Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2402 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Margherita Andrenacci interviews Erin Kirschenmann of Wine Business Monthly.
 
More about today’s guest: Erin Kirschenmann

Erin Kirschenmann is a dynamic wine entrepreneur and the Managing Editor of Wine Business Monthly, where she covers industry trends across business, technology, marketing, and beyond. In addition to her editorial and production work, she curates content for WBM’s trade shows and seminars and frequently speaks at leading conferences like the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium and the World Bulk Wine Exhibition.

Erin is also the founder of NOVEL PAIRING, a creative book club that blends literature, wine, music—and mindfulness. Each month, members explore curated wine and book pairings, along with custom playlists, guided meditations, and creative workshops. Erin has judged at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles since 2016 and contributes her expertise to wine competitions across the U.S. In 2025, she was named to Beverage Dynamics' prestigious 40 Under Forty list, recognizing her leadership and innovation in the world of wine.

Connect:  
Website: ⁠https://www.erinkirschenmann.com/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/erinakirsch/⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-kirschenmann-017b2234/⁠ 


More about the host: Margherita Andrenacci

Music producer, biker, and runner, Margherita Andrenacci is a wine PR professional driven by a love for storytelling and cultural connection. Her journey with wine began as a way to get closer to people—she values the conversations it sparks and the stories it uncovers.

Born in Trento, she has lived in Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, and across Italy, and is now exploring life in San Francisco. With a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, she carries her passions with her wherever she goes, always finding wine to be a powerful bridge that brings people together.

Connect:
Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/baciclette/⁠
Linkedin:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margherita-a-77764511b/⁠
Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dl6pMa0GoglHmzoWcCLEu?si=Rjc8JszpSiS2lfFOYIWLFA⁠

_______________________________
 
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. 2402 Margherita Andrenacci interviews Erin Kirschenmann | Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 2401 and the eleventh episode of the special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Alexey Dudin of Where To Eat Award. 
This episode is recorded in Russian.

Key Learning Objectives:
- Inside WHERETOEAT: how the award works, who votes, and why it matters in the restaurant world.
- WHERETOEAT in Kazakhstan: current status, goals, and why the award is expanding into this dynamic market.
- Practical insights: how restaurants, chefs, and sommeliers can raise their visibility and stand out in the eyes of the professional community.

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: Alexey Dudin

Alexey Dudin is the Executive Director of WHERETOEAT Kazakhstan, the country’s premier restaurant award. With a long-standing career in gastronomy and media, Alexey brings deep industry insight and a passion for spotlighting culinary excellence across Kazakhstan.

WHERETOEAT Kazakhstan is an annual ranking of the country’s best restaurants, based on the anonymous votes of a broad expert panel—chefs, sommeliers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, winemakers, bartenders, journalists, and influencers, all living and working in Kazakhstan.

The mission of the project is to support the growth of Kazakhstan’s restaurant industry by celebrating talent, encouraging innovation, and drawing attention to noteworthy venues—from fine dining to local gems. The award also aims to strengthen culinary tourism and preserve gastronomic heritage by raising awareness of Kazakhstan’s rich food culture on the international stage.

Connect:
Website: ⁠https://wheretoeat.kz/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vseved68/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wheretoeat.kz/⁠ 
 
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. 2401  Alexey Dudin of Where To Eat Award  | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

Thinking about a Transatlantic or Transoceanic cruise? Discover why these slow-travel adventures—like repositioning cruises across the Atlantic or Pacific—are becoming the best-kept secret in cruising.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with travel expert Mary Ellsworth of Cruise & Travel Experts to dive deep into the fascinating world of Transatlantic and Transoceanic Cruises. These iconic voyages offer a unique, relaxing, and often surprisingly affordable way to travel between continents—and they’re making a big comeback among seasoned travelers and curious cruisers alike.

Mary shares her extensive knowledge and firsthand experience on what makes these cruises so special. From the classic New York to Southampton itinerary aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, to more exotic repositioning cruises like Los Angeles to Tokyo, you'll discover a world of possibilities that go far beyond traditional cruising. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape from airports and crowded planes, looking to enjoy sea days packed with enrichment activities, or wanting to visit lesser-known ports, this episode has it all.

