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videoWhy Screaming Eagle Costs $3,000
At $118 an ounce, Screaming Eagle is the most famous cult wine in America. But is this $3,000 bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon actually worth it? What questions does this video answer? What is Screaming Eagle and why is it so expensive? Is a $3,000 bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon worth the price tag? What is the history behind America's most famous cult wine? How did Jean Phillips and Heidi Barrett create a perfect 100-point wine? How does the price of luxury wine compare to designer clothing? About This Video: In this video, Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto breaks down the hype, history, and reality of Screaming Eagle—the ultimate American cult wine. At $3,000 a bottle, you are paying over $118 per ounce. Greg explains the origins of this legendary Oakville estate, from real estate broker Jean Phillips fermenting grapes in a plastic bin to winemaker Heidi Barrett securing a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker. With only 600 to 800 cases produced annu
videoWhy Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is so good
In 1985, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough landed in London and shocked the world. Discover the truth about New Zealand wine and why screw caps aren't cheap. What questions does this video answer? What made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc a global sensation in the 1980s? How does New Zealand's geography affect the taste of its wine? What are the best red wines from New Zealand? Does a screw cap on a bottle mean it is a cheap wine? About This Video: In 1985, a brand new Marlborough winery called Cloudy Bay released a Sauvignon Blanc in London that wine drinkers had never experienced before. Bursting with notes of gooseberry, passion fruit, cut grass, and lime zest, it became a global sensation within a decade. The secret is the region's geography: intense southern sunlight develops ripe flavors, while cold nights and ocean winds preserve razor-sharp acidity. But New Zealand is more than just white wine. Central Otago produces vivid Pinot Noir packed with dark cherry and alpine freshne
videoNapa didn't start California wine. 🍷
Think the Spanish or French started Northern California wine? Wrong. Discover the wild Russian origins of Sonoma Coast wine and what to drink today. What questions does this video answer? Who originally planted the first grapevines in Northern California? What makes Russian River Valley Pinot Noir so special? Where can you find the best Zinfandel in Sonoma County? What is the difference between Sonoma and Napa Valley wine? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto reveals the wild, forgotten history of Northern California wine. Long before Napa got the postcards, Russian sea otter hunters planted Peruvian vines on the Sonoma Coast in 1817. Today, Sonoma County is one of the most diverse wine regions on Earth. The secret is the freezing Pacific fog that rolls inland every summer afternoon, dropping temperatures by 40 degrees. Where that fog stops dictates exactly what grows best. Explore the lush Pinot Noir of the Russian River Valley, the traditional me
videoBetter than Cabernet? (Rare Greek Wine)
Greece grows over 200 ancient wine grapes found nowhere else on earth. Discover the rare grapes saved from extinction by modern winemakers. What questions does this video answer? What is the Malagousia grape and how was it saved from extinction? What are the best native Greek wine grapes to drink today? What is Assyrtiko and where does it grow? How does Xinomavro compare to Italian Nebbiolo? About This Video: For most of the last century, Greek wine was only known internationally for Retsina. But today, a new generation of winemakers—who originally trained in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy—are returning home to bet on Greece's ancient native grapes instead of standard varieties like Cabernet. With over 200 unique varieties grown nowhere else on earth, the Greek wine revival is incredible. Learn about the Malagousia grape, which was rescued from the brink of extinction in the 1970s and is now one of Greece's most loved white wines. We also explore Assyrtiko from the volcanic s
videoThe strangest comeback story in wine history
1,500 years ago, this region shipped 2 million liters of wine a year—and then went quiet for a millennium. Discover the rebirth of Israeli wine. What questions does this video answer? What happened to the ancient wine industry of Israel? How did Château Lafite help restart Israeli winemaking in 1882? What makes the Golan Heights a good region for growing wine? What is the Marawi grape and when was it revived? About This Video: The comeback of Israeli wine is one of the strangest and most fascinating stories in the wine world. 1,500 years ago, ancient towns in Israel were shipping millions of liters of wine across the globe before the vineyards went completely quiet for a millennium. Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto breaks down the incredible rebirth of this ancient winemaking region. From the co-owner of Château Lafite funding the first modern vineyards in 1882, to the rise of volcanic, high-altitude vineyards in the Golan Heights in the 1980s, Israel is produci
