Welcome to Episode 2324 and a pilot episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Stevie Kim interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA, the Co-Producer of the Italian Wine Podcast and the host of the upcoming series. 

Asia Wine Market is a brand-new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports.

The first installment, Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition, focuses on Kazakhstan’s emerging wine scene. Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the Kazakhstan wine market or expand your brand presence in Asia, this series is your starting point.

To learn more about Kazakhstan market, listen to Stevie’s interview with Marco Alberti, the former Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan:
https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2205-marco-alberti-ambassador-of-italy-to-kazakhstan-on-the-road-with-stevie-kim/ 

Today’s 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.

To find out more about Stevie Kim visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/
Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ 

Today’s guest:

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 late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/

To learn more about Roza’s background and career path, listen to her interview for Italian Wine Podcast Next Generation hosted by McKenna Cassidy:
https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2213-mckenna-cassidy-interviews-roza-zharmukhambetova-next-generation/ 

_______________________________

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 
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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. 2324 Stevie Kim interviews Roza Zharmukhambetova | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

Welcome to Episode 2327 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition.

In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is still in Bordeaux with Lorenzo Pasquini, the estate manager and technical director of Château d'Yquem, in the famous Sauternes region of Bordeaux.

Lorenzo discusses the fast-track career path that took him to the prestigious estate as well as the famous chateau's other links with Italy. He also unpacks the 2022 vintage, the driest and hottest vintage on record, and the impact of this on the vintage and offers some career advice to those at the beginning of their professional journey. Finally, Lorenzo introduces the recently translated book about the life of Joséphine d'Yquem and her role in transforming the chateau. 

Website: https://yquem.fr/int-en/


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 and 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 also frequently joins Professor Attilio Scienza on his shows—helping keep our beloved professor in check!
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 2327 Discovering Château d'Yquem in Bordeaux with Lorenzo Pasquini | On the Road with Stevie Kim

Welcome to Episode 2325 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Ambassadors’ Corner on Clubhouse. In this episode Italian Wine Ambassador Anna Obuhovskaya interviews Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago of the Attimis-Maniago Winery, located in the Buttrio area of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC.

Today’s learning objectives:

To gain deeper insight into the Pignolo grape variety — its characteristics, history, and potential.
To explore international perspectives on Friuli wines and their place on the global wine stage.

Co-Moderator – Anna Obuhovskaya:

Anna Obuhovskaya has 16 years of experience in wine retail, marketing and sales. She worked in a number of bigger wine importing companies and independent projects, and founded the Italian Wine Tasting Club in Saint Petersburg in Russia. In 2023 she became an Italian Wine Ambassador. 
Driven by passion for European wines she moved from Saint Petersburg to the charming Slovenia to work even closer with European wine producers. Currently Anna lives in Ljubljana where she started a new wine club and collaborates with the wineries and distributors as an independent wine portfolio and sales strategy consultant. 

Connect:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-obuhovskaya-0a4789261/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wine_it_anna/


About the guest - Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago:

Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago is a member of the 18th generation of the historic Conte d'Attimis-Maniago estate, located in Buttrio, at the heart of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC in northeastern Italy. Holding a degree in Economics, Fabio works closely with his father, Count Alberto d'Attimis-Maniago, playing an active role in managing the estate and guiding its future. He also currently serves as a president of the Pignolo Association.
With roots dating back to 1585, when the estate was acquired through marriage, the family has upheld a continuous winemaking tradition for over four centuries. The property spans 110 hectares, with 86 hectares under vine, and is known for its dedication to both indigenous and international grape varieties—including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Tazzelenghe, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, and Merlot. The winery champions sustainable viticulture and a profound respect for the local terroir, producing wines that truly embody the character of the Friuli region.

Connect:

Website: https://www.contedattimismaniago.it/en/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attimismaniago_wines/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fdamm/ 

_______________________________

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!


Italian Wine Podcast

Ep 2325 Anna Obuhovskaya IWA interviews Fabio d'Attimis-Maniago  | Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner

Welcome to Episode 2332, where we present a session recording from the wine2wine Business Forum 2024. Today’s session is entitled “Compiling a Vintage Report” with Michaela Morris DipWSET, IW.

