Podcast appearances and mentions of maureen downey

Brilliant rogues counterfeit unicorn wine, fool the establishment and laugh their way to the bank. It's good story - so good that even The Simpsons have released an episode dedicated to wine fraud. But is this just a laughing matter?This is without doubt one of our FAVOURITE EVER Wine Blast episodes. It stars no less than Homer and Marge Simpson, Mr Burns, Waylon Smithers and Professor Frink. Together with The Simpsons co-writer Johnny LaZebnik and wine fraud expert Maureen Downey.Fraud is an ever-bigger issue for the wine world. It's nothing new (Pliny the Elder grumbled about it in Roman times). But in the wake of notorious fraudsters like Hardy Rodenstock and Rudy Kurniawan, it has become more professional and widespread, with organised crime moving into a profitable and low-risk venture. The implications are profound, as Maureen Downey explains.But that doesn't mean we can't have a laugh about it. So we get exclusive access to the hilarious animated world of The Simpsons to experience how they explore the theme of fake wine. Along the way we talk Robin Hood, queue-jumping, Jesus,  'cover-up' sex, how radioactivity helps detect fakes, and Peter's pants.Thanks for tuning in. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find contact info, together with all details from this episode, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S6 E17 - Fake Wine: A Laughing Matter?Instagram: @susieandpeter

Picture this: You've just uncorked a bottle of 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild, a wine you've dreamed of tasting for years. The anticipation builds as you pour the deep red liquid into your glass, swirl it gently, and take in the aroma. But something's off. The bouquet isn't quite right. The taste? Disappointing, to say the least. What if I told you that the $500 bottle you just opened might be a fake? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, we sit down with Maureen Downey, the world's leading expert on wine fraud. She reveals shocking truths about the counterfeit wine industry that will make you think twice about your next premium purchase.  Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, 25% of all alcohol consumed globally is illicit? That's right - there's a 1 in 4 chance that the wine in your glass isn't what you think it is. But don't worry. We're not just here to scare you. Maureen shares tips on: How to spot counterfeit wines The history of wine fraud (it goes back to ancient Rome!) Cutting-edge blockchain technology that's revolutionizing wine authentication  Whether you're a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, this episode is a must-listen. It might just save you from pouring your hard-earned money down the drain.  Ready to become a savvy wine consumer? Click to listen to the full episode now.    Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Maureen Downey, expert on fake wine (01:07) Importance of wine tasting language and education (03:37) Wine fraud prevalence and World Health Organization statistic (07:10) Pliny the Elder wrote about counterfeit wine in 70 AD (10:18) Counterfeiting methods and challenges in authentication (15:36) Blockchain solutions to authenticate and track wine (26:31) Recent wine theft case and industry vulnerabilities (30:32) Issues with the three-tier system in US wine distribution (43:25) Wine counterfeiting and blockchain technology (51:02)   Additional Resources:

This week - and for the foreseeable future anyway - residential real estate agents & REALTORS will be altering the way they do business. CNBC's Diana Click explained why earlier this year, and a Chicago TV sit-down with a closing attorney and broker/agent sort of gives you a proper sense where (and why) the industry's changing. Did I mention I'm a residential REALTOR? Well I am, and I'm only too eager to share my audible eye-rolling over all of this. Then, the opinions abound in the aftermath of Georgia school superintendent Richard Woods' stumbling, fumbling and bumbling through defunding AP African American studies before being called out by those in his own party and eventually set straight by Attorney General Chris Carr. Well, Woods relented, but in the aftermath of that, the AJC offered up opinions from a former Jasper County Republican leader who opines "Racism is not dead," Maureen Downey weighing in on how the same party's 'divisive concepts' law is at the heart of the attempt to defund the curriculum, and historian Clennon L. King on black society's role in teaching their history to their children. I don't disagree, but I also do, sort of.

The U.S. Supreme Court is about to roll on rulings on a number of cases that will be of historic significance. On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut and special co-host Tamar Hallerman look at some of the historically significant cases: Is Donald Trump immune from criminal charges for alleged crimes committed while he was in office? Two of the top cases the court will act upon Ask consequential questions: Were January 6 rioters who have been charged and, in many cases, convicted of criminal actions wrongly prosecuted under a law that should not have been used against them? Emory University Professor of Constitutional Law Fred Smith and Georgia State University Professor of Political Science Amy Steigerwalt weigh in on these pending decisions.     AJC education columnist Maureen Downey also joins the podcast to look at a disturbing trend: Fewer college graduates are choosing to go into careers as teachers. Maureen cites numerous reasons for this and explains why a scarcity of teachers is harmful to student learning.     Plus, MAGA Republicans are continuing to claim the Justice Department has been weaponized to attack Donald Trump even as President Biden's son Hunter has now been convicted of three felony offenses that could lead to significant prison sentences.     Links to today's topics  Major Supreme Court ruling soon to be announced  Downey: We need teaching to be 'doable'  What's next for Hunter Biden after conviction?     Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.     Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”      Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Micah Middleton  Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whelp; the Georgia 2020 election interference case is effectively gummed up, thanks to the unforced error thrust upon the Fulton district attorney's office by the intimacy between Fani Willis and Nathan Wade. While there's no point blowing off steam over it, I kinda do; I also go over the potential ramifications. Also, why is Wade talking to the media? Dude! Also why is Stormy Daniels' even testifying about the lurid details of her rendezvous with Donald? It's kinda hard not to see how her "going too far" recollection can taint a jury - which is all Trump's lawyers need to have appeal fodder. Because, you know, they're definitely gonna try and drag that out, too. Beyond frustrating. Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Collins not only shared the infamous Ole Miss racist frat boy clip, he endorsed it before being pummeled for doing so. So he released a ham-handed statement denouncing racism but never deleted the retweet. Because screw what he's saying; it's what he's doing that matters when defining who he is. Oh, and he also posted something derogatory about Kennedy's and holes in brains. Repulsive. MTG failed, and Mike Johnson took his victory lap; he also spoke of conservative principles and I can't help but notice one of them wasn't "democracy." That's no accident: Republicans are looking to eradicate democracy from the political lexicon here. Don't believe me? Just listen. Maureen Downey wrote a salient op-ed piece in the AJC noting the hypocrisy of colleges & universities seeking student who set out to "change the world," but "not on our quad, please!"

