Pouring Over Pages

After a much-needed break and some time to reflect on everything that's been going on, we're back and we're amped up!

This episode focuses on “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee and we can't wait to discuss it with all of you! Some of you might've watched the Prime Video hit movie of the same name, so we figured this was a good time to talk about the adaptation and compare it to the book! We have lots of thoughts about this one! “The Idea of You” centers around art dealer Solène Marchand and her unconventional relationship with boy band heartthrob Hayes Campbell. After having met at the August Moon concert, Solène is swept away into a life completely transformed into something unrecognizable. The two become a viral sensation and Solène is forced to deal with how this complicates her “real” life—particularly, the ways in which this all affects her young daughter.We paired the book with Pommery Royal Brut Champagne N.V., which speaks to the main character's ties to France and England.

We are back and coming in hot with “The Woman in me” by Britney Spears. This book was highly anticipated and named Best Book of the Year by Elle, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, NPR, Financial Times, Vanity Fair, and more. I know we were both itching to get our hands on it!In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. “The Woman in Me” reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history. Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears' groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.In this episode, we pair the book with Josef Ehmoser Zweigelt Rosé 2022 to capture Britney's feminine and ever-changing spirit. This is one you don't want to miss!

Remember episode five featuring “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam? Get ready for our take on the movie adaptation. Available on Netflix, this thriller is directed by Sam Esmail and is produced by the Obamas (you know how we love Michelle). Featuring film stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha'la, and Kevin Bacon, this movie follows a family vacation on Long Island that is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world. Don't miss our thoughts on the actors, revised storyline, and more!

Remember episode four featuring “Red, White, & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston? Get ready for our take on the movie adaptation. Available on Amazon, this romantic comedy is directed by Matthew López and depicts a developing love affair between the son of the president of the United States (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and a British prince (Nicholas Galitzine). Clifton Collins Jr., Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Stephen Fry, and Uma Thurman appear in supporting roles. Don't miss our thoughts on the actors, revised storyline, and more!

During our stay at Glen Hollow in the Finger Lakes, we met many knowledgeable and inspirational people in the wine scene. One afternoon, we took a moment to speak with Maiah Johnson Dunn, of New York Kitchen, and Adrian Prieto, of Hosmer Winery, to discuss the Finger Lakes wine scene, diversity and inclusion, and more.

This summer, we spent some time in upstate New York in the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 long, narrow, roughly north–south lakes located directly south of Lake Ontario in an area called the Finger Lakes region in New York, in the United States.A pre-Prohibition wine region, the first vines were planted in Hammondsport, New York in 1829. By 1900, more than 50 wineries were established along the lakes. The Finger Lakes AVA was established in 1982 and boasts two sub-AVAs, the Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake AVAs, both established in 1988. Today, the region is home to almost 150 wineries and 11,000 acres of vineyards and produces about 54,600 tons of grapes.In addition to wine, the Finger Lakes boasts a strong history, including Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women's rights movement in America (and you know we're all about that). We stayed at Glen Hollow and learned about all the local history and wine. Hosts Chris and Lisa were so gracious, and showed us all around the beautiful region. Tune in to learn more about what Glen Hollow, and the region, has to offer.

For our spooky season episode, we head to Paris for this suspenseful, unique, and unpredictable thriller! In "The Paris Apartment," Jess, our main character, travels to Paris to visit her brother Ben. When she arrives, Ben is nowhere to be found, he's left no note, and his neighbors are all extremely suspicious. Jess decides to take matters into her own hands and find Ben herself. Guaranteed to keep you turning pages, the twists in this story will keep you guessing! Since Alexa just came back from Bordeaux, France on a Clink Different wine trip, We paired this book with Chateau d'Arsac Margaux 2019. P.S. Lot's of spoilers in this episode!

Our book choices often relate back to current events—whether it's women's rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, BIPOC empowerment, climate change, etc. So, we decided to create Popping Off the Page, special spin-off episodes that highlight the people who are trying to make the world a better place. On this episode, we interview Christina Davis from National Kidney Foundation. As you know, kidney health is near and dear to Maritza's heart, so we chat with Christina about the upcoming Authors Luncheon, a 35-year-old fundraiser uniting best-selling authors and tens of thousands of literary enthusiasts. Authors for this year's luncheon include Lee Child, Anita Gail Jones, Lauren Groff, Mac Barnett, and Shawn Harris.

