Welcome to Episode 2011 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this Italian Grape Geek series we explore personal stories of travel and tasting with Italy’s must know grape varieties.  In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald geeks out on Refosco Group and Schiava Group exploring the origins, history and characteristics of the grape, sharing personal connections with wines made from this variety.  Chart your own course with My Italian Grape Geek Journal, your personal tasting companion to accompany the series. Support the show by donating at www.italianwinepodcast.com.  Donate five euros or more and we’ll send you a copy of our latest book, My Italian Grape Geek Journal. Absolutely free! To get your free copy of My Italian Grape Geek Journal, click support us at www.italianwinepodcast.com or wherever you get your pods.  More about today’s host: 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 @aprilabottiglia LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website www.aprilacreative.com _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/