Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2532 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. Today Richard is in conversation with Natasha Hughes MW to discuss her book, The Wines of Beaujolais.

On the bookshelf:
The books discussed in today’s episode include:
- The Wines of Beaujolais by Natasha Hughes MW is available now at:
 https://academieduvinlibrary.com/⁠ and all good bookshops.

Further reading:
- That classic episode of Only Fools and Horses (if you look closely you can see the iconic “Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé” poster in the background): ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rcdLeXiU8⁠. 
- You can find out why Beaujolais Day is celebrated like Christmas Day in Swansea here: ⁠https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyv75yznqe0o⁠ 

Finally, the seemingly innocuous sounding dish to avoid if you are a vegetarian is Salade de museau.

About today’s guest: 
Natasha Hughes is a freelance wine and food writer, consultant and educator. Her exploration of the world of wine began when she ran a catering company part-time while at university. It blossomed on her return to London, after six years spent working in TV production and publishing in Australia, when she became deputy editor for Decanter online, the website of the UK's leading consumer wine magazine. On leaving the magazine in 2001, Natasha began a successful and diverse career that has included writing for some of the world's most respected magazines and websites. Her first solo book, The Wines of Beaujolais, was published in 2025 by the Academie du Vin Library. 
In addition to writing, Natasha consults for businesses and private clients and hosts seminars and tastings for members of the trade and the public. Natasha also judges at wine competitions around the world. She became a Master of Wine  in 2014, winning four out of the seven available awards that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award for best overall performance in the exams.

Connect: 
Website: ⁠https://master-classes.org/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/latashmw⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-hughes-mw-5b046724/⁠ 
 
More about the host:
Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast.

Connect:
Bluesky:⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione⁠ 
Linkedin:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/⁠
_______________________________

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. 2532 The Wines of Beaujolais with Natasha Hughes MW  | Book Club with Richard Hough

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2535 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Roza Zharmukhambetova sits down with Reeze Choi, Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025, to explore the Hong Kong wine scene, uncover consumer trends, and discuss opportunities for Italian wines in this dynamic market.

Key learning objectives:
1. Understand the Hong Kong wine market, consumer preferences, and top-performing Italian wines.
2. Learn practical strategies for market entry, partnerships, and brand activation.
3. Gain insights on cultural adaptation, education, and long-term planning for success.

More about today’s guest:
Reeze Choi is one of the world’s most acclaimed sommeliers. He has worked at prestigious venues in Hong Kong and, in 2019, became the Hong Kong Ambassador for Star Wine List, sharing the city’s best wine stories with the world.
He is the founder of Somm's Philosophy, a sommelier services and wine consultancy company, and launched his winemaking project in Hiroshima with Vinoble Vineyard and Winery in 2023. Reeze holds the Advanced Sommelier diploma from The Court of Master Sommeliers, A.S.I. Gold Diploma, WSET Level 3, and Certified Specialist of Wine Certification, and is also a WSET educator.
Reeze’s accolades include Champion of the 2025 Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific, third place in the 2023 Best Sommelier of the World Competition, and multiple wins as Best Sommelier Greater China (2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2025). He is also the brand ambassador for Saicho Sparkling Tea, VIVANT, Star Wine List, and serves as wine consultant for Yata.

Connect:
Website: https://www.sommsphil.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeze_the_sommbie/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeze-choi-a5852477 

More about the 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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/ 
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. 2535 Inside Hong Kong’s Wine Scene with Reeze Choi | Asia Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2533 of the Italian Wine Podcast. This is a bonus episode where the Italian Wine Academy educators, Gill Gordon-Smith IWE and Cynthia Chaplin IWA, break down the program from the inside.

Together they share how the course was born:  from a book that looked more like a journal, to a podcast series where IWA talked about their favorite Italian grapes, finally evolving, after more than a year of work, into a full educational program put together by Gill and Cynthia.

More about the Course:  
The Italian Grape Geek program teaches Italian wine knowledge and tasting skills through two levels. The course is divided into two parts. Level 1 is completely online, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere. For those who want the full experience, Level 2 offers in-person lectures and guided tastings led by specialized educators around the world. Developed by Italian wine specialists, the course, along with its companion podcast series, aims to make Italian wine more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all enthusiasts.

Connect:
Website: https://courses.mammajumboshrimp.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mamma-jumbo-shrimp-agency/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mammajumboshrimp/ 
_______________________________ 

Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ 
 
Until next time, Cin Cin! 
 
Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in! 


Ep. 2533 Becoming an Italian Grape Geek: Course Breakdown | Italian Grape Geek

Welcome to episode 2534 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, “Cracking Canada: Understanding its government Liquor Control Boards and unlocking the opportunities within and beyond.”

