Italian Wine Podcast

Want to improve your advanced wine knowledge?

In Episode 2777 of the Italian Wine Podcast Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with the internationally renowned wine educator and consultant, Sarah Heller MW.

In this conversation, Sarah provides insight into the VIA Advanced seminars and this year’s theme of defining quality in Italian wine, while discussing the value of advanced tasting, continued education, and the importance of staying curious and learning throughout a wine career—even after achieving the MW.

What is the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA)?

The Vinitaly International Academy is a leading wine education institution in Verona that trains wine professionals to master the complex diversity of Italian wines.

Key Takeaways:

What VIA Advanced Tasting Sessions are, who they are for, and why they matter.

How we define and recognise quality in Italian wine.

Why wine education shouldn’t stop after achieving a certification—even the MW.

The VIA Advanced Tasting Session will take place in New York City on Tuesday 27 October 2026. You can apply at:

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/courses/via-advaced-tasting-session/.

For more information about the Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador program visit:

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/.

More about the guest:

Sarah Heller MW is a U.S.-based Master of Wine and a leading voice in Italian wine on the global stage. She has been a faculty member of the Vinitaly International Academy since 2018, after being part of the first group of VIA Ambassadors to pass its inaugural edition in 2015. Sarah’s work explores wine’s cultural and sensory dimensions. Her Visual Tasting Notes and other artworks have been exhibited and published internationally. She speaks multiple languages, including Italian, French, German, Chinese, and English.

Connect:

Website: https://sarahheller.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-heller-mw-96a9713/

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

Until next time, Cin Cin!

Welcome to Episode 12 of Study Smart and Episode 2776 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Gill Gordon Smith.

Ep. 12: Loire Valley

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 Episode 2675 and Episode 11 of The Art of Wine Storytelling with Ryan Robinson.

Episode 11: Between Reality and Imagination: A Metaphor for Wine Growing Landscape.

In this episode, Ryan Robinson explores how we tell the story of wine through autochthony, geography, and landscape.

We reconsider the meaning of autochthony, explore the local identities shaping Italian wine and their relationship with the wider world, and look at the wine-growing landscape as more than physical space—a place shaped by symbolism, stories, and people.

How can we talk about wine more thoughtfully and turn knowledge into meaningful ideas? The future belongs to those who can create compelling, human stories.

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

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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 2774 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Chris Martin MW at TEXSOM 2026.

Chris is Director of Education at the Wine Scholar Guild. He judges regularly in international wine competitions, hosts masterclasses at trade shows and teaches regularly. In this episode, Jessica and Chris discuss his MW journey, the realities of preparing for demanding wine exams, and how to manage pressure and tension on exam day. They also reflect on the role of TEXSOM in wine education and professional development.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today’s guest:

Chris has over 18 years of experience in education and combines his teaching background with extensive wine expertise. After completing the WSET Diploma in 2016, he joined WSET’s business development team, later becoming Head of Educator Development in 2018.

Since 2024, Chris has been Director of Education at Wine Scholar Guild, overseeing educational programs focused on Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. He is also an international wine judge, educator, and frequent masterclass presenter.

Connect:

Website: https://texsom.com/people/james-tidwell-ms-cwe/

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

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

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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 2773 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 258 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Alessandra Caroni, Export Manager at Maso Martis, to explore the unique identity of Trento DOC and one of Italy’s leading sparkling wine producers.

Together, they explore what makes Trento DOC one of Italy’s most distinctive sparkling wine regions, the story of Maso Martis, and how climate change is reshaping vineyard practices. They also discuss the importance of the traditional Pergola Trentina training system, the winery’s work with Pinot Meunier, including rare 100% Pinot Meunier sparkling wines, and the rich gastronomic traditions of Trentino, from salmerino and Trentingrana to the region’s mountain food culture.

More about today’s guest:

Alessandra Caroni is an Italian AIS-certified Sommelier, export and sales manager, and wine writer who specializes in boutique and organic Italian wine estates. She is the founder of Winesoul, serving as an advocate for small-scale growers and a judge in international wine competitions.

Maso Martis is a family-owned winery in Trento, founded in 1990 and dedicated exclusively to the production of Trento DOC sparkling wines. Recognized as the first winery in the appellation to obtain organic certification, Maso Martis has become one of the region’s leading producers, known for its mountain vineyards, estate-grown fruit, and a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and long-aged traditional-method sparkling wines.

Connect:

Website: https://www.masomartis.it/en/ https://www.winesoul.it/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandra-caroni-4845aa27/

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

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!



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!