Veteran political consultant Rick Dent weighs in on President Joe Biden's upcoming graduation speech at Morehouse College. Biden's visit is aimed at bolstering Black voters, but could it be overshadowed by protesters opposed to his support for Israel? The hosts look at potential disruptions that could cause trouble on campus.     But first, AJC columnist Maureen Downey joins us after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the most far-reaching school voucher bill in state history. Downey discusses the impact the measure will have on families, students and public schools across the state.     Plus, Tia Mitchell explains how members of Georgia's congressional delegation voted on aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.     Links to topics  Kemp signs voucher bill proclaiming 'education is great equalizer'  U.S.education secretary says vouchers will create system of haves and have-nots.  Will Biden Morehouse speech be a plus or minus for his bid for reelection?  Georgia delegation party lines were scrambled in military aid votes    Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.     Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”      CREDITS   Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Matt McWilliams  Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even as Governor Kemp has invested heavily in making Georgia a center for electric vehicle production, a powerful gas lobbying group is running ads here and in other states criticizing new Biden administration regulations that will push automakers to ramp up building electric vehicles.   But first, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson and Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul join the podcast to discuss the state of their Georgia cities today.  What are the biggest concerns of their constituents? How do their problems reflect similar issues facing cities across the state?    Then, AJC education writer Maureen Downey joins the podcast to look at how the just-ended session of the legislature dealt with issues related to schools.   She weighs in on the controversial bill, passed after years of failure, that creates a voucher program for parents to send their children to private schools.       LINK TO TOPICS   Gas lobby ads target ev industry - a key Kemp agenda  Downey on school vouchers and moreß  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour "Politically Georgia" Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.     Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”      CREDITS   Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Matt McWilliams  Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter recognized an expert he knew in the documentary “Sour Grapes” about high-end wine fraud and wondered how a so-called authority could be so easily duped. Astonished by the enormity of the black-market wine world, Jason and Peter started wondering about the nature of high-end products…are they actually superior? What they found out will definitely surprise you. Really, no really! Realizing that they were incapable of discerning the difference between a thousand-dollar Bordeaux and Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck, they sought out Maureen Downey, the foremost authority on wine and wine fraud to teach them, and YOU the secrets of actually appreciating fine wine. Known as “The Sherlock Holmes of Wine” and one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Wine” Maureen specializes in authentication and valuation. She advises the world's top collectors, auction houses, wine merchants, restaurants, and hotels and has advised the FBI and the Department of Justice in several high-profile cases.   IN THIS EPISODE: The amount of international wine fraud is staggering! Rudy Kurniawan - “The Wolf of Wine Street.” A rattlesnake in Maureen Downey's home to silence her? Why people buy luxury, especially if they can't afford it. The secret behind winning gold medals in wine tasting. Should you smell the cork? The mythical Thomas Jefferson wines. The secretive black-market world of wine fraud.   FOLLOW MAUREEN DOWNEY: Instagram & X: @moevino Web: ChaiConsulting.com Web: WineFraud.com     FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY: www.reallynoreally.com Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook Threads X (Twitter)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer at large, Christina Pickard sat down with Maureen Downey, to discuss the latest on one of the largest wine fraud cases in modern history. In 2013, Rudy Kurniawan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling millions of dollars in fake rare vintages. For the full back story, check out Wine Enthusiast's true crime podcast, Vinfamous. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

We all know the story of Rudy Kurniawan, the famed subject of the movie "Sour Grapes" and the most publicized of wine counterfeiters. When the FBI needed help in understanding what otherwise was, according to the FBI, "non-consequential", they turned to Maureen for counsel. Maureen Downey has carved a niche around what is now a growing industry of counterfeit wine. The stories are endless and the creativity of the people who counterfeit wine can only be out played by the people who sleuth them. Maureen is the best sleuth in the business. If you can believe, the problem has been exacerbated to the point where they are counterfeiting Yellow Tail, a $7.99 retail wine. This seems to be an unlikely target, but who is going to notice that a below average, sugared up wine is going to be counterfeit? This is part one to the series with Maureen...we didnt even get to our solution section of the problem.   Have a listen.    

Thursday on Political Rewind: Host Bill Nigut turns our pre-recorded panel to focus in on gun violence and how we can protect kids in schools. The panel: Kevin Riley, editor at large, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @ajceditor Dr. Mark Rosenberg, Former CDC employee, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Maureen Downey, education columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @AJCGetSchooled Rep. Michelle Au (D) Johns Creek, @AuforGA Timestamps :00- Introductions 7:00- Maureen Downey talks about school shootings 18:00- How Georgia lawmakers have framed gun violence 31:00- How can data study have an influence on what we do with guns 41:00- Atlanta's closing trauma centers 50:00- Closing remarks Friday on Political Rewind: Bill Nigut talks to thought leader Soumaya Khalifa.

