Welcome to Episode 10 of Study Smart and Episode 2764 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 10: South of France

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an accessible and engaging way.

This new series has been designed in partnership with the Italian Wine Academy, a Verona-based, internationally recognized wine school founded in 2017 that provides WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses and specialized training. 

The series is delivered by the acclaimed wine educator Gill Gordon Smith. Gill is a VIA certified Italian Wine Expert, an artisan wine producer, retailer, writer, judge and educator based between Australia's McLaren Vale Region and Verona and Tuscany in Italy. 

Look out for new episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts!

_______________________________

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!

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2763 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with Alec Ross, author of “The Italian Dream”.

Highlights of the conversation include:

The NOLO startup Alec mentioned during the conversation is Liquid Ventures (https://liquidventurestudio.com/en/) and the gin brand he mentioned is Engine Gin (https://www.engine.land/en/). Skiwasser (literally "ski water") is a popular non-alcoholic Alpine beverage typically made by mixing raspberry syrup, lemon juice and water

“The Italian Dream” by Alex Ross is published by Feltrinelli and is available to order at: https://www.feltrinellieditore.it/opera/the-italian-dream/.

The Book Review by Richard Hough:

Bold and provocative (in the current political climate, American commentary on the internal affairs of another country is not always welcome), Alec Ross’ “The Italian Dream” addresses some of the deep-seated problems that afflict Italy, foremost among them low economic growth and the so-called fuga di cervelli (brain drain), with 100,000 Italians—many holding advanced degrees—leaving annually for better opportunities abroad. With a wealth of experience on both sides of the Atlantic, Alec Ross is well placed to address these issues. The question is, is anyone listening, and is change ever possible in Italy?

About today’s guest:

Alec Ross is one of the world's foremost experts on innovation, technology policy, and the geopolitics of the digital economy, best known as the New York Times bestselling author of “The Industries of the Future”. He served as Senior Advisor for Innovation to the U.S. Secretary of State. Today he is Board Partner at Amplo, a global venture capital firm, Distinguished Professor at the University of Bologna Business School, and board director of companies spanning technology, cybersecurity, finance, and human capital.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossalec/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alecjross/  

More interviews hosted by Richard Hough:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/italian-wine-book/

_______________________________

Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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!

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2762 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA is in conversation with the Italian winemaker and entrepreneur Mariano Buglioni to discuss the wines of the Cantina Buglioni estate in Valpolicella Classico, the history of this important brand and how the family business shifted from clothing to organic wine production.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

More about today’s host: 

Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a certified wine sommelier and content creator from Yekaterinburg, Russia, specializing in Italian wines. She holds WSET Level 3 and is an accredited Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) through Vinitaly International Academy. Ekaterina is also a guest blogger for the Italian Wine Podcast and a passionate wine traveler, sharing insights on wine tourism, viticulture, and Italian wine culture.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vislinskaya.wine/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Mariano Buglioni is the visionary and irreverent soul of Valpolicella. Born in 1971, he initially trained in the family clothing company led by his father, Alfredo Buglioni. In the 1990s, he stepped into the world of wine with the purchase, together with his father, of an ancient farmhouse in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica area. In 2000 he definitively abandoned the textile industry for the winery. The first Buglioni Amarone debuted on the market in 2004.

For an emerging winery in a region dominated by historic wine dynasties it was hard in the beginning. Mariano didn’t give up but turned the tables instead and decided to build his own market, opening Osteria del Bugiardo, in the heart of Verona's historic center. It was soon a success bringing Amarone and Ripasso directly to the people, especially young people, in a convivial atmosphere. Today Buglioni represents a rare example of the virtuous integration of viticulture with hospitality. Under Mariano's direction, Buglioni is no longer just a winery but a comprehensive and inclusive hospitality experience throughout the region: wine experiences, bars, restaurant, and relais.

Connect:

Website: https://www.buglioni.it/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantinabuglioni/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariano-buglioni-29656284/

More interviews hosted by the VIA International Community:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/clubhouse-ambassadors-corner/ 

_______________________________ 

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!

Welcome to episode 2761 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 256 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Alessandro Serughetti to discuss winemaking and consulting across Sicily.

