Italy in a Wine Glass

A Journey Through History, Culture, and Flavor

Italy and wine are inseparable. To understand Italy, you need to understand its wine — and to truly appreciate Italian wine, you have to dig deep into its rich history, ancient traditions, and deep cultural roots. This connection comes to life beautifully in Marc Millon’s latest book, Italy in a Wine Glass: The Taste of History. I had the pleasure of speaking with Marc on my Flavor of Italy Podcast, and the conversation was a treasure trove of insights about Italian wine and its fascinating backstory.

The Story Behind Italy in a Wine Glass

Marc Millon isn’t new to writing about Italian wine. His journey began more than 30 years ago, traveling across all 20 regions of Italy to research his earlier book, The Wine Roads of Italy. But this new book is something special — it’s a deep dive into how Italian wine tells the story of Italy itself. From the ancient Greeks and Etruscans to the Romans, medieval monks, and Renaissance nobles, Italy’s history flows directly into its wines.

As Marc puts it, wine isn’t just about grapes and fermentation — it’s about the people, the land, and the stories each bottle carries. And in Italy, those stories span thousands of years, making every sip a taste of history.

Italy Wine: A Living History

One of the most fascinating stories Marc shared is about the Mastroberardino family in Campania, who revived ancient vineyards directly within the ruins of Pompeii. By studying the archaeological remains of vineyards buried under volcanic ash, they were able to replant vines exactly as they were grown over 2,000 years ago. The result is a modern wine made from ancient methods — a direct link between past and present.

Italy wine bottle, from Pompeii — Mastroberardino - Pompeiano Villa Dei Misteri Rosso

Marc’s book highlights 94 different wines, each connected to a specific historical moment, from Roman banquet tables to Dante Alighieri’s personal vineyard in Valpolicella. Incredibly, Dante’s descendants still produce wine there today — talk about drinking history!

Aerial view Possessione Casal dei Ronchi winery

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Who Should Read Italy in a Wine Glass?

If you love Italy, its food, its culture, or simply enjoy a good glass of wine, this book is for you. It’s not just for history buffs or sommeliers — it’s written for anyone who wants to better understand Italy and wine through the centuries, with a glass in hand.

Each chapter begins with a personal anecdote from Marc’s decades of travel, followed by a historical deep dive, and then profiles of wines that are direct products of that era’s culture and innovation.

Culinary Travel Through Italy

Marc’s passion for Italian food and wine doesn’t end on the page. He also leads immersive gastronomic tours in collaboration with Martin Randall Travel, exploring regions like Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, and beyond. But these aren’t your average wine tours. Marc focuses on deep cultural immersion — visiting historic wineries, meeting olive oil producers, learning pasta-making at Casa Artusi, and even taking part in a pastry-making class at Maria Grammatico’s famous pasticceria in Erice.

Maria Grammatico’s famous pasticceria in Erice

If you love experiential travel — think picnics in vineyards and visits to hidden trattorias — these tours are worth exploring.

The Future of Italian Wine: Trends and Challenges

Our conversation also touched on what’s ahead for Italian wine. Climate change, for example, is posing new challenges, from scorching summers to unpredictable rains. Winemakers are experimenting with indigenous grapes that are more resistant to heat and fungal diseases, and organic and biodynamic winemaking is booming. In fact, over 60% of Chianti Classico producers are now organic.

The rise of natural wines — low-intervention wines made without added sulfites — also reflects a growing desire for wines that express their terroir as purely as possible.

Gen Z and the Evolution of Wine Culture

Interestingly, Marc pointed out that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are reshaping how wine is consumed. They’re drinking less overall but are far more interested in wine’s story — where it comes from, who made it, and what traditions it represents. This shift toward “drinking better” and valuing authenticity over volume could be a positive force for Italy and its wine, encouraging producers to focus even more on craftsmanship and tradition.

Italy wine tasting with friends — At Roscioli - nothing like enjoying wine with friends!

A Word on Health Warnings and Moderation

The conversation wouldn’t have been complete without addressing the growing wave of health warnings surrounding alcohol. Marc acknowledges that responsible drinking is important — and even he enjoys the occasional wine-free day — but he also firmly believes that wine is an integral part of Italian culture, meals, and lifestyle. Wine, in the Italian context, isn’t about excess; it’s about conviviality, food pairing, and tradition.

What’s Next for Marc Millon?

While Marc is taking a well-deserved break after this book, he’s already mulling over a follow-up. This time, he’s considering a regional culinary exploration, celebrating how each of Italy’s 20 regions expresses its unique identity through food and wine. Sounds like another must-read for lovers of all things Italian!

Discover More

If you want to explore Marc Millon’s work, check out his podcast Wine, Food & Travel, where he interviews winemakers, chefs, and food producers across Italy and beyond.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my Flavor of Italy Substack Newsletter for more stories like this, plus recipes, travel tips, and upcoming events — including my live event on March 13th and 14th with experts from Tuscany, Marche, Lake Garda, Como.

Raise a Glass to Italy and Wine

Ultimately, Italy in a Wine Glass reminds us that every glass of Italian wine is so much more than fermented grapes — it’s a taste of the land, the people, and the countless stories that shaped it. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Italy or just planning your next meal, this book is the perfect companion for every Italophile and wine lover.