Imagine stepping into a cozy lounge where conversations about Italian wine flow freely, with passion and without pretense. Every discussion unveils fascinating stories behind the bottles. This is the essence of Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner. This Italian Wine Podcast series takes you on a journey through Italy’s wineries – from the Colli Orientali of Friuli to the sun-drenched vineyards of South Sardinia – without ever leaving your seat. But there’s a twist: these adventures are led by Italian Wine Ambassadors from the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA).
Through their interviews, we meet Italian producers and gain insight into how Italian wine is perceived abroad, along with the challenges and opportunities in international markets. Each conversation is introduced by Stevie Kim, founder of the Italian Wine Podcast, Managing Partner of Vinitaly, and head of Vinitaly International Academy.
Who Are the Ambassadors, and What Makes This Format Unique?
Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors are scattered across the globe. They are sommeliers, importers, journalists, and industry experts who have deepened their knowledge of Italian wine culture through VIA’s rigorous educational program. Their passion for wine drives them to share stories and insights with an international audience, and Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner serves as their global platform to do just that.
The idea of initially hosting these interviews on the social audio platform Clubhouse created a virtual space where Ambassadors could engage in real-time conversations with Italian producers despite being miles apart. Later, these interviews were recorded and made available on the Italian Wine Podcast, expanding their reach and allowing a wider audience to enjoy these engaging and personal conversations. Today, Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner remains one of the most listened-to series on the Italian Wine Podcast.
What makes this series truly special is that each Ambassador personally selects an Italian winery they hold dear, whether for the quality of its wines, its family history, a personal connection, or its innovative vision. Each episode offers a glimpse into an authentic piece of Italy told through the eyes of someone working in the global wine industry.
A Journey Through Italian Wineries… With the Perspective of an International Expert
What happens when a wine professional from Kazakhstan or Southeast England – just to name a few – interviews an Italian producer? The conversation gains a fresh, curious, and globally aware perspective. This dynamic exchange helps listeners better understand not only the work of Italian wineries but also the strategies and outlooks needed to bring their wines to new markets.
Each episode of Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner is a deep dive into a different winery, with interviews that bring out the personality of the producer and the philosophy behind their wines. There’s laughter, debate, and even virtual toasts. Some episodes reveal behind-the-scenes insights, untold stories, or even little secrets from the cellar.
And then there are the surprises: small yet revolutionary wineries, winemakers with unconventional approaches, and lesser-known regions that deserve the spotlight. Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner is an excellent way to discover emerging producers and the latest trends in the wine world.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss an Episode
If you’re passionate about Italian wine, this podcast will help you discover producers and their stories from a unique perspective that you won’t find anywhere else. If you work in the industry, it may provide valuable insights into how Italian wine is perceived and promoted in international markets.
And if you’re a wine producer and would love to have your story told in an episode of Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner, this is your chance: Vinitaly 2025 is just around the corner – an unmissable opportunity to meet VIA Italian Wine Ambassadors in person at the fair. Of course, the Italian Wine Podcast team will be there, too: see you at Vinitaly!
