PalateXposure Podcast

This week, Ilona sits down with Laurie Shelton of CAMi Vineyards. Listen in to learn about the history and journey that inspired Laurie's passion for art and wine. https://www.camivineyards.com/history

This week, Ilona sits down with Laurie Shelton of CAMi Vineyards. Listen in to learn about the history and journey that inspired Laurie's passion for art and wine. https://www.camivineyards.com/history

While visiting Wyoming for work and rest, Ilona Thompson had the opportunity to sit down with executive chef, Nate Singer. Nate has worked with some of the best from coast to coast and studied under many great chefs. He is a trained chef and butcher and has much to say about healthy eating and farming. You'll want to listen to all four of these episodes!

While visiting Wyoming for work and rest, Ilona Thompson had the opportunity to sit down with executive chef, Nate Singer. Nate has worked with some of the best from coast to coast and studied under many great chefs. He is a trained chef and butcher and has much to say about healthy eating and farming. You'll want to listen to all four of these episodes!

While visiting Wyoming for work and rest, Ilona Thompson had the opportunity to sit down with executive chef, Nate Singer. Nate has worked with some of the best from coast to coast and studied under many great chefs. He is a trained chef and butcher and has much to say about healthy eating and farming. You'll want to listen to all four of these episodes!

While visiting Wyoming for work and rest, Ilona Thompson had the opportunity to sit down with executive chef, Nate Singer. Nate has worked with some of the best from coast to coast and studied under many great chefs. He is a trained chef and butcher and has much to say about healthy eating and farming. You'll want to listen to all four of these episodes!

Catching up with Daniel Daou, a vintner and winemaker who speaks to the very soul of his wines. The 2020 harvest brought about its own unique challenges, but mostly the unbridled excitement and largesse. Take in Daniel’s extraordinary insights and passionate perspective on viniculture and winemaking.

Simon Faury may be the new winemaker for Crown Point Vineyards, but he is far from new. Simon brings years of experience from such storied names as Mondavi, Harlan, and Merryvale. Listen in to learn more as Simon shares with Ilona.

Join us as we re-visit some of our favorite podcasts of the last year. In this episode, Ilona is talking to former dentist Steve Reynolds who came to Napa more than 20 years ago with a wife, a young son and a dream of making wine and launching a brand. Listen in as Steve shares his family's journey to wine country and on to the launch of a tequila brand (Penta Tequila) as well.

Join us as we re-visit some of our favorite podcasts of the last year. In this episode, Ilona talks with Christopher Longoria, from Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house—participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

Talking DtC with Commerce7, Outshinery, The Little Design Group, and Bricoleur Vineyards.

Join us as we re-visit some of our favorite podcasts of the last year. In this episode, Ilona talks with Tony Marchese. Tony opened Trio in Palm Springs in 2009 and has developed a restaurant and team that are among the best in the nation. After this, we know you'll want to visit Palm Springs and Trio!

As the Founder of NY Champagne Week, and several other popular events Blaine Ashley has been dubbed Champagne Blaine. She has a platform for introducing and promoting women in sparkling wine - The Fizz is Female. and was named one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 under 40 in 2016. Listen in as she shares her story and her passions with Ilona.

As the Founder of NY Champagne Week, and several other popular events Blaine Ashley has been dubbed Champagne Blaine. She has a platform for introducing and promoting women in sparkling wine - The Fizz is Female. and was named one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 under 40 in 2016. Listen in as she shares her story and her passions with Ilona.

A sixth generation Californian, Fred pursued a degree in Journalism, when a fateful trip to Europe changed this life trajectory. His love affair with wine and food became a lifelong passion and profession. Dame holds a rare title of passing the grueling three-part Master Sommelier exam in one year and is one of only hundred and forty Americans to hold the title itself. The founder of the US Branch of The Court of Master Sommeliers, he has won more national and International awards and holds more titles for his professional achievements than his three car garage walls can hold. Above all, Fred is a consummate teacher and mentor who shepherded hundreds of grateful mentees. Those who know him, love him with abandon, those that know of him admire him. His legacy is that of unyielding camaraderie, hard work, loyalty, stellar character and always striving for more. Fred Dame is currently a global wine Ambassador for Daou Family Vineyards. His synergy and shared vision with the Daou brothers is uncanny and brings uncommon value to consumers worldwide. Ilona has interviewed hundreds of wine professionals - this one stands out in a league of its own.

A sixth generation Californian, Fred pursued a degree in Journalism, when a fateful trip to Europe changed this life trajectory. His love affair with wine and food became a lifelong passion and profession. Dame holds a rare title of passing the grueling three-part Master Sommelier exam in one year and is one of only hundred and forty Americans to hold the title itself. The founder of the US Branch of The Court of Master Sommeliers, he has won more national and International awards and holds more titles for his professional achievements than his three car garage walls can hold. Above all, Fred is a consummate teacher and mentor who shepherded hundreds of grateful mentees. Those who know him, love him with abandon, those that know of him admire him. His legacy is that of unyielding camaraderie, hard work, loyalty, stellar character and always striving for more. Fred Dame is currently a global wine Ambassador for Daou Family Vineyards. His synergy and shared vision with the Daou brothers is uncanny and brings uncommon value to consumers worldwide. Ilona has interviewed hundreds of wine professionals - this one stands out in a league of its own.

Catching up with Daniel Daou, a vintner and winemaker who speaks to the very soul of his wines. The 2020 harvest brought about its own unique challenges, but mostly the unbridled excitement and largesse. Take in Daniel’s extraordinary insights and passionate perspective on viniculture and winemaking.

A Southern Baptist background and a degree in history, with stints as a wine buyer for a luxury department store equals what? You guessed it. An extraordinary winemaking career that culminated in becoming one of the top Pinot Noir producers in North America. This week, Ilona had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Lee, the founding winemaker for the iconic Siduri brand, and now Clarice Wine Company. Despite tremendous talent and innumerable accolades, Adam is so humble and personable, it is impossible not to fall in love with him and his life philosophy. Listen in as he shares his powerful and compelling story.    

A Southern Baptist background and a degree in history, with stints as a wine buyer for a luxury department store equals what? You guessed it. An extraordinary winemaking career that culminated in becoming one of the top Pinot Noir producers in North America. This week, Ilona had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Lee, the founding winemaker for the iconic Siduri brand, and now Clarice Wine Company. Despite tremendous talent and innumerable accolades, Adam is so humble and personable, it is impossible not to fall in love with him and his life philosophy. Listen in as he shares his powerful and compelling story.

A Southern Baptist background and a degree in history, with stints as a wine buyer for a luxury department store equals what? You guessed it. An extraordinary winemaking career that culminated in becoming one of the top Pinot Noir producers in North America. This week, Ilona had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Lee, the founding winemaker for the iconic Siduri brand, and now Clarice Wine Company. Despite tremendous talent and innumerable accolades, Adam is so humble and personable, it is impossible not to fall in love with him and his life philosophy. Listen in as he shares his powerful and compelling story.  

Clark is the perhaps the winemaking wizardry best kept secret, a viticultural veteran and wine whisperer. His journey took him from MIT to UC Davis, and all the way to heart of California's wine country. An industry hero, he is a renown author of a book that is widely acknowledged as the ultimate insider resource - "Postmodern Winemaking.” Clark comes with his signature sense of humor, an optimistic outlook and a tremendous treasure of knowledge and experience of all things wine. Come along, share a laugh, and learn a lot!

Clark is the perhaps the winemaking wizardry best kept secret, a viticultural veteran and wine whisperer. His journey took him from MIT to UC Davis, and all the way to heart of California's wine country. An industry hero, he is a renown author of a book that is widely acknowledged as the ultimate insider resource - "Postmodern Winemaking.” Clark comes with his signature sense of humor, an optimistic outlook and a tremendous treasure of knowledge and experience of all things wine. Come along, share a laugh, and learn a lot!