Transatlantic and Transoceanic Cruises

The best cruises for seniors? Join Ken and expert Kathy Schmauss as they reveal top cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity, Seabourn, and Oceania—perfect for comfort, ease, and enrichment!

In this engaging episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with experienced travel expert Kathy Schmauss of Cruise Holidays of Viera to dive into the best cruise line options for senior travelers. With years of firsthand cruising knowledge and a passion for helping others find the right fit, Kathy offers expert insights into which cruise lines cater best to older adults looking for comfort, enrichment, accessibility, and top-notch service.

Together, Ken and Kathy explore why certain cruise lines stand out for seniors, including Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. They discuss key considerations like, mobility-friendly ships, relaxed itineraries, enrichment programs, and service levels that make a big difference for mature travelers and why smaller and mid-sized ships can be a better fit for seniors

Whether you're newly retired or a lifelong traveler seeking your next great adventure, this episode is packed with real advice from two seasoned cruisers. If you're over 60 and thinking about your next voyage, don’t miss what Ken and Kathy have to say—it might just help you pick the perfect cruise!


Best Cruises for Seniors

Journalist Eliot Stein takes us along on the unique adventure of kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan Island and observes some of the pockets of nature that persist within New York's concrete jungle. Then a midwestern author shares his lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and delves into the recreational, ecological, and spiritual facets of America's mighty waterway. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she keeps herself from stressing out over what could go wrong in her frequent travels.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves — including episode descriptions, program archives and related details — visit www.ricksteves.com.

797 Kayaking Manhattan; The Wild Mississippi; Happy Travels

Learn how to check your NOL card balance online in seconds without the need for apps or login.

This short guide explains how https://nolcardbalancecheckk.com helps Dubai commuters, tourists, and daily travelers stay updated with their public transport card status.

The platform supports all NOL card types — Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue — and works instantly on desktop or mobile.

Fast. Free. Easy to use.

Visit now: https://nolcardbalancecheckk.com

Stay ready before your next Dubai Metro, RTA Bus, or Tram journey.

NOL Card Balance Check Guide – Dubai Metro & RTA Help

Happy Independence Day! Join guest host Matt Shea for a survey of July 4th celebrations in Puget Sound and Western Washington. Large or small, there is a venue you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy.

American Road Trip Talk 07-04-25 Western Washington Independence Day Celebrations

TECHNO TRAVEL 016 - MY TECHNO RULES

Off Tempo Destination Music For Unwinding After travel. 

Cum 2 ft. SKY

A passenger in Raton

Wandering the world slowly, through sound, with frequent naps.
Check my "Mix" playlist for my explorations. Most are free downloads.
Also included are beat-tapes for rappers, and house music mixes for our dance sessions!
More journeys coming next month, some of which will be livestreamed on IG.

Welcome to the world of LUSiØ.

A DJ and producer based in France, I move between the waves of Peak Time Techno, the intensity of Hard Techno, and the depth of Hypnotic Techno. My influences? The raw power and authenticity of the Belgian scene, from the 90s to today, with artists like Charlotte de Witte, Amélie Lens, and Sara Landry as key inspirations.

Through every sound, every drop, every texture, I aim to create an experience — a sonic journey that adapts to your mood. Whether you’re riding a surge of energy or lost in late-night introspection, there’s always a story to feel.

Hit play. Let yourself get carried away.

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!

Rick Steves, best-selling guidebook author and star of public television’s most-watched travel show, also hosts a fun, hour-long, radio talk show "Travel with Rick Steves" featuring lively conversations about travel, cultures, people, and how worldwide travel can broaden our perspective.

Alternative Talk 1150AM is unlike any other talk radio format in the Seattle Radio Market. Hosts on the station cover a wide variety of topics, including natural health, personal and financial growth, pet wellness, the psychic realm, issues important to today’s busy woman, and even foreign language programming to serve the area’s large Russian and Chinese speaking communities. Alternative Talk 1150 is proud to pioneer such unique and diverse talk radio subjects. The station brings a variety of perspectives to the Puget Sound airwaves with talk radio that touches on seldom covered subject matter.

Our weekly show interviews real travel experts from around the United States and Canada. Check in with us from week to week for travel news, tips, destinations and reviews from some of the top flight travel agents in the country and travel influencers .

New tracks tagged #travel