Ep. 2276 Jessica Dupuy interviews Sandra Spalding | Barolo Barbaresco World Opening

Welcome to Episode 2276, where Jessica Dupuy interviews the experienced wine and liquor marketing executive Sandra Spalding. Together, they dive into the Austin market and decode the concept of "Italianality.'" Italian Wine Podcast is a proud media partner of Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening and is pleased to present this series of interviews recorded for this year’s event. The fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) takes place in Austin, Texas on 25 March 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on three southwestern states, with educational events and dedicated tastings taking place in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado throughout February 2025. Join us as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this renowned event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. More about today’s guest: Sandra Spalding has worked with wine and spirits in restaurants and retail for over 25 years. She honed her hospitality skills while working for the Memphis Restaurant Group in Orange County. After moving to Austin, Sandra gravitated to Twin Liquors, recognizing a kindred spirit and shared vision in the family company. She quickly moved through the ranks as Regional Sales Manager overseeing 50+ stores to her current role as Director of Marketing.  Throughout her journey, Sandra has kept a focus on fine wine, food, and cocktails, both in business and in life. Connect: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-spalding/ Website: https://twinliquors.com/   More about today’s host: Jessica Dupuy is a seasoned writer covering wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, including Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. Jessica is the author of The Wines of Southwest USA and six regional cookbooks. Additionally, she co-hosts the podcast Another Bottle Down, where she shares her insights and passion for the world of wine. Connect: Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/ Twitter: https://x.com/jessicandupuy _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!