Decanter has long been committed to providing readers with extensive annual vintage reports of key wine regions from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Napa and Barossa - and beyond. As a regular contributor on Italian wine since 2017, Michaela Morris compiles the vintage reports for Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. As of 2025, she’ll be taking over the annual reports for Barolo and Barbaresco, and she recently published Decanter’s first-ever report for her home wine region of Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
Michaela will discuss what makes a vintage good, great, outstanding or mediocre. This session will go beyond assigning point scores to individual wines and instead look at assessing a vintage as a whole. Three Brunello di Montalcino from 2017, 2018 and 2019 will serve as a launching pad for discussing how vintages are evaluated.

Michaela Morris is a freelance wine writer and educator, splitting her time between Canada, Italy and the UK. As a regular contributor on Italian wine for Decanter, she presents masterclasses and leads wine tours on the magazine’s behalf. She also writes for several other international and Canadian publications such as Meininger’s Wine Business International and Quench. In addition to writing, she moderates seminars, speaks at conferences and judges wine competitions around the globe. As of 2024, she is the joint Regional Chair for Piedmont at Decanter World Wine Awards. With a career in wine spanning over 25 years, Michaela’s previous roles include managing a portfolio of premium Italian wine for a Canadian importer, overseeing the Bordeaux En Primeur campaign for a boutique retailer, curating cellars for collectors and working in fine dining restaurants. Michaela holds the WSET Diploma and was a longtime guest lecturer for the program. She is also a certified Italian Wine Expert through Vinitaly International Academy earning the top mark in VIA’s inaugural year in 2015. She is an Honorary Chianti Classico ambassador as well as Vini del Piemonte’s ambassador in Canada speaking on behalf of both.

Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of market-focus sessions, recorded in Verona in November 2024.

wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide.

Find more about the session at: 

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events-calendar/wine2wine/ticket-wine2wine-business-forum-2024/compiling-a-vintage-report/

_______________________________

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 
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Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 
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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 2332 Compiling a Vintage Report with Michaela Morris DipWSET, IWE | wine2wine Business Forum 2024

Welcome to Episode 2333 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Wim Sam.

Today’s question(s): 

Can you specify the relationship between Vermentino and Furmint? In Episode 882, I heard Ivan Giuliani from Terenzuola mentioning Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle and Furmint in the one sentence as the same grape? This was new for me since I thought they were only DNA related and not the same.
Potrebbe specificare la relazione esistente fra Vermentino e Furmint? Nell’Episodio 882, ho sentito Ivan Giuliani di Terenzuola affermare che Vermentino, Pigato, Favorita, Rolle e Furmint sono la stessa varietà. E’ stata una novità per me, perchè pensavo avessero solo dei tratti del DNA in comune, non che fossero la stessa uva.
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 2333 Wim Sam Part 1 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2334 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, Discovering Château Cantemerle in Bordeaux.

In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is back in Bordeaux to interview Laure Canu, the general manager and CEO of Château Cantemerle, in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux.

Laure discusses her professional background and the career path that brought her to Château Cantemerle, as well as her motivation and the changes that she has overseen in the past four years.

Laure also explains what makes Château Cantemerle, one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, so special.  

Finally, as a young female leader, Laure has some advice for anyone considering a career in the industry.

Website: https://cantemerle.com/en/

More about the host: Stevie Kim
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 and 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 also frequently joins Professor Attilio Scienza on his shows—helping keep our beloved professor in check!
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 2334 Discovering Château Cantemerle in Bordeaux with Laure Canu | On the Road with Stevie Kim

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2335 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Giulia Stocchetti interviews the entrepreneur Tommaso Inghirami. 

More about today’s guest: 

The Inghirami family provides living proof that success is synonymous with curiosity and creativity. With Tommaso, one of the most illustrious surnames in Italy in terms of clothing enters its third generation with enthusiasm. Despite his age, the 35-year-old entrepreneur has been combining for 7 years now the two souls of the family business, which is in every way an ode to Made in Italy. On the one hand, there is the shirt production of Inghirami, the famous shirt company founded by his grandfather Fabio Inghirami in 1949 and which is today one of the founders of the Associazione dei Marchi Storici d’Italia. On the other, Fattoria di Grignano joins this picture with wine and olive oil production. Situated on the Florentine hills of Pontassieve, this former Medici estate is a thriving 600-hectare winery that has been employing innovating and sustainable winemaking techniques since the 1970s, in order to produce fine wines reflecting the identity of their territory of origin. The Inghirami family combines the historical excellence of Tuscany’s wine and olive oil with the craftsmanship of shirts and suits.

