Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Voices and Episode 2559 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin is joined by Canadian wine educator, writer, and influencer Will Ferguson, better known as The Queer Wino. Together, they explore Will’s personal journey into wine, the realities faced by LGBTQ+ professionals in a traditionally conservative industry, and how inclusive communication, community-building, and social media can make wine more accessible, authentic, and welcoming. The conversation also touches on Pride in Wine, Will’s new wine club, the impact of DEI rollbacks in the U.S., and what true allyship looks like today. More about the guest: Will Ferguson (also known as Queer Wino) is a prominent Canadian wine educator, writer, and influencer focused on making wine accessible and inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community and all enthusiasts, using platforms like Instagram (@Queerwino) to share insights, tastings, and fight for diversity in the wine world. He holds WSET certifications and works in wine retail, creating relatable content that demystifies wine without snobbery.  Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queerwino/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-ferguson-0b7562339/  More about our 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 certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. 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- _______________________________  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!

Welcome to episode 2558 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 222 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc is in conversation with the wine educator and entrepreneur Robert Maggi, who shares his unique journey between two lives: one rooted in Puglia, Italy, and the other in Wales, where he now lives and works. Together, they discuss Robert’s path as an Italian wine importer in the UK, his role as an Italian Wine Ambassador, and the creation of the Cardiff Wine Festival as a platform connecting producers directly with consumers. More about today’s guest: Robert Maggi is a wine educator, entrepreneur, and Italian Wine Ambassador, originally from Puglia and now based in Cardiff, Wales. Half Italian and half Welsh, he is the founder of WinesnVines and an importer working to connect Italian producers with the UK market. With over 15 years of international experience, including work with producers such as Jim Barry Wines in Australia, Robert is deeply involved in wine education, tastings, and market development. He is the co-founder and organizer of the Cardiff Wine Festival, launched in 2022, and a judge at international competitions including 5StarWines – the Book and the London Tasting Awards. Connect: Website: https://www.winesnvines.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-maggi-b07b9655  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmag89/?hl=it   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!

Welcome to Episode 2557 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Leonardo LoCascio, the founder and former CEO and Chairman of Winebow, Inc. Drawing on decades of experience as one of the most influential importers in the United States, Leonardo shares his perspective on what it truly takes for Italian producers to succeed today. Key Takeaways: Why some Italian wine categories are gaining traction in the U.S. while others are struggling. How importers and distributors assess producer readiness, including portfolio fit, pricing, and long-term strategy. Where Italian wine can realistically win market share in an increasingly competitive and challenging market environment. More about the guest:  Leonardo LoCascio is a pioneering figure in the American wine industry and the founder of Winebow, one of the United States’ most respected importers and distributors of fine wine and craft spirits. LoCascio left a successful career in corporate finance and banking to follow his passion for wine, launching Winebow in 1980 with a focus on premium Italian wines. Under his leadership, Winebow expanded its portfolio beyond Italy to include select producers from around the world. LoCascio also created the Leonardo LoCascio Selections label, marked by its gold seal, to showcase wines of character, quality, and authenticity from family-owned estates.  Widely recognized for his deep knowledge of wine regions and commitment to education and quality, LoCascio has shared his expertise at tastings, seminars, and industry events across the country. Connect:   Website: https://www.winebow.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-locascio-884b1aa/  More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years.  During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. 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!

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2556 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Walter Giomi, wine educator and portfolio manager at Bangkok beer and beverages, to discuss the dynamics of Thailand’s fast-evolving wine scene. Key learning objectives: Get an overview of Thailand’s wine ecosystem, including key players, latest regulations and taxation. Identify consumer trends and the top-performing Italian wine categories in Thailand. Learn about the Bangkok Beer & Beverages portfolio and gain practical, on-the-ground insights from Walter’s experience. More about today’s guest: Born and raised in Rome, Walter Giomi comes from a long line of hospitality professionals. He started working in restaurants at 13, developing strong skills in service, product quality, and guest interaction. After earning his first wine certification at 19, he began his path in the wine world. Since 2013, Walter has worked for a leading beverage importer in Thailand, growing from Assistant Manager to a key managerial role overseeing wine and wine-accessory portfolios. He now holds the WSET Diploma, WSET Spirits Advanced, and the Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador certification. A certified instructor for both WSET and the Wine Scholar Guild, Walter teaches Italian Wine Scholar programs and shares his passion for global wines, spirits, and gastronomy. Since 2019, he has also been a Wine Lecturer at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School in Bangkok. Connect: Website: https://www.bbb.co.th/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-giomi-aa8b3770  More about the host: 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: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/  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!

Welcome to episode 2555 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, Beyond the Border: why Mexico matters for Italian wine. Speaker: Larissa Lawrence IWA, Moderator: Diva Maddalena Moretti Polegato While often overlooked, Mexico is a dynamic, fast-evolving wine market with growing demand for premium and lifestyle wines—especially among younger urban consumers in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey - and in high-end international tourist destinations. As local wine culture develops, Italian wines have a unique opportunity to position themselves as aspirational, food-friendly, and authentic. This session explores distribution models, regulatory pathways, consumer behavior, and on-trade opportunities—especially in the context of Mexico’s strategic proximity to the U.S. and rising gastronomic tourism. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. Full details about this and all other wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions available online at: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum/programme/.      _______________________________ 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!