Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2721 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA interviews Cristina Mercuri MW, focusing on PIWI (fungus-resistant grape varieties).

The conversation explores the growing role of PIWI in modern viticulture, including the number and development of fungus-resistant varieties, their environmental benefits, and how they adapt to marginal climates. Cristina also discusses where hybrid grapes are gaining traction in Italy, how these varieties are developed and integrated into winemaking, and their key strengths and limitations.

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand the role and development of PIWI (fungus-resistant) grape varieties in viticulture.

Explore their environmental impact, including benefits for soil health and sustainability.

Analyze the opportunities and challenges of hybrids, including their strengths, weaknesses, and growing adoption in marginal climates.

*PIWI is a German acronym for pilzwiderstandsfähige (meaning "fungus-resistant") grape varieties.

More about today’s host:  

Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a certified sommelier, wine blogger, and wine educator from Yekaterinburg, Russia. She holds WSET Level 3 certification and is an Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) from Vinitaly International Academy. She contributes to the Italian Wine Podcast as a guest blogger and focuses on Italian wine, wine tourism, and viticulture, sharing insights with a global audience.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vislinskaya.wine?igsh=Z291bnNjemkwNjBw&utm_source=qr 

More about today’s guest: 

Cristina Mercuri MW is a Master of Wine, wine educator, and strategic consultant. She is the Founder and CEO of Mercuri Wine Club, where she works with wineries and organizations on brand development, communication, and education strategy.

Originally trained as an international lawyer, she transitioned into the wine industry after earning the WSET Diploma and multiple specialist certifications. She is Wine Editor for Forbes Italia, and from 2026 will serve as an international judge for Decanter. She is also Brand Ambassador for Mack & Schühle Italia. She also teaches across all levels, from enthusiasts to WSET Diploma candidates, and delivers corporate training in the hospitality and luxury sectors.

Connect:

Website: https://www.wine-club.it/academy/team/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-mercuri-mw-004376a/ 

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

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

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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 2720 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 21st episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 21: L’Isola del Vino Selvatico

You want to dive into the stories and myths behind Professor Scienza’s new series, but Italian isn’t your thing? No problem! You’ll find all the conversations, translated in english, in the new Mamma Jumbo Shrimp book: An Italian Wine Pilgrimage: with Professor Attilio Scienza. Now available in English on Amazon.

A true oenological journey led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim, winding its way across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory. Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine.

Join us on A Wine Pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza.

More about Professor Scienza:

Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti. 

He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff!

To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/ 

 

If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler:

https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ 

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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!

 

Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

Welcome to episode 2719 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 249 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc sits down with Elia Campolmi of Le Macchiole, one of Bolgheri's most respected wineries.

Together, they explore the history and rise of Bolgheri as one of Italy's most influential wine regions, discuss Le Macchiole's pioneering role in producing the area's first 100% Cabernet Franc, and delve into the winery's acclaimed portfolio. Elia also shares insights from his experience in Pomerol and reflects on the connection between Bordeaux and Le Macchiole's celebrated 100% Merlot.

More about today’s guest:

Elia Campolmi is part of the team at Le Macchiole, a benchmark winery in Bolgheri founded in the early 1980s by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli. Known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to expressing Bolgheri's unique terroir, Le Macchiole gained international recognition for producing the region's first 100% Cabernet Franc and is also acclaimed for its iconic Merlot and Syrah wines. Today, Elia helps share the winery's story and philosophy with wine lovers around the world.

Connect:

Website: https://www.lemacchiole.it/en/azienda.html 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-campolmi-246b47181/ 

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 

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!

 

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 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:

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 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:

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!