Ep. 2735 A Sommelier’s Journey from Hong Kong with Kwong Shing (Derek) Li | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

Ep. 2735 A Sommelier’s Journey from Hong Kong with Kwong Shing (Derek) Li | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

Welcome to episode 2735 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today, Stevie Kim’s guest is Derek Li, a Hong Kong-born wine professional, consultant and educator with a long-standing background in hospitality. For his first time at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino, Derek shares his impressions of Piemonte, its producers and the incredible diversity of wines gathered in one place. In this conversation, Stevie and Derek talk about what makes Grandi Langhe such a valuable experience for wine professionals and students, how passion plays a key role in learning wine, and why Piemonte continues to stand out for quality, identity and value in markets such as Hong Kong. And to close the conversation, Derek shares a pairing that brings Piemonte and Hong Kong together: Barbera with roast goose. About the Grandi Langhe:  Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.com/ [https://www.grandilanghe.com/]   _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast [https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast]  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp]    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ [https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/]  Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2734 Ep. 5: Burgundy P1 - Overview and Chablis | Study Smart for your WSET Level 3

Welcome to  Episode 2734 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Episode 5 of Study Smart with Gill Gordon Smith. Ep. 5: Burgundy P1 - Overview and Chablis Study Smart for your WSET Level 3 is a new series of audio learning resources specifically created for wine students. This new series consists of 30 episodes, each focusing on a particular wine region, with the objective of equipping listeners with the knowledge and expertise they need to prepare for industry-standard courses such as WSET.  With exam strategies and techniques also included, the "Study Smart" series is designed to help wine students achieve their learning objectives in an accessible and engaging way. This new series has been designed in partnership with the Italian Wine Academy [https://italianwineacademy.org/], a Verona-based, internationally recognized wine school founded in 2017 that provides WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses and specialized training.  The series is delivered by the acclaimed wine educator Gill Gordon Smith.  Gill is a VIA certified Italian Wine Expert, an artisan wine producer, retailer, writer, judge and educator based between Australia's McLaren Vale Region and Verona and Tuscany in Italy.  Look out for new episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts! _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast [https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast]  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp]    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ [https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/]  Until next time, Cin Cin!

Ep. 2733 Lisa Lazzaretto IWA in conversation with Sweden's First Female Master of Wine, Madeleine Stenwreth MW | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2733 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto IWA sits down with Sweden's first female Master of Wine, Madeleine Stenwreth MW, to discuss her MW journey, the evolution of Italian wines in Sweden, and recent insights from Sicily. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives: * Learn about Madeleine's journey to becoming Sweden's first female Master of Wine and the challenges and opportunities of pursuing the MW qualification. * Explore how the perception and presence of Italian wines in the Swedish market have evolved over the past three decades. * Discover Madeleine's impressions from her recent trip to Sicily, including the strengths of Etna, areas for improvement, and the future potential of wines such as Marsala. More about today’s host: Lisa Lazzaretto, PhD, is a Switzerland-based entrepreneur, wine professional, and marketing strategist. She holds a doctorate in Political Science and a Diploma in Marketing, and is the founder of Wine Mood, an e-commerce platform dedicated to curated Italian wines. An Italian Wine Ambassador and WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Lisa bridges academic insight with hands-on industry expertise. Her recent research focuses on neuromarketing, consumer behavior, and modern wine communication. Active across international wine fairs and competitions, she combines research, storytelling, and business innovation to connect people with Italian wine. Connect: Website: http://www.winemood.ch [http://www.winemood.ch]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemood_ch/ [https://www.instagram.com/winemood_ch/]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lazzaretto/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lazzaretto/]  More about today’s guest:   Madeleine Stenwreth MW is one of Sweden's most respected wine professionals and the country's first female Master of Wine. A trained sommelier, she has built an international career spanning wine education, buying, consulting, and marketing. After studying and working in South Africa, she led the Swedish branch of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), served as a wine buyer for Systembolaget, and later managed quality and product development for a leading Nordic importer. In 2008, Madeleine earned the prestigious Master of Wine title, with her dissertation on the effect of altitude on Malbec in Mendoza receiving the Quinta do Noval Award for the year's best MW research paper. Recently named Swedish Drinks Personality of the Year, she continues to inspire the global wine community through her expertise, education, and passion for wine. Connect: Website: http://www.madeleinemw.se [http://www.madeleinemw.se]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmw/ [https://www.instagram.com/madsmw/]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-stenwreth-mw-a605bb22/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-stenwreth-mw-a605bb22/]  _______________________________  Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast [https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast]  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ [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. 2732 Ep. 23: Tra Polifemo, Marsala e l’Etna | Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Attilio Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2732 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 23rd episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian. Episode 23: Tra Polifemo, Marsala e l’Etna You want to dive into the stories and myths behind Professor Scienza’s new series, but Italian isn’t your thing? No problem! You’ll find all the conversations, translated in English, in the new Mamma Jumbo Shrimp book: An Italian Wine Pilgrimage: with Professor Attilio Scienza. Now available in English on Amazon [https://www.amazon.it/dp/8894686361]. A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine. Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza [https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/pellegrinaggio_enoico_con_attilio_scienza/]. 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/ [https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/]    If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ [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/ [https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast [https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast]  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp]    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ [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. 2731 The Chocolate of Modica with Simone Sabaini of Sabadì | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2731 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 251 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Simone Sabaini, founder of Sabadì, about the history, craftsmanship, and global rise of Modica chocolate. They explore how Spanish influence shaped Sicily's unique chocolate-making tradition, what distinguishes Modica chocolate from conventional chocolate, how Simone has elevated its quality while preserving tradition, the parallels between perfume and chocolate making, the art of infused chocolate, and why Modica chocolate has earned international recognition. More about today’s guest: Simone Sabaini, a former financier from Verona, moved to Modica to redefine the quality of local chocolate by founding Sabadì. His vision transformed the traditional "flaws" of Modica chocolate into excellence: cold-processed without added cocoa butter, his chocolate is shiny, compact, and long-lasting on the palate. For 15 consecutive years, Sabadì has been awarded the "Tavoletta d’Oro" for "Best Modica Chocolate." In 2018, he opened the world’s first chocolate aging cellar, where cocoa naturally absorbs notes of tobacco, tea, spices, or resins. Available in over 30 countries and top luxury department stores, Sabadì has boutiques in Modica, Syracuse, Noto, and Paris. Sabaini is also active in the agricultural sector, producing organic citrus drinks, natural Vermouth, and Bitters through his farms, Madre and Naturale. Connect: Website: http://www.sabadi.it [http://www.sabadi.it]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilgiornocheforsenonesiste/ [https://www.instagram.com/ilgiornocheforsenonesiste/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cioccolatodimodica [https://www.facebook.com/cioccolatodimodica]  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 and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, 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.quaypress.uk]   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk [http://www.marcmillon.co.uk]  https://www.vino.co.uk [https://www.vino.co.uk]    https://www.quaypress.com [https://www.quaypress.com]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/] Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon [http://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/ [https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast [https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast]  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast [https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast]  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp [https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast]    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ [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!