Italian Wine Podcast

Is New Jersey the untapped gold mine for Italian wine?

In episode 2783, Marissa Muoio is joined by Brittney Abell to explore New Jersey’s wine market and the opportunities hiding within its affluent suburban retail and dining scene.

Together, they unpack what makes the New Jersey consumer unique, why the state represents an important opportunity for Italian wine producers, and how brands can communicate more effectively with consumers who may be curious about wine but are often looking for familiar entry points.

From organic and biodynamic practices to the importance of simplifying complex wine terminology, Brittney shares practical insights into how producers and wine professionals can make Italian wine more approachable, while building narratives that resonate with the American consumer.

What makes New Jersey a “Suburban Gold Mine”?

New Jersey’s affluent suburban communities offer a compelling mix of retail, dining, and wine consumers and understanding how to reach them can unlock significant opportunities for Italian wine.

Discover why New Jersey could be one of the most exciting opportunities for Italian wine in the US.

More about the guest:

Brittney Abell of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in Madison, New Jersey, is a North Jersey native with more than a decade of experience in hospitality and the New Jersey wine industry. She previously served as Wine Director and Buyer at Grape Collective in Montclair and led the wine program for Skopos Hospitality Group. A CMS Level 2 sommelier currently pursuing WSET Level 3, Brittney also holds certifications in Sherry and Sake. She is passionate about discovering distinctive wines, making wine education approachable, and connecting consumers with the stories and people behind each bottle.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beable122/

Website: https://garyswine.com/

More about the host:

Equal parts wine geek and storyteller, Marissa Muoio turns up the volume on the Italian Wine Podcast as a host of the Masterclass US Wine Market series! Marissa’s love affair with Italian wine started with a simple realization: behind every bottle of Nebbiolo, Brunello, or Fiano is a wild story of ancient history, passionate families, and incredible food pairings. But getting those stories onto American tables takes strategy.

On the Masterclass US Wine Market, Marissa bridges the gap between Italian cellars and the American trade. She brings high energy, sharp questions, and plenty of laughs while chatting with top industry insiders, sommeliers, and importers on the East Coast. When she’s not in front of the mic geeking out over volcanic soils and forgotten appellations, you’ll usually find Marissa on the hunt for the perfect plate of pasta, road-testing new wine bars, or swirling something new with friends. Her ultimate motto? No acqua, solo vino.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissamuoio/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/marissa-muoio/

Website: http://linktr.ee/marissamuoio

More interviews on US Wine Market:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 13 of Study Smart and Episode 2782 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 13: Germany and Alsace

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, 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!

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2781 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova is once again in conversation with China-based wine educator and consultant Fongyee Walker MW.

In Part 2, the conversation explores the evolving role of wine education in China, from the changing motivations of wine learners to the growing influence of digital platforms and social commerce. Fongyee also shares her insights into wine pairing with Chinese cuisine, communicating wine heritage and regional identity to Chinese consumers, and building sustainable, long-term wine brands in the Chinese market.

Key Takeaways:

Understand Market Realities: Track how the Chinese wine market has transformed over the past two decades and where true growth opportunities lie today.

Decode Consumer & Culinary Psychology: Learn how Chinese wine lovers actually think about wine, wine education, premiumization, and family-style food pairing.

Execute Actionable Strategies: Discover practical, budget-conscious strategies for wineries seeking long-term success through storytelling, local relevance, and cultural understanding.

Listen to Part 1 of their conversation: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2770-chinas-wine-market-from-misleading-import-numbers-to-todays-consumer-with-fongyee-walker-mw-part-1-asia-wine-market/

More about today’s guest:

Fongyee Walker MW is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Chinese wine market and the first Master of Wine based in mainland China. She became an MW in 2016 and is the co-founder of Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting, one of China’s most respected independent wine education and consulting companies.

Fongyee developed her passion for wine while studying Classical Chinese at the University of Cambridge, where she captained the university’s blind wine tasting team. In 2007, she moved to Beijing and co-founded Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting with Edward Ragg MW, helping shape China’s wine education landscape through training, consulting, and market development.

A specialist wine educator and consultant in both English and Mandarin, Fongyee is also a highly regarded international wine judge, regularly serving on panels for competitions and wine shows in Australia, Chile, South Africa, and the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fongyeew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fongyee-walker-mw-1426514/

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 the end of 2024, 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/

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Until Next Time Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2780 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Alberto Rivera IWA is in conversation with Serena Costanzo from the Palmento Costanzo winery on the northern slope of Mount Etna.

The conversation explores the vineyard's use of the traditional Alberello Etneo training system, the restoration of the estate’s 18th-century lava stone Palmento, and the local native varieties used to produce authentic Etna DOC wines.

These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.

More about today’s host:

Alberto Rivera began his wine journey after serving as a diplomat at the Mexican Embassy in Japan. He later developed a private wine collection and hosted exclusive tastings before becoming Italian Wine Director for a Latin American online platform, where he educated wine professionals on Italian wine and culture. In 2024, Alberto earned the title of Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy in Verona and also became a Langhe Wine Ambassador. Today, he consults for Italian-focused restaurants in Chihuahua and northern Mexico, curating wine programs that celebrate Italy’s diverse wine heritage.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somm.albertorivera/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/y-alberto-rivera-o/

More about today’s guest:

Serena Costanzo is a young winemaker and co-owner of Palmento Costanzo, a visionary family-run organic winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Working alongside her mother, Valeria Agosta, who co-founded the estate, Serena represents the new generation of winemakers shaping the renaissance of Etna's volcanic wines.

Connect:

Website: https://www.palmentocostanzo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serucosty/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-costanzo-3a56b4204/

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Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:

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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!

Welcome back to TEXSOM 2026 and Episode 2779 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Jessica Dupuy interviews the renowned wine judge, educator and sommelier, Debbie Zachareas.

In this conversation, Debbie provides a fresh perspective on fine wine retailing, drawing on her 23-year experience at San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, as well as exploring trends currently affecting the local and global wine trade.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today’s guest:

Debbie Zachareas is the Proprietor and Managing Partner of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, located in San Francisco's iconic restored Ferry Building. A highly respected wine judge, lecturer, sommelier, and guest speaker, she is recognized nationally for her influence on American wine culture.

Connect:

Website: https://fpwm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzwine/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-zachareas-0a862b5

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Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/

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If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

Until next time, Cin Cin!