videoThe most dangerous wine in the world
Imagine harvesting grapes under artillery fire. Discover the 7,000-year history of Lebanese wine and the ancient Roman caves of the Bekaa Valley. What questions does this video answer? What is the history of winemaking in Lebanon? How did Lebanese vineyards survive a 15-year civil war? What are the traditional wine grapes grown in the Bekaa Valley? How do winemakers use ancient Roman caves to age their wine? About This Video: For 7,000 years, Lebanon has been producing world-class wine. From the ancient Phoenicians sailing vines across the Mediterranean to the modern era, this region is built on resilience. During the brutal 15-year Lebanese Civil War, vineyard workers in the Bekaa Valley continued to harvest grapes under active artillery fire—turning a two-hour transport route into a three-day ordeal just to keep the winery running. Today, historic estates like Chateau Ksara still age their vintages in two kilometers of ancient Roman caves discovered by Jesuit priests in 1857. B
videoThe oldest grapevine in the world
Discover the 400-year-old oldest grapevine on Earth and the secret birthplace of modern orange wine. Why is Slovenian wine so hard to find in America? What questions does this video answer? Where is the oldest living grapevine in the world? What is Slovenian wine and what does it taste like? Where did the modern orange wine movement start? What is the Rebula grape and how is amber wine made? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto explores the incredible, hidden world of Slovenian wine. Discover a single Žametovka grapevine in Maribor that has survived Ottoman sieges, fires, phylloxera, and WWII bombings to become the Guinness-certified oldest vine on Earth at over 400 years old. Just a short drive away in the Brda hills—sharing the exact same soil and slopes as Italy's famous Collio region—you'll find the thick-skinned Rebula grape. Left on its skins, this grape turns a stunning amber color, marking the true birthplace of the modern orange wine movem
videoWhy this country lost 75% of its vineyards
In 1985, Bulgaria was the 4th largest wine producer on Earth. Five years later, 75% of it was destroyed. Discover the tragic history of Bulgarian wine. What questions does this video answer? What happened to the Bulgarian wine industry in the 1980s? Why did Soviet alcohol policies destroy Bulgaria's vineyards? What are the native wine grapes of Bulgaria? What do Mavrud and Melnik wines taste like? About This Video: Discover the rise, fall, and rebirth of one of the world's oldest winemaking regions. Three thousand years ago, the people of Bulgaria drank wine from solid gold vessels. Fast forward to 1985, and Bulgaria was the fourth-largest wine producer on earth. But a devastating Soviet policy from Moscow restricted alcohol and wiped out three-quarters of Bulgaria's vineyards almost overnight. After the fall of communism and a lost decade in the 1990s, the country's historic wine industry is finally back. Explore the native grapes that survived the collapse—like the dark, tannic
videoThe Wine That Named a Supermodel
Why did a 1970s supermodel change her name to match a wine? Discover the history, price, and taste of Château Margaux, a legendary Bordeaux First Growth. What questions does this video answer? What is Château Margaux and why is it considered a Bordeaux First Growth? Why did supermodel Margaux Hemingway change the spelling of her name? What does "an iron fist in a velvet glove" mean in wine tasting? How much does a bottle of Château Margaux cost? What does a perfect 100-point wine taste like? How can you find affordable wine from the Margaux appellation? About This Video: In this video, Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto explores the history, legacy, and taste of Château Margaux—one of the most famous and expensive wines in the world. Designated as a Bordeaux First Growth since the 1855 classification, Margaux is renowned for its graceful power, often described by sommeliers as "the iron fist in a velvet glove." Greg breaks down the fascinating pop-culture histo
videoZinfandel is NOT an American wine
Think Zinfandel is an American grape? Think again. Discover the shocking Croatian origins of Zinfandel and the rare coastal wines you are missing out on. What questions does this video answer? Where did the Zinfandel grape originally come from? What is the connection between Zinfandel and Croatian wine? What are the best Croatian white wines to try? Why is Croatian wine so hard to find in grocery stores? About This Video: For decades, Zinfandel was celebrated as America’s signature grape—until 2001, when scientists traced its DNA directly back to a single vineyard in Croatia. The grape's oldest name is actually Tribidrag, dating back to 1444, and Croatia's signature red wine, Plavac Mali, is Zinfandel's own offspring. But despite giving the world this famous red grape, Croatia is actually a white wine country. From oak-aged Malvazija from the Istrian peninsula to the high-acid, faintly briny Pošip and Grk from the island of Korčula, these wines are built for coastal seafood. So w
