If you work in the wine business and specifically Italian wines, the name Stevie Kim, is a familiar one. Stevie is Managing Director of Vinitaly, the largest wine exhibition in the world which takes place each Spring in Verona (owned by Veronafiere). Based in Verona as well, Stevie is a self-described Italian Wine Evangelist with legions of fans who listen to The Italian Wine Podcast and watch her Mamma Jumbo Shrimp video podcast, both of which she founded. And she built an impressive following on social media. Check out @steviekim222 @vinitalyinternational @italianwineaca @5starwines @myoperawine @wine2wineverona and @Italianwinepodcast for starters.

Steve Kim

Stevie Kim

Born in Korea and raised in the United States, Stevie’s parents valued hard work and education. Stevie holds double business degrees in Marketing and Economics from New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, obtained an MBA at Bocconi University, School of Economics and Management and achieved Postgraduate specialization in Wealth Management at the University of Pennsylvania.

And she’s put her business knowledge to good use. Stevie’s career trajectory and impact are as diverse and fascinating as the many indigenous grapes in Italy. She has helped turn “Vinitaly” from a trade fair to a global brand through several initiatives which she has spearheaded, including the Vinitaly International Academy, Wine2Wine Business Forum, Italian Wine Podcast and Opera Wine. Stevie also has several publishing projects including The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine.

Married to an Italian physician from Verona who is a renowned expert on eating disorders, Stevie founded a school for medical doctors and psychologists offering the first master’s program for cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders and obesity. She also runs a business consultancy and serves as an Executive Board Member for the Bologna Business School Food and Wine Master Program.

It seems like there is no stopping her!

Stevie Kim with Sicilian producers Alberto Tasca d’Amerita, Antonio Rallo and Alessio Planeta, Planeta

Our paths have crossed with Stevie’s many times during our wine journeys in Italy, most recently when we attended the Wine2Wine Business Forum in Verona in November which she oversees. During those trips and events, Stevie is always on the go. So, we are delighted she sat down and joined us for a conversation about her life on The Connected Table LIVE!

Listen to the podcast here: