Welcome to Episode 7, "Zýmē Winery: Experience meets innovation, native grapes & old vines in Valpolicella" on ⁠The Old Vine Conference Podcast⁠. Cynthia Chaplin sits down with Celestino Gaspari, owner of Zýmē Winery in the Valpolicella region in Verona.

Today’s discussion is all about the old vines at the Zýmē winery and Gaspari’s philosophy on winemaking and life. He has done a significant amount of research and conservation, working on the recovery of buds from unknown vines to comprehend the heritage better. They also discuss Gaspari getting the native grape Oseleta re-certified, and his efforts to have it revalued, understood and protected in the Veneto region.

To learn more about ⁠The Old Vine Conference⁠, please visit us atwww.oldvines.organd follow us on instagram:@ouroldvines.

More about Celestino Gaspari:

Celestino Gaspari, a native of Val d'Illasi in Italy's Valpolicella region, began his agricultural career on his family's land. He apprenticed with renowned winemaker Giuseppe Quintarelli, working alongside him for 11 years. In 1999, Gaspari founded Zýmē Winery, named after the Greek word for "yeast," reflecting his commitment to natural winemaking processes.

The winery is situated in a 15th-century sandstone quarry in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, symbolizing the harmony between tradition and innovation. Gaspari's philosophy emphasizes sustainability and a deep respect for nature, aiming to produce wines that transparently convey the essence of their terroir.

Learn more:

Website:https://www.zyme.it/en/winery/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zyme_winery/

About the host Cynthia Chaplin:

Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian Wine and Culture.

She is the Host of VOICES covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for Italian Wine Podcast and a contributing author and editor for the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, WSET Certified Educator, Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy.

Learn more:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/⁠

⁠linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179⁠