In this episode, we unleash our female anger with “Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger” by Rebecca Traister. This book explores the transformative power of female anger and its ability to transcend into a political movement. Vanity Fair calls it “a hopeful, maddening compendium of righteous feminine anger, and the good it can do when wielded efficiently—and collectively.” We had the opportunity to record this episode in the Finger Lakes wine region (when we stayed at Glen Hollow) after having spent an afternoon in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women's rights movement in America.With this female-empowered book, we wanted to focus on a badass female winemaker in the Finger Lakes. We were lucky enough to get a tour and tasting with Hosmer Winery's Julia Hoyle (a POP first!). We chatted with her about her journey, the region, and more.

In this episode, we dive into this kooky and wild adventure! “Big Swiss,” by Jen Beagin, is the story of Greta, a woman living in a small town and working as a transcriber. A local sex therapist asks her to transcribe sessions with his local patients and inevitably, Greta recognizes one of these voices while at the dog park. The voice belongs to none other than “Big Swiss.” “Big Swiss,” aka Flavia, and Greta get caught up in an affair that will keep you turning pages late into the night. This is a story about companionship, trauma, starting a new chapter, and the ways in which we build our lives according to our fears.With this LGBTQ+ book, we wanted to focus on queer winemakers. In a past episode, we featured the wife duo of Camins 2 Dreams, so we were pleased to find another partner duo in love at Birdhorse Wines. To celebrate this queer story, we chose their rosé from the 2023 Pride Pack.

Our book choices often relate back to current events—whether it's women's rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, BIPOC empowerment, climate change, etc. So, we decided to create Popping Off the Page, special spin-off episodes that highlight the people who are trying to make the world a better place. On this episode, we interview Jennifer Serrano and Veronica Vasquez from JZD, who are breaking barriers as a queer Latina-owned lifestyle brand that builds community and celebrates cultura every day. Founded in 2016 by the wife duo in the border town of Brownsville, Texas, JZD exists to empower and remind Latinas that eres una diosa; poderosa y hermosa!Jen and Vero are proud to be living their American Dream with their “dollar and a dream” hustle mentality, which has catapulted their business and brand to unimaginable heights as two women with immigrant roots. Jen immigrated from Mexico at the age of six and Vero is a first-generation Mexican-American. Jen and Vero started JZD because they needed a reminder of their power. Their first successful product is the now iconic Pink Latina Power Tee. When that t-shirt went viral, they realized that so many in the community felt the same way. At that moment they decided to focus on creating products that made them feel represented and connected to their roots. Under their community first mindset and dedicated leadership, JZD has reached $2 million in sales in under six years, grown a social media community of more than 100,000 followers, launched a collection at Target and shipped to more than 31 countries. All while being independently owned and self-funded.

In this episode we rock out to “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. DJ&TS has been extremely popular and got a boost after the release of the series adaptation on @primevideo a few months ago! We discuss the book and the show—focusing on where we think the producers got it right and where they got it wrong! Based on the story about a fictional rock & roll band in the late 60s, DJ&TS is a moving story about a band that becomes more like a family, but eventually ending in disaster and sudden collapse. As an ode to main character Daisy Jones, we pair this book with Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne.

After a short break (life gets in the way sometimes!) we're excited to dive into Ta-Nehisi Coates' “Between the World and Me.” This National Book Award winning-novel is short but packs a punch. Written as a letter to his son and inspired by James Baldwin's “The Fire Next Time,” Coates writes about what it means to be Black in America. He weaves the personal anecdotes and stories into life lessons for his son as well as personal reflections we can all learn from. For this discussion, we are joined by Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Director Franklin Sirmans and we touch upon what role education plays in our biases, reflect on what we learn at school versus what we don't, the humanist approach of museums, and more. Alexa pairs the wine with La Fête Blanc du Blanc, gifted by the amazing Ray Sholes @theroyalvines, certified sommelier and wine geek. PAMM artists mentioned in this episode: Leandro Erlich, Virginia Jaramillo, Firelei Báez, Bisa Butler, John William Bailly, Alfredo Jaar, Teresita Fernandez, Calida Rawles, Gary Simmons, and Antonia Wright. And to humor our PAMM in-house general counsel: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this program are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or positions of any entities they represent.

