Welcome to episode 2530 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 218 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc speaks with leading wine consultant and sommelier Adriana Valentini about Monteverdi Tuscany, where she shares insights into modern wine service, the evolving role of the sommelier, and how authentic communication can elevate every guest experience.
More about today’s guest:
Adriana Valentini is a multilingual wine and hospitality professional with over 15 years of international experience in luxury hotels, fine dining, and beverage management. An AIS Professional Sommelier since 2005 and WSET-certified, she has built a global career across Milan and London, specializing in wine programs, restaurant operations, purchasing, event planning, and team training.
After leading wine programs in London, Adriana returned to Italy in 2024, consulting for Aethos Hotels and later serving as Wine Manager for Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio’s Triple Sea Food Group, overseeing restaurants in Milan, Portofino, and Forte dei Marmi. She also continued consulting in the UK, contributing to the opening of Voyage in King’s Cross with chef Adam Simmonds.
She is currently the wine director of Monteverdi Tuscany, a luxury boutique hotel located between Rome and Florence that offers stunning panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia region of Tuscany.
Connect:
Website: https://monteverdituscany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianair79/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-valentini-19a79v
More about the host:
Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England.
Connect:
Website:
https://www.quaypress.uk
https://www.marcmillon.co.uk
https://www.vino.co.uk
https://www.quaypress.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!