Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2718 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald sits down with Dimitrios Karagiannis, Wine Director at Babbo, one of New York City's most celebrated Italian restaurants.

Together, they explore the evolving role of sommeliers in wine discovery, discuss lesser-known Italian wine regions gaining traction with consumers, and examine the changing expectations of today's luxury wine drinkers. The conversation also offers valuable insights into guest retention and hospitality excellence at Babbo.

Key Takeaways:

Is the restaurant still the primary place where wine discovery happens, and how are consumers finding wine today?

What hospitality lessons can wine professionals learn from Babbo's approach to guest experience and retention?

What do modern luxury consumers value most when selecting and enjoying wine?

More about the guest:

Dimitrios Karagiannis is the Wine Director at Babbo, the iconic New York Italian restaurant operated by STARR Restaurants. He oversees one of the city's most acclaimed Italian wine programs, recognized by Star Wine List for its depth and excellence. At Babbo, Dimitrios leads a team dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Italian wine while delivering memorable hospitality experiences.

Connect: 

Website: https://babbonyc.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrios-karagiannis-b081a5254/ 

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

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:

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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 2717 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 Mary Ewing-Mullingan MW. 

One of the most influential figures in the wine industry, Mary became the first woman in the United States to earn the prestigious Master of Wine title in 1992. During the interview, she reflects on how this achievement paved the way for her to introduce the WSET certification to the U.S. through the International Wine Center (IWC), which she co-founded.

She also shares the story behind the creation of the bestselling Wine For Dummies and discusses her expectations, impressions, and experiences at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026.

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:

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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 2716 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Episode 2 of Study Smart with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 2: Bordeaux Overview

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:

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 the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2715 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of Almaty Special Edition, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Nisia David, Export Manager at Piccini 1882, responsible for Central Asia, several Balkan countries, and Israel.

As Piccini 1882 prepares to participate in the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow for the second consecutive year, Nisia shares insights into the company's international strategy, evolving consumer trends, and the opportunities she sees in emerging wine markets.

Key learning objectives:

Discover the evolution of Piccini 1882 from a historic Tuscan winery to a multi-regional powerhouse.

Analyze global export dynamics, shifting consumer trends, and brand management strategies.

Examine the strategic potential of Kazakhstan and the practical joint marketing initiatives required to build a long-term brand foothold.

More about today’s guest:

Nisia David is the Export Manager at Piccini 1882, overseeing Central Asia, several Balkan countries, and Israel. Passionate about languages, cultures, and international markets, she developed a particular interest in the post-Soviet region during her studies in Moscow.

After joining Piccini 1882 in a back-office role, Nisia pursued wine education through WSET and FISAR courses while gradually moving into export sales. Today, she combines her expertise in wine and international business to develop key export markets and strengthen the global presence of Piccini 1882.

Connect:

Website: https://www.piccini1882.it/en/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisia-david/?locale=en-US 

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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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 

Until Next Time Cin Cin!

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2714 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Darya Nagornyak interviews Kaidi Kerdt of Masi Agricola in Valpolicella.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

Masi’s winemaking philosophy and Venetian heritage, and how tradition and innovation shape its identity today.

The evolution of Masi’s wines in the context of modern trends toward lighter, fresher styles, including key wines such as Campofiorin.

Masi’s international outlook, including projects in Italy and abroad, and the role of indigenous varieties and long-term experimentation in defining its future.

More about today’s host: 

Since 2018, Darya Nagornyak has been working in the restaurant industry with a strong focus on wine, specializing in Italian wines. She currently serves as Wine Development Manager at Almawine and holds the title of Italian Wine Ambassador. A certified WSET Level 3 professional, Darya is also Vice President of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association in Astana, where she works closely with young professionals to foster and develop wine culture in the city.

Connect:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-nagornyak-4a5046304/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Masi Agricola is one of the leading wine producers in the Veneto region, internationally recognized for its role in shaping the identity of Amarone and the wider Valpolicella area. The estate is known for combining deep Venetian heritage with continuous innovation, particularly through its historic Appassimento technique and iconic wines such as Campofiorin.

Kaidi Kerdt represents Masi’s contemporary voice, contributing to the winery’s international communication and development.

Connect:

Website: https://www.masi.it/en/ 

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

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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! 

 

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