
Welcome to Voices and Episode 2505 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Ren Peir, a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer, to discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for queer wine drinkers and challenging traditional notions within the wine world.

More about the guest:
Ren Peir (she/her) is a sommelier, wine educator, content creator, and queer community organizer dedicated to cultivating inclusive wine spaces. After 15 years in the corporate world, Ren pivoted to wine and now serves as sommelier at Somm Time Wine Bar, educator & sales at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, and host of BABE Wine Bar and Sweeter The Juice BK. She is a WSET Diploma candidate and uses her platform to create safe, welcoming environments for queer and trans people of color to explore wine.

Connect:
Website: https://www.renpeir.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renrenwine/ 

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! 


Italian Wine Podcast

Ep 2505 Ren Peir | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2506 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Anna Obukhovskaya IWA interviews Laura Bosio of Bosio winery in Franciacorta.

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

Learning objectives:
- Help listeners understand the distinct styles and terroir that define Bosio wines.
- Explore what makes this Franciacorta expression unique, how the estate achieves elegance and refinement in its winemaking. 
- Gain deeper insight into the artistry behind Bosio’s approach to sparkling wine.

More about today’s host:  
Anna Obukhovskaya has over 15 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She has worked in several large companies and independent projects, and founded the italian wine tasting club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became a certified Italian wine Ambassador. Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to Slovenia. She currently leads export development and sales strategies at Nautilus Trade, the company she founded, specializing in expanding market opportunities for wineries and food producers.

Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obukhovskaia-0a4789261/ 
Website: http://nautilus-trade.com

More about today’s guests:  
The Bosio winery, founded in 1998, is located in the north of Franciacorta, a few kilometres from Lake Iseo, and has an area of 23 hectares under vine. In the 1990s, the Bosio family decided to embark on an exciting adventure in the world of winemaking, reconciling their passion for the land with their desire to innovate. The estate’s primary objective is to produce quality wines with the utmost respect for the environment, and with this in mind numerous projects have been undertaken, including the management of all the vineyards according to organic farming methods and measuring and limiting the quantity of carbon dioxide produced per bottle. Laura Bosio co-manages the family-run winery alongside her brother Cesare.Alongside her entrepreneurial work, she teaches at the University of Brescia’s Faculty of Economics, maintaining close ties with younger generations and fostering a continuous exchange of ideas.

Connect
Website: https://www.bosiofranciacorta.it/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosiofranciacorta/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bosio-Franciacorta/100063518582718 

_______________________________ 

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. 2506 Anna Obuhovskaya IWA interviews Laura Bosio of Bosio Winery | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Episode 2507 of the Italian Wine Podcast.This is Next Generation episode where Stevie interviews, in Italian, Professor Vincenzo Russo, Director of the project and expert in neuromarketing applied to wine. Together, they explore the Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index, an innovative tool designed to measure how appealing wineries, products, and communication are to younger audiences. 
Powered by Sardegna Ricerche with the support of Assoenologi Sardegna and under the supervision of IULM – Behavior & Brain Lab, the project marks a pioneering pilot in the Italian wine scene. Stevie and the Professor will discuss Young Wine Neuro-Engagement Index’s five-step methodology, the Cannonau case study, and the evolving relationship between young consumers and wine.

More about today’s guest: 
Professor Vincenzo Russo is Full Professor of Consumer Psychology and Neuromarketing, Founder and Coordinator of the Neuromarketing Research Center 'Behavior and Brain Lab IULM', Scientific Director of the Master's Program in Food and Wine Communication (IULM), the Master's Program in Sport Communication and Marketing (IULM), and the Executive Master's Program in Neuromarketing, Consumer Neuroscience and Market Research (IULM).
Founded in 1968, IULM University (Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM) is a private university in Milan specializing in languages, communication, marketing, and cultural studies. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, IULM bridges academia and industry, offering programs in media, marketing, and food and wine communication, and is home to cutting-edge research in consumer psychology and neuromarketing.
Connect:  
Website: https://www.iulm.it/ 

More about the host: 
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!


Ep. 2507 Stevie Kim interviews Vincenzo Russo of IULM University in Milan | Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 2508 of the Italian Wine Podcast from TEXSOM 2025 in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Master Sommelier and restaurateur Chris Gaither to talk about his first sommelier job, his journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, and founding Ungrafted, one of San Francisco’s most exciting wine destinations. They also break down the Master Sommelier vs. Master of Wine programs, exploring the key differences and challenges of each path.

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:
With a career in hospitality spanning 20 years, Chris took his first restaurant job while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. His passion and curiosity for wine led him to apply for and receive a coveted wine internship at The French Laundry. He moved to San Francisco to work as a Sommelier at Spruce and from there went on to be the Wine Director at Restaurant Gary Danko. After stints at Sociale, Michael Mina and Octavia, Chris got the opportunity in 2018 to open Ungrafted with his wife, Master Sommelier Rebecca Fineman. In May of 2023 they also opened their wine bar, GluGlu, at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. He is director of wine education and brand ambassador at the Brown Estate in Napa Valley.

