Welcome to Episode 2468 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Tyler Balliet of Rebel School of Wine, an entrepreneur, author, and innovator who has been reshaping how consumers experience wine.
Key Takeaways:
Using storytelling over education — focus on narratives, not lectures.
Building confidence by making people feel comfortable with wine.
Creating fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for consumers.
More about the guest:
Tyler Balliet is an entrepreneur, author, and journalist who has been reshaping the wine industry since 2006. She is the author of Rebel School of Wine, nominated for a 2025 James Beard Book Award. Tyler created Rosé Mansion and Wine Riot, two groundbreaking wine experiences that drew more than half a million guests and redefined how a new generation connects with wine. A former Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 and Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 honoree, she has judged international wine competitions, traveled extensively through global wine regions, and appeared in outlets like the New York Times, LA Times, CNN, ABC News, and Good Morning America. Known for blending history, culture, and bold storytelling, she has spent nearly two decades making wine more accessible, inclusive, and fun for everyone. Tyler lives in New York City’s Chinatown with her partner.
Connect:
Website: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerballiet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerballiet/
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/
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