Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2677 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews Moreno Petrini  of Tenuta di Valgiano in Lucca, Tuscany.

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

Key Learning Objectives:

Learn a bit about the history and territory of Lucca.

Understand how French varieties first came to this region.

Learn about the biodynamic movement that dominates Lucca’s winemaking culture.

More about today’s host:

As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling.

Connect:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ 

More about today’s guest:  

Moreno Petrini was born and raised in Lucca in a traditional Lucchese family. After studying Political Science in Milan, he began his professional career in the glass industry before moving into private equity for an American company.

In 1993, Moreno acquired Tenuta di Valgiano, the historic estate neighboring his family property, and for many years balanced a double life between the corporate world and wine production until dedicating himself fully to wine in 2015. Located in the hills north of Lucca, Tenuta di Valgiano is known for its biodynamic philosophy, low-intervention approach, and elegant wines that express the unique terroir of Tuscany’s Colline Lucchesi area. In 2005, Moreno also became a permanent member of the prestigious Grand Jury Européen.

Connect:

Website: https://www.valgiano.it/ 

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

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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 2676 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 14th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.

Episode 14: Storie di crinali, Medici e mercati.

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 

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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 2675 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 242 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Marco De Grazia of the Sicilian Tenuta delle Terre Nere about his extraordinary journey through the Italian wine world — from Tuscany and the Langhe during the rise of the Barolo Boys to pioneering cru-based winemaking on Mount Etna. Together, they explore the evolution of Barolo and Etna, the philosophies of Etna and Burgundy, the relationship between wine and food, and Marco’s commitment to supporting the next generation of winemakers.

More about today’s guest:

Marco de Grazia is one of the pioneering figures behind the international rise of Etna wines. Originally from Tuscany, he first built his reputation as a wine merchant and exporter, working closely with some of the most influential producers in Piemonte during a transformative period for Barolo and Barbaresco. Through these experiences, Marco developed a deep understanding of terroir, single-vineyard expressions, and fine wine culture.

In 2002, he founded Tenuta delle Terre Nere on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, becoming one of the first producers to champion the concept of cru-based Etna wines. His work helped establish Etna as one of the world’s most exciting fine wine regions, known for elegance, minerality, and transparency of terroir. Today, Marco continues to advocate for artisanal winemaking, vineyard identity, and the mentorship of young winegrowers shaping the future of Italian wine.

Connect:

Website: https://www.tenutaterrenere.com/en/home-english/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenuta-delle-terre-nere/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075632151951 

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:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast 

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

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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!

Welcome to Episode 2674 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald speaks with Vincent Morrow MS, Wine & Beverage Director at the Union Square Hospitality Group.

Key Takeaways:

Understand how restaurants can rebuild wine relevance through guest experience and hospitality.

Explore how Union Square Hospitality Group approaches wine buying decisions across its restaurant portfolio.

Learn the key principles behind designing successful restaurant wine programs today.

More about the guest:

Vincent Morrow is a Master Sommelier and Wine & Beverage Director at Union Square Hospitality Group. Previously, he served as Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant, where he helped oversee the world’s largest collection of Napa Valley wines and led the program to its first Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2022 — a rare recognition for a regionally focused wine list.

A recipient of multiple industry honors, Vincent was named Michelin Guide California Sommelier of the Year and VinePair Next Wave Sommelier of the Year in 2022. His career includes experience at renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry, Benu, Gary Danko, and ONE65 in San Francisco. Beyond hospitality, Vincent is a strong advocate for diversity, mentorship, and greater accessibility in wine education and the broader wine industry.

Connect: 

Website: https://www.ushg.com/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-morrow-ms-582ba923/ 

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 

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 2673 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: Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier, educator, entrepreneur, and NAACP-nominated author.

More about the guest:

Cha McCoy is the founder of Cha Squared, a beverage experience company focused on events, tourism, and education. She is known for making wine more accessible and challenging “palate discrimination” through initiatives like her global wine dinner series The Communion and her retail space, The Communion Wine & Spirits. Her book Wine Pairing for the People (HarperCollins, 2025) further explores the connection between wine, food, and culture.

Cha has held key roles such as Beverage Director of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Beverage Director and Editor at Cherry Bombe. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast, she now works between Portugal and Italy, collaborating to make the hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible.

Connect: https://www.chamccoy.com/ 

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!