Ep. 2162 Michael Traverso | Masterclass US Wine Market With Barbara Fitzgerald

Italian Wine Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2162 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of Masterclass US Wine Market, host Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Michael Traverso, Vice President of Business Development at the iconic wine importer Wilson Daniels. In this episode Barbara and Michael discuss In this episode, Barbara talks to Michael about his insights working for a leading importer and wholesaler of high quality wines and spirits. They also dive deep into his experience in working with family-owned producers worldwide, especially Italy, and learn how this team really adapts to shifting market’s dynamics in maintaining the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

More about today’s guest: Michael Traverso

Michael Traverso serves as Vice President of Business Development at the iconic wine importer Wilson Daniels. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration & Marketing from University of Southern California, and earned a Sensory Evaluation of Wine Certificati on from University of California, Davis. Joining Wilson Daniels in 2016 as a Senior Brand Manager and Director of Italian Estates, Michael was instrumental in growing the Wilson Daniels Italian portfolio. He was rehired in 2021 as the Director of E-Commerce & Portfolio Development and was promoted to his current role as Vice President in 2022.

A Sonoma County native, Michael’s passion for food and Italian culture began at a very young age while working at his family’s retail grocery store. Michael’s wide range of interests include cooking, collecting wine and rare whiskey, traveling, gardening, hiking, and swimming. He recently completed his Business Law Certification through Cornell University.

Connect:

Website: www.wilsondaniels.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traversostyle/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traversomichael/

More about today’s host: 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: www.instagram.com/aprilabottiglia

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/

Website: www.aprilacreative.com

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

Tune-in and hit the like! - Business, US Market advice, importing, exporting, business, personal stories and advice, plus she is very fun to listen to!