Ilaria Felluga—sixth-generation winemaker and now the face of Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore—joins The Wine Centric Show representing Friuli’s Collio region in northeastern Italy.
Collio was Italy’s third officially recognized wine consortium, after Chianti and Barolo. Yet despite its deep winemaking heritage and distinct terroir, the region remains unfamiliar to many American wine lovers.
At just 30 years old, Ilaria stepped into a legacy shaped by six generations of winemakers. After the unexpected passing of both her father and grandfather, she took the lead at two of Friuli’s most respected wineries—carrying forward a tradition rooted in place, family, and resilience.
In this episode, we talk about:
→What makes Collio one of Italy’s unique wine regions
→The Adriatic Sea’s role in the region’s microclimate
→Why more people should be drinking wines from Friuli
→How food, culture, and wine come together in Collio, Friuli’s flagship wine region
→The pressure and privilege of inheriting a multigenerational legacy
→What it’s like leading two wineries as a young woman in Italian wine
This conversation is equal parts personal and informative—a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most under appreciated regions in Italian wine, and the next-gen voice helping bring it forward.
👉 Watch now or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Like, comment, and share if you’re inspired by Ilaria’s story and the magic of Friuli.
#WinePodcast #Friuli #ItalianWine #WomenInWine #Collio #MarcoFelluga #RussizSuperiore #NextGenWinemakers #WineCentricShow #WinemakingLegacy
Inside the Episode:
00:00 Introduction to the Wine Centric Show
00:27 Meet the Guest: Sixth Generation Winemaker
01:26 Exploring the Region of Oli
02:54 Historical Influences on Wine Culture
05:45 Family Legacy and Wine Production
09:56 The Evolution of Marco Felluga Winery
12:18 Discussing Pinot Grigio and Wine Quality
19:40 Unique Grapes and Terroir of Collio
25:33 Challenges and Decisions in Winemaking
29:05 Carrying Forward the Family Legacy
29:32 Feeling the Pressure and Teamwork
30:20 Family Background and Early Life
31:57 First Big Event and Inspiration
33:12 Exploring Hospitality and Events
35:35 Differences Between Marco Feluga and Russiz Superiore Wineries
42:33 Orange Wine and Winemaking Techniques
48:43 Wine Pairing Recommendations
58:57 Conclusion and Farewell