We had the pleasure of discussing “The Long Answer” by Anna Hogeland (@annawritesinvermont) and we got real personal for this one! This exceptional book gives us the opportunity to reflect on the secrets women keep, those we share, and how we can create connection with those who are experiencing something similar.Anna, the main character, listens to the stories of other women while also sharing her own with us. These stories are captivating, devastating, honest, frustrating, and beautifully written. For the first time on this podcast, we discussed body image and self-esteem. We were reminded that, as Anna so perfectly put it, our bodies are a single reiteration of the female human body, and that makes us all beautiful.We paired this book with Iconic Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay Heroine 2018 because each and every woman is the heroine of her own story.

In this episode (recorded on December 8, 2022), we are reading “The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree” by Shokoofeh Azar and discussing the protests and the revolution taking place in Iran. We have always wanted this podcast to speak to issues that are important to us and we believe wholeheartedly that until ALL WOMEN ARE FREE, NONE OF US ARE FREE. ✨Woman. Life. Freedom.✨This book is a beautiful story infused with magical realism and historical fiction. Touching on Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the mass executions of 1988, this book jumps between important and harrowing moments in Iran's contemporary history, illustrating just how difficult it can be for each and every family that finds itself in that type of turmoil. We discuss the book's major themes but we also discuss the history of Iran since the 70s and shed some light on the current protests taking place.Alexa pairs the episode with Maysara 3 Degrees Pinot Noir 2018 from Willamette Valley, in Oregon, which was founded in 1997 by the Momtazi family, originally from Iran.

We get into the yuletide spirit with “Always in December” by Emily Stone. Josie, our main character, is a young photographer hoping to make sense of the death of both of her parents when she was just a kid. But this Christmastime, she (quite literally) runs into a stranger, named Max, and spends the holidays with him. Aglow with new love, Josie thinks this might be the start of something special. Only for Max to disappear without saying goodbye. Over the course of the next year, Max and Josie will find that fate continues to bring them together in places they'd never expect. New York City. Edinburgh. The quiet English countryside. And it turns out, Max had every reason to leave and every reason to stay. But what does fate hold for Josie and Max as Christmas approaches again?Alexa pairs the episode with Craven Cinsault 2020 from Stellenbosch, South Africa, paying tribute to one of Josie's adventures in the book.P.S. Lots of spoilers in this episode.

Disclaimer alert – I'd like to apologize for this episode's audio quality. I'm a jack of all trades but not an audio engineer, so I somehow messed up the setting on our mics when we recorded this episode. I hope this doesn't deter you from listening because it is an AMAZING episode with a fun special guest.We dive into “Educated” by Tara Westover—a beautiful, painful, and insightful memoir about a young woman who is denied a formal education as she is growing up. Her family lives an unorthodox and secluded life and Tara is forced to reckon with the fact that what makes her family different is that they do not go to school.For this episode, we're joined by guest Darwin Rodríguez, an educator, former professor, and history nerd who provides some exceptional insight into Tara's experience, the importance of an education, and the ways in which we can educate ourselves.Alexa pairs the episode with Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio and ILRamato Pinot Grigio by Scarbolo 2018, showcasing her "then and now" wine moment like Tara does with her education.

For this episode, we're reading cult classic “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman. This book blends witchcraft, magic, sisterhood, romance, humor, and mystery, into a beautiful story centered around two sisters, Gillian and Sally. Some of you might remember the movie adaptation featuring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock! For this episode, we'll discuss some of the magical metaphors and the ways in which this book serves as both a cautionary tale and beacon of hope.Wine-wise, Alexa took inspiration from character Jimmy and grabbed Sinister Hand Red Blend 2019.FYI—This episode contains spoilers, so don't listen unless you've read the book, seen the movie, or don't mind about getting the whole rundown.