Jane Anson talks to Maureen Downey, a global expert on wine fraud, about the extent of wine fraud in the industry today. She discusses how organised crime has become involved and turned it into a big business, why it has become easier to counterfeit wine and how she ended up becoming an expert in this field and being called “the Sherlock Holmes of wine”.

Welcome to Episode 1067 Combatting counterfeit wines the update Wine2Wine Business Forum 2021 Series. The sessions are recorded and uploaded on Italian Wine Podcast. wine2wine is an international wine business forum, held annually in Verona Italy since 2014. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and a diverse variety of wine professionals eager to develop and grow their wine business worldwide. About today's session: Maureen Downey, the foremost global authority on wine fraud, counterfeit wine and fine wine authentication, shares some insights on the realities of wine fraud and counterfeiting in global markets, as well as how to authenticate fine wines. About the Speakers More about today's speaker: Dubbed ‘The Sherlock Holmes of Wines', Maureen Downey, is an independent expert on fine and rare wine and wine collection management, and is the foremost global authority on wine fraud, counterfeit wine and fine wine authentication. She advises the world's top collectors in purchasing, selling, and managing their collections with her firm, Chai Consulting, founded in 2005. To learn more visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moevino Instagram: @moevino Twitter: @moevino Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-downey-dws-cwe-1817305/ More about today's moderator: Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga was born in Rome in May 1978. His passions have always been linked to the countryside and animals: he spent every summer in their estate in Trentino surrounded by the vineyards and then in his grandmother's garden on the outskirts of Rome. The garden was called “La Landriana”, a place where she had created a magical world with the help from great landscape architects of the time. It is in these places that he has refined his knowledge and love for nature To learn more visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anselmo.guerrieri.gonzaga Instagram: @anselmo_guerrieri_gonzaga Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, cin cin!

Friday on Political Rewind: With August around the corner, Georgians are getting ready to go back to school. Our panel breaks down bans on "divisive" concepts, clear bag policies for students' safety, and teacher shortages. Plus, Kemp and Abrams' opposing messages on school safety. The panel Giulia Heyward, @giuliaheyward, national education reporter, Capital B Jim Galloway, @JimJournalist, retired columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Laura Corley, @Lauraecor, Civic Journalism Fellow, The Macon Newsroom Maureen Downey, @AJCGetSchooled, columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution :00 January 6th hearing; MTG and Loudermilk texted the President after the insurrection Timestamps 5:33- Introductions 7:40- Effects of divisive concepts bills 16:33- Cobb logo controversy 26:00- School Safety 42:00- Teacher burnout 47:26- Resurgence of Covid Please be sure to download our newsletter: www.gpb.org/newsletters. And subscribe, follow and rate this show wherever podcasts are found.

The First Edition of the Future Drinks Expo in San Francisco records a great milestone in bringing together big companies in the drinks and tech space. Future Drinks Expo, a one-of-a-kind event brought innovators, companies, and professionals from the drinks and tech industry together under one roof at the South San Francisco Conference Center on May 17, 2022. Happening for the first time, it recorded a footfall of approximately 1200 Visitors, 40 Exhibitors, and 16 Speakers at the event. The visitors at the event came from various industries closely related to the drinks and tech industry.

Maureen Downey is a Managing Director in Alternative Assets at The Beneficient Company Group as well as a Venture Partner at DigitalDx Ventures, and has specialized in alternatives investing with a particular focus on secondary investments and ESG integration for over 15 years. Maureen and I got to know eachother at Goldman Sachs in London and it was fascinating for me in this discussion to discover the richness of her hinterland in terms of time spent in Emerging Markets, gaining experience in a range of industries and learning from some of the leaders in the field.As an experienced investor in both emerging markets and private equity, we had a unique opportunity to discuss the intersections between the two areas, and now layer in the complexities of ESG overlays as well as the secondary market and its evolution.We discuss the innovation that is being pursued by The Beneficient Company and how the time in the market is ripe for such a solution.  Finally we reflect on the learnings from a career in international finance and the grounding that different academic backgrounds can provide. 

Maureen Downey, DWS, CWE, Founder of Chai Consulting and WineFraud.com, is a rare and fine wine authenticator and a global expert on wine counterfeiting who has served as an expert witness in several high-profile investigations. Downey explains how wine counterfeiting, a $3+ billion industry, negatively impacts business, public works and unsuspecting consumers.The Connected Table Live Radio Show is broadcast live at 2pm ET Wednesdays on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). This podcast is also available on Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com).

Maureen Downey, DWS, CWE, Founder of Chai Consulting and WineFraud.com, is a rare and fine wine authenticator and global expert on wine counterfeiting. Downey explains how counterfeiting hurts peoples' livelihoods, is a black mark on businesses, and deprives governments of much-needed tax revenues to support public education, repair roads and bridges, and provide underserved communities. She says: Research your wine seller's reputation. Do your homework. As questions and report suspected fraud.Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show is broadcast live at 12noon ET Wednesdays on W4WN Radio – The Women 4 Women Network (www.w4wn.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). This podcast is also available on Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com).