Marc and Alessandro discuss his international winemaking experience, the winery he founded with his wife in 2022, and his consulting work across Sicily, including projects on the western and northern slopes of Etna, in Castiglione di Sicilia, and in the Vendicari area. They explore the influence of Etna’s contrade on wine expression, the potential of native and international grape varieties, Sicily’s rich gastronomic traditions, and Alessandro’s growing focus on hospitality and wine tourism.

More about today’s guest:

Alessandro Serughetti was born in Palermo in 1992. He is a consulting winemaker and small wine producer on Mount Etna. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology and specialized in Viticulture and Enology Sciences, completing his academic path with a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology in Portugal and a master’s thesis carried out in New Zealand.

During his training, he gained professional experience in several wine regions around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Portugal. These experiences strengthened his technical expertise, his ability to adapt to different pedoclimatic contexts, and his international vision of winemaking.

He has also completed levels of the WSET – Wine & Spirit Education Trust, further expanding his knowledge of global wine markets.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandro.serughetti.wine/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-serughetti-b05443b0/ 

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 

More interviews hosted by Marc Millon:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/food-travel/ 

_______________________________

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!

Welcome to Episode 2760 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Marissa Muoio is in conversation with Sylvester Inda, wine director at Ci Siamo, a renowned Italian restaurant in New York City. Together, they explore training, education and Italian wine in the context of hospitality.

Key Takeaways:

More about the guest:

Sylvester "Sly" Inda is a professional wine director and sommelier in New York City. He is best known as the wine director at Ci Siamo, an Italian restaurant in New York.  He began his career in 2013 as a wine/cellar assistant at Keens Steakhouse, later working up to assistant wine director. Post pandemic, he served in key floor and sommelier roles at high-end dining spots including Daniel Boulud’s Le Pavillon and Gramercy Tavern, where he became head sommelier. He was appointed wine director at Ci Siamo in November 2025, curating a heavily Italian-focused wine list.

Connect:

Website: https://www.cisiamo.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running_vines/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-inda-a3499563/ 

More about the host:

Equal parts wine geek and storyteller, Marissa Muoio turns up the volume on the Italian Wine Podcast as a host of the Masterclass US Wine Market series! Marissa’s love affair with Italian wine started with a simple realization: behind every bottle of Nebbiolo, Brunello, or Fiano is a wild story of ancient history, passionate families, and incredible food pairings. But getting those stories onto American tables takes strategy.

On the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa bridges the gap between Italian cellars and the American trade. She brings high energy, sharp questions, and plenty of laughs while chatting with top industry insiders, sommeliers, and importers on the East Coast. When she’s not in front of the mic geeking out over volcanic soils and forgotten appellations, you’ll usually find Marissa on the hunt for the perfect plate of pasta, road-testing new wine bars, or swirling something new with friends. Her ultimate motto? No acqua, solo vino.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissamuoio/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/marissa-muoio/

Website: http://linktr.ee/marissamuoio

More interviews on US Wine Market:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/ 

_______________________________

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!

Welcome to Episode 2759 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this bonus episode, Stevie Kim sits down for the second part of a heart-to-heart conversation with Sarah Looper, better known as LooperSomm.

In Part 2, Sarah shares what motivated her to take the challenging Vinitaly International Academy exam and become a certified Italian Wine Ambassador. The conversation explores the wine education paths and her deep dive into the complexities of Italian wine, the styles she loves most, and the lesser-known Italian wines she believes deserve far more attention.

More about the guest: 

Professional sommelier and wine educator Sarah Looper has worked in the food and wine world for over twenty-five years. She is a graduate of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma program, an expert-level qualification covering all aspects of wine; a Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators; and she is a candidate for the Master Sommelier Diploma, the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service, with the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Sarah has worked in several areas of the wine industry including journalism, retail, import and distribution, winery and cellar work, wine education, and she was a wine director in restaurants for many years running innovative wine and cocktail programs where she worked closely with the chefs and pastry chefs on food and wine pairings that would blow her customers’ minds .

Sarah is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A in European History and she holds a Baking & Pastry Certificate from The Culinary Institute of America.

Connect: 

Website: https://loopersomm.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-looper-dipwset-9ab1577/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopersomm 

_______________________________

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!

Welcome to Episode 9 of Study Smart and Episode 2758 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 9: Southern Rhône

Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET. 

With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an accessible and engaging way.