For this episode, we're hitting a popular book-turned-movie—“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. It is a coming of age story, love story, and nuanced discussion on abandonment and family, all woven into one beautiful and captivating story. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her. But Kya is not what they say. A born naturalist with just one day of school, she takes life's lessons from the land, learning the real ways of the world from the dishonest signals of fireflies. But while she has the skills to live in solitude forever, the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. Drawn to two young men from town, who are each intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world—until the unthinkable happens.Wine-wise, Alexa took inspiration from the marsh and grabbed Laurent Perrier “La Cuvée” Brut Champagne because it was a good wine storywise, foodwise, and more. FYI - This episode contains major spoilers, so don't listen unless you've read the book, seen the movie, or don't mind about getting the whole rundown.

In this timely episode, Alexa and Maritza dive into “Life's Work: A Moral Argument for Choice” by Dr. Willie Parker—it is both memoir and a call to action. Dr. Parker is an abortion provider and a Christian. He describes the way his upbringing and values inspire him to do the work of providing women with safe and compassionate care. At a moment like this, when so many of us are afraid, angry, and unsure of what to do next, this book is a great place to start. We paired this book with Tank Winery 2021 La Loba, Carbonic White Wine from El Dorado County in California. With this Tank Cares label, they are raising $1 from every bottle sold in support of Women's Rights organizations UN Women, Fos Feminista, and Center for Reproductive Rights.And for this important issue, we launched a new line on our Etsy Shop—Bottles, Novels, & Abortion Rights. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood.Below are some of the ways you can help support the fight on reproductive rights:1. For those in a position to do so, donate to: Abortion Funds, Keep Our Clinics, Planned Parenthood, and Indigenous Women Rising. 2. If someone you know needs an abortion, send them to ineedana.com. 3. Get educated on abortion pills. Visit @plancpills. 4. Share your voice with your elected officials. 5. Join a protest or share your story. 6. FUCKING VOTE. Local elections matter.

For episode 16, we're reading “Blush” by Jaime Brenner. This is a story that combines both the art of winemaking and the power of gathering around a good book. This is a story about women coming together to change and rebuild a business that has been male dominated for far too long. The women decide that their “place” is no longer on the sidelines, but where the decisions are made.We paired this book with Anthony Road Rosé 2021, as a nod to the book's title and Alexa's recent journey to New York's Finger Lakes wine region.

In this episode, we are diving into some young adult fiction! “Firekeeper's Daughter” by Angeline Boulley is the story of Daunis Fontaine, a biracial, unenrolled tribal member, who finds herself tangled in a web of mystery, crime, drugs, and family drama. Daunis is a force and one of the most captivating main characters and narrators we've come across in recent reads!This book has given us the opportunity to learn about the historical and contemporary struggles of Native American people in the United States and Canada. This is a riveting read that will have you binge reading until 2am, we promise. Don't let the fact that this is a YA read fool you—this book touches on issues that we can all relate to, written with sage advice from a unique perspective.We paired this book with Camins 2 Dreams Grüner Veltliner, a wine made by Native American winemaker Tara Gomez.Bonus notes: We gave a shoutout to uncle Drew. You can check out his Instagram here.

For episode 14, we're discussing “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan. This is a disturbing story about a mother who has a very bad day and leaves her toddler at home for a few hours, all alone. Frida, our main character and mother of Harriet, is then sent to a correctional facility where she will be “taught” how to be a good mother in order to regain custody of her daughter.This is a story of resilience and pain, but more importantly, of what our society demands of mothers and the ways in which they are shamed, criticized, and ostracized for failing to meet society's rigorous and often unrealistic standards. Frida is a symbol for the imprisoned, the victims of injustice, and those who society believes should be reformed. It is heartbreaking and tough, but unbelievably intriguing, specific, and inspiring.We paired this book with Mas Martinet Priorat Martinet Bru, whose winemaker Sara Perez not only runs successful wineries but is also a mom who balances her needs with her children's needs.

For episode 13, we're discussing “The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris. This is a suspense novel focusing on what it is like to be the only Black woman in a predominantly white professional environment. Nella, our main character works at Wagner Books, and she has felt like the token Black girl since day one. However, a new Black girl joins the team and all hell breaks loose.Our discussion touches upon challenges of being a minority in the workplace, female mentorship, and more. We are also excited to share this conversation with you all because we have an amazing guest—Queena Washington—who joined in and shared her personal experiences.We paired this book with McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Rosé, a Black-owned label founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride.