A longtime reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Maureen Downey, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss the efforts of Atlanta neighborhood Buckhead to break away and form its own city, how it failed and what it could have meant for Atlanta Public Schools and its students.

Chris talks to Maureen Downey, expert on wine fraud and provider of authentication of wine through her Chai Consulting business.

Welcome to Episode 702 in which we bring you an episode from the wine2wine 2021 Clubhouse Marathon. In this episode, Chris Scott host of the UK Wine Show interviews Maureen Downey. Listen in and enjoy. The wine2wine 2021 Clubhouse Marathon was a collaboration between the Italian Wine Podcast, The UK Wine Show, Interpreting Wine & Bevology Inc. Before telling you more about our great episode we want to give a shout out to our new Sponsor Vivino! the world's largest online wine marketplace - The Vivino app makes it easy to choose wine. Enjoy expert team support, door to door delivery and honest wine reviews to help you choose the perfect wine for every occassion. Vivino - Download the app on Apple or Android and discover an easier way to choose wine! Find out more about by visiting: https://www.vivino.com/IT/en/ or download the app: https://www.vivino.com/app About today's host: Chris Scott was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and studied at Canterbury University where he graduated with first class honours in electrical engineering. He was a keen rower and was proud to have rowed for the New Zealand junior team at the age of 16. As a student he worked hands-on in the vineyards of Canterbury but it wasn't until after he had settled in London that his interest in wine developed. He met Jane his wife in 1999 and they married in 2001, the year they began their wine studies before setting up ThirtyFifty in 2002. About The UK Wine Show The UK Wine Show is all about wine and the UK wine scene. They interview winemakers, consumers, wine bar owners, scientists, you name it, if it is about wine in the UK they will cover it. Almost all good wine from around the world washes up on these shores so listeners find out more about the people behind the wines that are making a splash. If you want to learn more about today's guest, you can by visiting: https://www.thirtyfifty.co.uk/uk-wine-show.asp About today's guest: Maureen Downey is the foremost global authority on wine fraud, counterfeit wine and fine wine authentication. She has advised the FBI and the US Department of Justice in a number of high-profile counterfeit cases, including that of Rudy Kurniawan. With a degree in Hospitality Administration from Boston University and her sommelier certification in hand, Downey spent five years managing some of New York's top restaurants including Lespinasse, Felidia and Tavern on the Green. In 2000, Maureen joined auction house Morrell & Company as a fine and rare wine specialist, with subsequent stints at Zachys, and Bonhams & Butterfields. She founded Chai Consulting in 2005, providing wine collection authentication and management services. In 2012, industry magazine Drinks Business named Maureen one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Wine.” If you want to learn more about today's guest, you can by visiting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-downey-dws-cwe-1817305 https://www.chaivault.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ We also want to give a shout out to our sponsor Ferrowine. The largest alcoholic beverage shop in Italy since 1920! They have generously provided us with our brand new Italian Wine Podcast T-shirts, and we love them! Check out Ferrowine's site, they have great wines, food pairings and so much more! https://www.ferrowine.it/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

To download the transcript CLICK HERE This episode I am talking with Master of Wine Siobhan Turner. We are talking about her journey in wine, her time as Director of the Institute of Master of Wine, her biggest struggles as a MW student and she gives us fantastic advice on blind tasting. Siobhan is now woking with wine authentification and she gives us advice on making sure we don't buy counterfeits and explains how people are producing these fake bottles. If you want to skip ahead: 2.45 Chat with Siobhan Turner MW 5.43 Working as the Director of the Institute of Master of Wine 12.31 Struggles with Bling tasting and her advise to overcome this 18.12 Best part of the MW programme 20.16 Heartwarming anecdote of Siobhan's husband during her studies 21.01 Finding out she has passed her MW 26.20 Working with Maureen Downey in Wine Fraud 27.17 Discussing the 'skills' of wine fraudster Rudy Kurniawan 27.57 Two wakes fake bottles can be produced 30.51 Looking for and how to identify a fake bottle 32.27 Looking for the inaccuracies 34.30 Whar wineries are doing to combat this 36.30 Advise of purchasing for your wine cellar Fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat or on email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you!

How are podcasts a great way to learn about wine? Which wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable? What's behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What are Peter and Robert's first memories of wine? Which scent brings Peter back to his first memorable bottle of wine? What made Robert's first experience with an old Bordeaux wine memorable? How did Peter and Robert get the inspiration to start the XChateau podcast? Why were Peter and Robert drawn to podcasting in particular? How did a sabbatical from management consulting help to start Peter's wine career? Which books made a big impact on Robert's wine career? What did Peter learn about inclusivity in the wine space from his favourite podcast guest, Ikimi Dubose? How did Robert's favourite guest, Maureen Downey, change his views on counterfeit wines? How is Chai Consulting using cutting-edge technology to combat wine fraud? What surprising facts did Peter and Robert learn about the Brazilian wine world? What does it mean to be a wine influencer? Why is there so much backlash from the traditional wine world against influencers/   Key Takeaways I enjoyed their insights about how podcasts are a great way to learn about wine. Of course, I'm biased, but I think the depth of information you can get from a podcast is unparalleled compared to social media. Each episode can be like one of those condensed summary books for when you don't have the time or interest to read the whole thing. And finally, I thought they offered great insights as to what's behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media. It really points to a changing of the guard in the wine industry, which in turn, affects how we learn about wine and new wines to drink. That said, I think wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable. Again, I admit my own bias having published two of them. However, I liked their recommendations for your wine library.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 25th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lSLxIw_ESMKpn7AQFXBrhQ. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?   Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Peter's book, Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/142.

