Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to episode 2624 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 233 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, In this episode, Marc speaks with Emanuele Scarello and Michela Scarello of Agli Amici, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant group, to explore the diversity of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, from its people and landscapes to its culinary traditions and wines.

They discuss how the restaurant adapts traditional recipes, the importance of sourcing exceptional local ingredients such as Prosciutto di San Daniele and regional cheeses, and how their signature dishes are paired with local wines.

More about today’s guests:

Emanuele Scarello and Michela Scarello are the fifth-generation siblings leading Agli Amici, a historic restaurant founded in 1887 and awarded two Michelin stars. 

Born in 1970, Emanuele developed his passion for cooking through the influence of his mother Ivonne. After training at hospitality school and gaining experience in Italy and abroad, he joined the family restaurant’s kitchen in 1998. His cuisine combines innovation with tradition, emphasizing outstanding local ingredients and the culinary heritage of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. 

Michela has been managing the hospitality, service and cellar of Agli Amici with dedication and passion for almost twenty years. She is an excellent sommelier, she takes care of rediscovering forgotten vines, enhancing even small producers without losing sight of the excellent labels.

Today, the Agli Amici group also operates locations in Venice and Rovinj at the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, continuing the family’s legacy of refined hospitality and contemporary regional cuisine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.agliamici.it/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agliamici1887/ 

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 2623 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald talks with the wine business consultant and researcher Tim Hanni MW about how individual taste preferences and perception challenge traditional wine communication, why perceptual segmentation matters, and how conventional sensory-based wine education may unintentionally exclude many consumers.

Key Takeaways:

Individual Preference vs. Wine Culture. Why wine preference is highly individual and how this reality often clashes with the way the U.S. wine market promotes wine.

The Power of Perceptual Segmentation. How segmenting consumers by shared perceptual traits, alongside demographics, can fundamentally change how the wine industry understands and reaches drinkers.

Rethinking Wine Education. How traditional wine education and sensory evaluation frameworks may unintentionally suppress demand instead of growing it.

More about the guest:

Tim Hanni MW is a wine industry consultant, lecturer, and researcher with more than 50 years of experience in food and wine. A professionally trained chef, he was one of the first two resident Americans to pass the Master of Wine examination and earn the prestigious title.

Tim is President of Calyber LLC and HanniCo LLC, where he researches and quantifies the factors that influence personal wine preferences. Widely recognized as an internationally renowned “flavor maven,” he brings a distinctive perspective to the study of taste, consumer behavior, and wine enjoyment.

In addition to his consulting work, Tim is involved in wine business education, providing courses for individuals, organizations, and universities. He also serves as Wine Industry Faculty at Sonoma State University. He is the author of the book Why You Like the Wines You Like, which explores the science and psychology behind personal taste preferences.

Connect: 

Website: https://www.timhanni.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhannimw/ 

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/ 

_______________________________

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 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 

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

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

 

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

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to episode 2622 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’s guest: Sergio Germano, President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani

More about the Consorzio:

The Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani is the official producers’ association that protects, regulates and promotes some of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions and their wines including Barolo, Barbaresco, Dogliani and other Langhe appellations. Founded in 1934, the Consorzio oversees production standards, defends collective wine trademarks, monitors markets for authenticity, and works to raise awareness of these wines and their terroirs around the world. It represents hundreds of growers and wineries dedicated to quality hillside viticulture and the heritage of Piedmont’s Langhe wine landscape. 

Connect: https://www.langhevini.it/en/ 

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/  

_______________________________

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 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 

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

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

 

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

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 2621 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Chloë Syrah Schwartz to break down the Supreme Court ruling and examine what it signals for the future of the U.S. wine trade.

Key Takeaways:

Why a family-run wine importer took a stand when others didn’t.
Victor and Chloe (and by extension V.O.S.) didn’t just join a lawsuit, they became the public face of a challenge that other businesses were hesitant to touch.

How tariffs disrupt small business operations.
The story isn’t abstract, it’s about cash flow, relationships with producers abroad, and survival tactics.

Unanswered questions and strategic positioning.
The larger story is about anticipation, uncertainty, and how a business positions itself after a major but incomplete legal outcome.

More about the guest: 

Chloe Syrah Schwartz is the Vice President at V.O.S. Selections, a wine & spirits importer founded by her father, Victor, in 1987. Chloe and Victor were the lead plaintiffs in V.O.S. Selections v Trump, which successfully overturned the "Liberation Day" tariffs at the US Supreme Court.

Connect: 

Website: https://vosselections.com/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-syrah-schwartz/ 

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/ 

_______________________________

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 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 

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

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

 

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 2620 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Lazzaretto interviews Tancredi Biondi Santi of Castello di Montepò in Maremma, Tuscany. They explore the legacy (and pressures) of growing up in the iconic Biondi Santi family, the family’s bold move from Montalcino to Maremma, and the unique Sangiovese Grosso clone discovered in the 1970s. Along the way, they discuss how terroir shapes Sangiovese differently in Montalcino versus Maremma, the estate’s wines, the challenge of climate change, and even the rumors that Elon Musk once eyed Castello di Montepò.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand the legacy of the Biondi Santi family and the evolution from Montalcino to Maremma.

Learn about the unique Sangiovese Grosso clone and the differences in growing Sangiovese between Montalcino and Maremma.

Gain insight into Castello di Montepò’s wines, terroir, and approach to climate challenges.

More about today’s host: 

Lisa Lazzaretto, PhD, is a Swiss-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: https://www.winemood.ch/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lazzaretto/ 

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

More about today’s guest:  

The Castello di Montepò winery is located in the heart of the Maremma Toscana region, in the province of Grosseto, north of the municipality of Scansano. It is situated in a hilly area (between 300 and 460 meters above sea level) and is famous for producing the high-quality Super Tuscan wine Sassoalloro (100% Sangiovese Grosso BBS11). Castello di Montepò represents the current chapter of the Biondi Santi family’s winemaking history.

Tancredi Biondi Santi, son of Jacopo Biondi Santi, is fully involved in the estate and serves as co-winemaker alongside his father, contributing to vineyard management, cellar work, and the long-term qualitative direction of the wines. He lives between Castello di Montepò and New York City, where he is also active in the international market development and global positioning of the family estate.

Connect:

Website: https://castellodimontepo.it/en/ 

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

_______________________________ 

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 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast 

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

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

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

Until next time, Cin Cin! 

 

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