Welcome to Episode 2385 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Russ Lorber, founder of Wide Roots, LLC. 
 
Key takeaways:
 
Understanding the DC Metro market 
How important is the concept of agility in this kind of business? 
Thoughts about the new US tariffs 

 
More about the guest: 


Russ is certified by Vinitaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Ambassador. He is also the subject of Wine Hunter, a documentary that follows his journey launching Wide Roots and his travels through the vineyards of Italy.
Connect:
Website: ⁠https://www.widerootsllc.com/⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/russlorber/⁠ 


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!

Italian Wine Podcast

Ep 2385 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Russ Lorber | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2386 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 196 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Carlo Cavicchioli of Castel Faglia winery, the winner winery of BEST ITALIAN WINE – BANCO BPM TROPHY for 5StarWines - the Book.
 
More about today’s guest:


Castel Faglia winery was established in 1989 in Calino, a hamlet of Cazzago San Martino. The winery, named after the castle of its former owner, Colonel Umberto Faglia, is located at 300 meters above sea level, in the heart of Franciacorta. In 2010, the Cavicchioli family took full ownership of the winery.
Castel Faglia’s Brut Rosé Millesimato Cuvée Monogram 2016 won the 5StarWines – the Book 2025 Best Italian Wine.


Connect


Website: ⁠https://www.castelfaglia.it/en/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/castelfaglia/⁠ 
 
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!


Ep2386 Castel Faglia winery | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon (5StarWines-the Book 2025 Series)

Welcome to Episode 2387 and the ninth episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Elena Shtepa of Vintage Bishkek. This episode focuses on Kyrgyzstan.
 
Key Learning Objectives:
 
Understand the evolution of wine culture and consumer awareness in Kyrgyzstan
Learn about the import and distribution landscape 
Identify current trends, gaps and opportunities in Kyrgyzstan’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:


Elena Shtepa is one of the key figures shaping wine culture in Kyrgyzstan.
She is a WSET Level 3 certified wine specialist, co-owner of the VINTAGE wine restaurant chain (4 venues), and CEO of IWINE, the first sommelier school in the country.
Together with her family, she runs “Enoteca”, Kyrgyzstan’s wine import company, which was inspired after a journey through Italy.
There, among vineyards and local winemakers, the family discovered that wine in Italy is something more than drink. It’s about family, tradition, emotion, and the art of tasteful living.
So “Enoteca” company has a mission: not just to import bottles, but to build a wine culture in Kyrgyzstan.
Today, Enoteca’s portfolio is about 70% Italian wines, and Elena leads projects that train the next generation of wine professionals, nurture local taste, and make wine a meaningful, joyful part of everyday life.
 Connect:
Website: ⁠https://www.bishkek.wine/⁠ 
Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shtttepa/profilecard/?igsh=MXN1MmppcXdoYnRzbQ==⁠ 
 
Today’s host: 
 
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 2387 Elena Shtepa of Vintage Bishkek | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

Welcome to Episode 2388 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 Claudia Stern.
 
Today’s question(s): 
🇬🇧What I learned from you is that the future of wine is based on relationships and on a deeper more honest connection to place.  Maybe Etna is the place to learn the most, because the volcano is speaking to us? 
🇮🇹Quello che ho imparato da te è che il futuro del vino si basa sulle relazioni e su un legame più profondo e autentico con il territorio. Forse l’Etna è il luogo da cui possiamo imparare di più, perché è il vulcano stesso a parlarci?
 
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 2388 Claudia Stern Part 1 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2389 of the Italian Wine Podcast On the Road Edition. Today Stevie Kim is in New York City with Lia Tolaini to get her take on how to approach the US Market.
Key Takeaways
Knowing that the US is not a single market, but that every state has its own laws and market conditions within the three tier system
Understanding how the market changed in the last 20 years
Appreciating the great potential in italian whites and in particular the white wines of Sardinia 

More about the guest:  
Lia Tolaini is an importer of wine and spirits (Banville Wine Merchants) and a producer in Chianti Classico of the same name – Tolaini. Banville Wine Merchants is a family-owned national importer of fine wine, spirits, and beer with distribution in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Oregon and Ontario, Canada.


Connect 


Website: ⁠https://www.banvillewine.com/im/en/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/banvillewine/⁠ 
 
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 2389  Lia Tolaini  Banville of Banville Wine Merchants  | On the Road with Stevie Kim

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2390 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Margherita Andrenacci interviews Matthew Drewry Baker. 
 
