Welcome to Voices and Episode 2545 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews New York–based wine educator and digital creator Amari Collins to explore her personal journey into wine, from childhood memories with her sommelier father to her unexpected career shift from television production into the world of wine education. Amari shares how she built Vin Dealer as an accessible, culture-driven platform, how a viral rooftop tasting changed everything, and how her tastes have evolved along the way.

More about the guest:

Amari Collins is a New York–based wine educator and digital creator who brings a fresh, inclusive voice to the world of wine. Through her platform @vin_dealer, Amari demystifies wine with humor, cultural insight, and storytelling that resonates with a diverse audience. 
Before stepping into the wine space, Amari built a successful career as a television casting producer. In recognition of her impact on the industry, Amari was named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers list for 2025.

Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vin_dealer/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amari-collins-8599b979/ 

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-
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Until next time, Cin Cin! 


Ep. 2545 Building Inclusive Wine Spaces with Amari Collins | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin

The Italian Wine Podcast is a storytelling project dedicated to the fascinating world of Italian wine. New episodes are published every day – so stay tuned!
With more grape varieties and more diverse grape growing regions than any other country in the world, the story of Italian wine is a rich and captivating one. 
While the popularity of Italian wine continues to grow in every corner of the globe, inspired by a deep affection for the Italian way of life, the Italian Wine Podcast seeks to entertain, educate and inform. Embracing Italian food, travel, lifestyle and culture, IWP has something for every taste!