Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2553 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Stephanie Johnson IWE interviews Sophie Conte of Tregole winery in Castellina in Chianti. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast. Key Learning Objectives: Gain first-hand insights into the 2025 Chianti harvest. Understand what defines the Castellina UGA and its identity. Explore the challenges and realities faced by young start-up wineries. The conversation covers the timing of Sangiovese picking, differences between vineyard plots, and how Castellina’s unique territory shapes its distinctive tasting “DNA.” Sophie explains Tregole’s place within the Castellina UGA, touches on curiosities like “white Sangiovese,” and reflects on how the winery’s techniques and approach have evolved from its early days to today. More about today’s host: As well as being a certified Italian Wine Expert (IWE), Stephanie Johnson holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. Her wine career spans the journalism, retail and restaurant sectors. She joined Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2013 and later served as Italian Wine Editor from 2016 to 2024. Stephanie has judged at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in Bordeaux and 5StarWines – the Book in Verona. She has led masterclasses for top sommeliers in New York City and presented at major industry events including Vinitaly and wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. A passionate educator, she teaches WSET Level 2, Level 3, and Diploma courses at NYC’s International Wine Center. Her upcoming venture, SteepleJack, will spotlight the heroic stories of Italian wine producers, blending deep expertise with compelling storytelling. Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-dws-b0a0121a/ More about today’s guest: Tregole Winery (Fattoria Tregole) is located between Siena and Florence in the heart of Tuscany, near the historic town of Castellina in Chianti, within the famed Chianti region. The winery is known for its high-quality Chianti Classico wines. Once an Etruscan watchtower, the winery is on the site of an ancient estate with roots dating back to the 10th century. The winery produces Chianti Classico from Sangiovese grapes grown at high altitudes, with a focus on sustainable practices. Proprietor and winemaker Sophie Conte runs the small family property. A first generation winemaker, Sophie was not interested in wine until 15 years ago when she fell in love with Sangiovese. Connect Website: https://www.tregole.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tregole/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-ginevra-conte-a6409b37 _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!
