In this latest episode of the Vigneto podcast which was taped last year, I speak with Amy Zavatto about her amazing career as a writer, journalist, and author of 18 books and counting. Amy gives great tips on writing a book and also dishes about how to make some amazing cocktails. Take a listen.

In this conversation, I spoke with with Andrea Lemieux, author of The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine: An exploration of one of the oldest and most unexpected wine countries. She offers a history of Turkey’s wine tradition, as well as notes on indigenous grapes, wineries and where to enjoy Turkish wine in Istanbul. We spoke last year and much has happened in the interim for Andrea with this special book. In this series, I speak with authors about their subject but also about their processes. Hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

In this 18th episode of the Vigneto podcast, I speak with Mike Madaio, a food and wine writer based outside of Philadelphia. His book is called Lost Mount Penn: Wineries, Railroads and Resorts of Reading where he recounts the history of this area and the German immigrants who brought vines, grew grapes, and drank wine here in the 1800s. This fascinating slice of history also led us to a discussion about the industry in Pennsylvania today and some grapes and producers Mike is following with interest. Our wide-ranging conversation also includes tips on writing, a special method to do so, and hints as to what he may be working on in the future. Take a listen.

In this new series on the Vigneto Podcast, just in time for the holidays, I speak with authors of books about different aspects of wine. My second guest of this series which is episode 17 of the podcast, I speak with Steve Raye, President of Bevology Inc. and author of "How to Get US Market Ready. Steve is an author and a marketing consultant with many years of experience helping brands create strategies for entering into the US market.

In our conversation about his book, we discuss some of his tips for entering the US market, experiences and ways to use this book as well as ideas for aspiring writers. For those who are looking to get into the US market, this conversation and this book are helpful tools. Take a listen.

In this new series, just in time for the holidays, I speak with authors of books about different aspects of wine. My first guest for this new series is Alan Tardi, an author, a journalist, a former chef and restaurateur, a wine expert, and an educator. Alan has written two books on wine, one on his experiences living in Piedmont called Romancing the Vine: Life, Love, and Transformation in the Vineyards of Barolo and his second more recent book, Champagne, Uncorked:The House of Krug and the Timeless Allure of the World's Most Celebrated Drink. Our conversation about his books, his life in Piedmont as the 701st inhabitant of a small town, and his writing process will make you want to curl up with a glass of Champagne or Barolo. Take a listen.

Listen to this 15th episode of the Vigneto Podcast on Sustainability. In this segment, I speak with Kathleen Willcox, a freelance journalist for numerous publications in the wine industry about her interest and experience writing about sustainability. We discuss new trends in the wine industry to make it more sustainable from the use of farm animals to lighter bottles to getting rid of the capsule on the wine bottle and more. Tune in and let us know what you think.

Here's the 14th episode of the Vigneto Podcast on Sustainability. This week we speak with Kim Eger of Food Service Sustainability Solutions. Kim has long been in the field and has looked at managing food waste and composting from many aspects. Our conversation ranges from how to a recycle and reuse products, composting and soils, behavioral modifications, cost savings, and policy advocacy. A very knowledgeable source about the circular economy in his piece of the industry, I hope you will enjoy the chat as much as I did. Take a listen.

Listen to the latest episode in this second series of the Vigneto Sustainability Podcast. Together with Luca Formentini, owner of the Selva Capuzza winery near Lake Garda, we discuss his views on sustainability within the winery, restaurant, and hospitality arms of his business.

We touch on packaging, transportation, the weight of wine bottles, as well as fertilizer, pesticides, water and energy use, among other issues.

Luca has been very focused on creating a circular economy within his winery and his environment. Luca is also a former President of the Lugana Consortium as well as of other consortium in his part of Lombardy.

In those roles, Luca advocated for sustainable practices as well and has been interested in the topic for many years. Take a listen to our wide-ranging chat.