Cork Talk

Follow Cork Talk
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

We'll be talking to important people in the wine industry starting with our home state of North Carolina! There's a lot to discover in the state and we're going to help bring local wine a bit closer to you.

Cork Talk


    • May 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 81 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Cork Talk with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Cork Talk

    Where the Mountains Meet the Vines – Souther Williams Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 53:47


    This episode features Ken Parker from Souther Williams Vineyard in Fletcher, NC! We recorded this episode sitting outside their open air tasting room on a perfect spring afternoon. Ken talked to us about what it's like growing grapes on his family's multi-generational farm and what the future of wine looks like in the Crest ofContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Marked Tree Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 67:47


    We're featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we revisit our conversation with Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks from Marked Tree Vineyard in Flat Rock, NC! We catch up about how things have changed over the past 5 years including a brand new production facility and other changes that help to elevate NorthContinue reading →

    Weathering the Storm: Western NC Wine and Hurricane Helene

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 61:47


    In this episode of Cork Talk, we explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina's wine industry. Hear firsthand stories of resilience and recovery from local wineries and vineyards. Discover how the community has faced challenges and adapted in the aftermath of the storm. Join us for an inspiring look at the strength andContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Dover Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 69:00


    We're featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time it's our discussion with Elizabeth Anne Dover Bishop from The Farm at Dover Vineyards in Concord, NC! Our original interview was back in 2020 and was our first one that we did in a remote setup and we look back on this as one toContinue reading →

    Creating American Fine Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 72:18


    Our first episode of our 7th season features Erik Martella from Erik Martella Wines! Erik has a formal education in chemistry and an extensive background in winemaking in California. When he moved to the Southeast, he became fascinated by the concept of creating uniquely American Fine Wine. This quest aims to break away from EuropeanContinue reading →

    Looking Back at 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 64:40


    In this episode, we gathered four special guests to help us have an engaging discussion as we remember 2024. You'll hear from Dave Nirshi author of Vino-Sphere, Arthur Barham creator of Merlot2Muscadine, Natalie Hampton author of Tarheel Taps and Corks, and Hailey Klepcyk President of the North Carolina Winegrowers Association. As we wrap up 2024,Continue reading →

    corks natalie hampton
    Revisiting Jones von Drehle Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 81:33


    This episode we go back to the beginning and revisit Jones von Drehle Vineyards in Thurmond, NC! Jones von Drehle was our first episode that we ever recorded. This time, we visited the vineyard when they had a special Sip and Savor wine and food event event to celebrate their own 10 year anniversary. WeContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Junius Lindsay Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 59:11


    This month we have another Best of Cork Talk episode, featuring Michael Zimmerman of Junius Lindsay Vineyard in Welcome, NC! In this episode, we pay tribute to Michael who passed away on September 12, 2024. Over the years, we grew to appreciate our friendship with Michael as each visit brought something new. Junius Lindsay isContinue reading →

    vineyard cork junius michael zimmerman
    Sparkling in the High Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 61:55


    This episode features Dylan and Nicole Tatum from Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Banner Elk, NC! Dylan and Nicole tell us about how Grandfather Vineyard got started back in 2003. Over time, they found that hybrid grape varieties thrive in the cooler climate of the Appalachian High Country AVA, producing wines with high acidity andContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Laurel Gray Vineyards (take 2!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 71:12


    This month it's another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Kim and Benny Myers from Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville, NC! We interviewed Kim and Benny back in 2019 and featured the episode Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do in July of that year. Fast forward 5 years and a lot has changed! There haveContinue reading →

    10th Anniversary Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 59:15 Transcription Available


    We're celebrating our 10th anniversary as the North Carolina Wine Guys with a special anniversary episode! This episode features a discussion with our friends Jessica Adams and Jesse Byrd, you may know them as the Wine Mouths! They're also celebrating 10 years so we thought it would be great for us to reflect on ourContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Starrlight Mead & Cider

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 56:52


    This month it's another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Ben and Becky Starr from Starrlight Mead & Cider in Pittsboro, NC! We interviewed Ben and Becky back in 2019 and featured the episode Mead Making Starrs in November of that year. Fast forward 5 years and a lot has changed! They have not onlyContinue reading →

    Muscadine on a Massive Scale: Hinnant Family Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 45:51


    We're celebrating North Carolina Wine Month with an episode featuring Ashley Nicholas from Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC! Hinnant Family Vineyards started in 1972 as contract grape growers specifically for the muscadine varieties. After several years of growing fruit, they transitioned into the you-pick and fresh market industry. It was only natural thatContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Shadow Springs Vineyard & Windsor Run Cellars

