Welcome to Episode 2370 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews May Matta-Aliah of In The Grape Inc. 
 
Key takeaways:
 
- How to bridge tradition with contemporary relevance in brand storytelling.
- Adapting wine marketing strategies to meet the demands of a changing consumer landscape.
- The strategic thinking behind the creation of the Ambassador Wall and its role in brand visibility.
 
More about the guest: May Matta-Aliah

With nearly two decades of experience, May Matta-Aliah is a respected voice in the New York City wine and spirits scene. She represents leading wine regions and brands as an educator and ambassador, bringing depth, clarity, and charisma to every seminar and presentation she leads. Her work spans industry training, high-profile conferences, and consumer-facing events—always with a passion for translating complex topics into engaging, relatable stories.
May is a long-time instructor at the International Wine Center, and holds some of the industry's highest credentials: the WSET Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Advanced Sommelier certification, and the title of Italian Wine Ambassador with the Vinitaly International Academy.

Connect:
Website: https://www.inthegrape.com/

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. 2370 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews May Matta-Aliah | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2371 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 194 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Erin DeMara of WineKnow Inc.
 
More about today’s guest: Erin DeMara

Erin DeMara IWA is a wine and restaurant industry expert with a 29-year career. For the past seven years, he has been working with 1821 Fine Wine and Spirits, a specialized importer, managing a portfolio of over 100 wines and spirits in Florida, USA.
 
Erin also boasts the title of Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators, is an Italian Wine Ambassador and an Educator for the Vinitaly International Academy, the only American professional to have both titles. Additionally, he is a Certified Spirits Specialist, a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and an award-winning member of the Guild of Sommeliers.

Connect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineknowfl/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-demara-38006110/ 
 
More about the host: Marc Millon

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. 2371 Erin DeMara of WineKnow Inc | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to Episode 2372 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this installment of Voices, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Tish Wiggins, an educator, event curator, speaker and wine writer and founder of the brand "Tish Around Town".
 
About today’s guest: Tish Wiggins

Tish Wiggins is an educator, event curator, speaker, and wine writer, best known as the founder of the lifestyle and wine brand "Tish Around Town." After a 20-year career in consulting, Tish transitioned into the wine industry, where she now combines her love of culture, travel, and storytelling through wine-focused experiences.
She is also the visionary behind the Celebration of Women in Wine Napa Valley Tour, an initiative that spotlights and supports the contributions of women in the wine industry. Tish brings a fresh, inclusive voice to wine education and community-building, always with a focus on connection, empowerment, and authenticity.

Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tisharoundtown/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tisharoundtown
 
About today’s host: Cynthia Chaplin

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-chaplin-190647179/ 
_______________________________

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 this pod! Remember Voices is all about diversity, equity, inclusion, and real-life stories of success in the face of challenge.

Ep. 2372 Tish Wiggins | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin

Welcome to Episode 2373 and the seventh episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Anastasiia Filiuta of BIBIT LLC in Azerbaijan.
 
Key Learning Objectives:
 
- Understand the evolution of wine culture and consumer awareness in Azerbaijan.
- Learn about the import and distribution landscape.
- Identify current trends, gaps and opportunities in Azerbaijan’s wine market.
 
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.
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 wine market or expand your brand presence in Central Asia, this series is your starting point.
 
Today’s guest: Anastasiia Filiuta

Anastasiia Filiuta is a seasoned wine brand manager based in Azerbaijan. As Senior Brand Manager at BIBIT LLC, one of Azerbaijan’s leading wine importers, Anastasiia is responsible for building and growing wine brands through smart strategy, product launches, and sales-driven marketing. She also contributes to the development of several wine venues in Baku, bringing her expertise to every stage of brand and business growth. 
With a special passion for Italian wines, Anastasiia holds the Italian Wine Maestro certification from Vinitaly International Academy. Her work bridges the gap between global wine producers and local markets—always with a focus on storytelling, authenticity, and long-term brand value. 
 
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filawine_/?hl=fr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiia-filiuta-bb5245223/
 
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/
 
_______________________________
 
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. 2373 Anastasiia Filiuta of BIBIT LLC in Azerbaijan | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

Welcome to Episode 2375 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 Stevie Kim.
 
Today’s question(s): 

- Stevie asked Professor Scienza about the mood amongst producers, how they are dealing with the new tariffs and how the industry should approach this kind of issue.
- Stevie ha chiesto al professor Scienza quale sia il mood dei produttori, come stanno affrontando il nuovo contesto tariffario globale, e come l'industria dovrebbe affrontare questo tipo di situazione.
 
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. 2375 Stevie Kim | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2376 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition, 5 things about Bordeaux wineries, part 2.
 
In this special On the Road Edition, Stevie Kim is in Bordeaux visiting some of the region’s most iconic wineries and discovering five must know facts about them.
 
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. 2376  5 things about ... Bordeaux Wineries Edition Part 2 | On the Road with Stevie Kim

Welcome to Episode 2374 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Victor Owen Schwartz of VOS Selections. Together, they explore Victor’s recent legal battle against the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs—an important case with major implications for the U.S. wine trade.

Key takeaways:

- The Origins of the Lawsuit: How a small wine importer became the lead plaintiff in a nationally significant legal challenge against the Trump administration’s tariffs.
- Implications of the Court’s Decision: What the ruling means for U.S. wine importers, distributors, and producers, particularly those dealing with European wines.
- Advice for Italian Wine Producers: How Italian wineries can prepare for and adapt to ongoing trade uncertainties and potential tariff-related disruptions.

