Welcome to episode 2523 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 217 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with James MacNay and Cinzia Long from MacNay Travel & Wine, to talk about organizing wine tourism activities across Italy. 

More about today’s guests:
James grew up in East Sussex, studied humanities, and holds both British and Italian passports. He began his career as a walking tour guide before moving into the wine and food trade. In 2016, alongside his partner Cinzia, he founded MacNay Travel & Wine, launching their first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps. A top-scoring Italian Wine Ambassador, James is among fewer than 500 IWAs worldwide. He also holds other wine qualifications and loves sharing his passion for Italian wine and culture through writing and public speaking.
Cinzia, originally from Piemonte and raised in the high Alps of Valle d’Aosta, studied Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Turin, where she wrote her thesis on the wild red squirrel population of Gran Paradiso National Park. In 2022, she and her family returned to Italy, settling in Torre Pellice, Piedmont. In June 2025, she began her journey to become a Master Cheese Taster, passing the first level with ONAF, Italy’s national organization for cheese experts.

Connect
Website: https://travelandwine.co.uk/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macnay_travel_and_wine/ 

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. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.
Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other 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 in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England.

Connect:
Website: 
https://www.quaypress.uk  
https://www.marcmillon.co.uk 
https://www.vino.co.uk   
https://www.quaypress.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon 
_______________________________
 
Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 
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. 2523 James MacNay IWA and Cinzia Long | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

#!@$#"&%/$# N@ $ @N3  S3c1et S@ng - 
(1RcL3S

No one - Noirah

Sixth song that I've made for The Peculiar Misadventure of Nora Wisp! 
The final judgement is here. Having gathered as much information as possible to help her make a decision, it's time for Nora to deliver her verdict.

Feel free to leave a comment saying your thoughts about this song and the game, I'll be happy to read it 👀

Hope you enjoy it 😄

🎮 You can play the full game here: https://alfacinha.itch.io/the-misadventure-of-nora-wisp
🌟 And you can also leave a comment and rate our project here: https://itch.io/jam/spooktober-2025/rate/3919140

📱 My others socials right here:
https://soundcloud.com/mtshk
https://www.tiktok.com/@matoushka_
https://www.youtube.com/@Matoushka_wav/videos

This game was made with really talented people:
Technical - Eder (Alfacinha)
Writing -  Pilontrinha
Art - Alise Hirvonen
And of course I, Matoushka made the Music

The Deads Dilemma (Nora Wisp soundtrack)

Welcome to Episode 2524 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo reconnects with Blake Gray, the US Editor at Wine-Searcher, for a follow-up conversation diving deep into the current status of tariffs, the VOS Selections vs. Trump legal case, and their broader implications for the wine trade.

Key Takeaways: 
1. The latest updates on the tariff situation.
2. How tariffs are shaping the wine industry in the U.S.
3. What these changes mean for Italian wine and its future in the American market.

More about the guest: 
W. Blake Gray is an award-winning wine writer and the US Editor for Wine-Searcher. He is known for his work as a journalist, blogger, and speaker, with a career that includes roles as the former wine editor for the San Francisco Chronicle and food editor for SF Weekly. Gray has also written for publications like The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine, and is the author of the Japanese-language guide "California Winetopia". 
Connect:  
Website: https://www.wine-searcher.com/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-blake-gray-69b4b91ab/ 

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. 2524 Tariffs and Trade with Blake Gray of Wine Searcher | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2526 and Episode 5 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. In this episode, Ryan explores the fascinating concept of minerality in wine through the lens of synesthesia, the way our senses intertwine to create meaning. Why do we describe wine as tasting like stone? What do we really mean when we say “minerality”?

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
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. 2526 How Can a Liquid Taste Like Stone? | The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2525 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Daisy Penzo IWA interviews Veronica Tommasini of Piccoli winery in Valpolicella. Together, they explore the story of Piccoli Wines and the inspiring women behind the labels, while discussing the modern challenges and opportunities facing Italy’s new generation of winemakers.

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

More about today’s host:  
Daisy Penzo is an Italian-born wine professional, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, and entrepreneur based in South Florida. As Sales Director for Vivino Selections, she leads U.S. market development for a growing portfolio of European wineries. She’s also the founder of Tuscany Wines Import and women-owned brand Fiori & Colori Wines, Daisy champions boutique producers and sustainable, value-driven wines that celebrate authenticity and accessibility. A certified Wine Scholar Guild educator with the Florida Wine Academy, she shares her passion for Italian wine at national trade events and seminars.

