I love being an educator and have had the good fortune to work with some regions in the world and represent them as their local ambassador for tastings, events, and other activities. It is my honor and privilege to do that for regions as well as individual producers. As the Brand Ambassador, I also help choose which actions will be useful in the US market. Having a large network of contacts in the United States market as well as international contacts, I help brands build their sales and distribution markets as well as their journalist outreach.
Upcoming Events
May 8, 2021
Mother’s Day Wine Tasting With Ilaria Petitto from Donnachiara Winery in Irpinia (Campania), Italy. This is a consumer tasting. Contact me for more information.
Donnachiara Winery produces Irpinia’s three DOCG wines, i.e. Fiano di Avellino, Taurasi and Greco di Tufo, as well as the traditional Aglianico and Falanghina wines. Such production follows a tradition that has been pursued by the Petitto family, who are the owners of the company, for years. Donnachiara is located in the province of Avellino, a stone’s throw away from Montefalcione, a town that was already powerful under the Etruscans and has a scythe (symbol of farm work) in the municipal coat of arms.
Founded in 2005, this modern winery boasts vineyards with ancient properties and almost all female management, including the current CEO Ilaria Petitto, who decided to dedicate herself to grape development. Ilaria is supported by her mother Chiara, the niece of Donna Chiara Mazzarelli Petitto, for whom this company is dedicated.
Past Events
April 28, 2021
This event was dedicated to producers from Lugana and focused on the US wine market. As the Lugana Ambassador for the East Coast of the US, I spoke with them about what consumers and journalists were looking for while others focused on importers and the wine market in general.
The United States, along with Germany, is the largest market for sales of wines from the Lugana DOC area. This webinar was for producers from the region to gain insight into the US market and was hosted by Wine Meridien.
March 10, 2021
Wine Scholar Guild Webinar on Abruzzo
September 29 & October 6
Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene Group – Val d’Oca
We’re joined by Susannah Gold, DWS, FWS – Vigneto Communications as she moves us through the Prosecco Territory and introduces #winestudio to Val d’Oca.
September 2020
GLI AMBASSADOR DEL CONSORZIO LUGANA DOC: Susannah Gold
Gli Stati Uniti, sono il primo paese, dopo la Germania, per export di Lugana DOC.
Negli anni il Consorzio ha attraversato gli States conquistando operatori, giornalisti e consumatori, anche grazie all’impegno dei suoi Brand Ambassador.
Tra questi c’è Susannah Gold, ambassador per la East Coast e #luganalover da oltre 20 anni.
September 21, 2020
Exploring the Wine Glass’ Winephabet Street; L is for Lugana
Welcome to Exploring the Wne Glass sponsored by Dracaena Wines. I’m your host Lori, a UC Davis winemaking program and WSET Level 2 graduate and today on “Winephabet Street” Debbie and I a glass of Turbiana with special guest host Susannah Gold of Vigneto Communications and learn about this small DOC in Italy.
Jul 30, Aug 6 & 13, 2020
Les Dames d’Escoffier NY For L’Arte dell’Aperitivo Italiano
- Jul 30 – North: Vitello Tonnato Rosette/Dolcetto (Piedmont), Vermentino (Liguria)
- Aug 6 – Center: Hand Made Piadine with Affettati and Cheese and Pickled Zucchini/Lambrusco (Emilia Romagna), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Tuscany)
- Aug 13 – South: Seared Fresh Tuna Terrine with Avocado, Potatoes and Cilantro/Fiano (Campania), Rose from Salento (Puglia)
June 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020
Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC
Susannah Gold, DWS, FWS – Vigneto Communications as she moves us through the region and introduces #winestudio to the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC.
May 4, 2020
A Closer Look at Lugana – A behind the scenes look at one of Italy’s most exciting DOCs (Panel Discussion)
Tired of being in lockdown mode? Travel with us as we take a virtual trip to Italy and explore the beautiful Lugana DOC. We will be joined by the Director of the Consortium, two of the area’s top producers and Lugana DOC’s US brand Ambassador. Participants will have an exclusive opportunity to learn more about the region’s viticulture, winemaking and marketing from industry insiders. Don’t miss this chance to learn first hand. Perfect for students studying toward the IWS qualification or for anyone interested in learning more about some of Italy’s most exciting wines! Those of you lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle of Lugana liquid gold are welcome to taste along with us! Please join us and bring your questions and curiosity to this Zoom virtual tasting and chat. View Program »
February 12, 2020
Let’s Tour Italy’s Lesser Known Regions: Basilicata and Molise with Susannah Gold
Join us as we delve into two of Italy’s lesser known Southern regions, Basilicata and Molise. Home to wonderful wines made using indigenous grape varieties, Basilicata and Molise are regions to keep on your radar.
In this webinar we will discuss the topography and climate factors as well as the denominations and producers that make these areas ones to watch.
August 1, 2018
Lugana, the liquid gold of Lake Garda – with Susannah Gold
Located on the beautiful southern side of Lake Garda, the Lugana DOC is home to the Turbiana-based white wines that are increasingly attracting recognition thanks to their fresh acidity, full-body, versatility and aging potential.
The influence of Lake Garda and the characteristic local clay soils combined with the unique characteristics of the Turbiana grape produce some of the most distinctive white wines of Italy.
February 28, 2018
Liguria – Italy’s Unsung Region with Susannah Gold
This small Italian region is home to wonderful foods, gorgeous landscapes and views but few think of it in terms of its wines.
Together we will discuss Liguria’s eight D.O.C. wine producing areas and the indigenous grapes used to make these wonderful wines.
Liguria has a host of varieties that few people know about and even fewer have tried.
Be in the know about Liguria. Join in our discussion as we travel through Liguria – Italy’s unsung region.