Connect: 
Web-site: https://www.inghirami1949.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingram1949
Linkedin: https://it.linkedin.com/company/ingramcamiceria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingram1949

More about the host: 

Giulia is an AIS Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. She has 360° experience in the cella, harvesting, tasting and teaching. Enthusiastic communicator of wine, she believes every bottle is a small universe to discover and her slogan in “sharing wine means love”. 

She’s passionate about terroir wine made with autochthonous grape varieties and constantly looking for them and their small producers.

Connect: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinesoulgirl/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giulia.caravaggi/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-stocchetti-caravaggi-58a54ab0/ 


_______________________________

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 2335 Giulia Stocchetti interviews Tommaso Inghirami | Next Generation

Welcome to episode 2330 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 188 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Marc’s guest today is Sarah Abbott MW, founder and director of Swirl Wine Group.

More about today’s guest: 

Sarah Abbott MW is a pioneering force in the world of wine, renowned for her expertise, innovation, and unwavering passion for the craft. With a career spanning over two decades in the wine industry, Sarah's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of wine marketing and distribution. Sarah is the founder of marketing agency Swirl Wine Group, and the co-founder of The Old Vine Conference. She is a specialist in the wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and has advised the Consorzio on UK market strategy for 5 years.

Connect:

Website: https://swirlwinegroup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahabbottmw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swirlwinegroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-abbott-mw-45602a4/

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 2330 Sarah Abbott MW | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Episode 2329 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Harmon Skurnik, President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, to discuss how U.S. tariffs on imported wines are impacting the distribution system—and ultimately, the consumer.


Key takeaways:

- Tariffs in Real Time – What’s happening now, and what’s at stake?
- Collateral Damage – How tariffs are hurting U.S. businesses and consumers
- Business in a Volatile Market – Strategies for building your wine business amid uncertainty

More about the guest: Harmon Skurnik

Harmon Skurnik is the President and co-founder of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, a leading U.S. importer and distributor of fine wines, spirits, sake, and cider. He joined the company in 1989 after a successful career in advertising, where he worked on major accounts like Apple and Pepsi.

Since then, Harmon has helped grow Skurnik from a small startup into a nationally respected portfolio representing over 800 family-owned producers. He personally tastes and approves every product alongside his brother and co-founder, Michael Skurnik.

Harmon is also a founding board member and Treasurer of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and is proud to see the next generation—his children David and Erica—taking leadership roles in the company. A graduate of the University at Albany, Harmon brings a mix of business acumen, family values, and a passion for excellence to the wine industry.

Connect:
Website: https://www.skurnik.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skurnikwines/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skurnikwines/


More about the host: Barbara Fitzgerald
 
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. 2329 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Harmon Skurnik | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2331 and the first episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Zulfiya Ibragimova, President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association and Import and Portfolio Manager at Almawine Group. 

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the evolution of Kazakhstan’s wine industry and the role of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association in growing the wine community.
2. Learn about ALMAWINE, one of Kazakhstan’s leading wine importers and distributors.
3. Identify opportunities for Italian wines in this emerging market, including popular styles, underrepresented regions, and importer preferences.

Asia Wine Market is a new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports.

To learn more about the new series, listen to the pilot episode:
https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2324-stevie-kim-interviews-roza-zharmukhambetova-asia-wine-market-almaty-special-edition/ 

Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the Kazakhstan wine market or expand your brand presence in Asia, this series is your starting point.

To learn more about Kazakhstan market, listen to Stevie’s interview with Marco Alberti, the former Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan:
https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2205-marco-alberti-ambassador-of-italy-to-kazakhstan-on-the-road-with-stevie-kim/ 

Today’s guest: Zulfiya Ibragimova

Zulfiya Ibragimova is a wine professional with 10 years of experience in the industry. Her career includes roles as a wine consultant, restaurant sommelier, wine school instructor, and private tasting organizer. 
She currently serves as the President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association, is a member of the Exam and Education Committee in the International Sommelier Association (ASI), and oversees wine imports and portfolio development at ALMAWINE.

Connect:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zusomm 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zu_somm/ 


Today’s host: Roza Zharmukhambetova

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 late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.

Connect:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/

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Ep. 2331 Zulfiya Ibragimova of Almawine Group | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

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 #italianwine