Speakers: Michaela Morris DipWSET & IWE and Jenna Briscoe DipWSET & IWA
Moderator: Alessandro Pasqua

When it comes to the importation and distribution of alcohol, Canada has a reputation for being convoluted. However, many Italian brands have enjoyed long-term success. As producers actively explore markets beyond the USA, its neighbour to the north presents unique opportunities. Michaela Morris and Jenna Briscoe have worked in various aspects of the industry collectively for over 45 years. They provide an overview of Canada’s multifaceted system highlighting the country’s most important markets. Their presentation reveals Canada’s current appetite for Italian wine and offers insight into what and where the most viable prospects lie.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time.

Learn more about the event: wine2wine.net/programma/?lang=en 
_______________________________
 
Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 

If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ 
 
Until next time, Cin Cin!


Ep. 2534 Cracking Canada: Unlocking the opportunities | wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum

ROMANTICA - CRUEL

Rising from nine moons,
unailing the end
a cruel eye upon us
Holding our hands
an emptying space
to feel with your illusions

Showing the way, blindfolded
Selfish war unknown, 
fighting for life,
guided by memories of

you.... you fell before... HA!
Know just what the war means for you
Know just what the war... wants from you!!

you.... you were warned... HA!
claimed for what was won...
don't let me fall again...!!!

encore 


CREDITS TO Chaotic†Dix
https://www.youtube.com/@manabudark
AND KAREN & SADA
𝔦𝔪 𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔢𝔫 𝔡𝔢𝔰 𝔨ö𝔢𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔰...

Romantica - CRUEL

Covers adaptados al español de Malice Mizer

Aegen - Ezkai Cover

Gekka no Yasoukyoku - Ezkai Cover

Ma Chérie - Ezkai Cover

Welcome to Episode 2536 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Courtney O'Brien, beverage brand strategy expert and founder of The Outlier Initiative, to explore how modern beverage and wine brands can sharpen their marketing strategy. Courtney shares practical insights on brand storytelling, consumer behavior, and how companies can position themselves clearly in a crowded market.

Key Takeaways:
1. The wine industry focuses too much on product storytelling and not enough on building a clear, compelling brand identity.
2. Younger consumers view wine as part of a broader lifestyle ecosystem rather than a standalone luxury item.
3. Future growth depends on simple, disciplined brand positioning that brings clarity instead of complexity.

More about the guest: 
Courtney O’Brien is a strategic brand leader behind some of the most successful beverage brands in the world. She built Apothic into a $100M+ wine powerhouse, led the U.S. launch and repositioning of Coke Zero into a $1B+ megabrand, and spearheaded Evian’s marketing strategy in one of the most competitive beverage categories.
As founder of The Outlier Initiative, she helps ambitious beverage brands break through the noise, claim their space, and engineer demand - using the same proven strategies that built billion-dollar brands, without the Fortune 500 budget.

Connect:  
Website: https://theoutlierinitiative.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-obrien/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoutlierinitiative/ 

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. 2536 Brand Building for Beverage and Wine with Courtney O’Brien | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to episode 2537 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 219 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Heydi Bonanini of Possa Winery in the Cinque Terre, exploring the region’s ancient myths, its harsh past, and the loss of vineyards after people left for work in the 1960s. Once home to 24 native grape varieties, the area risked losing much of its biodiversity, yet Heydi, who began this work at just 17, has already restored 19 of them and continues bringing the heritage of the Cinque Terre back to life.

More about today’s guests:
Samuele Heydi Bonanini is a wine producer from the municipality of Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region, the heroic territory more commonly known as Cinque Terre. Possa winery is famous for heroic viticulture in the Cinque Terre region, which involves cultivating vineyards on steep, terraced hillsides. It is particularly renowned for preserving and producing local wines, especially the sweet Sciacchetrà dessert wine, and for its commitment to traditional, natural, and organic winemaking methods. The winery is also known for recovering ancient and nearly extinct grape varieties, using local woods like acacia and cherry for aging, and other artisanal products. 

Connect:
Website: https://possa.it/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/possaitara 

More about the host:
Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family, his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris, Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.
Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.
In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England.

Connect:
Website: 
https://www.quaypress.uk  
https://www.marcmillon.co.uk 
https://www.vino.co.uk   
https://www.quaypress.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon 
_______________________________
 
Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast 
 
If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ 
 
Until next time, Cin Cin!
 
Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!


Ep. 2537 Heydi Bonanini of Possa Winery in Cinque Terre | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

obscure trax arkive none of the songs are mine
DM me if You Want Any track removed.

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!

“Put my soul in my songs is my form of breath”

New tracks tagged #visual