Ep. 2729 Piemonte, Fine Wine and the US Market with Laura DePasquale MS | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

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!

Ep. 2730 Wine Storytelling That Drives Consumer Engagement with Heather Daenitz | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2730 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald speaks with Heather Daenitz, founder of Craft & Cluster, about why today's wine consumers connect more with stories that fit their lives than with brand origin stories. They discuss how wineries can create more authentic marketing by empowering creators, simplifying their messaging, and building trust through consistent storytelling. Key Takeaways: * Consumers care less about a winery's origin story and more about how wine fits into their lives. * The most effective wine storytelling comes through trusted creators and customers—not the brand itself. * Great storytelling simplifies a brand's message instead of making it more complex. More about the guest:  Heather Daenitz is the founder and photographer behind Craft & Cluster, a marketing and visual storytelling agency serving the wine industry. With more than 15 years of experience spanning vineyards, cellars, tasting rooms, and winery operations, she combines a degree in Viticulture from Oregon State University with expertise in photography and digital marketing. In 2025, Heather was named Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year at the World Food Photography Awards for her image Pinot Noir at Midnight. Connect:  Website: https://www.craftandcluster.com/about/ [https://www.craftandcluster.com/about/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftandcluster/ [https://www.instagram.com/craftandcluster/]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdaenitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdaenitz/]  More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald 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/ [https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/] Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ [https://www.aprilacreative.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. 2729 Piemonte, Fine Wine and the US Market with Laura DePasquale MS | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

Welcome to episode 2729 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 Laura DePasquale MS, Master Sommelier and one of the leading voices in fine wine distribution in the United States. Laura shares her perspective on Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, describing the event as a unique opportunity to taste some of the best wines being produced in Piedmont, meet producers directly, and explore the many identities of the region, from Barolo and Barbaresco to Barbera, Dolcetto, Pelaverga, Freisa and Ruchè. In this conversation, Laura also discusses her work with Domaine & Estates, the fine and artisanal wine division she helped build within Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. She explains how a large distributor can support small-production wines through logistics, education and market access, and why Italy remains such an important country for discovery in the US wine market. Laura and Stevie also talk about the current challenges facing wine distribution in the United States, from market uncertainty to tariffs, and what Piedmont producers should keep in mind when approaching American buyers today. 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!