When Robert & Peter started the XChateau Wine Business podcast, the idea was to try and build a community around the business of wine. Part of that has been engaging with our listeners, as well as our guests. While it has happened on an ad hoc basis, we wanted to do it more proactively for our 50th Episode / One Year Anniversary.  We recorded our 50th episode live on Clubhouse to have a broader interaction with former guests (Juliana Colangelo, Lauren McPhate, and Maureen Downey), other guest partners (Barb Tyree from Repour and Tess Roche from WineBid) as well as listeners.  We covered topics around the current status of re-opening in the US, an update on the fine wine market, favorite episodes, and ideas for future episodes.  Listen in and let us know what you think! This episode is sponsored by Sonoma State University’s Wine Executive MBA program.  A 17-month, transformative program that builds leadership skills and business acumen focused on the specific needs of the world of wine.  Learn more about SSU’s Wine MBA programs here.  If this is something you’re considering, the next Global Wine Executive MBA session’s enrollment deadline is June 30, 2021, for courses starting in October!!  Special Announcement:  Repour, one of our sponsors, has also created a special discount for XChateau listeners through May 21, 2021.  Use the code: XChateau on the Repour website and get 20% off for both retail and wholesale orders!  If you haven’t heard of Repour, find out all about it in Episode 24, where CEO Tom Lutz gives us all the details. Detailed Show Notes: This  episode was recorded live on May 4, 2021, on the Clubhouse platformUS Covid business updates and trendsLots of open jobs right now, especially in hospitality, the US is recovering from Covid quicklyJuliana Colangelo (Colangelo & Partners) - returning to normal media relations, going through a transition period with both in-person and virtual; a client is hiring a virtual tasting room manager, there will still be demand for virtual eventsBarb Tyree (Repour) - restaurants are coming back online quicklyNadine Brown (sommelier in DC) - retailers did well in DC during Covid, huge staffing issue in DCFine Wine Market updateLauren McPhate (Tribeca Wine Merchants) - in fine wine, people are still more adventurous with their purchases, buying new regions; the store in NYC re-opened a couple weeks ago; tariffs removed from Europe leading to buying again from Europe, but shipping is the big issue currentlyMaureen Downey (Chai Consulting) - wine collectors have drained their cellars, tariffs haven’t impacted buying at the very high end; Italian wines are trending, increased sale of counterfeits (e.g., Acker sold a counterfeit bottle of whiskey)Juliana Colangelo - more wineries selling back vintages from their libraryTess Roche (WineBid) - continuing to see lots of new wine buyers on WineBid, increase of younger buyers purchasing, more mobile orders, increase in unique wines that haven’t had much auction activity in the pastMaureen Downey - fine wine has always been bought site unseen, so online is “normal,” but people who would have bought in the grocery store before have moved onlineFavorite episodesIvonne Nill (listener, MW candidate) - loves specific examples for Master of Wine essays, e.g., Wine.com, Wine Australia, and Juliana Colangelo’s episode on Social Media InfluencersFuture episode ideasRoundtable discussion on global wine trendsConsumer-oriented brands discussing what’s working well for younger generationsBulk winesWine buying journey of wine collectorsCareer transitions into wineScoring publications and impactPersonalization/customization of wine buying

From being body checked at a La Paulee tasting to responding to detailed questions from noted wine counterfeiter Hardy Rodenstock, Maureen Downey, CEO of Chai Consulting, tells us about the long road to becoming one of the world’s leading experts in wine fraud.  Maureen gives us insight into the global world of wine fraud, what’s being counterfeited now, and how she’s pioneering methods to authenticate wine with The Chai Vault.  A must-listen for anybody interested in collecting or investing in wine!  Detailed Show Notes: Maureen started in wine auctions in 2000Learned about counterfeit wines from a counterfeiter - Hardy Rodenstock asked for a lot of details about bottles that were being sold in auctionRudy Kurniawan case - helped track counterfeit bottles, worked with the FBI, and worked with a group of international wine fraud expertsCounterfeit wine market - it’s in the Billions per year, vast majority sold privately, by brokers, retailers, NOT the auction market b/c auctions are the most visible source of counterfeitsEstimates 20% of all wine sold is counterfeit - supported by Interpol, consistent with other high-end productsLots of IP infringement, low-end wine fraud (e.g., Rose in the South of France)Modern trend - counterfeit current, recent production winesMost counterfeits come out of Europe (hot spots: Switzerland, Italy, France, & Belgium)AsiaHigh-end buyers in Asia assume something is counterfeit until proven realFlooded with fakes from the US when markets first opened upMainland China - high import taxes leads to the use of “coyotes” (import smugglers) for old and rare wines, and have little recourse for counterfeitsHard to know what old wines taste like - even some wine critics tasting notes may be based on counterfeit wines made by Hardy Rodenstock and Rudy KurniawanMain methods of counterfeitingDigitally printed, current production winesCan re-fill real bottles of wineSassicaia counterfeit ring was recently broken up - they got proprietary glass, capsules and made excellent copiesThere is a big need to track the supply chain to identify and prevent fraudTips for getting real wine as a consumerMakes sure retailer has not had problems in the pastGet to know the people at the wine merchantAsk questions and demand answersGet to know a consultant and have someone vet the wine first, not afterLatest information on wine fraud found on Wine Berserkers and winefraud.comSystems producers use to protect against fraudProoftag - this is mostly cosmetic, can be digitally printed, and needs proximity to the bottleThe Chai VaultWines input into blockchain secured system, can be accessed anywhere in the world -> helps with supply chain trackingHas an NFC chip underneath capsule that can get read; for secondary market wines, puts a PVC overlay over capsule which cannot be read if the capsule is pierced2nd generation of NFC chip coming out Jan 2021- very low failure rate, better antenna for longer rangeCosts - $8,500 for bottling line additions + pennies per bottle (starting point, costs more money to add transfer of ownership and other features)Authentication adds ~20-30% to the value of wine (based on Domaine direct auction sales)

