Hello, welcome to the Paris Wine Girl podcast! I am your host Emily Lester an American Cabaret showgirl turn sommelier that sold everything and moved to France. I navigate a different path that is always lead by curiosity. I try to understand and celebrate the reasons why wine can transport you to another world the way art and creativity do. I like to tell stories, share interviews with you, and introduce you to the people behind the great wines I’ve discovered.
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Carrie Sumner. She produces wine in the region of Roussillon.For many years Spain's traditional winemaking styles (full-bodied, spicy, earthly reds, and slightly oxidized whites became the mainstream winemaking styles in Roussillon until the end of the last century. There is a boom of experimentation and creativity in Roussillon, much like the Languedoc. I like to think of Languedoc - Roussillon as the "Wine Artists" grottos of today. The land itself is more reasonably priced, so passionate new winemakers are flocking to this area. These regions had a reputation for producing only bulk or less serious wines, but this is simply not the case. You will find a higher concentration of immigrant/ ex-pat winemakers and those that wish to experiment or be more creative in their winemaking. There are more organic and biodynamic producers in Roussillon than in any other wine region in France. A growing number of producers are choosing to use IGP or Vin du France instead of producing within the AOC guidelines. Carries touch on this in the interview. Paris Wine Girlhttp://pariswinegirl.fr/IG: @pariswinegirlLinkedIn: Emily LesterCarrie Sumner Domaine des Enfant Website: https://www.domaine-des-enfants.com/IG: @carrieannesumnerSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you Elisabeth Saladin in the Cote des Rhone appellation of Saint Andeol. She produces wine with her sister, Marie-Laurence at their family's estate, Domaine Saladin. Both are part part of the Femmes Vignes Rhone association.Domaine Saladin is located in Saint Marcel d´Ardèche, a Provencal village in the southern Côtes du Rhône, halfway between Montélimar and Avignon, on the right bank of the Rhône.An estate that offers the particularity of having always been cultivated, harvested and vinified organically.They they created their first vintage in 2003, while they were still students. They took over from their father who was recovering from an illness. Right up until the present day, the Saladin family has kept its traditions alive, working harmoniously together, passing along its ‘know-how’ from fathers to sons and father to daughters.This episode comes in conjunction with a project I produced for the Napa Valley Wine Academy and is centered around exploring some of the smaller lesser known village appellations of the Southern Rhone. Paris Wine Girlhttp://pariswinegirl.fr/IG: @pariswinegirlLinkedIn: Emily LesterDomaine Saladin Website: https://www.domaine-saladin.com/en/home/Femme Vignes Rhone: https://femmesvignesrhone.fr/elisabeth-et-marie-laurence-saladin/Napa Valley Wine Academyhttps://napavalleywineacademy.com/IG: @napavalleywineacademySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Karen Wetzel. She is a Wine and Spirits Education Specialist, Career Coach and Mentor. Karen has been working in the wine industry for decades in several roles. She is an educator now at the Napa Valley Wine Academy, America's Premier Wine School and the largest provider of WSET certifications outside of London. Karen has spearheaded their career series program and provides valuable and practical resources for students seeking to enter the wine industry. Karen shares her journey into wine, her inspiring professional path and shocking stories of what is was like to work in the man's world wine when she began. Get ready to be inspired by her hard work and dynamic transformational skills that brought her to where she is today. She shares her advice for anyone looking to enter the wine industry and emphasis education and confidence in your own abilities. This podcast is sponsored by the Paris Wine Cup, an international wine competition honoring excellence in winemaking. Paris Wine Girlhttp://pariswinegirl.fr/IG: @pariswinegirlLinkedIn: Emily LesterNapa Valley Wine Academy https://napavalleywineacademy.com/IG: @napavalleywineacademyCareer Series Program Mentorship programKaren Wetzel IG @napavalleywinegalLinkedIn: Karen Wetzel Paris Wine Cuphttps://pariswinecup.com/IG: @pariswinecupSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Jennifer Estevez. She is an Advanced Sommelier and the Founder / CEO of OmVino and FNB Live. OmVino is an international marketing and communications agency that specializes in working with food, beverage and lifestyle clients. FNB Live is platform for online tastings that enable you to follow the greatest Chefs, Sommeliers, and Mixologists worldwide - all of this from the comfort of your home.Jennifer shares her journey into wine and path into entrepreneurship by way of San Fransisco's and New York City's fine dining and wine scene. She shares her advise for sommeliers and other wine professionals thinking about starting their own business. She emphasis importance of self-care and balance in the process. This podcast is sponsored by the Paris Wine Cup, an international wine competition honoring excellence in winemaking. Paris Wine Girlhttp://pariswinegirl.fr/IG: @pariswinegirlLinkedIn: Emily LesterOmVino https://www.omvino.com/IG: @OmVinoIG @theyoginitigress LinkedIn: Jennifer Estevez Paris Wine Cuphttps://pariswinecup.com/IG: @pariswinecupSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Nicolas Fouilleroux, Sommelier, WSET educator, and creator of Divins Accords.Nicolas curates classical music events where the wines chosen have a geographical, historical, or sentimental link with the composers and the program performed.I wanted to explore more of the relationship between wine and music this season and