Italian Wine Podcast

• Ep. 2346 Svetlana Fedoseeva of Nachalo Wine Group in Tashkent | Asia Wine Market: Almaty Special Edition

  Welcome to Episode 2346 and the third episode of the new special series focusing on the Asian Wine Market. In today’s episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Svetlana Fedoseeva of Nachalo Wine Group to dive into the wine scene in Uzbekistan. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the evolution of wine culture and consumer awareness in Uzbekistan Learn about the country’s import and distribution landscape.  Identify current trends, gaps and opportunities in Uzbekistan’s wine market.  Asia Wine Market is a new podcast series from the Italian Wine Podcast that explores the fast-growing wine markets across Asia. Designed for wine professionals, importers, and producers, the series highlights regional trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities for Italian wine exports. Through 10 exclusive episodes, this series offers insights from key industry players and builds up to the Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow 2025 — a strategic event connecting Italian wineries with Central Asian wine importers, sommeliers, and distributors. Whether you're looking to enter the wine market or expand your brand presence in Central Asia, this series is your starting point. Today’s guest: Svetlana Fedoseeva Svetlana Fedoseeva is a Master of Technology in Winemaking and a current WSET Diploma student. A pioneering force in Uzbekistan’s wine scene, she co-founded Tashkent’s first wine club and has played a key role in shaping the country’s modern wine culture. Svetlana manages events for the Uzbekistan Association of Bartenders and Wine Professionals and oversees operations at Nachalo Wine Group — a dynamic collective that includes an importing company, the contemporary Nachalo restaurant, and Wine Bazaar, a trendy wine bar she also co-founded. She is additionally behind the launch of No Name Wine School, an educational project designed to engage a new generation of wine lovers and professionals in Uzbekistan. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svetlana.wine/ https://www.instagram.com/nachalo.tashkent/  Today’s host: Roza Zharmukhambetova 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 late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/ _______________________________ 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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• Ep 2345 Lia Falconieri | Voices with Cynthia Chaplin

  Welcome to Episode 2345 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this installment of Voices, Cynthia Chaplin interviews Lia Falconieri of the Chiek winery in Piemonte. About today’s guest: The Chiek winery is located in San Giorgio Canavese, Piemonte, between the towns of Turin and Ivrea, and includes 13 hectares of vineyards. The grapes are almost all Erbaluce, an ancient white grape variety native to the Canavese district, cultivated using the “pergola” vine training system, which creates large canopies in the vineyard. Lia Falconieri is responsibile for administration, commerce and communications. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BlackGirlsWine  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsWine  About today’s host: VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a wine content creator, author and judge for several international wine competitions. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff.  Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179/  _______________________________ 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! Share this pod! Remember Voices is all about diversity, equity, and heart-warming personal stories about real people!

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• Ep 2344 Giro D'Italia 2025 Between Wine And Food Part 1 | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

  Welcome to episode 2344 of the Italian Wine Podcast, and episode 190 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon and the first part of this Giro d’Italia Special Edition. The 2025 Giro d’Italia kicks off in Durrës, Albania, and crosses into southern Italy for nine early stages through cities like Lecce, Matera, and Naples—offering a rich taste of regional food, wine, and culture before the race heads north. 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, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History. In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy and France in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. Since 2021, he has also been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. 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  _______________________________ 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!

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• Ep 2343 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Honore Comfort | Masterclass US Wine Market

  Welcome to Episode 2343 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Honore Comfort, vice president of international marketing at the Wine Institute, public policy association of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses.  Key takeaways: What are the generational disconnects at play when inviting young consumers into the wine category?  How can brands engage young consumers in a meaningful way?  How can wineries think outside of the box but inside their budgets? More about the guest: Honore draws on 18 years of international wine marketing, association management, and brand strategy experience to promote export sales of California wines and build the California Wines brand on a global scale. Prior to joining Wine Institute in 2019, she served for nearly 10 years as the executive director of the Sonoma County Vintners, a trade marketing organization for Sonoma County wineries. Previously with Foster’s Wine Estates Americas (now Treasury Wine Estates), Honore headed up North American marketing efforts for several major wine brands. In 2015 she became the president of Brack Mountain Wine Company in Sonoma County, where she oversaw sales and marketing, brand development, and business strategy. Connect: Website: https://wineinstitute.org/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honore-c-a7919a5/ More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara 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!

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• Ep 2342 McKenna Cassidy interviews Alberto Rabachin | Next Generation

  Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2342 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, McKenna Cassidy interviews the award-winning sommelier Alberto Rabachin.  More about today’s guest: Alberto Rabachin, born in 2000 in Vigevano and now based in Milan, was awarded the title of “Best Sommelier of the Year 2024” by FISAR (Federazione Italiana Sommelier Albergatori e Ristoratori) during their 52nd National Congress held aboard the Costa Diadema cruise ship in Savona. His victory was attributed to his exceptional service, deep knowledge, and emotional storytelling that transcended traditional tasting notes.  Rabachin's journey into the world of wine began at the age of 20 during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by his mother, a delegate for FISAR's Pavia section. He currently represents the FISAR Milano Duomo delegation. Beyond his sommelier duties, Rabachin is an emerging wine influencer, sharing educational and engaging content on his Instagram account, @notjustasommelier, where he connects with a growing audience of wine enthusiasts.  His approach emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity in wine culture, aiming to demystify the world of wine for newcomers. Rabachin's blend of technical expertise and relatable communication is shaping him into a prominent figure in Italy's contemporary wine scene. Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjustasommelier/ More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian Wine.   Connect: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ Website Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy _______________________________ 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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