videoAmerica's most expensive cult wine
At $118 an ounce, Screaming Eagle is America's most famous cult wine. But is a $3,000 bottle of Napa Cabernet actually worth it? What questions does this video answer? Why is Screaming Eagle wine so expensive? Is a $3,000 bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon worth the money? What is the difference between luxury "cult" wine and affordable wine? Why do people pay thousands of dollars for rare wine? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto breaks down the hype behind Screaming Eagle, America's most famous cult wine. At $3,000 a bottle, you are paying over $118 per ounce for this extremely rare Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With only 600 to 800 cases produced annually, the astronomical price is driven by extreme scarcity and a history of legendary 100-point perfect scores. But is the juice actually worth it? Greg explains the economics of luxury wine using a designer jeans analogy—revealing that when you buy a unicorn wine like Screaming Eagle, you are pay
videoThis is how you drink wine like a local in Sardinia & Bologna
Want to live to 100? Discover the secret wine of the Sardinian Blue Zone, plus the authentic regional wines you need to drink in Bologna and Puglia. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you drink in Sardinia, Italy? Why is Sardinian wine associated with the Blue Zones and longevity? What is the real, authentic Lambrusco from Bologna? What is Primitivo and how does it relate to Zinfandel? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the golden rule of Italian wine: always drink what grows locally. In this video, we explore three unique regions, starting with Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. While many people think of Lambrusco as a cheap, sweet, fizzy drink, authentic Lambrusco is a dry, high-quality wine that pairs perfectly with the region's famous food. Next, we head south to Puglia to discover Primitivo, a rich, generous red wine that shares its DNA with Zinfandel. Finally, we travel to the island of Sardinia—one of the world's "Blue
videoHow to drink like a local in Alto Adige (Bolzano), Italy?
Stop drinking watery, mass-produced Pinot Grigio. Discover the crisp, mineral-driven white wines you need to drink in the Italian Alps of Alto Adige. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you drink in Alto Adige (Bolzano), Italy? Is Pinot Grigio actually a good wine? What is the difference between cheap Pinot Grigio and real Italian Pinot Grigio? Where does the Gewürztraminer grape come from? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto explains the golden rule of Italian wine: always drink what grows locally. If you are traveling through the northern Italian Alps in the region of Alto Adige, you are in the ultimate terroir for world-class white wines. Greg breaks down why this specific region produces the only Pinot Grigio on earth you should actually seek out—crisp, mineral-driven, and the complete opposite of the watery, cheap box wine found in grocery stores. He also highlights Gewürztraminer, a beautifully aromatic white wine named d
videoThe wines locals actually drink in Milan Italy
Heading to Milan? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover Franciacorta, the Italian sparkling wine that rivals Champagne for a fraction of the price. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you order in Milan or the Lombardy region? What is Franciacorta and how is it made? How does Italian Franciacorta compare to French Champagne? What is the golden rule for ordering wine in Italy? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the ultimate golden rule of traveling in Italy: always drink what grows locally. If your trip takes you to Milan or the lakes of the Lombardy region, you need to order Franciacorta. Crafted using the exact same traditional method as Champagne—and often utilizing the same Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes—Franciacorta delivers world-class elegance. Because it doesn't have the massive global fame of Champagne, it comes at a fraction of the price. Skip the tourist traps and discover Italy's best-kept sparkling wine sec
videoThe Most FAKED Wine on Earth
