Ep. 2632 Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA interviews Andrea Pieropan of Pieropan Winery in Soave, Part 1 | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner
Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2632 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA interviews Andrea Pieropan of the world-renowned Pieropan Winery in Soave. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Pieropan Winery Legacy & Innovation – Explore the history of Pieropan across four generations, Leonildo Pieropan’s innovations, and Andrea Pieropan’s vision for modernizing the winery. Sustainable Winery Development & Winemaking – Learn about the new winery project, sustainable vineyard management and technical details of the wines. Production, Markets & Brand Strategy – Understand annual production, key markets, bottle and label choices, and the story behind La Rocca. More about today’s host: Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a certified wine sommelier and content creator from Yekaterinburg, Russia, specializing in Italian wines. She holds WSET Level 3 and is an accredited Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) through Vinitaly International Academy. Ekaterina is also a guest blogger for the Italian Wine Podcast and a passionate wine traveler, sharing insights on wine tourism, viticulture, and Italian wine culture. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vislinskaya.wine/ More about today’s guest: Pieropan is world-renowned as a pioneering producer of high-quality, terroir-driven Soave Classico in Italy's Veneto region, having elevated the Garganega grape to international acclaim. Founded in the 1880s, the family estate is famous for creating the first single-vineyard Soave ("Calvarino") in 1971 and for its commitment to sustainable, organic, and innovative underground winemaking. Andrea Pieropan is a fourth-generation agronomist and winemaker, co-owner of the historic Pieropan winery. Having gained international experience, Andrea Pieropan oversees export and vineyard management at Pieropan Winery and also serves as a board advisor for the Italian Federation of Independent Winemakers (FIVI), promoting independent Italian viticulture. Along with his brother Dario, he took over the estate after the passing of their father, Leonildo "Nino" Pieropan, in 2018. Connect: Website: https://www.pieropan.it/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieropanwines/ _______________________________ 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! 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!
Ep. 2631 Ep. 6: La Vigna Ritrovata di Leonardo | Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Attilio Scienza
Welcome to Episode 2631 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the 6th episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian. Episode 6: La Vigna Ritrovata di Leonardo 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 viticultural vocation come together to tell the story of Italian 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: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ 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 your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂
Ep. 2630 The Evolution of Prosecco from Col Fondo to Modern Tank Fermentation with Umberto Cosmo of Bellenda winery | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon
Welcome to episode 2630 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 234 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc speaks with Umberto Cosmo, co-founder of the pioneering Prosecco producer Bellenda. They dive into Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, exploring the region’s history, the evolution from bottle to tank fermentation, and the revival of traditional col fondo wines. The conversation also covers the concept of Rive and Metodo Classico Glera, Bellenda’s flagship wines and their international grape experiments, local gastronomy and pairings. More about today’s guest: Umberto Cosmo is an Italian winemaker and entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bellenda Winery in Carpesica near Vittorio Veneto, in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG area. Founded in 1986 with his brother Luigi, Bellenda is a family-run winery known for producing terroir-driven sparkling wines, including traditional bottle-fermented (col fondo) and Charmat-style Prosecco. Born in 1961 in the Prosecco hills of Veneto, Cosmo grew up surrounded by vineyards and a strong family tradition of agriculture. Beyond his work at Bellenda, he has played an active role in regional wine development, co-founding the Colli di Conegliano DOCG Consortium and serving as its president for nine years, as well as vice president of UVIVE (Unione dei Vini Veneti), promoting Veneto wines internationally. Connect: Website: https://www.bellenda.it/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellenda1986/ Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/umbertocosmo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/umberto.cosmo 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 _______________________________ 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!
Ep. 2629 Formal Wine Education & Certifications with Jack Liggett IWE | Masterclass US Wine Market
Welcome to Episode 2629 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo speaks with sommelier and certified Italian wine expert Jack Liggett about the role of wine education and certification in building a successful career in the wine and hospitality industry. Key Takeaways: Why structured wine education matters beyond tasting skills and restaurant service. The real impact of professional wine certifications for today’s sommeliers. How specialized Italian wine education can open new opportunities in the wine trade and hospitality sector. More about the guest: Jack Liggett serves as the Head Sommelier and Wine Program Lead at 53, a contemporary Asian restaurant in NYC. His connection to wine began at an early age through family tradition, picking grapes from his grandfather’s small backyard vineyard in Groton Massachusetts. Jack’s interest in wine rekindled during his travels to Rome, Italy, where he took a class about Italian wine and culture. Upon returning back to the U.S., Jack continued to explore and held an array of roles at wineries such as a tasting room associate, vineyard worker, and harvest intern, learning the ropes for winemaking. Jack joined 53 as part of the restaurant’s opening team in 2022 as a wine runner, supporting the sommelier's day-to-day service. After six months, Jack was promoted to sommelier and now, three and a half years later, leads the wine program. For Jack, the attraction of wine lies in its dynamic nature. At 53, he strives to explore new wines, engage in unexpected conversations with guests, and continue to learn and teach. Jack has also been awarded his DipWSET certificate and IWE through Vinitaly International Academy. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack__liggett/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-liggett-dipwset-iwe-9525b9147/ More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is the Director of Marketing at T. Edward Wines & Spirits, the NYC-based national importer and distributor. She leads the company’s marketing strategy across a growing portfolio of global wine and spirits producers, driving brand development, trade engagement, and national visibility during a period of significant expansion. Previously, Juliana was Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman & Sons, where she played a key leadership role in the Italian wine division, overseeing marketing strategy for shareholder brands within the Gruppo Italiano Vini and Cantine Riunite portfolios. Prior to that, she served as Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S., where she opened the firm’s first secondary headquarters in California in 2016, establishing its Bay Area office. Over the past decade, Juliana has become one of the most dynamic and influential marketing and communications executives in the wine industry. She is widely recognized as a mentor and connector for women in beverage alcohol, leveraging her network to create opportunities and elevate others in the field. Juliana has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, and other leading publications speaking on the future of wine marketing and consumer growth. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ _______________________________ 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!
Ep. 2628 What does a Sommelier Content Creator do? With Alojz Felix Jermann | #openbarstevie
Welcome to #openbarstevie and Episode 2628 of the Italian Wine Podcast. It’s a casual video podcast filmed in the office, where wine people drop by, open a bottle or two, and hang out with moi! 😝 Sometimes they come alone, often in pairs or small groups. The conversation flows naturally and is not limited to wine. It touches on family, friendships, work, failures, successes, current events, and above all the Italian way of living. This is not an interview series in the traditional sense. It is closer to friends meeting at aperitivo time. Wine is the excuse, NOT the subject. The focus is on lived experience. What it really means to live and work in Italy today. The beauty, the contradictions, the chaos, the privilege, and the everyday rituals that define Italian lifestyle. 💡 Format: 30 to 45 minutes Filmed in the office with a relaxed, low-production setup 1 to 3 guests per episode Guests can be producers, communicators, importers, educators, creatives, or friends of the wine world. Any recommendations for potential guests⁉️ Today’s guest is Felix Alojz Jermann. More about today’s guest: Alojz Felix Jermann is a wine expert, digital consultant, and sixth-generation member of the renowned Friulian winery Jermann. After leaving the family business in 2020, he distinguished himself as a winery broker, investor advisor, and one of Italy's leading digital wine communicators, working to make the sector more accessible, sustainable, and youth-oriented. Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alojz-felix-jermann Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alojzfelixjermann/ More about the host: Stevie Kim is an Italian wine marketing & communication expert, bandpositioning specialist, and public speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-kim-0646b04/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp _______________________________ 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!