Welcome to Episode 16 of Study Smart and Episode 2801 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 15: Italy 

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!

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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ 

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2800 and Episode 12 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. 

Episode 12: What Ancient Vines Can Teach Us About Wine Today?

In this episode, Ryan Robinson explores how ancient vine-training systems reveal the cultural boundaries between early Italian viticulture and that of ancient Greek colonizers. From vines trained on living trees in Italy to different practices in ancient Greece, these traditions offer clues about how viticulture developed across the Mediterranean.

Ryan also reflects on how we tell and understand wine stories today, from the limitations of wine tourism and maps to the importance of preserving a wine’s story as it moves through the three-tier system.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an eager student, or simply a curious wine lover, The Art of Wine Storytelling takes you on a journey that bridges ancient history with modern consumer culture. Discover how wine is much more than just a drink – it’s a narrative shaped by centuries of tradition, innovation and human interaction. Ignite your imagination, deepen your appreciation for wine, and be inspired to savor not just what’s in the bottle, but the remarkable story behind each and every glass.

About Ryan Robinson:

Ryan Robinson is the Director of Education for Brescome-Barton Inc., and Worldwide Wines in Connecticut, an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, and is the Principal at SommCentric, a beverage education and consulting agency. He is a member on the USA Wine Tasting Team, representing the United States and the World Wine Tasting Championships and holds the credentials of Advanced Sommelier-CMS; WSET Diploma and WSET Educator in Wine, Sake and Beer; Rioja Wine Educator; VIA Italian Wine Ambassador; Wine Scholar Guild Educator and Italian and Spanish Wine Specialist; and Certified Scotch Whisky.

Connect:

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

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

The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza is available now at:

https://mammajumboshrimp.com/products/the-art-of-wine-storytelling 

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

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

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

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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 2799 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA is in conversation with Sue Tolson MW, exploring her path to achieving the prestigious Master of Wine title and her experience of the Hungarian wine market.

Sue shares insights into the development and character of the Hungarian wine market, including the role of importers, how consumers discover and purchase wine, and the changing dynamics of the local wine trade. The conversation also looks at the position of Italian wines in Hungary, exploring how Italian wine is perceived, where it fits within the market, and the opportunities and challenges for Italian producers.

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

About today's 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: 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/?hl=en 

More about today's guest:

Sue Tolson is a Master of Wine Sue Tolson is a freelance wine writer, wine judge, wine educator, consultant and specialist translator and editor. Originally from England, she is now based in Hungary.

She focuses on Hungary and other Central and Eastern European countries as well as Italy. She is one of Vinitaly International’s few Italian Wine Experts. Interests also include indigenous varieties, volcanic wines and old vines. Sue has also contributed to Vince, Trink, Glug and Decanter supplements as well as writing regularly for online CEE wine magazine WineSofa (as Managing Editor) and Wines of Hungary. She also judges regularly both within Hungary and internationally, particularly within the CEE region, as well as at International Wine Challenge, Wine Vision at Open Balkan, Decanter and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Sue studied Italian and French at university and also speaks fluent Hungarian and German, which she can put to good use in the wine world.

Connect:

Website: https://www.mastersofwine.org/sue-tolson-mw 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-tolson-mw-8661141/ 

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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 back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2798 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy is in conversation with the New York City-based sommelier, beverage director, and wine educator with over twenty years in the hospitality industry Chris Struck

Chris talks about his masterclass at Texsom and explains why Greek wines might be the answer to falling wine consumption. The conversation also covers eating out and the hospitality industry in the context of the current cost of living crisis. Finally the conversation shifts to AI and its possible impact on consumer habits. 

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 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 delves into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today's guest:

Chris Struck is a New York City-based sommelier, beverage director and wine educator with over 20 years of hospitality experience. He holds degrees in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management and Food Marketing, along with advanced wine and sommelier credentials. Chris has worked at leading NYC restaurants, including ilili, Racines NY and Union Square Cafe, and currently teaches wine and beverage management with the Sommelier Society of America and CUNY CityTech.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-struck-74811b288/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_struck/?hl=en 

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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 this very special episode of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon!

This is episode 2797 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 262 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon.

In this episode Marc celebrates his 5th anniversary as host on the Italian Wine Podcast. To mark this momentous milestone occasion, Marc shares some of the highlights from the past 5 years with personal recollections, special guests and a few surprises!