Château Lafite Rothschild is the most famous, expensive, and counterfeited wine on earth. But is this $1,000 Bordeaux First Growth actually worth it? What questions does this video answer? Why is Château Lafite Rothschild considered the number one wine in the world? Why is Lafite the most faked and counterfeited wine on the market? What is the history of the Rothschild family and the 1855 Bordeaux classification? How much does a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild cost at auction? Can wine experts and sommeliers tell the difference between a $1,000 First Growth and a $90 Bordeaux in a blind tasting? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto explores the history, price, and prestige of Château Lafite Rothschild—widely considered the number one wine brand in the world. Designated as the top First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, Lafite has been the wine of kings, poured at Versailles, and shipped across the ocean to Thomas Jefferson. Purchas
videoWhat the locals actually drink in Turin
Heading to Turin? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover the "King of Wines" and the perfect everyday Italian red you need to drink in Piedmont. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you order in Piedmont (Turin), Italy? What is the difference between Barolo, Barbaresco, and Langhe Nebbiolo? What is the best everyday Italian red wine to order? What is Moscato d'Asti and when should you drink it? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the golden rule of Italian travel: always drink what grows locally. If you find yourself in the Piedmont region (Piemonte), you are in the home of Italy's most powerful, perfumed red wines. Greg breaks down the prestigious Nebbiolo grape, highlighting Barolo and Barbaresco—the undisputed "Kings of Wine" that are known for their structure and ability to age longer than most marriages. For a more approachable everyday red, he recommends a classic Barbera. Finally, finish your night like a true local
videoWhat the locals actually drink in Naples
Traveling to Naples or the Amalfi Coast? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover the volcanic reds and crisp white wines you need to drink in Campania. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you drink in Naples and the Amalfi Coast? What is Taurasi and what grape is it made from? What are the best white wines from the Campania region of Italy? What is the golden rule for ordering wine in Italy? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the ultimate secret for traveling in Italy: always drink what grows locally. If you are visiting Naples or the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region, you have an incredible lineup of regional wines to choose from. For white wine lovers, look out for crisp, refreshing options like Fiano di Avellino, Falanghina, and Greco di Tufo. If you want a bold, powerful red, you cannot miss Taurasi. Made from the Aglianico grape grown in volcanic soils, it is one of southern Italy's most prestigious and complex red
videoOrder Wine Like a Local in Tuscany (Florence) #tuscany
Heading to Florence? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover the "Black Rooster" of Tuscany and learn the difference between Chianti and Brunello. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you order in Florence, Italy? What does the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) mean on an Italian wine bottle? What is the difference between Chianti Classico and Brunello? What is the golden rule of ordering Italian wine? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the ultimate golden rule of traveling in Italy: always drink what grows locally. If you are dining in Florence, that means drinking the world-class wines of Tuscany. Greg explains how to spot an authentic Chianti Classico by looking for the iconic "Gallo Nero" (Black Rooster) on the neck of the bottle, and when to step up to a Riserva or Gran Selezione for a premium experience. Looking for something even more robust? Greg introduces "The Big B"—Brunello di Montalcino. Made from the exact same grape
videoThis is How You Drink like a local in Sicily #sicilia
Traveling to Sicily? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover the smoky volcanic wines of Mount Etna and the best value red wine on the island. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you drink in Sicily, Italy? What is Etna Rosso and what does it taste like? What is the Nerello Mascalese grape? What is the best value red wine from Sicily? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the ultimate golden rule of traveling in Italy: always drink what grows locally. If your travels take you to Sicily, you must explore the unique volcanic wines of Mount Etna. Discover Etna Rosso, a light but smoky red wine made primarily from the Nerello Mascalese grape, as well as the region's crisp Etna Biancos. If you are looking for a sunny, fun, and high-value Italian red wine to drink every day on the island, Nero d'Avola is the perfect choice to drink like a true local. Wines of Sicily: Mount Etna wine, Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco, volcanic soil wine, It
videoWhat the locals actually drink in Rome