Connect:
Website: https://tuscanywinesimport.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-p-a48251139/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy_wines/ 

More about today’s guest:  
The Piccoli winery is located in Parona di Valpolicella. The winery is situated on Monte la Parte hill and specializes in red wines from the Valpolicella region, including Amarone, with a focus on indigenous grapes and a modern approach to winemaking that also respects tradition. It is known for its high-quality wines that express the characteristics of its terroir, and for being a female-run business with a strong connection to the land. 
Veronica Tommasini is a third-generation winemaker at Piccoli winery, where she continues the family business her grandmother started in the 1960s. Working alongside her sister Alice, she combines her passion for winemaking with her background in design, having created the company's logo and designed the wine tasting rooms. 

Connect
Website: https://www.piccoliwine.it/en  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piccoliwines  
_______________________________ 

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. 2525 Daisy Penzo IWA interviews Veronica Tommasini | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Live Version here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7JVffKGqR8&t=597s

This Will Go Wrong Vol2

Welcome to episode 2527 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “Unearthing Italy’s hidden gems: sourcing & positioning small-batch grower wines”

Speaker: Brian Larky, Moderator: Roberto Bruno

This edition of wine2wine focuses on how local markets interpret global wine brands, and how producers and importers can adjust to a constantly evolving consumer base. The session provides an overview of the history of the US Italian wine import business vs where we are today and foresight as to where we may be going in the near future. We’re living in challenging times for Italian wines sales worldwide – looking from Italy to the world as US importation. It’s getting tougher to bridge the Atlantic. Americans are drinking less; costs are increasing and of course the ominous threat of tariffs.

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.

Learn more about the event: wine2wine.net/programma/?lang=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. 2527 Unearthing Italy’s hidden gems | wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2528 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today McKenna Cassidy interviews Liza and Lucas Grinstead of Grinsteads On The Vine to talk about their journey from wine newbies to content creators, exploring Italian vineyards, travel adventures, and life with their puppy, Nebbiolo.

More about today’s guest:
Grinsteads On The Vine is a social media account, run by Liza and Lucas Grinstead, that focuses on sharing recommendations for wine, travel, and dog-friendly lifestyles. Liza and Lucas create content about wine regions, vineyards, and restaurants, and often include their dog, Nebbiolo, in their posts. Their content includes travel tips, wine tasting notes, and dog-parenting lifestyle tips. 

Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grinsteadsonthevine/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grinsteadsonthevine 

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. 2528 McKenna Cassidy interviews Liza and Lucas Grinstead | Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 2529 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo meets Giovanna Bagnasco of the Agricola Brandini winery in Piedmont for a wide-ranging conversation about the estate’s evolution from its family history and conversion to organic farming, to the creative choices behind their labels, their approach to the US market, strategic partnerships, and the rise of Italy’s next generation of women in wine.

Key Takeaways:
1. A new generation of winegrowers: how young leaders like Giovanna are shaping the future of Piedmont.
2. Entering the US wine market: what matters most from a producer’s point of view.
3. Adapting to new consumers: trends, expectations, and how wineries can connect with the next generation of wine drinkers.

More about the guest: 
Agricola Brandini is known for its organic Barolo and Piedmont wines, produced with a deep respect for tradition and the environment. The winery is known for its high-quality, terroir-driven wines, which are a result of its certified organic farming practices, the use of native grape varieties, and the direct supervision of every stage of production. It is a relatively young winery, but has quickly become a respected name in the Langhe region, also gaining recognition for their hospitality with the addition of the Coltivare Agri-Relais. 
In 2018, 19-year-old Giovanna Bagnasco took over the family-owned winery with her sister Serena and they have been running it ever since. 

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

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. 2529 Next-Gen Italian Wine Producers | Masterclass US Wine Market

🔊 House Groove | Hard House | Techno | Hard Groove
🌎 Connecting cultures, sounds and emotions on the dance floor.
🔥 Escucha, siente, vive la experiencia de Noirah.
📍 Bogotá | Global
📩 Bookings / Contact: [felipe.miranda.colmenares4@gmail.com]

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!

Neuromantic 

Contact: peskimomusic@icloud.com
All artwork by MAKEUP
https://www.instagram.com/sophiadelpizzo

Videogames music composer trying to live the dream.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your opinions or contact me in DM.

New tracks tagged #Visual