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 66:05


    This month it's another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Chuck and Jamey Johnson from Shadow Springs Vineyard & Windsor Run Cellars in Hamptonville, NC! We first interviewed Chuck and Jamey back in 2019 and released their episode in August of that year. We had a chance to catch up with them recently and thatContinue reading →

    Artisan Wine and Cider

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 71:51


    In this episode of Cork Talk, we talk with Alan Ward from Saint Paul Mountain Farms in Hendersonville, NC! Saint Paul Mountain Farms produces wine as Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and ciders as Appalachian Ridge Hard Cider. In this conversation, we touch on the history of the farm, what it means to be producing qualityContinue reading →

    Best of Cork Talk: Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 55:33


    Our first episode in our “Best of Cork Talk” series is revisiting our conversation with Charles and Ann Edwards from Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard in Lawndale, NC! Charles and Ann planted grapes on Ann's family farm back in 2003. We discuss their inspiration for why they wanted to grow grapes and their desire to keepContinue reading →

    Scatter Joy – Gioia dell Amore

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024


    Welcome to Season 6 of Cork Talk! We're kicking off our new season with an interview with Laura and David Comer from Gioia dell Amore Cellars in Mayodan, NC! Laura and David purchased the vineyard at Autumn Creek as part of their mission to Scatter Joy. Their name and their mission is deeply linked inContinue reading →

    Our Favorite Things 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 69:55


    It's a special Holiday Episode of Cork Talk! We invited a few of our fellow blogger and influencer friends to join us as we reflect on 2023 and talk about a few of our favorite things. In this episode you'll hear from DeLauren Everitt of Blends & Blubbly, Jesse and Jessica of the Wine Mouths,Continue reading →

    Featuring the North Carolina Winegrowers Association

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 52:04


    This episode features Hailey Klepcyk, the current President of the North Carolina Winegrowers Association! Hailey gives us a brief history of the association. When then move into discussing the upcoming annual Winegrowers Conference taking place in February 2024. After the break, we talk about the ongoing events that are hosted around the state including theContinue reading →

    Good Stewards of the Environment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 60:08


    This episode features Jan Olsen from FernCrest Winery in Andrews, NC! Jan tells us about how she got her start planting a vineyard. Everything they do at FernCrest Winery, both at the vineyard site and the tasting room show how much they are trying to protect the environment. Jan also tells us about the inspirationContinue reading →

    We do wine, and wine, and wine – Nottely River Valley Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 69:42


    This episode features Steve Thompson from Nottely River Valley Vineyards in Murphy, NC! Steve talks to us about growing grapes in South Western North Carolina and how that is different than other parts of the state. He planted his vineyard in 2008 with a mix of vinifera and hybrid grapes with many of his plantingsContinue reading →

    Fire Clay Cellars

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 87:22


    This episode features Erik Mitran and Erick Hurtado from Fire Clay Cellars in Siler City, NC! Erik and Erick tell us what it's like making wine in the lower Haw River AVA. They're constantly exploring different techniques to make the most of their climate all with the goal of making really good wine. As aContinue reading →

    Demystifying Wine – Mountain Brook Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 83:33


    This episode features Dave Coventry and Andrew Gorczyca from Mountain Brook Vineyards in Tryon, NC! Dave and Andrew tell us how they're working hard to demystify wine without robbing it of its magic. Over the past few years since Andrew's family purchased the vineyard, they have been investing in the property and transforming the experienceContinue reading →

    Great Wine, Fun Times, Better People Part Two!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 60:48


    Welcome back for part two! This episode features Bob Binns, Cory Lillberg, Justin Taylor and special guest Karen Parker from Parker-Binns Vineyards in Mill Spring, NC! The team at Parker-Binns Vineyard are doing some great things. They are making the most of their terroir and producing some outstanding wines, while also creating an environment thatContinue reading →

    wine fun times justin taylor karen parker thatcontinue
    Great Wine, Fun Times, Better People

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 59:56


    This episode features Bob Binns, Cory Lillberg, and Justin Taylor from Parker-Binns Vineyards in Mill Spring, NC! The team at Parker-Binns Vineyard are doing some great things. They are making the most of their terroir and producing some outstanding wines, while also creating an environment that is family friendly where you can come relax, haveContinue reading →

    Fine Wines of North Carolina & Healthy Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 76:24


    This episode features Cathy and Dan McLaughlin creators of Our Wine Flights, founding members of Fine Wines of North Carolina and documentarians who filmed Healthy Hope! Cathy and Dan are passionate about helping people in the industry. By establishing the Fine Wines of North Carolina they are seeking to elevate the profile of North CarolinaContinue reading →

