Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2406 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Mihai Popescu IWA interviews Charlie Iacono of Iaco-Vino Wines & Spirits in Canada. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and replayed here on the Italian Wine Podcast.
In this interview, today’s guest host covers the following learning objectives:
The Role of Italian Wines in the Canadian Market
Current Trends and Consumer Demand in the Canadian Wine Market
U.S. Tariffs: A Strategic Opportunity for Italian Wine Producers in Canada?
More about our Co-host:
Mihai Popescu is a Canadian-based wine expert dedicated to helping producers enter and thrive in the Canadian market. A WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET), Italian Wine Ambassador, and international wine judge, he supports wineries with strategic brand positioning, market access, and distribution.
Mihai organizes professional tasting events, attends major trade shows, and creates tailored marketing plans to boost visibility and sales. Active on Instagram and social media, he reviews and promotes wines—mainly Italian—to an engaged audience of wine lovers and professionals, blending digital influence with in-market expertise.
Connect:
Website: https://www.brutus-wine.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mihai.popescu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihai.wine
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mihaipopescumtl
More about the guest:
Charlie Iacono is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate wine connoisseur, best known as the co-founder (since 2017) of IACO‑VINO Wine & Spirits, a privately importing agency based in Quebec that specializes in premium European wines and spirits.
His deep-rooted love for wine and gastronomy emerged early in life. Before founding IACO‑VINO, Charlie dedicated over 30 years as co-owner of Le Muscadin, one of Montreal’s top ten Italian restaurants, where he honed his operational expertise and enhanced the establishment's reputation in North America.
During those decades, Charlie built an impressive personal cellar of some 22,000 bottles through numerous tastings and relationships with winemakers, cultivating a finely tuned palate and profound knowledge of international varietals.
With IACO‑VINO, Charlie's mission is to introduce Quebec consumers to a carefully curated selection of high‑quality wines and spirits from passionate European producers, offering exclusive, private‐imported portfolios.
Connect:
Website: https://iaco-vino.ca/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieiacono/?hl=it
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
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