Welcome to episode 2642 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 236 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc Marc speaks with Nancy Gilchrist, wine educator, and certified olive oil sommelier based in the UK.
The conversation focuses on extra virgin olive oil, with Nancy sharing insights into tasting techniques, production practices, cultivar diversity, and the impact of climate change and disease on olive cultivation, as well as the importance of consumer education in understanding olive oil quality. They also discuss food and wine pairing, particularly how acidity influences taste perception, and Nancy’s professional journey in wine education and her path to becoming a Master of Wine.
More about today’s guest:
Nancy Gilchrist MW is a highly respected wine educator and certified Olive Oil Sommelier. She has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, directing the Christie’s Wine Education Programme and teaching at the Leiths School of Food & Wine, where she became a recognized authority on the interaction between food and wine. Nancy has also lectured extensively across the UK on specialist regions including South Africa, Alto Adige/Südtirol, Sicily, and Champagne, serving as a UK ambassador for the latter.
Nancy has conducted field research in the world’s top olive oil regions, meeting producers and tasting hundreds of exceptional EVOOs. She now leads bespoke tasting classes and educational programs, highlighting not only the sensory pleasures of olive oil but also its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory polyphenols associated with heart health, reduced risk of certain cancers, and potential positive effects on conditions such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Connect:
Website: https://www.mattersoftaste.co.uk/about/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancygilchristmw/?originalSubdomain=uk
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 and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, 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 (http://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 (http://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!