Nicolas was the perfect guest to begin this process. After a successful music career, he moved into wine and entrepreneurship in 2013. Nicolas is based in Paris and is currently in the Master of Wine Program. He is a judge for the Paris Wine Cup competition and teaches regularly throughout France.We discuss his journey into wine, his project and learn about Chopin's love for Bordeaux reds. This podcast is sponsored by the Paris Wine Cup, an international wine competition honoring excellence in winemaking. Paris Wine Girlhttp://pariswinegirl.fr/IG: @pariswinegirlDivins Accordshttps://www.divinsaccords.com/IG: @NicolasFouilleroux LinkedIn: Nicolas Fouilleroux Paris Wine CupIG: @pariswinecupSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Bastian Papleux, head of Champagne Goutorbe Bouillot. The Bouillot family has been cultivating their vines since the eighteenth century. It nestled less than a kilometer from the Marne River in the village of Damery. Just a 10-minute drive from Epernay. The care to preserve the beautiful story and triumph that their family has endured in their quest to survive amongst some of the greatest challenges over the last 100 years really is moving. In particular Bastien’s great grand father’s role in the Champagne riots of 1911 and how his Father, Dominique was among some first grower producers to start a perpetual reserve system by accident. Check out their website www.goutorbe-bouillot.frIG @goutorbebouillot Thank you to our Sponsor The Paris Wine Cup The audio from this episode is from a video interview I produced for the Napa Valley Wine Academy and can be watched in its entirety by visiting their Facebook page or IGTV channel on Instagram @napavalleywinecademyParis Wine Girl Websitehttp://pariswinegirl.fr/Champagne Goutorbe Bouillot www.goutorbe-bouillot.frIG @goutorbebouillot Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I will introduce you to Tanya Morning Star Darling, Wine Educator, and Historian.Tanya has been working in the wine industry; in restaurants, retail, and education for more than two decades. Her love of classical wines, passion for history, nature, and gastronomy inspire her educational approach. She is certified by the BIVB and is one of only 60 global Official Ambassadors of Bourgogne Wines. She was named the French Wine Scholar Instructor of the year for 2018 by Wine Scholar Guild. This episode is close to my heart because Tanya has been an influential mentor for me throughout the last few years. Tanya is based in my hometown of Seattle, Washington. I completed my French Wine Scholar certification under her direction before moving to Paris. This season is centered around the region of Champagne. And Champagne is a steadfast old friend to disasters and tragedies. Champagne's history is riddled with war, pledges, and numerous obstacles. I wanted to invite Tanya on the podcast to chat about some of the region's most pivotal events that have shaped it into what it is today. We compare today to the past and discuss the value of history and cultural identity in studying wine. Paris Wine Girl Website http://www.pariswinegirl.frOnline Wine History Course https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wine-history-foundations-online-course/Tanya Morning Star Darling Website http://www.cellarmuse.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Didier Mariotti, head winemaker at Veuve Clicquot.I wanted to theme the month of December around Champagne. And in the last episode, I introduced you to a grower so I thought it would be fun to add some contrast to our stories and discover a larger Champagne House. At age 35, Didier Mariotti became the youngest Chef du cave in Champagne at Mumm and has since moved on to Veuve Clicquot last year. He has been working in Champagne for more than 25 years. I traveled to Reims last week to interview and taste with him. There is a delicate balance of blending multiple vintages together with perfect dosage to add structure and roundness. The challenge for any winemaker is to be consistent every year even when a vintage is less than desirable. How does the "Yellow Label" stay so consistent? This is a task for a talented and highly skilled winemaker only, like Didier MariottiWe discuss this challenge, current trends in today's champagne market plus a quick history of the Champagne House, Veuve Clicquot. The audio from this episode is from a video interview I produced for the Napa Valley Wine Academy and can be watched in its entirety by visiting their Facebook page or IGTV channel on Instagram @napavalleywinecademyParis Wine Girl Websitehttp://pariswinegirl.fr/Veuve Clicquot https://www.veuveclicquot.com/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)
In this episode, I am going to introduce you to Julien Launois, who together with this wife Sarah have become one of the most innovative grower-producers in Champagne today. Champagne Paul Launois is a love story, a love for each other, and a love of wine and art. Together they followed images they saw in their imaginations rather than that well-paved path everyone else does. And it shows in the Champagnes they produce.This is the inside story behind his single barrel project. The Single Barrel Project consists of producing unique champagnes each year while creating a special relationship with wine lovers who participate in developing their vintage grand cru parcel. He is the man behind Thomas Keller’s newest and exclusive Blanc de Blanc at the French Laundry. The audio from this episode is from a video interview I produced for the Napa Valley Wine Academy and can be watched in its entirety by visiting their Facebook page or IGTV channel on Instagram @napavalleywinecademy Paris Wine Girl Websitehttp://pariswinegirl.fr/Online Learning Portal www.pariswinegirlonline.com Champagne Paul Launois https://www.champagne-paul-launois.frWine Writer Joshua Dunningwww.wordonthegrapevine.co.uk Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CF3UBZLUWM84Q)