Market
    May 2 2026
    Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2672 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Svetlana Khaninaeva, one of the few female butchers in the world, about her journey from Michelin-starred restaurants to butchery, the DNA of Kazakh cuisine, and the unique concept behind Kazmyaso. They also explore imposter syndrome in hospitality, the similarities between Italian and Kazakh food cultures, and pairing Italian wines with different types of meat. Key learning objectives: Understand Kazakh meat culture and dining habits: how local ingredients, cuts, and traditions shape the way wine should be positioned. Identify practical pairing strategies between Italian wines and Central Asian dishes (especially meat-driven cuisine). Learn how to localize Italian wine storytelling to resonate with Kazakh consumers through culture, hospitality, and food. Bonus: Svetlana’s favorite wine spots in Almaty: Agora Them More about today’s guest: As one of the few female butchers in the world, Svetlana has redefined Central Asian meat culture with Kazmyaso, the only restaurant in Central Asia with its own herd of Black Angus cattle. She has international training in butchering and charcuterie, including with Christian Puglisi at Relae (Copenhagen), Brad Farmerie at Saxon+Parole (New York), as well as at M25, the farm-to-table butchery in Tel Aviv. At Kazmyaso, Svetlana and her team handled everything from feed production to dry-aging, ensuring complete control over the process. The restaurant’s menu celebrated the richness of locally raised beef with dishes ranging from marrow bone tartare to dry-aged steaks and handcrafted charcuterie, including camel, horse, duck and other local meats. Svetlana is currently working on a new farm-to-table project focused on local meats and destined to redefine local steakhouse culture yet again, with plans to open in 2026. Svetlana also takes part in international events, including guest shifts around the world (Piano 35 1*, Atto di Vito Mollica 1*, Gucci Giardino, etc.). She is also a Tatler columnist, a TEDx and an UN Tourism Conference speaker. More about Svetlana: https://www.cibotoday.it/storie/svetlana-khaninaeva-chef-kazakistan.html Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svetacooks/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlanakhaninaeva/ More about the 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 the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp Until Next Time Cin Cin!
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    43 min
  • Ep. 2671 Bridging Italy and Chicago Through Wine: Inside Il Carciofo with Holly Stout | Next Generation
    May 1 2026
    Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2571 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, McKenna Cassidy speaks with Holly Stout, assistant general manager at Il Carciofo, Chicago. From Michelin-starred roots at La Spiaggia to leading Il Carciofo, she shares how the new generation of hospitality is redefining wine, service, and connection, while staying grounded in what matters most: the guest experience. More about today’s guest: Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. We offer a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-stout-a3598510b/ Website: https://www.ilcarciofochicago.com/about/ More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy _______________________________ 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!
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    28 min
  • Ep. 2670 Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Giacomo Bartolommei of Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner
    Apr 30 2026
    Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2670 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Giacomo Bartolommei of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Discover the generational shift in Montalcino. Understand how Montalcino is redefining its identity and communication. Explore key challenges: wine tourism, climate change, and appellation evolution. More about today’s host: Alberto Rivera is an Italian Wine Ambassador and Langhe Wine Ambassador based in Mexico, specializing in Italian wine education and consultancy. After serving as a diplomat at the Mexican Embassy in Japan, he transitioned into the wine industry, developing private collections and hosting curated tastings for a discerning clientele. He later became Italian Wine Director for a Latin American online platform, where he lectured on Italian wine and its cultural context. A graduate of the Wine Scholar Guild’s Italian program and a certified Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy, Alberto now consults for Italian-focused restaurants in northern Mexico, curating wine lists that showcase the diversity and heritage of Italy’s wine regions. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somm.albertorivera/ More about today’s guest: Class of 1991, Giacomo Bartolommei is the youngest president in the history of the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium. Today he is a winemaker and export manager at Caprili, the family business founded in 1965 in the southwest area of the municipality of Montalcino. After studying Enology and Viticulture at the Ricasoli Agricultural Technical Institute in Siena, he officially joined Caprili in 2016, the year of his first harvest. In 2018, he earned a degree in Economics and Commerce from the University of Siena. He served as Vice President of the Consortium over the past three years. Connect: Website: https://www.instagram.com/brunellodimontalcino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunellodimontalcino/ _______________________________ 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 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!
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    40 min
  • Ep. 2669 Ep. 13: Dal Benaco alla patria del Lambrusco | Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Attilio Scienza
    Apr 29 2026
    Welcome to Episode 2669 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 13th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian. Episode 13: Dal Benaco alla patria del Lambrusco A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticultural vocation come together to tell the story of Italian grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine. Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza. 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. 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/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 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 🙂
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    36 min
  • Ep. 2668 From New York to Virginia: Family, Burnout, and Finding Purpose in Hospitality with Miles Millon | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon
    Apr 28 2026
    Welcome to episode 2668 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 241 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Miles Millon, the hospitality professional based in Richmond, Virginia. More about today’s guest: Miles Millon is a hospitality professional with experience in high-volume fine dining across New York City and Richmond. His background spans restaurant operations, financial management, and team leadership in fast-paced, top-tier environments. He spent several years with the Altamarea Group, working at Michelin-starred Marea and Ai Fiori, where he managed high-revenue service and upheld fine dining standards. His experience also includes openings and leadership roles at Queensyard and Feinstein’s/54 Below. In Virginia, Miles contributed to restaurant development and operations at Havana 59, focusing on marketing strategy, beverage programs, and team training. With strong expertise in P&L management, staff development, and beverage curation, he brings a practical, business-driven perspective to hospitality. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-millon-8a48bb73/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miles.millon 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 and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp 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!
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    36 min
  • Ep. 2667 How to teach wine to GenZ with Deborah Parker Wong | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026
    Apr 26 2026
    Welcome to episode 2667 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today’s guest: Deborah Parker Wong. More about the guest: Deborah Parker Wong, MSc, DipWSET is an award-winning wine journalist, educator, and researcher who has been covering the global beverage alcohol industry since 2004. She is Global Wine Editor for SOMM Journal and a contributor to The Tasting Panel, where she writes on topics ranging from sensory science to industry professionals. Deborah also serves as National Editor for the Slow Wine Guide USA, leading its focus on eco-friendly wineries, and teaches wine studies at San José State University, where she conducts research on sensory training and Gen Z consumers. She is the founder of a WSET-certified wine school and holds a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology. Connect: https://deborahparkerwong.com/ About the Grandi Langhe: Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!
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    12 min