Welcome to Episode 2298 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special edition, Juliana Colangelo interviews her co-host, Barbara Fitzgerald, to discuss the power of Wine Advocacy and the role of positive communication in wine. They explore the impact of Come Together, an initiative dedicated to fostering social connection through wine.

Come Together was founded in 2024 by Karen MacNeil, Gino Colangelo, and Kimberly Noelle Charles to promote wine’s role in social connection. Their initiatives, like Come Over October and Share & Pair Sundays, encourage gatherings centered around wine and food. The organization aims to highlight wine’s cultural and communal significance.


Key Takeaways: 

  1. Why advocating for positive communication around wine is more important now than ever? 
  2. Case Study: Come Over October 
  3. New initiative: Share & Pair Sundays and how wine brands can get involved 

 

More about today’s guest: Barbara Fitzgerald

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

 

More about the host: Juliana Colangelo

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?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/


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Until next time, Cin Cin!