More about the guest: Victor Owen Schwartz 

Victor Owen Schwartz is the founder and president of VOS Selections, an independent wine and spirits import company he launched in 1987. Based in New York, VOS Selections focuses on artisanal, family-owned producers, with a strong emphasis on European wines—particularly from France, Italy, and Spain. Victor has built a reputation for discovering high-quality, underrepresented producers and bringing them to the U.S. market. 
In 2025, he became widely known for his role as the lead plaintiff in the landmark lawsuit V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States, which successfully challenged the Trump administration’s unilateral imposition of tariffs under the IEEPA.

Connect:
Website: https://vosselections.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vosselections/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vosselections/ 


More about the host: Juliana Colangelo

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. 2374 Juliana Colangelo interviews Victor Owen Schwartz | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2377 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Karla Ravagnolo will talk about wine and communication with Simone Ingrassia, sommelier and founder of Become Somm. 
 
More about today’s guest: 


Become Somm is a community dedicated to promoting wine culture, created with the goal of making the world of wine & food simple, engaging, and accessible. Through digital content shared on social media, its website, and newsletters, it reaches both curious beginners and passionate enthusiasts as well as industry professionals. In addition to educational content, Become Somm supports wineries in building effective communication strategies, helping them share their identity with the right audience.
The project was born from an idea by Simone Ingrassia, founder and soul of the brand, who leads the community’s growth and oversees its vision and strategy.
 
 
Connect: 
 
Website: http://www.becomesomm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomesomm/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-ingrassia-446908211/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becomesomm1
 
More about the host: 
 
Born in the Dominican Republic, Karla Ravagnolo holds the WSET Level 3 Certificate and has an endless curiosity for all things wine and beverage. Her never-ending quest for knowledge has led her to multiple international beverage experiences in Italy, the USA and Japan.
During her time at Colangelo & Partners, a New-York based wine PR agency, she recognized the challenges of conveying the cultural, geographical and historical value of Italian wine to an international and inter-generational audience. Her goal has always been to make wine more approachable and inclusive, through sharing authentic experiences and making real interpersonal connections!


Connect:
Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlamassielravagnolo/⁠
 ______________________________
 
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 2377 Karla Ravagnolo interviews Simone Ingrassia | Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 2378 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Barron Beltz, a leading executive in the U.S. wine and spirits industry, to unpack the news of RNDC’s decision to exit the California market—a move that’s sending ripples across the entire distribution landscape.


RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company), the second-largest wine and spirits distributor in the U.S., recently announced that it will cease all operations in California by September 2, 2025. As the largest market in the country, California has long been a key player in the wine trade—and this sudden shift raises critical questions for producers, retailers, and on-premise operators alike.


Key takeaways:
What are the root causes and major factors that led RNDC to withdraw from California?
How RNDC’s departure will affect suppliers, retailers, and on-premise accounts?
Why could this major shift serve as a catalyst, encouraging producers and distributors to rethink their go-to-market strategies in California?

More about the guest: 

Barron Beltz has over 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, holding executive roles in both wine and spirits distribution and winery operations. He spent 16 years at RNDC in Texas and Oklahoma, rising from a wine sales rep to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, overseeing three divisions.

He also held senior sales roles at notable wineries, including Hess Collection, Michael Mondavi Family Winery, Folio Fine Wine Partners, Santa Margherita (Italy), and Sokol Blosser (Oregon). Currently, he serves as President of South Napa Vintners, part of Sonoma Bespoke, a producer of high-rated California wines and private labels, offering custom packaging in a certified organic facility in Napa.

Barron’s diverse education spans global wine studies, business management, cultural anthropology, and an advanced German language certification earned while living in Germany during a four-year humanitarian mission with his family.


Connect:
Website: ⁠https://sonomabespokebeverages.com/⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/barronbeltz/⁠ 


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 2378 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Barron Beltz | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2379 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 195 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Steve Edwards, operations director of Lympstone Manor Hotel, Restaurant and Vineyard.
 
More about today’s guest: 


Originally from Sydney Australia, Steve Edwards emigrated with his family to the UK when he was a teenager. He studied food preparation and food service at Newton College of Further Education before joining the RAF's catering squadron. After leaving the armed forces he came to Devon in 1987 to join the team at Gidleigh Park. Steve worked closely with Michael Caines at Gidleigh Park to achieve and maintain 2 Michelin stars, helping to deliver service and hospitality of the highest calibre, and developing his knowledge and passion for wine, working and maintaining one of the best cellars in the UK. In 2002, Steve took some time away from work to further his knowledge of wine, travelling extensively and visiting wineries and producers in France, Spain, Australia and the United States, working a full vintage at Chateau Routas in Provence. On his return to the UK in 2003, he joined up again with Michael as the Food and Beverage Manager for the Michael Caines Restaurant at the Royal Clarence. When ABode Hotels was formed by Michael and Andrew Brownsword, Steve was an instrumental member of the management team as Head of Group Services, responsible for general service standards within the ABode hotel group and for ensuring that Michael's unique 'service with style' was delivered in all of his numerous outlets. From 2012 - 2014 Steve was Group Operations Manager for Andrew Brownswords Hotels.
Connect
Website: ⁠https://lympstonemanor.co.uk/⁠ 
 
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 2379 Steve Edwards | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

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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