Welcome to episode 2483 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 211 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Silvia Imparato and Gaia Marano from the Montevetrano winery which is located within the province of Salerno in the Campania region of Southern Italy. 

More about the guest:
Montevetrano winery is famous for its high-quality, cult-following red wine of the same name, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Aglianico grapes, often called the "Sassicaia of the South". Created by Silvia Imparato with Riccardo Cotarella's expertise, the wine is known for its sophistication, complexity, and longevity, reflecting the unique terroir near Salerno in Campania, Italy. The winery also produces the acclaimed 100% Aglianico "Core" red wine, further cementing its reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and typical regional character. 
Owner Silvia Imparato's passion and vision set a new standard for winemaking in the region, aiming to produce wines that compete with the world's finest. In 1995, Robert Parker first dubbed Montevetrano "the Sassicaia of the South," a testament to its legendary status and comparative quality. Gaia Marano was a successful graphic designer who worked with prominent figures like the Vignellis and Dolce & Gabbana. More recently she has been engaged as a vintner and graphic designer for the family winery, where she runs the Core project alongside her mother, Silvia.

Connect
Website: https://www.montevetrano.it/en/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montevetrano/ 


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!


Ep. 2483 Silvia Imparato and Gaia Marano | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Episode 2484 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way!  These episodes are generally in Italian.

Today’s question comes from Noah Carrenca.
Today’s question(s): 

🇬🇧 Resistant grape varieties (PIWI) are gaining ground: do you see them as a necessary step toward the future, or a genetic shortcut that might flatten and oversimplify European viticulture?
 🇮🇹 Le varietà resistenti (PIWI) stanno prendendo piede: le vedi come un passo necessario verso il futuro o scorciatoie genetiche che rischiano di appiattire e semplificare la viticoltura europea?
 
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 & 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!
 
Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂


Ep. 2484 Noah Carrenca Part 1 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2485 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Marco Nordio interviews Anna Campagna and Vera Malisani of Ethica Wines, a global wine importer and distributor specializing in premium Italian wines. With headquarters in the United States and offices across Asia-Pacific, Ethica Wines focuses on connecting family-owned Italian wineries with international markets.

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

Learning Objectives:
- How Ethica Wines uses scale and expertise to grow Italian wine in Asia-Pacific.
- Why wineries and importers benefit from partnering on logistics, marketing, and promotions.
- Strategies to boost market presence and brand visibility through collaboration.

More about today’s host:  
Marco Nordio, a graduate of Bocconi University in Milan with a degree in Monetary Economics, is a wine entrepreneur based in New Zealand. In 2013, he founded Sapori d’Italia Import Ltd, a company specializing in the sourcing and distribution of Italian wines in New Zealand. In 2019, he successfully organized New Zealand's largest Italian wine tasting, "Vino Italiano," in Auckland, featuring 150 wines, 15 Italian personalities, and 400 guests. In 2023, he earned the title of Italian Wine Ambassador after passing the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) exam.

Connect:
Website: https://www.sapori.co.nz/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapori.co.nz 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-nordio-256a1a1a/ 

More about today’s guests:  

Vera Malisani is a co-founder and Commercial Director Asia-Pacific at Ethica Wines, based in Bangkok. Originally from Venice, she has over 12 years of experience in Asia and a Sommelier diploma from AIS. With a background spanning Europe, the US, and Asia, Vera is dedicated to promoting authentic Italian wines and expanding their presence across the Asia-Pacific region.

Connect
Website: https://www.ethicawines.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veramalisani 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-malisani-8aa84044 

Anna Campagna is a global FMCG executive with 20+ years in the beverage industry across five continents. At Ethica Wines, she drives customer experience, route-to-consumer strategies, and sales transformation. Recognized by Forbes Mexico (Top 100 Most Powerful Women, 2016) and finalist at the WeQual Awards APAC (2021), Anna is also a strong advocate for leadership, diversity, and innovation in the wine and beverage sector.

Connect
Website: https://www.ethicawines.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-campagna-35186b3/ 

_______________________________ 

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! 


Ep. 2485 Marco Nordio interviews Anna Campagna and Vera Malisani | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Episode 2487 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Maryam Ahmed of Maryam + Company at TEXSOM 2025. 

