Introvert Wine Podcast by Xeniya cover art

Introvert Wine Podcast by Xeniya

Introvert Wine Podcast by Xeniya

Written by: Xeniya Volosnikova
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About this listen

Exploring the world of wine one episode at a time.
From a view point of a sommelier and serial wine traveller.
Nerdiness level: beginner, sommelier level: medium, excitement level: advanced!

I'm a sommelier from Kazakhstan, currently working and studying in France. I have an undying passion to explore every wine corner in this world and share it with you - one episode at a time.

I also specialise in marketing, communications, PR and events. Bringing in past experience in Human Ressources, I'm curios about people in wine and their stories.

A serial wine pins&diplomas collector: DipWSET with Merit, Weinakademiker, Italian Wine Ambassador, Cava Advanced Educator, finalist of Best Sommelier of Kazakhstan, completed courses on: Champagne, Burgundy, Jerez, Swiss Wines, Wines of South Africa, Wines of Australia, Rioja... More coming;)

© 2026 Introvert Wine Podcast by Xeniya
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Episodes
  • Episode 21: Dry January
    Jan 30 2026

    🎙️Episode 21: Dry January 🍷

    This episode of the Introvert Wine Podcast is a very personal one.

    In January, I did Dry January as a wine professional — not to prove a point, not to demonise wine, but out of curiosity. To explore what sobriety and moderation can realistically look like when wine is your job, your passion, and your culture.

    In this episode, I talk about:
    🍺 What actually works in the no- and low-alcohol world (spoiler: beers are winning)
    🍷 How zero-alcohol wines are made — and why it’s complicated
    🧠 Working in wine while sober (yes, possible… but nuanced)
    🧩 The mental and psychological side of alcohol in our industry
    ✨ The very real physical benefits of drinking less

    There’s still a lot of scepticism around no/low alcohol — especially in traditional wine countries — but this category is growing fast. From legislation in France and Italy to expanding no/low sections at wine fairs like Wine Paris, it’s clear: this conversation isn’t going away.

    This isn’t a manifesto. It’s an experiment, a reflection, and an invitation to think about balance, mindfulness, and adaptability in wine.

    🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

    And if you’re navigating Dry January, moderation, or just questioning your relationship with alcohol — you’re not alone.

    #IntrovertWinePodcast #DryJanuary #WineProfessional #MindfulDrinking #NoAlcohol #LowAlcohol #WineLife #WinePodcast #Moderation #WineCulture

    Support the show

    #introvertwine #introvertwinepodcast #podcast #winepodcast #sommelier #wine #sommlife #travelthewine #languages #foreignlanguage

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    28 mins
  • Episode 20: Wine & Health
    Dec 20 2025

    🎙️Episode 20: Wine & Health with Mark DeWolf 🍷✨

    As 2025 comes to a close, I’m thrilled to share a very special episode of the Introvert Wine Podcast with Mark DeWolf, wine professional, ADHD advocate, and fellow introvert. @dewolfexperiences @halifaxwinefair

    This episode is all about wine & health — and in more ways than one. Between the holiday season’s pressures, deadlines, and the holiday blues, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about our wellbeing.

    We dive into:
    🌿 Mindful drinking and creating a healthier relationship with wine
    🧠 Mental health and neurodivergence in the wine industry
    🤝 Inclusivity, accessibility, and support in hospitality
    🎯 Year-end reflections on balance, self-care, and wine culture

    Mark also shares his personal journey with ADHD and depression, reminding us that if you’re struggling, reaching out and seeking help is always the right step. 💛

    For me, this episode has inspired a personal experiment — trying Dry January in the wine world, and exploring what it’s like to work in wine while taking a pause from alcohol.

    🎧 Join in now for a thoughtful, honest, and reflective conversation — a perfect listen to close out the year with care and mindfulness.

    #IntrovertWinePodcast #Wine&Health #WineandHealth #HealthinWine #MindfulWine #NeurodiversityInWine #ADHDAndWine #ADHD #DryJanuary #WineAndWellbeing #WinePodcast #HolidaySeason #YearEndReflection

    Support the show

    #introvertwine #introvertwinepodcast #podcast #winepodcast #sommelier #wine #sommlife #travelthewine #languages #foreignlanguage

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Episode 19: Wines without makeup with Filipa Pato
    Nov 29 2025

    🎙️ Episode 19 : Wine Without Makeup with Filipa Pato 🇵🇹🍷

    I’m thrilled to welcome Filipa Pato — one of Bairrada’s most influential voices — to my Introvert Wine Podcast. 🥳 I’m very grateful to her that we were able to sit together and try to squeeze in years of our conversations and exchanges on the topics that are important to both of us! ❤️

    🍇 I talk to Filipa about her path to biodynamic winemaking - the why, hows, ups and downs. How intuition, science, and respect for nature shape her “wines without makeup.”

    🌿 We also touched upon the old vines - they do seem a mystery yet to be discovered. And Filipa shared the story of Bairrada’s ancient Baga vines — their resilience, their elegance, and why they matter more than ever.

    🌍 And, of course, we couldn’t escape the topic of wine, moderation, no safe dose discussion… Filipa shares her perspective on the place of wine in human culture in the light of the recent UN discussion around “no safe dose,” and why wine is more than just alcohol — it’s heritage, agriculture, and human connection.🤔

    This episode is honest, thoughtful, and full of Filipa’s quiet wisdom.❤️
    Perfect listening for anyone who loves wine with depth, purpose, and a sense of place.

    ✨ Tune in on your favourite podcast platform: links are in bio & in stories!

    @filipa_pato

    Let’s also not forget the the hero behind the scenes and at least credit William for the picture for the cover (and, of course, for his passion and love) @williamwouters

    #IntrovertWinePodcast #introvertwine #wine #sommelier #travelthewine #podcast #FilipaPato #Bairrada #Baga #BiodynamicWine #AuthenticWine #OldVines #WinePodcast #WineCulture #Wineswithoutmakeup #Portugal #Portuguesewines #Winetourism #Wineeducation

    Support the show

    #introvertwine #introvertwinepodcast #podcast #winepodcast #sommelier #wine #sommlife #travelthewine #languages #foreignlanguage

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    56 mins
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