Maureen Downey a longtime reporter for the AJC where she has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy for more than 20 years. She joins me to discuss the significance of our current educational challenges. You can contact her at maureen.downey@ajc.com with questions, comments, or to submit a guest article.

G. Funmilayo speaks to Nikki Rose about the emotional toll of teaching. Folks to Know 1. Peter Smagorinsky & Stacia L. Long at Univesity of Georgia What to Read 1. No One Prepares You for the Emotional Toll of Teaching by Whitney Ballard https://www.boredteachers.com/inspiring/no-one-prepares-you-for-the-emotional-toll-of-teaching 2. Is Anyone Considering the Social and Emotional Needs of Teachers? by Maureen Downey https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/anyone-considering-the-social-and-emotional-needs-teachers/AW8tCy3T7nlbIPmqpCVY0I/ 3. 7 Simple Ways to Sneak Mindfulness into Your Teaching Day by Elizabeth Mulvahill https://www.weareteachers.com/mindfulness-for-teachers-guide/ 4. Newell, J. M., & MacNeil, G. A. (2010). Professional burnout, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue. Best Practices in Mental Health, 6(2), 57-68. Get Involved 1. Take care of YOUR health; Mindfulness 2. Use your EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Benefits “School life will not become any easier until people make themselves accountable for the weight that teachers carry as they try to do what they came into the profession for”~ Smagorinsky & Long

Maureen Downey, founding member of Chai Consulting (chai pronounced chez), walks Monty Waldin—and listeners of the Italian Wine Podcast—through her decision to start representing the interests of fine wine consumers and collectors who occasionally find themselves on the receiving end of deals gone bad. Maureen, having amassed loads of knowledge, skill, and industry experience, began to notice trends in fraudulent bottles appearing in collections and changing hands at auctions. She has called out famous wine sellers, collectors, and auctioneers, and has bravely backed up her claims against criminal organizations with facts and evidence. She’s even been tapped by the FBI and Department of Justice in the United States to assist in special cases requiring the highest authority on rare wines and wine scams. Tune in to find out how technology, observation, and logic combine to shine a light on fraudulent wines, and how Maureen and her crew seek answers to uncomfortable questions that media, industry professionals, and consumers often prefer to not ask.

Interpreting Wine podcast kit: https://www.interpretingwine.com/kit   Episode outline: Origin Story Education in detecting wine fraud The scale of wine fraud The wine in the bottle Geography of counterfeiting Chai method students Verona Guest contact details:   https://www.winefraud.com   https://www.chaiconsulting.com/   https://twitter.com/ChaiConsulting   Wine2Wine:   http://wine2wine.net/   https://www.facebook.com/wine2wine/   https://www.instagram.com/wine2wineverona/   https://twitter.com/wine2wineverona   Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: glenn@velournet.dk Guest: Maureen Downey, Chai Consulting Date recorded: 23 November 2019 Location: Wine2Wine 2019, Verona, Italy   Listen, download or stream www.interpretingwine.com/listen   Contact: hello@interpretingwine.com   Podcast: www.interpretingwine.com/listen Facebook: www.interpretingwine.com/facebook Instagram: www.interpretingwine.com/instagram Twitter: www.interpretingwine.com/twitter TikTok: www.interpretingwine.com/TikTok  

Dispositivi come tag RFID sulle bottiglie e tracciatura su Blockchain possono aiutare ad evitare contraffazioni e manomissioni delle bottiglie di vino di alto pregio, i cosiddetti fine wines. Ma come scoprire se una bottiglia è stata contraffatta, ossia se è un fake wine? Riprendo un articolo di Maureen Downey, la Sherlock Holmes del vino, e lo spiego anche a voi.Potete leggere l'elenco completo su Storie del Vino https://bit.ly/2YcRnZSCome usare la Blockchain per gestire il trasporto del vino su Web in Vigna https://bit.ly/2ZkyvVmE questo è il sito web di Maureen https://www.winefraud.com/Seguite The Digital Wine anche sul canale telegram t.me/thedigitalwineCredit:Sigla iniziale: By By Baby by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/54266 Ft: Blue_Wave_Theory, Silke SchmiemannSoundtrack: Music from https://filmmusic.io"Whiskey on the Mississippi" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This is part 2 of 2 on a topic that Maureen Downey recently wrote about in the AJC: is Georgia Tech too elite? In this podcast I connect that to sports. Twitter: @GT_Football

For my June episode, I am going a little out of the box since it is quiet on the sports front. This is part 1 of 2 on a topic that Maureen Downey recently wrote about in the AJC: is Georgia Tech too elite? I will connect this to sports next week in part two. Twitter: @GT_Football