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:
Maryam Ahmed is a Napa, CA based food and wine entrepreneur. As the owner of Maryam + Company, a certified B Corporation, she works at the intersection of sommeliers, chefs, activists, sustainability experts, media, and organizations focused on diversity and sustainability to design impact-driven brand extension and educational programs that celebrate food and wine. She is the creator of Field Blends, an immersive food and wine travel experience focused on opening up conversations about what’s emerging in wine and agriculture. Maryam is the co-founder of the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum, which she leads in partnership with Dr. Akilah Cadet. Maryam was named a Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemaker in 2022, received the 2023 Impact Award from the Wine & Culture Festival,  was listed as one of the Imbibe 75, and nominated for the Social Visionary Wine Star Award in 2022. She is also a cast member on SOMM TV,  a published writer, public speaker, and a partner at PLAYTE Kitchen.
 
Connect:
Website: https://www.maryamandcompany.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanaclarke/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryamandcompany/ 

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!


Ep. 2487 Jessica Dupuy interviews Maryam Ahmed of Maryam + Company | TEXSOM 2025

Welcome to Episode 2486 and Episode 3 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson.

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.

In this episode Ryan reads from chapters 7, 8 and 9 of the Art of Wine Storytelling, focusing on the Myth of Wine.
 
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
The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza is available now at: https://mammajumboshrimp.com/products/the-art-of-wine-storytelling 

_______________________________

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!


Ep. 2486 The Myth of Wine | The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson

Welcome to Episode 2488 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Jonathan Pogash of The Cocktail Guru Inc.

Key Takeaways:
- How are Italian wines and spirits offering a more versatile flavor palette for traditional and innovative cocktails?
- Why are aperitivo & spritz cultures so popular today?
- How can regional Italian products fit into modern cocktail programs?

More about the guest: 
Jonathan Pogash is one of the industry’s leading cocktail consultants and bartenders. His signature cocktails can be seen and enjoyed in many of North America’s most upscale cocktail lounges and restaurants. With nearly 20 years experience in the hospitality space, Jonathan shares his insights with the most influential publications from around the world, and is a regular contributor on television shows and national radio. He is the owner and president of The Cocktail Guru, a well-respected, full service beverage consulting firm. 

Connect: 
Website: https://www.thecocktailguru.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecocktailguru/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-pogash-ab05834/ 

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!


Ep. 2488 Juliana Colangelo interviews Jonathan Pogash | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2489 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 212 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Marco Iuppa from Cantine Iuppa. 

This episode of the Italian Wine Podcast is powered by Dialect Imports.

More about the guest:
Cantine Iuppa is renowned for producing authentic, high-quality organic wines from Etna's indigenous grape varieties, such as Carricante and Nerello Mascalese, using a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques on the volcano's eastern slope in Milo. The winery is known for its Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco, and even a Champenoise method sparkling wine made from Nerello Mascalese, all reflecting Etna's unique terroir. Today, the next generation, including Marco Iuppa, is involved in running the estate with the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and authentic expression. Marco frequently travels across the United States with his importers, Christina Solazzo and her father Antony, owners of Dialect Imports. 

Connect
Website: https://www.cantineiuppa.it/en/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aziendaagricolaiuppa/ 

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!


Ep. 2489 Marco Iuppa from Cantine Iuppa | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2490 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Leslie Frelow of The Wine Concierge.

More about the guest:
Following her passion, Leslie Frelow launched her wine focused business, Vino 301 Wine Concierge, in January 2013. Sparked by a pandemic pivot and a social justice awakening after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Leslie recognized the extreme underrepresentation of Black professionals in wine—less than 1%—and took bold action. She launched The Wine Concierge to create a curated platform highlighting wines by Black, women, and minority winemakers who are often excluded from national distribution channels. Rather than rely on traditional supply chains, The Wine Concierge built an independent sourcing system—researching winemakers through personal networks, online forums, and professional directories. Its approach enables The Wine Concierge to bypass conventional barriers and support small-batch producers directly, despite the logistical and financial challenges they face. Additionally, Leslie is a strong advocate for enhancing business literacy among winemakers. 
Leslie holds a Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits (WSET). Encouraged and inspired by her industry peers, she has had the honor of participating as a judge in regional wine competitions, which included the 2019 Maryland’s Governor’s Cup and Maryland’s Comptroller’s Cup. She is a recent member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter, co-chair of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Committee, and a recent board member of Experience Prince George’s County tourism board. 

