Italian Wine Podcast

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 

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

Facebook: 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.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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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!

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/ 

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

Linkedin: 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/

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

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

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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 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/  

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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  Episode 2728 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Episode 4 of Study Smart with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 4: Bordeaux Right Bank

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!

_______________________________

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 Episode 2727 and Episode 10 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson. 

In this episode, Ryan explores the evolving meaning of autochthony, looking beyond the simple definition of native grape varieties to examine how place, history, culture, and identity shape the stories we tell about wine.

Episode 10: A New Meaning for Autoctony

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an eager student, or simply a curious wine lover, The Art of Wine Storytelling takes you on a journey that bridges ancient history with modern consumer culture. Discover how wine is much more than just a drink – it’s a narrative shaped by centuries of tradition, innovation and human interaction. Ignite your imagination, deepen your appreciation for wine, and be inspired to savor not just what’s in the bottle, but the remarkable story behind each and every glass.

 

About Ryan Robinson:

Ryan Robinson is the Director of Education for Brescome-Barton Inc., and Worldwide Wines in Connecticut, an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, and is the Principal at SommCentric, a beverage education and consulting agency. He is a member on the USA Wine Tasting Team, representing the United States and the World Wine Tasting Championships and holds the credentials of Advanced Sommelier-CMS; WSET Diploma and WSET Educator in Wine, Sake and Beer; Rioja Wine Educator; VIA Italian Wine Ambassador; Wine Scholar Guild Educator and Italian and Spanish Wine Specialist; and Certified Scotch Whisky.

Connect:

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

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

The Art of Wine Storytelling by Professor Attilio Scienza is available now at: https://mammajumboshrimp.com/products/the-art-of-wine-storytelling 

_______________________________

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!