Ep. 2685 Italian Wine Trends & Fine Dining in Kazakhstan with Igor Baranov of SunGroup | Asia Wine Market

Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2685 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Almaty-based sommelier and wine expert Igor Baranov. Key learning objectives: Understand SunGroup's Market Position: Learn how SunGroup influences Almaty’s luxury dining scene through service and curated wine lists. Italian Wine Performance: Identify which Italian regions and styles are currently dominating the sales mix in SunGroup's diverse restaurant portfolio. Market Forecasting: Identify high-potential Italian grape varieties and styles poised for growth in the Kazakhstani market. More about today’s guest: Igor Baranov is the Head Sommelier of SunGroup projects in Almaty. SunGroup is a large restaurant group that brings together different concepts with a strong focus on high-quality service, gastronomy, stylish interiors, and carefully selected wine lists. Igor has worked in the wine industry since 2021. Before wine, he spent many years working as a bartender, which helped shape his understanding of hospitality and gastronomy. He started his wine journey with WSET Level 2 and later earned WSET Level 3 and ASI Certification Level 2. Igor is a semifinalist of the National Sommelier Competition of Kazakhstan and the Vinitaly competition, winner of The Best Sommelier of Great Steppe competition, and a teacher at Iwine school. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/someofwine/  More about the host: Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since the end of 2024, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/  _______________________________ 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  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp  Until Next Time Cin Cin!