Episode 1 – Discovering Montalcino and Its Wines with Mihai Popescu

A journey to Tuscany, Italy, to discover Montalcino, a historic village renowned for its breathtaking vineyard landscapes and prestigious wines, including the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino.

In this first episode of the Kikico Events Podcast, sommelier and founder of Kikico Events, Kristine Mansuy, welcomes Mihai Popescu, Italian wine expert, importer and international wine judge, for an engaging conversation about the wines, vineyards, gastronomy and wine tourism of Tuscany.

Montalcino: A Wine Lover’s Paradise in the Heart of Tuscany

Located south of Siena, in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, Montalcino is one of Italy’s most iconic wine destinations. Perched among the rolling hills of Tuscany, this medieval village is internationally renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, a prestigious red wine made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes.

With its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, historic wine estates and rich culinary traditions, Montalcino offers an unforgettable experience for wine and travel enthusiasts.

The region is also known for its Rosso di Montalcino DOC, a wine generally more approachable in its youth, offering another expression of Sangiovese and the local terroir.

Meet Mihai Popescu, Italian Wine Expert

Holding the DipWSET qualification and the VIA – Italian Wine Ambassador certification, Mihai Popescu is a wine importer and international wine judge, including at the Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada.

Active in both the Canadian and Romanian markets, he brings extensive firsthand experience gained through numerous travels across Italy’s and Europe’s wine regions.

Passionate about wine, terroir and culture, Mihai shares his professional journey, expertise and discoveries from his recent trip to Tuscany.

Discover in This Episode

Throughout our conversation, we explore several fascinating topics that highlight Montalcino’s rich wine heritage and tourism experiences:

• Mihai Popescu’s professional journey and passion for Italian wines.
• The VIA – Italian Wine Ambassador program and its role in promoting Italian wines internationally.
• Benvenuto Brunello, a major annual event dedicated to the wines of Montalcino.
• The evolution of Brunello di Montalcino wines and the unique characteristics of the region’s terroir.
• Notable wineries and wine tourism experiences to discover in Montalcino.
• Tuscan gastronomy and local culinary specialties not to be missed.

A wonderful opportunity to explore the heart of Tuscany and discover one of Italy’s most fascinating wine regions through the eyes of an expert.

Whether you’re an Italian wine enthusiast, passionate about gastronomy or looking for inspiration for your next trip to Tuscany, this episode invites you to discover the treasures of Montalcino.

Watch or listen to Episode 1 on YouTube and Spotify.

Please note: This podcast episode is available in French only.

Discover Tuscany with Our Tailor-Made Wine Tours

Dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Montalcino and discovering the treasures of Tuscany? Kikico Events specializes in creating tailor-made wine travel experiences in Italy, connecting you with local winemakers, exceptional terroirs and authentic traditions.

From private winery visits and exclusive tastings to culinary experiences and cultural discoveries, we design personalized itineraries based on your interests and preferences, offering an authentic immersion into Tuscany’s most beautiful wine regions.

Contact us to start planning your next wine getaway in Tuscany!

Let’s Collaborate

Specializing in wine, gastronomy and wine tourism events, Kikico Events creates tailor-made experiences in Canada and internationally.

Do you represent a wine region, winery or tourism destination and want to showcase your story and expertise through our podcast?

Get in touch to explore potential collaboration opportunities:

info@kikico.ca