Ep. 2687 Inside Skurnik Wines & Spirits: Q1 2026 Sales, Portfolio Strategy & Italian Wine Trends with Shadia Alame | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2687 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald speaks with Shadia Alame, Italian Wine Portfolio Manager at Skurnik Wines & Spirits. Key Takeaways: Which Italian wine categories are currently succeeding in the US market. Why portfolio building is more about positioning and storytelling than just quality. The biggest opportunity for Italian wines in the US today. More about the guest: Shadia Alame is the Italian Portfolio Manager at Skurnik Wines & Spirits, a leading fine wine importer and distributor based in New York. In her role, she works closely with Italian wineries and the Skurnik team to shape and develop the Italian wine portfolio for the US market. Skurnik Wines & Spirits is a family-owned importer and distributor founded in 1987 and headquartered in New York City. The company represents a highly curated portfolio of more than 500 wineries and producers from around the world, with a strong focus on family-owned estates and quality-driven selections. Over nearly four decades, Skurnik has built a reputation as one of the most respected fine wine importers in the United States. Connect:  Website: https://www.skurnik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skurnikwines  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skurnikwines/#  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadia-alame-16086b70/  More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald 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: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/  _______________________________ 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    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!