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Maureen Downey, a.k.a. the Wine Detective, about wine forgeries, fakes and scandals. You’ll learn tips on how to spot a fake wine based on the label and more. Enjoy!   Highlights Why did Maureen become interested in wine fraud? What aspects of the wine does Maureen consider to determine its authenticity? How does Maureen use technology when testing a wine’s authenticity? How pervasive is wine counterfeiting? What is blockchain and how can it help us to trace the provenance of a bottle of wine? What are some of the simple information mistakes wine counterfeiters have made? How can the average wine buyer avoid becoming a victim of wine fraud? What role does the wine industry play in perpetuating wine fraud?   About Maureen Downey Maureen Downey, DWS, CWE, FWS is known as the Sherlock Holmes of wines and is considered the world’s foremost expert in counterfeit wine identification. She is an expert on rare wines and an authority on wine fraud, counterfeit and fine wine authentication. She earned a degree in hospitality from Boston University and she took the advanced sommelier exams at the age of 23. Over the past 20 years, she has inspected hundreds of millions of dollars worth of both authentic and counterfeit wine. She advises some of the world’s top collectors in purchasing, selling, and managing their collections with her firm Chai Consulting based in San Francisco. She has assisted the government prosecution in the biggest wine counterfeiting cased, ever tried by the US government and continues to work with law enforcement to investigate wine fraud cases. You can also catch her in the Netflix film, Sour Grapes.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes.

Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) discuss plans for the holidays and vale Stan Lee (but Marvel is better). Then John questions basic human rights for a while.  Finally, John continues to question the purpose of education and wonder why we as teachers are not able to agree on one. Pete then considers the purpose of report cards and how they could be made to provide more relevant feedback for students growth.     Articles John: The is no single purpose to education - and that is something to be cherished - The (il)logical teacher https://clickbaitphilosophyofed.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/there-is-no-single-purpose-to-education-and-that-is-something-to-be-cherished/   Pete: 'Sterile and technical": the problem with primary school report cards - Jordan Baker https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sterile-and-technical-the-problem-with-primary-school-report-cards-20181116-p50gl5.html   Parents want clear, easy to understand report cards - Editorial https://amp.smh.com.au/national/nsw/parents-want-clear-easy-to-understand-school-reports-20181116-p50glb.html   Grade inflation on the rise: Everybody gets an A. - Maureen Downey https://www.myajc.com/blog/get-schooled/grade-inflation-the-rise-everybody-gets/TXVCB3wbyR8fWDRMJXCxJO/

Pete (@mr_van_w) and John (@jfcatto) discuss plans for the holidays and vale Stan Lee (but Marvel is better). Then John questions basic human rights for a while.  Finally, John continues to question the purpose of education and wonder why we as teachers are not able to agree on one. Pete then considers the purpose of report cards and how they could be made to provide more relevant feedback for students growth.     Articles John: The is no single purpose to education - and that is something to be cherished - The (il)logical teacher https://clickbaitphilosophyofed.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/there-is-no-single-purpose-to-education-and-that-is-something-to-be-cherished/   Pete: 'Sterile and technical": the problem with primary school report cards - Jordan Baker https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sterile-and-technical-the-problem-with-primary-school-report-cards-20181116-p50gl5.html   Parents want clear, easy to understand report cards - Editorial https://amp.smh.com.au/national/nsw/parents-want-clear-easy-to-understand-school-reports-20181116-p50glb.html   Grade inflation on the rise: Everybody gets an A. - Maureen Downey https://www.myajc.com/blog/get-schooled/grade-inflation-the-rise-everybody-gets/TXVCB3wbyR8fWDRMJXCxJO/

In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Maureen Downey. Maureen has been featured on the Netflix documentary Sour Grapes. She has been named the Sherlock Holmes of wine, and among many other achievements she has build a career helping people verify and certify their wine and spirits. In this episode we chat about blockchain, wine fraud and the cost, spirits, favorite drinks and her role in the Netflix documentary Sour Grapes. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, we read every single one and they help the podcast grow. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.

Rachel Signer has a list of ten things every woman should know about wine, but her list could apply to guys as well. Michelle Locke offers up nine hacks to help you drink better wine by drinking it better. In the podcast Bill and I offer up a few ways to enhance your wine drinking experience as well.Is the age of the Sommelier coming to an end? Some high profile somms are looking for a different experience and are moving into the retail arena. Upscale wine merchant Premier Cru of Berkeley, California has finally folded amidst a plethora of accusations and lawsuits. The FBI is now actively involved and handling former customer and vendor complaints. Napa County officials are flexing their muscles and threatening to shut down a winery in Calistoga that does not have their permits to do business in order.  We talked about this story on a prior podcast.  Look who's saying 'My Bad'. Here's proof that Maureen Downey is smart and one tough cookie. Wine of the week:2014 Tenshen Santa Barbara County White Wine This is the best full bodied aromatic white I've tasted this year. It's a Rhone blend of Viognier, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Chardonnay. The wine is aged for five months in 80% neutral oak, 20% stainless steel. The aroma offers up orange blossoms, tangerine, kumquat and it's delightfully tropical. On the palate it's full bodied, rich and savory. When you swallow, it taste like more, with flavorful waves of apricot and yellow peaches. It's delicious!  Wines of this quality, at this price point do not remain on the market for long. Run to your favorite retailer and secure some before it's gone. 14.7 % abv $18 - $20 Thanks for listening and please tell a friend about us. Cheers!