For five years, his blend of deep cultural storytelling and approachable, friendly style has proved a hit with listeners, making him one of the most well known and authoritative voices in Italian wine. His show goes beyond just the glass. It connects wine to local ways of life, regional recipes, traditional foods, and Italy’s diverse winemaking regions. Marc introduces us to the people who know the regions best—multi-generational winemaking families and local producers, striking the perfect balance between deep professional insight and warm welcoming host,, making his show essential listening for wine geeks and curious novices alike

Happy 5th Anniversary Marc! Here’s to the next 5!

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 

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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 2796 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Juliana Colangelo is joined by the seasoned American sommelier and wine educator, Jienna Basaldu to discuss, amongst other things, pricing strategies,  Italian wines’ competitive advantage, and how it's becoming increasingly hard to wow consumers.

Key Takeaways:

More about the guest:

Jienna Basaldu is an American sommelier and wine educator with nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality and beverage industry. Based in New York City, she has built her career across restaurants, wine education and beverage programs, developing a deep understanding of the relationship between wine producers, sommeliers and consumers.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jienna-basaldu/

More about the host:

Juliana Colangelo is the Director of Marketing at T. Edward Wines & Spirits, the NYC-based national importer and distributor. She leads the company’s marketing strategy across a growing portfolio of global wine and spirits producers, driving brand development, trade engagement, and national visibility during a period of significant expansion. 

Previously, Juliana was Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman & Sons, where she played a key leadership role in the Italian wine division, overseeing marketing strategy for shareholder brands within the Gruppo Italiano Vini and Cantine Riunite portfolios. Prior to that, she served as Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S., where she opened the firm’s first secondary headquarters in California in 2016, establishing its Bay Area office. Over the past decade, Juliana has become one of the most dynamic and influential marketing and communications executives in the wine industry. She is widely recognized as a mentor and connector for women in beverage alcohol, leveraging her network to create opportunities and elevate others in the field. Juliana has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, and other leading publications speaking on the future of wine marketing and consumer growth.

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/

More interviews on US Wine Market:

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

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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 15 of Study Smart and Episode 2795 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 15: Spain 

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 the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2794 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is in conversation with the Regional Sales Manager for South Korea at Ethica Wines and VIA Italian Wine Ambassador Juhee Ryou IWA.

Juhee offers an overview of the South Korean wine market, from its key cities, consumer groups and distribution channels to recent market developments. She explores what Korean consumers are drinking, how Italian wines are performing, which regions and styles have the greatest potential, and where Italian wine faces competition. 

Key Takeaways:

About today’s guest:

Juhee Ryou is the Regional Sales Manager for South Korea at Ethica Wines and a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador. With over 20 years of experience in the wine industry, she has extensive expertise in wine sales, marketing, brand development, and market strategy. She currently focuses on developing and promoting Italian wine brands in the Korean market, working closely with Italian producers and local trade partners.

Connect:

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

Website: https://www.ethicawines.com/ 

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

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 2793 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto IWA is in conversation with Alexandre Centeleghe to explore what it really takes to teach wine well in today's market.

Alex reflects on a career spanning sales, education and wine criticism, including his time in Asia during its market boom and working with James Suckling. He shares his perspective on Italian wine and the relationship between quality and appellation, as well as why effective wine education is about sharing experience, not just information.

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

About today's host:

Lisa Lazzaretto, PhD, is a Swiss-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/

More about today's guest:

Alexandre Centeleghe DipWSET is a wine educator and lecturer based in Switzerland. A graduate of EHL Lausanne, he began his career in Shanghai before spending three years as Vice President for events and tastings with American wine critic James Suckling, tasting an average of 3,000 wines a year. Back in Switzerland since 2016, Alexandre has focused on wine promotion, journalism and education, and in 2018 founded Pur Jus Education, his own wine school based in Chardonne, Switzerland. He also lectures in oenology at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

Connect:

Website: https://pur-jus.ch/en/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandre.centeleghe/

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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 back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2792 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews longtime friend and fellow wine professional Scott Ota, sommelier and Culinary Institute of America instructor.

As old friends, Jessica and Scott reflect on their shared journey in wine. Scott talks about the community and camaraderie that make TEXSOM special, as well as his unique role at the Culinary Institute of America, where he teaches students from their first through final semester. He also shares what it takes to succeed in today’s hospitality industry and what the next generation of wine professionals needs most.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 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 delves into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today's guest:

Scott Ota is a sommelier and wine educator based in Texas, and an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America. He built his career in San Antonio's wine scene, notably leading the wine program at High Street Wine Co. at the Pearl, and has been recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as one of America's Best New Sommeliers and by Food & Wine Magazine as a 2018 Tastemaker to Revolutionize the Business. He holds Level III certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and won the TEXSOM sommelier competition in 2013.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ota/

Website: https://www.ciachef.edu/ 

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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!