Clark is the perhaps the winemaking wizardry best kept secret, a viticultural veteran and wine whisperer. His journey took him from MIT to UC Davis, and all the way to heart of California's wine country. An industry hero, he is a renown author of a book that is widely acknowledged as the ultimate insider resource - "Postmodern Winemaking.” Clark comes with his signature sense of humor, an optimistic outlook and a tremendous treasure of knowledge and experience of all things wine. Come along, share a laugh, and learn a lot!

Clark is the perhaps the winemaking wizardry best kept secret, a viticultural veteran and wine whisperer. His journey took him from MIT to UC Davis, and all the way to heart of California's wine country. An industry hero, he is a renown author of a book that is widely acknowledged as the ultimate insider resource - "Postmodern Winemaking.” Clark comes with his signature sense of humor, an optimistic outlook and a tremendous treasure of knowledge and experience of all things wine. Come along, share a laugh, and learn a lot!

Clark is the perhaps the winemaking wizardry best kept secret, a viticultural veteran and wine whisperer. His journey took him from MIT to UC Davis, and all the way to heart of California's wine country. An industry hero, he is a renown author of a book that is widely acknowledged as the ultimate insider resource - "Postmodern Winemaking.” Clark comes with his signature sense of humor, an optimistic outlook and a tremendous treasure of knowledge and experience of all things wine. Come along, share a laugh, and learn a lot!

Bob Cabral is nothing short of a winemaking legend with 38 vintages under his belt, who honed his craft at iconic wineries such as DeLoach, Kunde, and of course, the venerable Williams Selyem. Many Pinot lovers consider Cabral’s work a reference point point for New World Pinot and Chardonnay. With endless accolades from numerous trade and consumer publications, Bob is as loved for his professional accomplishments, as his extraordinary personal ones. A humanitarian, a community leader and a mentor to many, his kind smile lights up every room he enters. Listen in as Ilona talks with Bob and learns more about what makes him who he is. Read more about Bob here.

Bob Cabral is nothing short of a winemaking legend with 38 vintages under his belt, who honed his craft at iconic wineries such as DeLoach, Kunde, and of course, the venerable Williams Selyem. Many Pinot lovers consider Cabral’s work a reference point point for New World Pinot and Chardonnay. With endless accolades from numerous trade and consumer publications, Bob is as loved for his professional accomplishments, as his extraordinary personal ones. A humanitarian, a community leader and a mentor to many, his kind smile lights up every room he enters. Listen in as Ilona talks with Bob and learns more about what makes him who he is. Read more about Bob here.

Bob Cabral is nothing short of a winemaking legend with 38 vintages under his belt, who honed his craft at iconic wineries such as DeLoach, Kunde, and of course, the venerable Williams Selyem. Many Pinot lovers consider Cabral’s work a reference point point for New World Pinot and Chardonnay. With endless accolades from numerous trade and consumer publications, Bob is as loved for his professional accomplishments, as his extraordinary personal ones. A humanitarian, a community leader and a mentor to many, his kind smile lights up every room he enters. Listen in as Ilona talks with Bob and learns more about what makes him who he is. Read more about Bob here.

The Corley Family has been producing outstanding Napa Valley wines for five decades. The formidable patriarch, Jay Corley, arrived there in 1969 and was one of Napa most beloved valley pioneers; today his four talented and dedicated sons carry on his legacy of the Monticello Vineyards. Kent Corley oversees special projects for the winery while also serving as an Executive director for the North Bay Cancer Alliance, a very special non-profit organization that is committed to serving those facing multiple challenged that come with a cancer diagnosis. Ilona sat down with Kent to learn more about his role in this unique organization and the moving stories of those that he helped along the way.  