As part of our Black History Month books, we dive into “Party of Two” by Jasmine Guillory, who shows us that romance novels are not all fluff. This book, and discussion, touches upon issues of criminal justice reform, racism within the justice system, being a Black woman in the workplace, and the challenges and scrutiny biracial couples face. We paired this book with La Fête du Rosé, a Black-owned label founded by Donae Burston.

We're going deep into “Infinite Country” by Patricia Engel. It's a powerful novel about the immigrant story from the perspective of a Colombian family torn between their homeland and the United States. It captures the harsh reality of what it means to be undocumented in the United States and how cruel and archaic immigration policies haunt those among us to this very day.We paired this book with Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc 2020, which is made by a Colombian winemaker, as homage to the motherland in story.We are also excited to share this conversation with you all because we have an amazing guest—Erika Aguas-Shakes—who joined in and shared her perspective on immigration, coming to the United States, and the love she has for her home country of Colombia. Her point of view could teach us all a little something about the sacrifices made in order to seek a better life elsewhere.

We wanted to start 2022 with a book that would allow us to move forward with a new perspective but also allow us to reflect on these past few years and honor the world as it is and as it was. “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion let us dive deep into the mind of one of America's most celebrated authors during the most difficult time in her life.The way the book is written allows for the reader to see themselves as the one working through loss—reflecting on what we have lost, who we have lost, perhaps even mourning a version of ourselves that no longer exists. Growth!We paired this book with Raft Wines Grenache 2019 and talked about loss, grief, new perspectives, and more. Perhaps 2022 becomes our year of magical thinking?

Just in time for winter, we chose a romance novel that feels like a warm and cozy hug. “A Season for Second Chances” isn't your typical holiday love story—it emphasizes the importance of betting on yourself. Over a glass of Cakebread Cellars Merlot, we discuss the idea of leaving behind what no longer serves you, taking chances on yourself, the importance of female friendship, toxic male manipulation, and more.

This surreal and contemporary odyssey is one that we both loved! “I Love you but I've Chosen Darkness” tells the auto fictional story of author Claire Vaye Watkins, a woman suffering from spiraling postpartum depression, heading home and facing her traumatic past. Inspired by the book's setting, we paired the read with Carlos Moro Oinoz Verdejo 2020. The lively conversation centers around the book's issues of poverty, class struggle, drug addiction, femininity, and even cult life.

Just in time for this year's awards, we're featuring a 2021 National Book Award finalist—Lauren Groff's “Matrix.” It is a beautiful story about sisterhood, redemption, and what it means to find one's “calling” in the midst of rejection, loss, and displacement. To pay homage to the main character, we paired the book with Rebellious Red Blend 2019.

We're ending spooky season with magical realism and orange wine. Alexa and Maritza crack open “Exist West” by Mohsin Hamid while sipping on Maturana Naranjo Torontel. The duo dives into the book's themes and topics—a story about migration, loss, war, the unknown, but ultimately, love and compassion.

Episode 5 comes just in time for spooky season (Alexa's favorite season). On this episode, Alexa and Maritza highlight “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam while sipping on sponsor Louis Jadot's Chablis and Beaujolais-Villages. Touching on issues of morality, race, class, social constructs, politics, and climate change, LTWB is not your average thriller.

In this episode, Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo highlight “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston paired with English sparkling wine Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2015. As a special surprise, the duo welcomes their first guest ever—British colleague Emma Heald, who has unexpected connections to the royal family. The trio dishes on the book's themes and characters, British and American politics, and more.

In celebration of Miami Beach Pride, Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo open “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley. Paired with an Aperol Spritz, made with Casa Farive Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the duo discusses the book's themes including LGBTQ+ issues, the social media-driven world, societal norms, different perspectives, and more.

Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo talk romcom with Emily Henry's "Beach Read." Paired with La Vieille Ferme rosé 2020, the duo discuss the novel's themes and highlights, romance novel reputations, and personal stories.

Meet co-hosts Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo while you dive into Glennon Doyle's "Untamed." Paired with Gary Farrell's Pinot Noir 2018, the duo talks about the book's themes and highlights while divulging on personal anecdotes and current events.