Connect:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gaither-ms-299b71135/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommthingelse/ 

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. 2508 Jessica Dupuy interviews Chris Gaither MS | TEXSOM 2025

Welcome to Episode 2509 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kathleen Willcox, an award-winning food and drinks journalist, to discuss Kathleen’s recent research and article on how millennials are reshaping wine collecting and consumption.

Key Takeaways: 

- Younger generations appreciate wine and are willing to spend, but they seek different experiences.
- Millennials and Gen Z care about what a brand stands for and its values.
- Making wine fun through storytelling and unique experiences helps connect with modern consumers.

Kathleen’s article in the Wine Enthusiast magazine on the investment habits of millennials is available online at:
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/millennials-wine-collecting/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOR-iiqNks-VGy34Qj7XcY1Whsr28PhSC0U3qiMd1fySx6Kp0T 

More about the guest: 
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about food, wine, beer, and popular culture. She is keenly interested in sustainability issues, and the business of making ethical drinks and food. Her work appears regularly in Wine Searcher, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, The Drinks Business, Wine Industry Advisor and many other publications. She recently coauthored, with Tessa Edick, “Hudson Valley Wine: A History of Taste & Terroir.” She lives in Saratoga Springs, New York. 

Connect:  
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-willcox-7a46074/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenwillcox/ 

More about the host:
With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara 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 
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. 2509 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kathleen Willcox | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2510 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 215 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Elena Penna of Cascina Penna-Currado winery in Piemonte, to discuss their philosophy behind this exciting winemaking project, and how they’re reimagining Piedmont’s traditions through both wine and spirits.

More about the guest:
Cascina Penna-Currado is the new, contemporary winemaking project of Luca Currado Vietti and Elena Penna, formerly of the historic Vietti winery. The project is based in a restored 1554 farmhouse near Serralunga d'Alba and is known for its modern approach to winemaking in the Langhe region, focusing on indigenous Piedmontese grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Timorasso.
In addition to their wines, Elena and Luca have also launched Elena Spirits, a line of artisanal distillates and vermouths that reflect the same craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity found in their winemaking, blending tradition with a fresh, modern vision of Piedmont’s flavors.

Connect
Website: https://cascinapennacurrado.com/en/ https://www.elenaspirits.com/en 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascinapennacurrado/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cascina-Penna-Currado/61557067481394/ 

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. 2510 Elena Penna of Cascina Penna-Currado | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Episode 2511 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 Beatrice Motterle (Part 1).

Today’s question(s): 
🇬🇧 You’ve often expressed skepticism toward the natural wine movement. What do you think this movement still lacks in order to be taken seriously by the scientific community?

 🇮🇹 Hai spesso espresso scetticismo verso il movimento dei vini naturali. Cosa pensi manchi ancora a questo movimento per essere preso sul serio dalla comunità scientifica?

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. 2511 Beatrice Motterle Part 1 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2512 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is “In the Mensa with Scienza!” In this special episode, Stevie Kim is at the famous Trattoria Tre Marchetti in Verona with Professor Attilio Scienza and Davide to sample some local dishes and find the perfect pairing. 
Owner and local chef Matteo Barca is on hand to guide his special guests through three typical dishes from Verona, while the professor provides some technical insights and Davide offers a more youthful perspective!

More about the host: 
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/ 

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/ 

_______________________________

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. 2512 Scienza in the Mensa: Trattoria Tre Marchetti | On the Road Edition with Stevie Kim

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2514 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Marie Cheslik, founder of Slik Wines, a platform for wine education.

More about today’s guest:
Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse and certified sommelier. In 2010, she moved to Chicago to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also working as a part-time hostess in a restaurant. She balanced two careers, working as a nurse and at award-winning restaurants, becoming more passionate about wine. In 2018, Marie passed the Certified Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers, worked as Wine Director at a Michelin-star restaurant, Elske, and received nominations including Jean Banchet's 'Best Sommelier' in 2019 and Eater’s 'Young Guns’ in 2020. In August 2020, she created Slik Wines to make fun and approachable wine education for everyone. In 2023 she was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers and has worked with notable brands such as Wines of Germany, Vini d’Abruzzo, Rick Bayless, VinItaly, and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. 

Connect:
Website: https://www.slikwines.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slikwines/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@slikwines/featured 

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 
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. 2514 McKenna Cassidy interviews Marie Cheslik of Slik Wines | Next Generation

Welcome to episode 2513 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025 .
 
The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time.

Moderated by Juliana Colangelo IWA and Barbara Fitzgerald IWA, this session spotlights Italy's next generation of winemakers and emerging wineries. Innovative Italian startups showcase how they are experimenting with native grapes, sustainable practices, and new storytelling approaches to capture the attention of American consumers. Producers include Maria Faretra (Maria Faretra winery), Stephanie Cuadra (Lasorte Cuadra), Cecilia Longo (Terre Rosse Vallania), Federico Veronesi (Podere Guardia Grande), Marco Iuppa (Iuppa), and Marco Lazzaroni (Terre Lazzaroni). The masterclass also considers the role of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in supporting new voices as they enter and grow within the U.S. market.

About ITA - the Italian Trade Agency:
ITA - the Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. 
With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world.

Connect: https://www.ice.it/en/ 
_______________________________
 
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. 2513 ITA Masterclass "Startup Italy" | wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum

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!

New tracks tagged #PodcastCommunity