The Corley Family has been producing outstanding Napa Valley wines for five decades. The formidable patriarch, Jay Corley, arrived there in 1969 and was one of Napa most beloved valley pioneers; today his four talented and dedicated sons carry on his legacy of the Monticello Vineyards. Kent Corley oversees special projects for the winery while also serving as an Executive director for the North Bay Cancer Alliance, a very special non-profit organization that is committed to serving those facing multiple challenged that come with a cancer diagnosis. Ilona sat down with Kent to learn more about his role in this unique organization and the moving stories of those that he helped along the way.  

The Corley Family has been producing outstanding Napa Valley wines for five decades. The formidable patriarch, Jay Corley, arrived there in 1969 and was one of Napa most beloved valley pioneers; today his four talented and dedicated sons carry on his legacy of the Monticello Vineyards. Kent Corley oversees special projects for the winery while also serving as an Executive director for the North Bay Cancer Alliance, a very special non-profit organization that is committed to serving those facing multiple challenged that come with a cancer diagnosis. Ilona sat down with Kent to learn more about his role in this unique organization and the moving stories of those that he helped along the way.      

Some of the most coveted American Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays come from Sonoma County. Benovia Winery quickly established itself as a premier producer in Russian River Valley AVA. It is well-known for its world-class portfolio of terroir-driven wines from meticulously farmed estate vineyards. This week, proprietor Joe Anderson shares his compelling personal story as well as that of his brand. From a healthcare executive to his passion-fueled pursuit of vintner vocation, which included working harvests for iconic wineries such as Rochioli and Williams Selyem, he is the chairman and an avid consumer of Benovia's undeniably delicious wines.

Some of the most coveted American Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays come from Sonoma County. Benovia Winery quickly established itself as a premier producer in Russian River Valley AVA. It is well-known for its world-class portfolio of terroir-driven wines from meticulously farmed estate vineyards. This week, proprietor Joe Anderson shares his compelling personal story as well as that of his brand. From a healthcare executive to his passion-fueled pursuit of vintner vocation, which included working harvests for iconic wineries such as Rochioli and Williams Selyem, he is the chairman and an avid consumer of Benovia's undeniably delicious wines.

This week, Ilona interviews Wine.com's Chief Storyteller, Wilfred Wong. Wilfred grew up in the Bay Area and began his 40-year career working in his family's grocery store helping build their wine clientele. From there, he spent 20 years with BevMo, writing hundreds of thousands reviews; with the latter five years tasting for Wine.com. Wilfred is renowned for his extraordinary tenacity, work ethic, highly trained and precise palate, and an extensive library of work that includes wine reviews, articles and photography. Listen in as he shares his journey from a small family business to the mega online wine retailer.

This week, Ilona interviews Wine.com's Chief Storyteller, Wilfred Wong. Wilfred grew up in the Bay Area and began his 40-year career working in his family's grocery store helping build their wine clientele. From there, he spent 20 years with BevMo, writing hundreds of thousands reviews; with the latter five years tasting for Wine.com. Wilfred is renowned for his extraordinary tenacity, work ethic, highly trained and precise palate, and an extensive library of work that includes wine reviews, articles and photography. Listen in as he shares his journey from a small family business to the mega online wine retailer.

Meet a bartender that decides to infuse a rye with candy cap mushrooms…who barrel-ages beer in bourbon and rye barrels and reverse barrel-ages “Manhattans.” Or instead of pondering those “mind benders," sit back and listen in to Michael Lazar’s many beverage and life wisdoms. He has been a part of the West Coast bar scene for decades, at several notable locations such as Hog & Rocks and Hard Water Bar on Pier 3 in San Francisco. He is a renown "whisky ambassador" and has encyclopedic knowledge of all things American Whisky. Michael is also the author of Left Coast Libations, a highly recommended reading. Don’t miss this exciting interview with one of the innovators of today’s cocktail scene.