Roughly ten percent of the bottles in convicted wine counterfeiter Rudy Kurnaiwan's wine cellar were deemed fakes and were sent to Creedmore, Texas to be destroyed. There's a video of the process, but allegations of fake wine being sold at high end auctions continues to persist. Wine sleuth Maureen Downey and wine expert Gil Lempert-Schwarz are headed to court as Schwarz has asked the court to order Downey to stop defaming him. Unfortunately, there appears to be more than enough fake wine to go around. Caveat emptor!New York wine retailer Empire Wine's ongoing lawsuit against the New York State Liquor Authority has taken a turn in favor of the NYSLA, after Governor Cuomo vetoed a bill that would have limited the state's power.  Bill Swindell reports for the Press Democrat on the legal problems facing Truett-Hurst. As shares for the company hover at low penny stock levels, it's a sobering reminder of how difficult the wine business can be.E J Gallo increases its footprint in Napa Valley with the purchase of The Ranch Winery in St. Helena. John Fox, owner of Premier Cru, a wine retailer in Berkeley, California, amid numerous lawsuits and claims of running a Ponzi scheme, has closed his retail shops' doors and elected to continue business through online sales only. All of the bad press of late must have made it very uncomfortable for him and his staff to conduct business face to face with the public. If you have made purchases and would like to pick your wine up, you can still do so by making an appointment. This video may be as close as you can get to Champagne without visiting in person.You left your saber at home, but you still want to show off to your friends. The guys at VinePair show that there's more than one way to open a bottle of bubbly.  Wine of the Week:2012 Clos de los Siete 2012 Clos de los Siete  57% Malbec, 18% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot -  Opaque in the glass, aromas of black fruit, cocoa and spice, good concentration, smooth tannins and a long finish. Made by rock star winemaker Michel Rolland who collaborates with seven French partners at five different wineries in Argentina. An excellent value at $14 to $16. Break out the roasted meats and steaks.     Thanks for listening and tell a friend. Cheers!

If it seems like the frequency of counterfeiting, embezzlement, data breaches and fraud have been increasing in the world of wine, it's because it has.  Fighting crime will be the major focus of the 24th annual Wine Industry Financial Symposium to be held Sept. 21-22 in Napa.  This Symposium will provide an excellent opportunity for individuals in the business to learn ways to avoid some of the accounting pitfalls of running a small business.  Traditionally small wineries haven't used  trust and verify style management to run the financial side of their businesses.  The Symposium will feature a panel of crime experts that can help  you start a program to better secure your business from criminals.  If you're in the wine business,  you can't afford not to be there. The "Sherlock Holmes of Wine", Maureen Downey has announced the launch of WINEFRAUD.com.  It's being touted as a resource for buyers, producers and vendors of fine wines.  As such winefraud.comoffers several membership levels geared toward consumers of wine and trade professionals.  Maureen's record as a defender for consumers against wine fraud is well documented.  She was a major player in helping solve the case against Rudy Kurniawan, the notorious wine counterfeiter, now serving a ten year prison sentence in Southern California.The incident involving eleven women belonging to the Sistahs of the Reading Edge Book Club being booted off the Napa Valley Wine Train, blew up on social media after wine train principals posted a defense of their actions on facebook.  As it turns out the ladies were more than just bookworms and their use of social media platforms facebook, periscope and twitter - #laughingwhileblack, helped fuel lively public discussions in the bay area and beyond.  Is this a case of a clash of cultures or latent racism cloaked by elitism?  We weren't there so we couldn't possibly identify the cause.   The story is multilayered and while its potential impact on tourism in Napa Valley can't be measured - it doesn't look good.  The Wine Train's CEO Anthony Giaccio, days later issued what appeared to be a genuine mea culpa to the book club members and invited them back for a do over.   He asked them to bring 39 more family members and friends, enough to fill up an entire car as his personal guests.  For now his appeal has fallen on deaf ears.  The Book Club has hired civil rights lawyer Waukeen McCoy to represent them in a five million dollar lawsuit claiming 'Malicious Oppression'.  If you've driven up Highway 29 through Napa Valley you have no doubt seen the signs that say 'no limousines or no tour buses'.  That's certainly one way to avoid the hassle of having to deal with large groups of tourist.  Companies in the hospitality business  in wine country should take notice and review your policies regarding how you deal with larger groups of people visiting your venues. What's the ideal temperature to serve your red wines?  Matthew DeBord pens a good article about how to get the best flavors out of your wine and Bill and I go on a rant about poor wine and food service in the restaurant business.  Vic Poulos offers some advice as well on how to care for your wines before you drink them.  The bottom line heat is the enemy, so treat your wines like your perishable groceries and you'll get the best results.Speaking of heat, its been hot and dry in Washington this summer and wildfires throughout the state have some farmers and vintners wondering if their grapes might be smoke tainted.  Grape samples can be sent to external labs that can check for traces of smoke taint.  Getting that information before you take on the expense of processing the grapes seems like a no brainer, because wines made with smoke tainted grapes can offer some unflattering flavors, that become more pronounced as the wine ages. Have you ever tasted a natural wine?  Perhaps you've had one but didn't know it.  Natural Wine Bars that sport "Hippie Juice" a pejorative, have been gaining  popularity in Europe and now a few entrepreneurs are attempting to carve out a market in the U. S.   Check out this article 'You Make Me FeelLike a Natural Wine' to learn more and find a few examples of some natural wines you might try.Thanks to all for listening and tell a fellow wino about us.  Cheers!