Connect:
Website: https://thewineconcierge.co/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewineconciergeclub/ 

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! 


Ep. 2490 Leslie Frelow of The Wine Concierge | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2491 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Federica Fina of Cantine Fina from Marsala in Sicily.
These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. 

Learning Objectives:
- Discover the legacy of Cantine Fina and how tradition and innovation shaped its iconic wines and family values.
- Learn about the role of women in Italian wine through Federica Fina’s personal journey and leadership in a male-dominated industry.
- Gain practical insights into wine tasting, food pairing, client engagement, and global promotion of Cantine Fina wines.

More about today’s host:  
Alberto Rivera IWA majored in International Relations and worked as a diplomat in Tokyo, as well as under a United Nations mandate to promote the Sustainable Development Goals within Chihuahua’s regional policies. After the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, he decided to take his passion for wine tasting to a professional level. He completed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and followed his love for Italy by combining these interests as an Italian wine instructor on an online education platform in Mexico.
Last year, he set his sights on earning the title of Italian Wine Ambassador, which he achieved in April 2024. It remains one of the proudest milestones of his wine journey, especially as one of the youngest candidates to pass the exam. Today, he’s a professional wine educator and consultant based in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Connect:
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/1EaAWoxQjW/?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/somm.albertorivera/⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/y-alberto-rivera-o/⁠


More about the winery:  
Cantine Fina, founded in 2005 by Bruno and Mariella Fina, is a family winery set on the hills of Marsala in western Sicily, overlooking the Stagnone lagoon and the Egadi Islands. The estate is dedicated to organic farming and produces wines from both native varieties—such as Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Perricone, and Zibibbo—and select international grapes like Chardonnay and Syrah. Their portfolio includes acclaimed labels like Kikè and Kebrilla Grillo, which showcase the balance of tradition and innovation at the heart of the winery. 
Today, the winery is run jointly by Bruno and his children, Marco, Sergio, and Federica, who each bring their passion and expertise to roles in viticulture, winemaking, marketing, and enotourism. Federica Fina, in particular, leads the winery’s communications, hospitality, and international relations, often representing the brand at trade fairs and bringing forward its narrative of place, innovation, and family legacy.

Connect
Website: ⁠https://cantinefina.it/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cantinefina/⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-fina-573277106⁠ 
_______________________________ 

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!

Ep. 2491 Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Federica Fina | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2492 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Sunny Hodge to discuss his new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine. In this in-depth conversation, Richard and Sunny discuss Sunny’s varied career in hospitality, the ups and downs of the London wine scene, the philosophies behind his award winning wine bars, and the science behind his book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine. 

On the bookshelf:
- Sunny shared his passion for journals articles on mycorrhizal networks, while currently on Richard’s bookshelf is Question 7 by Richard Flanagan. 
- The Cynic’s Guide to Wine is published by The Académie du Vin Library and is available to order at: ⁠https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-cynics-guide-to-wine-sunny-hodge⁠. 

About today’s guest: 
Sunny Hodge is the founder of two renowned London wine bars and a recognised disruptor in the wine trade. With a background in hospitality and a passion for truth-telling, Hodge has built a reputation for making wine approachable, exciting, and rooted in reality.
Sunny Hodge completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering before embarking on a career in hospitality. He worked his way up from fast food restaurants to become a founding team member at Paulo de Tarso and Nicholas Jaouën’s London restaurant, Margot.
His scientific training has always led him to look for the how and why behind food and wine, and he currently runs science-based wine tastings and is developing programmes to provide wine education based on science and functionality.
Hodge is the founder and owner of two wine bars in south London, Diogenes the Dog and Aspen & Meursault, for which he was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the Southwark Business Awards. Both wine bars showcase unusual and lesser-known wines and share a mission to educate customers about wine. Sunny is an annual wine judge for the IWSC awards and has commentated on wine for the Evening Standard, The Times and The Guardian.

Connect: 
Website: ⁠https://www.diogenesthedog.co.uk/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sunnyhodgewine/⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-hodge-wine/⁠ 
 
More about the host:
Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast.

Connect:
Bluesky:⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione⁠ 
Linkedin:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/⁠
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Until next time, Cin Cin!


Ep. 2492 Sunny Hodge | Book Club with Richard Hough

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!

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