This new series has been designed in partnership with the Italian Wine Academy, a Verona-based, internationally recognized wine school founded in 2017 that provides WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses and specialized training. 

The series is delivered by the acclaimed wine educator Gill Gordon Smith. Gill is a VIA certified Italian Wine Expert, an artisan wine producer, retailer, writer, judge and educator based between Australia's McLaren Vale Region and Verona and Tuscany in Italy. 

Look out for new episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts!

_______________________________

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!

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2757 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto IWA is joined by Frank Smulders MW  to discuss his long and varied career in wine and the future of wine education.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

More about today’s host: 

Lisa Lazzaretto, PhD, is a Switzerland-based entrepreneur, wine professional, and marketing strategist. She holds a doctorate in Political Science and a Diploma in Marketing, and is the founder of Wine Mood, an e-commerce platform dedicated to curated Italian wines. An Italian Wine Ambassador and WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Lisa bridges academic insight with hands-on industry expertise. Her recent research focuses on neuromarketing, consumer behavior, and modern wine communication. Active across international wine fairs and competitions, she combines research, storytelling, and business innovation to connect people with Italian wine.

Connect:

Website: http://www.winemood.ch 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemood_ch/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lazzaretto/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Frank Smulders MW is an internationally known wine professional. He has been working in the wine business since 1985 after finishing a bachelor’s degree in motel management. In 1992 he became a Master of Wine, as one of the youngest at that time and as the second continental European.

During his career he played various roles but he is best known for his 35 year long activity in international wine education, running and creating two of the most famous restaurant wine cellars in the world (Parkhotel Vitznau and Palais Coburg), creating Russia’s best supermarket wine selection (O’Key) and consulting producers (Campo Viejo, Abadia Retuerta, Goedmakers) and distributors (Selektion Schwander, HEMA, Thiessen, Da!).

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksmuldersmw/ 

_______________________________ 

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!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2756 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is in conversation with Le Hoang Khanh Vi, Beverage Director and Head Sommelier at Nén Restaurant (Vietnam’s first Green Michelin Star) and the Vice President of the Vietnam Sommelier Association, to explore Vietnam’s wine market.

Key learning objectives:

The importers mentioned by Vi:

The wine bars mentioned:

More about today’s guest:

Le Hoang Khanh Vi is an experienced sommelier with over a decade of expertise in wine, blending academic excellence with professional accolades. Holding a WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines (2025) and a Master’s degree in Wine and Wine Tourism from the universities of Bordeaux (France), Porto (Portugal), and Rovira i Virgili (Spain) - 2020, she was runner-up in the 2016 Best Sommelier French Wine Competition in Vietnam, ranked #10 in the 2023 All-Japan Best Sommelier Competition, and proudly represented Vietnam for the first time at the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition in Paris 2023.

As co-founder and Vice-President of the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA), the nation’s sole representative body, she advocates for the growth of wine culture. She also serves as a lecturer at the University of Economics and Finance (UEF), Beverage Director and Head Sommelier at Nén Restaurant (Vietnam’s first Green Michelin Star), and is an owner of NOB - Natural Owl Bar (Vietnam's first Natural wine bar).

Connect:

Website: https://restaurantnen.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuzzzz/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanh-vi-le-hoang-msc-dipwset-832b88267/ 

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!

Welcome to episode 2755 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 255 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by John Brandon for a heartfelt conversation about their mutual friend Nello Ghezzo, a well known Italian chef who passed away in 1999. In this evocative trip down memory lane, Marc and John share their recollections and reflect on the life and legacy of the popular Italian chef. 

Nello Ghezzo was a popular Italian restaurateur and community figure in Topsham, Devon, England, originally from the Venetian lagoon town of Rosolina Mare. He is best remembered for founding Ristorante Italiano and inspiring major charitable traditions in his memory following his death from cancer in 1999.

More about today’s guest:

John Brandon is a retired deputy head teacher who worked in secondary education in Exeter, England and Auckland, New Zealand. His original love was food and, after a year of voluntary work in the South Pacific, he enrolled in catering college. His career however took a different path but that passion for cooking was rekindled when he met Nello Ghezzo, a chef from Venice who had opened an Italian restaurant in Topsham, Devon. This is their story, of friendship, food, wine, and cycling.

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!