Planning a trip to Rome? Stop ordering generic wine. Discover the ancient Roman white wine that pairs perfectly with Carbonara, plus a hidden gem red. What questions does this video answer? What is the best wine to order in Rome, Italy? What wine pairs best with traditional Carbonara or Pasta alla Gricia? What is Frascati wine and how old is its history? What is a good regional red wine from Rome (Lazio)? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the golden rule of Italian wine: ask what grows locally and order exactly that. If you are traveling to Rome, you need to know the regional specialties of the Lazio wine region. Instead of ordering a generic glass, try Frascati, a crisp, historic white wine that has been cultivated since the Roman era. Its high acidity makes it the absolute perfect pairing to cut through the rich fat of classic Roman dishes like Carbonara or Pasta alla Gricia. If you absolutely must drink red wine in Rome, look out for C
videoThe most faked wine on earth 🍷
Château Lafite Rothschild is the world’s most expensive and faked wine. But can a $90 bottle of Bordeaux fool the experts in a blind tasting? What questions does this video answer? What is Château Lafite Rothschild and why is it so famous? Why is Lafite the most counterfeited wine in the world? How much does a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild cost? Can experts tell the difference between a $1,000 First Growth and a $90 Bordeaux? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto reveals the truth behind Château Lafite Rothschild, the number one Bordeaux First Growth from the famous 1855 classification. With average bottles costing $700 to $1,000—and rare vintages auctioning for up to $230,000—Lafite is not just a wine, it's a global status symbol. This immense value has also made it the most faked wine on earth, with massive amounts of counterfeit bottles hitting the market. But is it actually worth the price tag? Greg shares the industry's dirty secret: in
videoHow to Order Wine in Italy Like a Local (Region by Region)
What questions does this video answer? How do you order wine at a restaurant in Italy? What are the best regional Italian wine pairings? What is the difference between Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone? Which Italian wine regions produce the best white and sparkling wines? What wines do locals actually drink in Venice, Rome, Florence, and Sicily? About This Video: If you walk into a restaurant in Italy and ask for a generic glass of red wine, you are doing it wrong. Italy is not just one country in a glass; it is 20 distinct regions, historically known as Enotria (the land of wine). In this comprehensive Italian wine guide, Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto breaks down the "Golden Rule" of Italian wine: drink what grows there. Whether you are traveling to Venice and need to know the difference between cheap Aperol Spritz juice and real Valdobbiadene Prosecco, or heading to Florence and want to understand Chianti Classico and Brunello, this video covers it all. Learn
videoWhat to drink in Trentino, Italy.
Ordering generic red wine in Italy is a tourist mistake. If you are in the Italian Alps, here is the secret "Mountain Champagne" you need to order. What questions does this video answer? What wine should you drink in Trentino, Italy? What is Trentodoc and how is it made? What is a good Italian red wine from the Alps? What is Teroldego wine? About This Video: Italy isn't just one country in a glass; it is 20 distinct wine regions. Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto explains why ordering a generic "glass of red wine" in Italy means you are already lost. Instead, follow the golden rule of Italian wine: ask what they grow locally, and order that. In this Short, we explore Trentino in the Italian Alps. Discover Trentodoc, an exceptional "mountain champagne" made in the traditional method. If you prefer red, learn why you should look for Teroldego—a dark, juicy hometown hero known for its earthy tannins. The Tourist Mistake: Ordering generic red wine in Italy, understa
videoWhat Wines to drink in Venice & Verona
Stop ordering generic wine in Italy. Follow this golden rule instead and discover the exact regional wines to drink in Venice and Verona. What questions does this video answer? What is the "Golden Rule" for ordering wine in Italy? What kind of wine should you order in Venice and Verona? Where does the true, serious Prosecco for an Aperol Spritz come from? What is the best Italian wine to pair with big braised meat dishes? About This Video: Certified Italian Wine Ambassador Greg Martellotto shares the ultimate secret to drinking wine in Italy: always ask "What do they grow here?" and order exactly that. Instead of ordering a generic glass, you need to drink your way across the country city by city. In this Short, we explore the Veneto region. Learn why serious Prosecco comes from Valdobbiadene, why you need to pair Amarone with big braised meat dishes in Verona, and why Soave is the perfect regional white wine option. The Golden Rule of Italian Wine: Drinking what grows locally,