Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2807 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of the Masterclass US Wine Market, Barbara Fitzgerald is joined by Giuseppe LoCascio of Lucidity Wine Merchants to explore how Italian wine producers can find the right importer and turn that partnership into lasting success in the US market.

Giuseppe explains how his company chooses the producers it works with and the main pillars behind those decisions. He also breaks down the differences between key California markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego, and shares how producers can support their importer once the contract is signed.

Key Takeaways:

Finding the importer that needs you is the first step toward a successful US launch.

Getting an importer is just the beginning — the real work starts after the contract is signed.

Choosing the right market within the US matters, as each region, even within California, has its own dynamics.

More about the guest:

Born in New York City, Giuseppe grew up in Italy, where he earned a degree in Economics and Business. He returned to New York in 2002 and obtained an MBA from the Fordham Graduate School of Business in 2010. In 2004, he spent a year in Florence as a Junior Associate at Matura, a consulting firm specializing in the wine business and owned by renowned Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini. Until August 2016, Giuseppe served as Vice President of Portfolio Management at Leonardo LoCascio Selections, the Italian wine import division of The Winebow Group. Prior to his current role, he worked as Brand Management Director for Italy and Austria, National Brand Manager for the Allegrini Group, and Sales Manager for New York City and Westchester County. Passionate about wine and food, Giuseppe enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with friends and clients.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-l-locascio-1805141

Website: https://www.luciditywine.com/

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/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/

Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/

More interviews on US Wine Market: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/masterclass-us-wine-market/

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

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 17 of Study Smart and Episode 2806 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon-Smith.

Ep. 17: Portugal and Greece

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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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!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2805 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova speaks with Gerald Lu, President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, seasoned sommelier, and director and owner of Praelum Wine Bistro, one of Singapore’s best-known wine spots.

Part 1 explores Singapore’s wine market, including its import and distribution landscape, key players in Italian wine, consumer profiles and preferences, and the balance between volume and premium positioning. Gerald also shares insights into Praelum and its wine portfolio.

Key Takeaways:

Understand Singapore's Role as Asia's Wine Hub: Explore why Singapore has become one of Asia's most important markets for premium wine, re-export, hospitality and international trade.

Discover What Drives Singaporean Wine Consumers: Learn about Praelum, consumer preferences and opportunities for Italian wines.

Learn How Sommeliers Shape Wine Culture: Understand how education, competitions and professional associations influence both consumers and the wine trade.

About today’s guest:

After completing his national service in 2007, Gerald Lu began his wine career with the IndoChine Group of Restaurants. He earned qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Court of Master Sommeliers, and in 2009 received the Singapore Experience Award for Best Service in Food & Beverage. He went on to win Singapore’s National Sommelier Competition in 2010 and again in 2017.

In 2011, Gerald opened Praelum Wine Bistro in Duxton Hill, which today encompasses a restaurant and bar, wine education, events and wine tourism. He is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore. He is also Chief Critic at Asian Wine Review and a judge and speaker for international wine publications and events including Decanter, IWSC, Vinexpo and ProWein.

Connect:

Website: https://praelum.com.sg/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-lu-a3445646/

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/

More interviews on Asia Wine Market:

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/asia-wine-market-almaty-special-edition/

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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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp

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

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2804 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Saloni Khanapurkar IWA interviews Michela Adriano of Marco Adriano e Vittorio, who shares her experience working in her family winery and her perspective on the evolving role of women in Italy’s wine industry.

Michela discusses the unique terroir of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio in Barbaresco, her work with Sbarbatelle, and the importance of creating a more connected and inclusive wine community. She also reflects on staying grounded, having fun in the industry, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

About today's host:

Saloni Khanapurkar is an Italian wine professional, educator, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of wine, culture, and India. She is India’s first and only Italian Wine Ambassador, a WSET Level 3 in Wine holder, and currently a DipWSET candidate. She has worked with Italian wineries and wine organizations across Piemonte, Tuscany, Lombardy, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with experience spanning wine education, export consulting, communications, and cross-cultural projects. Saloni is currently one of the producers of the Italian Wine Podcast, where she contributes to the creation and production of conversations around Italian wine and its people. She is also the founder of SipSaathi, a women-first wine ecosystem focused on building education, professional opportunities, and global connections for India’s emerging wine community.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saloni-khanapurkar/

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

More about today's guest:

Michela Adriano represents the third generation of her family’s winery in the Langhe, where wine has been part of her life since childhood. Today, she is involved in sales and general management of Adriano Winery. For Michela, wine is first and foremost about the people who make it special: the family, the people who work alongside her, and all those who put their passion, knowledge and personality into every bottle. She believes that these people are what truly make the difference in wine.

Her approach is simple, friendly and inclusive. She wants wine to be something people can enjoy without feeling intimidated or feeling they need to “know enough.” For Michela, wine is a way to connect: to sit around a table, share a bottle, talk about life and exchange stories. Connection is her K-word in wine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.adrianovini.it/

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

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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 to episode 2803 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 263 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with wine export manager Lucrezia Bencivenga to explore the story of Ribona and the dual soul of Le Marche.

They explore Ribona’s history and character, the influence of Le Marche’s coastal and mountain landscapes, and how local wines reflect the region’s food, traditions and sense of place.

More about the guest:

Lucrezia Bencivenga is a multilingual commercial executive whose career brings together international communication, strategic thinking and a deep passion for wine. Before entering the business world, she worked as an interpreter at the European Parliament, an experience that sharpened her ability to navigate different cultures, build connections and communicate with clarity in complex environments.

Today, as Commercial Director of Cantine Fontezoppa, she oversees sales development in Italy and abroad, manages key accounts and distribution networks, and contributes to the positioning and evolution of the brand. She is also actively involved in developing partnerships, hospitality projects and wine-tourism experiences that bring people closer to the identity of the Marche region.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucreziabencivenga/

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.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

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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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp

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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!