    The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 54:36


    This episode features Brianna Burns from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services! In her role, she serves as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. Her focus is to promote and elevate North Carolina Wine as a brand and to get people to try North Carolina Wine. InContinue reading →

    Rustic Simplicity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 69:57


    We're talking Cider! In this episode, we talk with Katie Moore and Dan Fowler of Barn Door Ciderworks in Fairview, NC! The philosophy behind the ciders at Barn Door Ciderworks is that you should embrace the natural flavors of the apples themselves. This rustic simplicity is something that shines through in each of the cidersContinue reading →

    Elevating Wine – Dynamis Estate Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 68:48


    Welcome to Season 5 of Cork Talk! In this episode, we talk with Mat Worrell and Katy Kidd the winemakers at Dynamis Estate Wines in Jonesville, NC! At Dynamis Estate Wines, you'll find an elevated wine tasting experience in pursuit of defining a premium brand for North Carolina Wine. Mat and Katy talk to usContinue reading →

    Our Favorite Things – 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 61:32


    It's a special Holiday Episode of Cork Talk! We invited a few of our fellow blogger and influencer friends to join us as we reflect on 2022 and talk about a few of our favorite things. In this episode you'll hear from DeLauren Everitt of Blends & Blubbly, Jessie and Jessica of the Wine Mouths,Continue reading →

    A Passion for Hospitality

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 46:50


    In this episode, we talk with Kari and Mark Barber of Pilot Mountain Vineyards in Pinnacle, NC! Kari and Mark purchased an established vineyard with a vision to make the most of the view. Their passion for hospitality is a driving force in how they make each guest feel welcome and at home. Wine ClassContinue reading →

    Small and Boutique, That’s the Goal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 56:27


    In this episode, we talk with Donna and Greg Hutchins from Cellar 4201 in East Bend, North Carolina! Donna and Greg decided to plant a vineyard back in 2003. Once they had grapes growing, they established their customer base by contracting their winemaking with a local custom crush company and began selling their wines atContinue reading →

    The Wine is Great and It’s Beautiful

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 60:55


    In this episode, we visited Daveste Vineyards and talked with Caroline Karrick and Meg Tipton. Caroline become one of the owners of the vineyard in 2019 and Meg joined as winemaker in 2020. Since joining Daveste Vineyards, Caroline and Meg have been making improvements both in the tasting room and the winery. Wine Class withContinue reading →

    Spotted Lanternfly: A Vineyard Threat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 63:17


    This is a special episode of Cork Talk. We sit down with Amy Michael Theuret, the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator from the North Carolina State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to talk about a very important topic. The Spotted Lanternfly. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species of leafhoppers that feed onContinue reading → The post Spotted Lanternfly: A Vineyard Threat appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Making Iconic Southern Wine part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2022 44:10


    Join us for part two of our conversation with Mark Friszolowski, the wine maker at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC! We continue our discussion focusing in on quality wines, what goes into making a great product, and how the wines at Childress can be considered iconic southern wines. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths isContinue reading → The post Making Iconic Southern Wine part 2 appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Making Iconic Southern Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 42:28


    In this episode, we visited Mark Friszolowski, the wine maker at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC for an extended interview! Mark joined Richard Childress in opening the vineyard and winery in the early 2000s. Since then, Mark has been a fixture in the North Carolina wine industry and has made elevating the quality of NorthContinue reading → The post Making Iconic Southern Wines appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Every Vineyard Has Its Place

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2022 61:44


    In this episode, we sit down with Larry and Elisabeth Mueller from Brandon Hills Vineyard in Yadkinville, NC. Larry and Elisabeth purchased the vineyard just over 5 years ago as a way for Larry to embrace his passion for wine. They have made some major changes at the vineyard and have more planned for theContinue reading → The post Every Vineyard Has Its Place appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    A Century Farm of Six Generations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 54:34


    In this episode, we sit down with Johan Hoosier of Stony Knoll Vineyards in Dobson, NC. Jonah is director of operations at Stony Knoll which includes vineyard management and winemaker. Stony Knoll Vineyard is situated on a century family farm that has been farmed for over 120 years. Jonah is part of the sixth generationContinue reading → The post A Century Farm of Six Generations appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Recreating Ancient Methods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 69:13


    This episode features Nico von Cosmos from Stardust Cellars in North Wilkesboro, NC! At Stardust Cellars, Nico focuses on recreating ancient winemaking techniques including overwintering, ancestral sparkling wines and meads, and wild fermentations. Biodynamic practices in winemaking and farming are also a driving force that sets Stardust Cellars apart from the others. Biodynamic is anContinue reading → The post Recreating Ancient Methods appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Ciders of Opportunity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 64:55