More about today’s guest: 


Matthew Drewry Baker is a Bay Area native and San Francisco based artist. In his work, he strives to capture a feeling of hopeless romanticism amongst an array of sceneries and individuals. Matthew studied fine art at the Academy of Art University. He primarily focuses on water color and ink illustrations as well as block prints. A professed jack of all trades, Matthew also is a fortune teller and works with floral. Drawing inspiration from, not only people and places lost in time, but the magic in nature and things tinged with esoterica.
 
Connect: 
 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/a.verdant.vigil/⁠ 
Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-drewry-baker-a2917885⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/matthew.d.baker.18/⁠ 
 
More about the host: 
 
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 2390 Margherita Andrenacci interviews Matthew Drewry Baker | Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 2391 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Jamie Evans of The Herb Somm in California.


Key takeaways:


The rise of THC infused beverages: what does the industry look like in the US? 
Similarities and differences between wine and cannabis markets
What does the future look like for these two different markets? 

More about the guest: 


Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. Jamie is also the author of four books, a certified sommelier and entrepreneur and was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018.
Connect:
Website: ⁠https://www.theherbsomm.com/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theherbsomm/?hl=en⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-evans-95a4952b/⁠ 


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 2391 Juliana Colangelo interviews Jamie Evans of The Herb Somm | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2392 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 197 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Gian Paolo Repetto of Vigneti Repetto winery in Piedmont, winner of 5StarWine’s BEST WHITE WINE 2025.
 
More about today’s guest: 


Born into a family of farmers, Gian Paolo was always considered the black sheep—drawn more to technology than to the land. At the age of twenty, he chose to follow his passion by founding an engineering company, leaving behind the countryside in pursuit of innovation.
Starting from scratch, the company grew successfully over the years. However, the demands of international business kept him away from home for more than half the year. Twelve years ago, he made a life-changing decision: to sell the company’s operations outside of Italy and return to his roots.
Together with his wife Marina, he chose to fully embrace farming once again, focusing on the winery. Guided by the motto “ancient method, modern technology,” they produce wines that honor both the environment and the people who make them—combining traditional techniques with the best of sustainable innovation. For him, the values and rhythm of rural life remain truly irreplaceable.
Vigneti Repetto winery’s Colli Tortonesi DOC Timorasso Derthona Quadro 2022 won the 5StarWines – the Book 2025 Best White Wine. 


Connect


Website: ⁠https://www.vignetirepetto.it/en-gb/home⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vigneti_repetto/⁠ 
 
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 2392 Vigneti Repetto | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon (5StarWines-the Book 2025 Series)

Welcome to Episode 2393 and the tenth episode of the special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Denis Salimzianov of ABR Restaurant Group.
 
Key Learning Objectives:
Learn about ABR, one of the biggest restaurant chains in Almaty.
Explore the Blanca and Astra restaurants, their wine lists, what is trending among consumers, and their bestselling Italian wines.
Get to know what wine styles or varieties have a potential in the 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: Denis Salimzianov
Denis Salimzianov began his career as a vascular surgeon in Moscow, but life had other plans. After relocating to Almaty, everything changed: wine, once a personal passion, became his true calling. Today, Denis is recognized as one of Kazakhstan’s leading sommeliers. He is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and holds the prestigious ASI Diploma. He currently serves as a chef sommelier at Blanca and Astra restaurants in Almaty which belong to ABR Restaurant Group.
His background in medicine gave him discipline, precision, and analytical thinking—qualities that have propelled his swift rise in the wine world. Denis’s style blends deep knowledge with theatrical flair and a hint of rebellion. From the operating room to the tasting room, his story is told - one bottle at a time.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dionis/# 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denis.salimzanov 
 
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 2393 Denis Salimzianov of ABR Restaurant Group | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

Welcome to Episode 2394 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 Claudia Stern (Part 2).
 
Today’s question(s): 

🇬🇧 The vineyard is no longer an isolated factory of grapes. It becomes a living part of the land again. A being among beings. Is Tuscany for example on the way to find a new inner logic? 

🇮🇹 Il vigneto non è più una fabbrica isolata di uva. Torna a essere una parte viva del territorio. Un essere tra gli esseri. La Toscana, per esempio, è forse sulla strada per ritrovare una nuova logica interiore?
 
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 2394 Claudia Stern Part 2 | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

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 #travelitaly