Welcome to Episode 2509 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Kathleen Willcox, an award-winning food and drinks journalist, to discuss Kathleen’s recent research and article on how millennials are reshaping wine collecting and consumption. Key Takeaways:  Younger generations appreciate wine and are willing to spend, but they seek different experiences. Millennials and Gen Z care about what a brand stands for and its values. Making wine fun through storytelling and unique experiences helps connect with modern consumers. Kathleen’s article in the Wine Enthusiast magazine on the investment habits of millennials is available online at: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/millennials-wine-collecting/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOR-iiqNks-VGy34Qj7XcY1Whsr28PhSC0U3qiMd1fySx6Kp0T  More about the guest:  Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about food, wine, beer, and popular culture. She is keenly interested in sustainability issues, and the business of making ethical drinks and food. Her work appears regularly in Wine Searcher, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, The Drinks Business, Wine Industry Advisor and many other publications. She recently coauthored, with Tessa Edick, “Hudson Valley Wine: A History of Taste & Terroir.” She lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Connect:   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-willcox-7a46074/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenwillcox/  More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara 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  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!