Meet a bartender that decides to infuse a rye with candy cap mushrooms…who barrel-ages beer in bourbon and rye barrels and reverse barrel-ages “Manhattans.” Or instead of pondering those “mind benders," sit back and listen in to Michael Lazar’s many beverage and life wisdoms. He has been a part of the West Coast bar scene for decades, at several notable locations such as Hog & Rocks and Hard Water Bar on Pier 3 in San Francisco. He is a renown "whisky ambassador" and has encyclopedic knowledge of all things American Whisky. Michael is also the author of Left Coast Libations, a highly recommended reading. Don’t miss this exciting interview with one of the innovators of today’s cocktail scene.

Meet a bartender that decides to infuse a rye with candy cap mushrooms…who barrel-ages beer in bourbon and rye barrels and reverse barrel-ages “Manhattans.” Or instead of pondering those “mind benders," sit back and listen in to Michael Lazar’s many beverage and life wisdoms. He has been a part of the West Coast bar scene for decades, at several notable locations such as Hog & Rocks and Hard Water Bar on Pier 3 in San Francisco. He is a renown "whisky ambassador" and has encyclopedic knowledge of all things American Whisky. Michael is also the author of Left Coast Libations, a highly recommended reading. Don’t miss this exciting interview with one of the innovators of today’s cocktail scene.

This week, Ilona sat down with a master of cocktail creations - Scott Beattie has worked with some of the best restaurants, resorts, and bars in the world creating cocktail and drinks that bring out the best in spirits in and fresh ingredients. Listen in as Ilona and Scott discuss cocktails and life!

This week, Ilona sat down with a master of cocktail creations - Scott Beattie has worked with some of the best restaurants, resorts, and bars in the world creating cocktail and drinks that bring out the best in spirits in and fresh ingredients. Listen in as Ilona and Scott discuss cocktails and life!

This week, Ilona sat down with a master of cocktail creations - Scott Beattie has worked with some of the best restaurants, resorts, and bars in the world creating cocktail and drinks that bring out the best in spirits in and fresh ingredients. Listen in as Ilona and Scott discuss cocktails and life!

This week, Ilona sat down with Pouya Hashemi, the founder of Sip Awards. Listen in as she discusses Pouya's journey through entrepreneurship, software, and the introduction of a spirits competition that opened the door for many small companies and distilleries to compete on an even playing field.  https://sipawards.com

This week, Ilona sat down with Pouya Hashemi, the founder of Sip Awards. Listen in as she discusses Pouya's journey through entrepreneurship, software, and the introduction of a spirits competition that opened the door for many small companies and distilleries to compete on an even playing field.  https://sipawards.com  

This week, Ilona sat down with Pouya Hashemi, the founder of Sip Awards. Listen in as she discusses Pouya's journey through entrepreneurship, software, and the introduction of a spirits competition that opened the door for many small companies and distilleries to compete on an even playing field.  https://sipawards.com  

This week, Ilona sat down with the Bar Director, Christopher Longoria, from  Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house - participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

This week, Ilona sat down with the Bar Director, Christopher Longoria, from  Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house - participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

This week, Ilona sat down with the Bar Director, Christopher Longoria, from  Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house - participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

This week, Ilona sat down with the Bar Director, Christopher Longoria, from  Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house - participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

This week, Ilona sat down with the Bar Director, Christopher Longoria, from  Che Fico in San Francisco. With a long career, and a graceful approach to bars and cocktails, Christopher decided to use this time of self-isolation to present virtual cocktail training. Using what they have in their house - participants will learn how to create custom, delicious cocktails!

Simon Faury may be the new winemaker for Crown Point Vineyards, but he is far from new. Simon brings years of experience from such storied names as Mondavi, Harlan, and Merryvale. Listen in to learn more as Simon shares with Ilona.

Simon Faury may be the new winemaker for Crown Point Vineyards, but he is far from new. Simon brings years of experience from such storied names as Mondavi, Harlan, and Merryvale. Listen in to learn more as Simon shares with Ilona.