    This episode features Lyndon Smith, Amie Fields, Kether Smith, and Deric McGuffey from Botanist & Barrel Cidery & Winery! Botanist & Barrel has two locations. The farm, production site, and original tasting room is located in Cedar Grove, NC. They opened a second tasting room in Asheville in 2021 which sells their products as wellContinue reading → The post Ciders of Opportunity appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Roads of Gold – Golden Roads Vineyards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 56:47


    Welcome to season 4 of Cork Talk! This episode features Chad and Crista Guebert from Golden Road Vineyards in State Road, NC! Chad and Christa opened the tasting room at the vineyard just last year. Both of them have a background in IT consulting and decided they wanted to get away from their computer screensContinue reading → The post Roads of Gold – Golden Roads Vineyards appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Cork Talk Holiday Episode!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 72:43


    In this episode, we sit down with four of our blogger friends to bring you a special Holiday Episode! In this episode, we feature Pam from Food and Wine Chronicles, Jessica from the Wine Mouths, Arthur from Merlot 2 Muscadine, and Dave from Vino-Sphere! We talk about the things you should look for in aContinue reading →

    Enjoy Your Path – Marked Tree Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 59:54


    This episode features Tim Parks and Lance Hiatt of Marked Tree Vineyard in Hendersonville, NC! We visited the vineyard in the early fall (a perfect time of year) and recorded this conversation with Tim and Lance. Their love of wine started when Lance visited Chablis many years ago. Together, the pair visited many wine regionsContinue reading →

    Working Hard to be Found – Hidden Vineyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 69:52


    In this episode, we sit down with Lisa, Tim, Claudia, and Josh from Hidden Vineyard in Dobson, North Carolina! The Hidden Vineyard family moved from Ohio to an area that they visited on many occasions on their way to family vacations. They were looking for an established vineyard to purchase so they could make wineContinue reading → The post Working Hard to be Found – Hidden Vineyard appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Yadkin Valley Tourism

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 62:10


    Welcome to the Yadkin Valley tourism episode! We sit down with Craig Distl and Thomas Salley and talk about all things tourism for the Yadkin Valley in North Carolina. No matter if you're familiar with North Carolina Wine or if you're new to the industry, you'll learn a lot about what the area has toContinue reading → The post Yadkin Valley Tourism appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Find Your Passion – Kefi Vineyard & Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 64:38


    In this episode, we sit down with Bess and Alexa Collins of Kefi Vineyard & Winery in Monroe, North Carolina! Bess has always been fan of being outdoors and growing things has been part of her life growing up. Alexa is her daughter and has been inspired by her mother's love for building something toContinue reading → The post Find Your Passion – Kefi Vineyard & Winery appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Elevating Muscadine Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 66:36


    We're back again with Tina Smith and Nadia Hetzel of Cypress Bend Vineyards! Located in Wagram, NC, Cypress Bend is in a unique location in North Carolina where the Muscadine grape grows well and produces an outstanding wine. Tina and Nadia talk through their abundant wine list. They tell us about the differences between eachContinue reading → The post Elevating Muscadine Part 2 appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Elevating Muscadine Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 44:24


    In this episode, we sit down with Tina Smith and Nadia Hetzel of Cypress Bend Vineyards! Located in Wagram, NC, Cypress Bend is in a unique location in North Carolina where the Muscadine grape grows well and produces an outstanding wine. Tina Smith and her husband, Dan, decided to plant grapes on Dan's family landContinue reading → The post Elevating Muscadine Part 1 appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Growing for Future Generations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 55:31


    In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia and Jim Douthit from Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery in State Road, North Carolina! Cynthia and Jim are two of the owners of Grassy Creek Vineyard. They started the business in 2000 and planted their grapes in 2003. This was Jim’s second vineyard. He first planted 10Continue reading → The post Growing for Future Generations appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    A Grower’s Favorite Day is Harvest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 63:07


    In this episode we talk with Wendy and Kelvin Wooten of Moon Lake Vineyards in Olin, North Carolina! Wendy and Kelvin are grape growers in part of the Swan Creek AVA. The Wootens planted their grapes in 2007 in a very difficult year. They were up against an late season freeze which put their newlyContinue reading → The post A Grower’s Favorite Day is Harvest appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Women in the Wine Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 30:29


    We’re honoring women in the wine industry. We take a look back at our earlier episodes and found clips that highlight the importance of women in the industry. We would like to thank all of the women who help to make North Carolina Wine what it is today. In this episode we feature: Amy HeltonContinue reading → The post Women in the Wine Industry appeared first on NC Wine Guys.

    Claim Cork Talk

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel