Podcasts about Skurnik Wines

In this episode of Business of Drinks, we sit down with Harmon Skurnik, president of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, one of the most influential importers and distributors in the U.S. With more than $200 million in annual revenue, a wholesale presence in nine states, and import reach across the nation, Skurnik has grown into a powerhouse while holding tight to its roots as a family-run, quality-first business.Unlike many peers, the Skurnik team has never chased scale for scale's sake. Instead, their approach has been defined by thoughtful, organic growth — expanding only when the opportunity was right. From rescuing a struggling Ohio distributor to launching what would become their top-selling brand, The Pinot Project, Harmon shares how Skurnik's strategy has delivered both scale and staying power. In fact, Skurnik's sales were up in 2024, while much of the wine industry contracted — a testament to their effective operations and strategic growth path.In this episode, Harmon shares:How Skurnik Wines & Spirits grew from a two-man operation in NYC to a national player with 270+ employeesWhy they still personally taste every wine and interview every employee — even with operations in nine statesThe story behind The Pinot Project, now their #1 SKU, selling 65,000 cases and $6 million annuallyHow the team turned around a failing Ohio distributor into a thriving business in Ohio, Kentucky, and IndianaWhy the company avoids expansion for expansion's sake, and only grows where it can add true valueHow Skurnik positions itself as a marketing partner, not just a logistics provider, for its suppliersWhat makes a good distributor in today's market — and why asking "how many reps do you have?" misses the pointLast Call: We dig into a provocative piece by cocktail historian and author David Wondrich: “Why Is My Drink So Damn Weird?” (via Punch). Erica, Scott, and Caroline debate:

This is a Vintage Selection from 2010The BanterThe Guys tell about the wonderful and enormous Vinitaly Wine Festival that they just attended along with a story about a Verona closer to home.The ConversationsThe Restaurant Guys are in Italy at Vinitaly Wine Festival! They walk the listeners through the wine supply chain from proprietor Silvia Vannucci of Piaggia to exporter Jano de Grazia of Marc de Grazia Selections to importer Harmon Skurnik of Skurnik Wines. Hear from each link in the chain that brings YOU excellent wine.The Inside TrackThe Guys have had a long-standing business relationship and friendship with Harmon Skurnik. Here is how Harmon describes wine.Harmon: Wine is enjoyment. It's a pleasure. It's one of life's pleasures. It's no secret. You guys are restaurant guys. You guys have a passion for wine and the reason is that wine is meant to be consumed with food. It's all about a pleasurable hedonistic experience. Francis: Yeah. We're all about hedonism here in The Restaurant. Guys.Harmon Skurnik on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2010InfoSkurnik Wines (Harmon Skurnik)https://www.skurnik.com/De Grazia Imports (Jano De Grazia)https://marcdegrazia.com/us/Piaggia (Silvia Vannucci)https://www.piaggia.com/Piaggia at Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/websearch_results.html?kw=piaggiaFriday, March 14 is the first Restaurant Guys LIVE with Chef Rocco DiSpirito at the NBPAC in New Brunswick, NJ (next to The Guys' restaurants!)Restaurant Guys' Regulars get a discount code for VIP tickets. Become an RG Regular today!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribeGet tickets here.https://secure.nbpac.org/rocco-dispirito/22947Our Sponsors The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Centerhttps://www.theheldrich.com/ Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/ Withum Accountinghttps://www.withum.com/ Our Places Stage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/ Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/ Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/ To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguysReach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**Click Below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe

Chris Lindstrom and Lucas Smith from Baytowne Wine and Spirits explore the nuances of the Rochester scene and dive into some spirit tasting. Chris and Lucas discuss the importance of having a clear point of view when tasting and discussing spirits, enhancing the overall experience for both drinkers and listeners. Lucas shares his vision for Baytowne Wine and Spirits, emphasizing the commitment to curating an exceptional selection and fostering an engaging atmosphere for customers. Their shared passion and enthusiasm resonate throughout the episode, making it an inspiring and engaging listen for spirits enthusiasts and newcomers alike.Mentions: Baytowne Wine and Spirits (@baytownewine) Parkway Discount Wine & Liquor (@parkwaywine) Pinnacle Wine & Liquor (@pinnaclewine) Hampden Estate (@hampdenestaterum) Elijah Craig (@elijahcraig) Tree House Brewing (@treehousebrewco) Waterford Whisky (@waterforddistillery) Hollerhorn Distilling (@hollerhorndistilling) Drew Tschappat (@drewtschappat) Skurnik Wines & Spirits (@skurnikwines) George Catallo (@whiskeyjedi)Mentioned in this episode:Sweet Pea Plant Based KitchenSweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen helping you achieve wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order! https://sweetpeaplantbased.comJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Beverage alcohol distributors sit at the epicenter of a cluttered product landscape where, according to Mark Harmon of the Independent Distributor Network, “God isn't making any more shelf space.” Distributors only have so much time and attention they can give to each spirits brand. What's left is for brands to do everything in their power to make a compelling case that their products deserve to take up a meaningful share of a distributor's attention. Emily Pennington sat down with key figures at Southern Glazers, Breakthru Beverage Group, Skurnik Wines & Spirits, and the Independent Distributor Network at Bar Convent Brooklyn this month to discuss the current state of beverage alcohol's second tier. This diverse cast of key wholesalers offers a window into how distributors are viewing and operating the market for spirits brands in 2024. They'll explore the evolving dynamics within distribution in the wake of the pandemic and uncover what distributors are looking for when considering a new brand partnership. They'll also highlight the red flags that can derail a brand's chances of securing distribution. Featured Guests:Ray Lombard,  Executive Vice President of Craft Spirits, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits  John Oliver, Sr. Director of Supplier Business Development, Breakthru Beverage GroupAdam Schuman, Spirits Portfolio Manager, Skurnik WinesMark Harmann, National Sales Director, Independent Distributor NetworkMentioned in this episode:Southern GlazersBreakthru Beverage GroupIndependent Distributor NetworkSkurnik Wines & SpiritsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Welcome to Episode 1647 Stevie Kim moderates Clubhouse's Ambassadors' Corner – In this episode, Christopher Sachs interviews Isabella Pelizzatti Perego of Arpepe. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and replayed here on the Italian Wine Podcast! Listen in on this series as Italian Wine Ambassadors all over the world chat with Stevie and their chosen wine producer. Which producer would you interview if you had your pick? Co-Moderator - Christopher Sachs Christopher Sachs is a wine and spirits professional based in Central New Jersey. He was classically trained in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America where he took a short course in the study of wine. That's where his love of food and wine really blossomed. Shortly after graduation, he worked in several restaurants before continuing to study wine with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) at the International Wine Center in NYC and has since completed the Advanced Course in Wines and Spirits, as well as the Diploma of Wines and Spirits. In April 2022, he traveled to Verona to partake in the VinItaly International Academy and passed the exam to become an Italian Wine Ambassador. He currently works as a Sales Representative with Skurnik Wines and Spirits in the NJ/NY area and consults with various retail and restaurant partners on a daily basis. On top of his professional wine career, he also is the owner of Travel By Wine, an education and consultancy center for all things beverage! Christopher finds joy in exploring the world by way of wine, spirits, sake, and cider and sharing his 'travels' with everyone. Connect: Instagram @AgentAlcohol and @TravelByWine Website https://www.Travelbywine.net Guest Bio - Isabella Pelizzatti Perego Isabella Pelizzatti Perego, together with her two brothers, Guido and Emanuele, are the 5th generation of Arpepe. She was born February 4th 1970 in Sondrio. She graduated with a degree in Food Science and Technology Degree in Università degli Studi di Milano, (including a 3 months Erasmus Project in University College Cork, Ireland). Then after, she took her Master's degree in Oenology in Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Piacenza Piacenza. Prior to her involvement to Arpepe, she worked as a New Product and Packaging Development Dept. in United Distillers & Vintners (DIAGEO) in S.Vittoria d'Alba, CN). From December 2001 until today, she works with family at ARPEPE in Valtellina (following mostly export, marketing, promotion and hospitality). Connect: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ARPEPE/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arpepe1860/ Website https://www.arpepe.com/ More about the moderator Stevie Kim: Stevie hosts Clubhouse sessions each week (visit Italian Wine Club & Wine Business on Clubhouse), these recorded sessions are then released on the podcast to immortalize them! She often also joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! To find out more about Stevie Kim visit: Facebook: @steviekim222 Instagram: @steviekim222 Website: vinitalyinternational.com/wordpress/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content - winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

This is a total blast from the past for me. I met Matthew Carroll so so long ago — it's making me age just thinking about it. I believe we met when he was the sommelier at 2941. Matt was a well-known sommelier at the storied Inn at Little Washington before 2941 and he moved a bit around the DC Market and then poof — he disappeared. He's now with Skurnik Wines & Spirits, a true family business that has been around since the mid-1980's. Now not only are Matt and I going to catch up and learn more about his wine journey this guy brought in bubbles! Lots and lots of bubbles — we are going to get into the who, what, where why and when of Champagne. And I seriously regret driving to the WineLair today. Quotes “For each guest you approach, you should consider how you may best communicate what you're attempting to convey to that person. Right. To do so in a compassionate way, I believe it is necessary to provide them with information and make them feel powerful by your wine list, among other things.” - Matt “In regards with the making sparkling wines,you really do sort of take these things, all these elements and you kind of get to build the wine the way you want it." - Matt Guests Social Media Links: Matthew Carroll https://www.instagram.com/skurnikwines https://www.facebook.com/skurnikwines https://www.skurnik.com https://twitter.com/skurnikwines Featuring Nycci Nellis https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/ The List Are You On It |  Home Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Beautiful places 06:00 Meeting Matthew Carroll 07:47 Getting into wine 11:29 Master Sommelier programs 13:17 The exams 16:00 Managing the schedules 19:08 Helping guests with wines 26:31 Exploring the industry 29:10 Skurnick's history 35:07 About the wine producer 39:30 About the different types of wine 55:31 Advice to broaden your wine knowledge 59:33 Conclusion Produced by Heartcast Media www.heartcastmedia.com

Episode 756 Stevie Kim moderates Clubhouse's Ambassadors Corner – In this episode Amy Ezrin interviews Isabella Oddero. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and replayed here on the Italian Wine Podcast! Listen in on this series as Italian Wine Ambassadors all over the world chat with Stevie and their chosen wine producer. Which producer would you interview if you had your pick? About today's guest host: Amy Ezrin is one of three members of The Piedmont Guy, a national importer of artisanal wines from the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy, represented across North America by its most qualified and passionate distributors. She is also in demand as a consultant to the Wine & Spirits industry, focused on supporting wineries to improve their presence in North America. In 2021, she launched her own box wine brand named Sandy Giovese. Recently, she worked for the Italian Trade Agency New York Office as the manager of the Wine Desk, a position created to oversee a marketing and PR campaign funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development to promote the diversity and quality of Italian wine. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President at Massanois Imports, national importer and direct distributor in New York, New Jersey and California, where she curated a diverse portfolio and oversaw a sales team of 30. Before joining Massanois, she worked as the Italian Portfolio Manager for Polaner Selections and, before that, Skurnik Wines, both in New York.She is a Vinitaly Academy Ambassador of Italian Wines, a WSET Advanced Certificate holder, and a Cavaliere del Tartufo and the wines of Alba. She is a native of the state of Connecticut, and currently based in Brooklyn, NY. If you want to learn more about today's guest host, you can by visiting: https://www.amyezrin.com/ About today's guest producers: Isabella Oddero is the seventh generation owner of one of the most historical wineries in the Langhe hills for the production of Barolo and Barbaresco wines. She is the owner and manager together with her aunt Mariacristina Oddero of the family property. They are the first generation of women in charge of the production and management of the estate after so many generations of men before them. Isabella was born and raised in La Morra, at her family winery, where she learned from everyday experience to have a deep respect for such a prestigious heritage and tradition and she developed a determined will to protect the authenticity of the area. When she was 18 years old she followed her desire to explore a different world and she spent some years in Milano, attending the Catholic University studying business economics and foreign languages where she obtained a degree in business communication and management. After her studies, she realized her priority was to be a good ambassador of the historical Oddero company and its wines in the world, as well as a young spokesperson for the territory of the Langhe hills and its extraordinary soils. If you want to learn more about today's guest producers, you can by visiting: https://www.oddero.it/it/ More about the moderator Stevie Kim: Stevie hosts Clubhouse sessions each week (visit Italian Wine Club & Wine Business on Clubhouse), these recorded sessions are then released on the podcast to immortalize them! She often also joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! To find out more about Stevie Kim visit: Facebook: @steviekim222 Instagram: @steviekim222 Website: https://vinitalyinternational.com/wordpress/ Let's keep in touch! Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/

MJ's guest is wine specialist and salesperson, consultant, and educator, Kelly Mitchell. Kelly was named on Wine Enthusiast's 2021 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list, and named a “Rising Black Voice in Wine” by Wine & Spirits Magazine, appearing on its October 2020 cover. Kelly is a sales representative for Skurnik Wines & Spirits.In 2016, Kelly founded her consulting company, Kelly Mitchell Wine to focus on the wine needs of consumers. She has been an event sommelier at the James Beard House. In April 2020, Kelly launched Kelly Selects, in partnership with online wine retailer, Wired for Wine. She is currently completing her WSET Level 3 Advanced in wine education from the International Wine Center. Kelly is a member of Black Wine Professionals and a mentor for Wine Unify. She has been featured in Sevenfifty Daily, Cosmopolitan, Martha Stewart Living, Forbes, Wine Enthusiast, NBC News, Vine Pair and has appeared as a guest on several podcasts.On this episode, MJ and Kelly don't only enjoy a beautiful bottle of German Riesling but discuss Kelly's childhood in Somerset, New Jersey; college life at Spellman and Stanford, and what's going on in the wine industry today: the celebrity culture around wine, the importance of exploring wine via tasting, and mentorship in the wine industry, including the work she has done and continues to do for Wine Unify. Settle into this fun episode of reminiscing and love for wine. Period. Cheers!A huge thank you to Kelly Mitchel! Follow her on IG at @kellymitchellwine Get more of Kelly Mitchell at https://www.kellymitchellwine.com/ This episode's in studio wine:Von Winning Grainhubel Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018______________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Don't forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Thank you to our sponsor: Paso Robles Wine Country. Paso Robles is a region with so many diverse microclimates that allows for a stunning array of grapes to thrive in. It's made up of over 200 family-owned wineries, making a beautiful variety of wines. Learn more at https://pasowine.com/Tune in to their podcast Where the Wine Takes You - which explores the people, places and wines of Paso Robles Wine Country! https://pasowine.com/where-wine-takes-you/ Huge shout out to our sponsor: 56 Degree Wines. Are you looking for extraordinary new wines that have been tasted and approved by professionals with over 40 years of combined experience? Then you have to check out 56degreewine.com. Joe Bembry and his grand crew at the shop do all the heavy lifting for you by vetting every wine on their shelves. Authentic, Artisanal wines. https://www.56degreewine.com/Use the code “MJ” when you check out to save 15% off your first order. Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media. www.necessarymediaproductions.com@necessary_media_ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Christopher Sachs is a wine and spirits professional based in Central New Jersey. He was classically trained in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America where he took a short course in the study of wine. That's where his love of food and wine really blossomed. Shortly after graduation, he worked in the restaurant industry at Ninety Acres in Peapack/Gladstone, NJ and End of Elm in Morristown, NJ. After his last stint in restaurants, Christopher began studying with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) at the International Wine Center in NYC and has since completed the Advanced Course in Wines and Spirits, as well as the coveted Diploma of Wines and Spirits. He currently works as a Sales Representative with Skurnik Wines and Spirits in the NJ/NY area and consults with various retail and restaurant partners on a daily basis. Christopher finds joy in exploring the world by way of wine, spirits, sake, and cider. Follow him on Instagram: travelbywine and on the Telesomm app“People who don't even want to try the wine, they just want to hear the story. They will close their eyes and take a trip to whatever region I am telling them about. And it's just magical.” ~Christopher Sachs, Travel By WineHere are just a few of our tasting notes from the episode:  Carménère Bordeaux German Riesling  Champagne region of France Champagne  Prosecco Cava  Creman Loire Valley France Muscadet Pinot Noir  Corkbuzz 1997 Château Haut-Brion ----Want to learn more about Telesomm? Do you have a wine question or topics we should ask a somm? Let us know! Subscribe to the pod + Follow on Twitter: @InVinoFab & IG: invinofab Get the Telesomm App + Follow on Twitter: @Telesomm & IG: telesomm.app Connect to the hosts: @laurapasquini & @Profpatrice Music credit: The song Travel to the City by Lesfm has been remixed under a CC-BY license. 

Andreas Hütwohl is instrumental to Weingut Von Winning, a producer of renown Grosses Gewachs (Great Growth) wines in the Pfalz, centering on Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.  Andreas and I delve into the traditional winemaking practices that have garnered Von Winning acclaim, and we chart his course from studying Biology, to pursuing winemaking.  Andreas is an energetic, insightful leader in the German wine industry, and his perspectives offer an exciting new take on the future of high end German wine.Check out Von Winning with Skurnik Wines and Spirits at: https://www.skurnik.com/producer/von-winning/ https://www.von-winning.de/en/weingut/Visit our website at www.VitiCulturePodcast.com, and don’t forget to share with your friends via all major social media platforms @VitiCULTUREPodVisit Bellangelo Winery and Missick Cellars at www.Bellangelo.com and www.MissickCellars.com.You can watch the interview on our YouTube channel here: Get full access to The Viti+Culture Podcast Newsletter at viticulturepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 654 Steve Raye interviews Amy Ezrin in this episode of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today's guest Amy: Amy Ezrin is one of three members of The Piedmont Guy, a national importer of artisanal wines from the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy, represented across North America by its most qualified and passionate distributors. She is also in demand as a consultant to the Wine & Spirits industry, focused on supporting wineries to improve their presence in North America. In 2021, she launched her own box wine brand named Sandy Giovese. Recently, she worked for the Italian Trade Agency New York Office as the manager of the Wine Desk, a position created to oversee a marketing and PR campaign funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development to promote the diversity and quality of Italian wine. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President at Massanois Imports, national importer and direct distributor in New York, New Jersey and California, where she curated a diverse portfolio and oversaw a sales team of 30. Before joining Massanois, she worked as the Italian Portfolio Manager for Polaner Selections and, before that, Skurnik Wines, both in New York. Throughout her years in the wine industry, she has had the privilege of working with some of the greatest wineries in the world. Prior to working as an importer, she worked in the restaurant and publishing industries while training to be a professional opera singer, including several years living in Florence, Italy. She is a graduate of the University of Chicago, a Vinitaly Academy Ambassador of Italian Wines, a WSET Advanced Certificate holder, and a Cavaliere del Tartufo and the wines of Alba. She is a native of the state of Connecticut, and currently based in Brooklyn, NY. If you want to learn more about today's guest, you can by visiting: https://www.amyezrin.com/ More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! For more information on the host Steve Raye you can check out his website, Bevology Inc. here: www.bevologyinc.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!

On this episode of the Food About Town podcast, Adam Schuman from Skurnik Wines and Spirits came over to the studio to talk about Skurnik, their mentality and portfolio, mezcal nerdery including a tasting, and spirits pairing philosophy. This episode is brought to you by CurAte and our next meal... The post F.A.T. Podcast Episode 137 – Skurnik Wines and Spirits first appeared on Food About Town.

MJ’s guest today is President of the Legendary Import and Distribution Company Skurnik Wines and Spirits, Harmon Skurnik. The company began with just a handful of relatively unknown estates in 1987 and has since grown to represent over 500 estates, most of which are family-owned and operated. Harmon has been a partner in Skurnik Wines & Spirits since 1989 - from tasting, to buying, to managing the business and its employees, Harmon is an integral part of the company's success. He and MJ talk about the early days of Skurnik Wines and the mindset it takes to grow such a successful business. They discuss past, present and emerging producers and what it takes to get them noticed and included in the Skurnik portfolio. MJ talks about the Skurnik “farm team” factor when it comes to finding and launching the careers of some of the most talented sales people in the wine business. In addition Harmon brings in four epic wines - two that make their tasting debut right on the show! For those who seek knowledge, history and a bit business savvy with their listening - you’re welcome! A huge thank you to Harmon Skurnik!Follow him on IG @hskurnikLearn, discover and purchase world class wine and spirits at Skurnik Wine and Spirits: https://www.skurnik.com/Follow them on IG @skurnikwinesThis episode’s in studio wines:Pierre GirardinMurgers des Dents de ChienSaint-Aubin Premier Cru, 2018Hillick and Hobbs2019 Estate Dry RieslingSeneca Lake, New YorkLanghe Nebbiolo Sori della Sorba20192017 MullineuxGranite Syrah Swartland, South Africa ___________________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers and wine drinkers! Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Thank you to our sponsor Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code WINEGUY25 at checkout. (Retail store only) Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media. www.necessarymediaproductions.com@necessary_media_ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, the boys are joined by three special guests - Alan and James from A.D. Laws Whiskey House, and the famed whiskey warrior (or Parisian Pirate?) Jake Cahill of Skurnik Wines.  They discuss the beautiful marriage of the right barrel with the right whiskey, the creativity in their recipes, two vs. three vs. four grain bourbon, muffin tops, and the team, the team, the TEAM.  They also share a special announcement near the end. Listen and sip along with us!

Host Francisco Terrazas speaks with Justin Lane Briggs of The Cabinet Bar in New York City and Spirits Specialist with Skurnik Wines. originally aired 01.28.2021 #TheAgaveSessions #MezcalVago #Agave #Mezcal #SandSTV

Last January Sebastien and Justin travelled to Shodoshima, the island of kioke, shoyu, and olives, located off the coast of Kagawa Prefecture of Shikoku Island in Western Japan.The purpose? To take part in the Kioke Summit hosted by Yamaroku Shoyu. Why are we visiting a shoyu (soy sauce) maker for an episode of Sake On Air? A quick internet search for any combination of the key words above will tell you why, but here's the gist: With almost no one left in Japan (which means, in the world) that possesses the skill and knowledge for crafting large-size kioke (wooden tanks) used for the fermentation and storage of sake, soy sauce, miso, vinegar, and occasionally other fermented beverages and flavorings, Japan is at risk of losing a massive element of its microbial DNA. That includes the character, quality and originality that makes Japanese regional cuisine—and Japanese cuisine in general—the delicious wonder that it is.Owner of Yamaroku Shoyu, Yasuo Yamamoto, took it upon himself to develop a means of reversing that trend. For years he and a dedicated team bound together both locally and across Japan have been honing those woodworking skills themselves and then training others around Japan that are in a position to reinstate kioke into their production. The future of Japan's kioke (and if you haven't caught on yet, the flavors that define Japan) is at risk of being lost and Yamamoto-san and team are close to being the last bastion.For years Yamamoto-san and team have been hosting what they call a “Kioke Summit,” where those in the industry come to learn the craft and share the culture of kioke. Back in January, for the first time they opened the event up a bit more to those on the periphery of the industry and hosted something more akin to an actual summit, with guest speakers, panels and lectures spread across several days with kioke construction serving as an ongoing backdrop.The incredible work, energy, passion and sense of community is something above and beyond what any of us could have imagined. Sadly, we can only transmit a fraction through the airwaves, but I think our sense of awe of the entire ordeal shines through in our discussion.And fret not, as we are indeed discussing sake and shochu as well, in the context of kioke. We touch on the input from participating breweries and distilleries, including Kenbishi, Aramasa, Satsuma Shuzo, Yamanashuzo (makers of Okutamba) and more. Plus, Sebastien pays a visit to the island's only sake brewery, Morikuni, and shares a bit of his experience.We're lucky to be joined again this week by Jamie Graves, Japanese Beverage Portfolio Manager for Skurnik Wines & Spirits and previous guest from Episode 16, who made the trek to the island with us. He tells us about his trip to Kenbishi the week prior and the unexpected discoveries and chance meetings from throughout the Summit. Speaking of Summits, for those of you that missed out on, Sake Future Summit 2020 back on November 21-22, we've begun to upload and archive the various sessions from that informative and inspiring weekend into a playlist on our official YouTube channel. The remainder are scheduled to go up over the next couple of weeks, so do check back occasionally and shareDay 1 YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqP_2k2S7iEDay 2 YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQu2XcwtxpY*Note that due to YouTube's streaming and archiving restrictions five sessions did not get included in the Day 1 archive. Some of these have been uploaded to the playlist already, with the remainder scheduled to go up in the coming weeks.We somehow managed to produce more programming over a weekend than we do in an entire year for the show. That being said, the podcast is where our home is! If you appreciate what we've put out into the world, please do leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, or reach out to us at questions@sakeonair.staba.jp. You can follow us on  Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook,

Last January Sebastien and Justin travelled to Shodoshima, the island of kioke, shoyu, and olives, located off the coast of Kagawa Prefecture of Shikoku Island in Western Japan.The purpose? To take part in the Kioke Summit hosted by Yamaroku Shoyu. Why are we visiting a shoyu (soy sauce) maker for an episode of Sake On Air? A quick internet search for any combination of the key words above will tell you why, but here’s the gist: With almost no one left in Japan (which means, in the world) that possesses the skill and knowledge for crafting large-size kioke (wooden tanks) used for the fermentation and storage of sake, soy sauce, miso, vinegar, and occasionally other fermented beverages and flavorings, Japan is at risk of losing a massive element of its microbial DNA. That includes the character, quality and originality that makes Japanese regional cuisine—and Japanese cuisine in general—the delicious wonder that it is.Owner of Yamaroku Shoyu, Yasuo Yamamoto, took it upon himself to develop a means of reversing that trend. For years he and a dedicated team bound together both locally and across Japan have been honing those woodworking skills themselves and then training others around Japan that are in a position to reinstate kioke into their production. The future of Japan’s kioke (and if you haven’t caught on yet, the flavors that define Japan) is at risk of being lost and Yamamoto-san and team are close to being the last bastion.For years Yamamoto-san and team have been hosting what they call a “Kioke Summit,” where those in the industry come to learn the craft and share the culture of kioke. Back in January, for the first time they opened the event up a bit more to those on the periphery of the industry and hosted something more akin to an actual summit, with guest speakers, panels and lectures spread across several days with kioke construction serving as an ongoing backdrop.The incredible work, energy, passion and sense of community is something above and beyond what any of us could have imagined. Sadly, we can only transmit a fraction through the airwaves, but I think our sense of awe of the entire ordeal shines through in our discussion.And fret not, as we are indeed discussing sake and shochu as well, in the context of kioke. We touch on the input from participating breweries and distilleries, including Kenbishi, Aramasa, Satsuma Shuzo, Yamanashuzo (makers of Okutamba) and more. Plus, Sebastien pays a visit to the island’s only sake brewery, Morikuni, and shares a bit of his experience.We’re lucky to be joined again this week by Jamie Graves, Japanese Beverage Portfolio Manager for Skurnik Wines & Spirits and previous guest from Episode 16, who made the trek to the island with us. He tells us about his trip to Kenbishi the week prior and the unexpected discoveries and chance meetings from throughout the Summit. Speaking of Summits, for those of you that missed out on, Sake Future Summit 2020 back on November 21-22, we’ve begun to upload and archive the various sessions from that informative and inspiring weekend into a playlist on our official YouTube channel. The remainder are scheduled to go up over the next couple of weeks, so do check back occasionally and shareDay 1 YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqP_2k2S7iEDay 2 YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQu2XcwtxpY*Note that due to YouTube’s streaming and archiving restrictions five sessions did not get included in the Day 1 archive. Some of these have been uploaded to the playlist already, with the remainder scheduled to go up in the coming weeks.We somehow managed to produce more programming over a weekend than we do in an entire year for the show. That being said, the podcast is where our home is! If you appreciate what we’ve put out into the world, please do leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, or reach out to us at questions@sakeonair.com. You can follow us on  Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook,

Lauren Reches earned her PhD in French from the Graduate Center. She is currently the National Sales Director at Skurnik Wine & Spirits, an alcohol import and distribution company headquartered in NYC. The post French at Skurnik Wines & Spirits (feat. Lauren Reches) appeared first on Career Planning and Professional Development.

Shakera talks with Kelly Mitchell, independent wine consultant and representative for Skurnik Wines & Spirits, about her transition from banking to wine, starting a business, and the wine that started it all.

Harmon Skurnik is the President of Skurnik Wines, an importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits headquartered in the heart of New York City. Harmon has been the President of Skurnik Wines since he joined his brother, Michael, at the company in 1989 to run the now 33-year-old successful fine wine and spirits importation and distribution company. In this episode… The wine industry is grappling with a massive drop in business since the outbreak of COVID-19. While companies struggle to get a respite from that by pivoting their businesses to focus online retail sales, there is still the 25% tariff on wines imported from Europe to contend with. With seemingly continuous challenges posed against the industry, can wineries and other industry players still survive? For Harmon Skurnik, President of Skurnik Wines, what businesses need to emphasize right now are three things: integrity, opportunities, and resilience.  He also encourages everyone to learn more about the tariffs imposed on the wine industry in order to make informed comments and join in the conversation on the USTR website before July 26 Join Alexi Cashen on this episode of the Alexi Cashen Podcasts she talks with Harmon Skurnik of Skurnik Wines about his company's success for the past 33 years, how the wine business is pivoting in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and why it's important for stakeholders in the industry to take part in the conversation about tariffs that are imposed upon them. Stay tuned.

We sat down with Kelly Mitchell of Skurnik Wines and Kelly Selects to check in on life as a wine rep during COVID-19 and, more importantly, get her perspective on the wine industry's shocking lack of diversity.

This week we chopped it up with Kelly Mitchell, wine consultant, and sales rep for Skurnik Wines. Kelly broke down how she manages to host wine dinners, crush wine sales, and still enjoy the fruits of her labor

After a long career in pub-bartending while pursuing degrees in Art History and Graphic Design, Amanda Elder joined the opening team of cocktail bar Pouring Ribbons in 2012, and subsequently also began bartending at the East Village agave haven, Mayahuel. As former Creative Director at Pouring Ribbons, Amanda was responsible for designing the bar’s initial thematic menus (Route 66, Silk Road, Moody Authors) as well as spearheading Pouring Ribbons 80’s Night, a monthly reimagining of classic drinks from the 1980’s that welcomed a series of guest bartenders. She went on to join the bar teams at both Leyenda in Carroll Gardens, and Donna in Williamsburg. Amanda is currently a member of the spirits team at Skurnik Wines & Spirits in Manhattan where she focuses on spirits and cocktail education, as well as design. Amanda also continues to freelance in hospitality design.

Our guest is Jamie Graves, the Japanese Portfolio Manager at Skurnik Wines, which is a leading wine and spirits importer and distributor based in NYC. Jamie joined us on Episode 114 and discussed his interesting path to get into the world of sake, and the unique process of sake making. In this episode, we will talk about shoshu. Jamie recently visited 14 shochu distilleries in southern Japan. We will discover shochu through Jamie’s intriguing stories from the trip as well as his job at Skurnik working closely with family-owned, traditional yet innovative distilleries. It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.

We’re back this week with a boozy double-interview featuring one shochu meister and one sake maven. In the first half of this week’s episode of Sake on Air, Christopher Pellegrini interviews Maya Aley, the first non-Japanese to receive the prestigious certification of Shochu Meister. Maya has been living and working in Kagoshima city since 2011. Starting as an English teacher before shifting to translation, interpretation, and local business development, she talks to us about the Kagoshima University Shochu Meister course, Kagoshima’s special place in the shochu world, and one of the city’s most famous shochu bars, Ishizue, where you can now find her regularly behind the bar. You can also find her on Instagram @maya.aley. For the second-half, Justin joins Christopher Pellegrini to speak with special guest Jamie Graves, the Japanese beverage portfolio manager for Skurnik Wines and Spirits in New York. After teaching English in the JET program for a year in 2002, Jamie found himself on the archipelago for an additional four more years where he worked various restaurant jobs, explored sake, and improved his Japanese until he was able to successfully pass the highest level of the Japanese language proficiency test. Upon returning to New York he slipped into the restaurant scene and wound up at the East Village shojin cuisine restaurant, Kaijitsu, run by head-chef Masato Nishihara. After cycling through the Japanese dining circuit, Jamie has now found a home at Skurnik, where he is responsible not only for sake, but shochu and all categories of Japanese spirits. Follow Jamie on his Instagram: @jamiefgraves, and we highly encourage our listeners to check out his insightful series of “Unfiltered” articles about sake and shochu on skurnik.com. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Sake On Air. If you have any feedback, comments or questions, we would love to hear from you. As we’re currently restructuring a few things on the back-end (details coming soon!), our regular email, questions@sakeonair.com, is out of commission temporarily, but you can reach out to us at any time on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks again for tuning in. Until next time, Kampai! Sake On Air is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center and made possible with the generous support of JSS (Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association) and is a joint production between Potts.K Productions and Export Japan.

4 + Justin Lane Briggs / Curating a diverse mezcal portfolio Justin stopped by to talk about his work as a spirits specialist and educator at Skurnik wines and his unique approach to working with agave distillate brands. We discussed how industry and community are not mutually exclusive and how a diverse and robust portfolio can create the space to bring on smaller lesser known brands. Justin tells us the stories of Mezcal Tosba and La Medida Mezcal, 2 brands producing amazing mezcal but with very different origins.  We also talked about the trend to rest agave spirits in glass and he brought a really interesting mezcal expression for us to try that included hongos! Justin Lane Briggs is a Spirits specialist and educator for Skurnik Wines. @jlb802 FB Images discussed in this episode can be found at  TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. The mezcal and agave distillates industry is booming in the US. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of mezcal and agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

On this week’s Happy Hour we’re talking about all about cider. And today we’ve invited a few cider makers and and wine distributors to talk with us about what makes a good cider, what goes into it, and what it means to be an orchard-based cider. Our guests include Louisa Spencer from Farnum Hill Ciders, Ezra Sherman from Eve’s Cidery, and Max Working and Andrew Mulligan from Skurnik Wines. HRN Happy Hour is powered by Simplecast.

Gather round friends you are in for a real treat today!! we are Joined by the lovely Brittany Hodges, rep for Skurnik Wines. Hear her start in the industry starting in Georgia where she grew up. Her love of the Bulldogs Franco trying a southern accent many laughs in this episode enjoy! cheers!

This week, Akiko is joined by Jamie Graves, the Japanese portfolio manager at Skurnik Wines, a leading wine and spirits importer and distributer based in New York City. Jamie has an extensive knowledge of sake, and discusses the Kimoto Method of making sake, how long sake keeps after opening a bottle, and much more! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast

This week on In the Drink, host Joe Campanale is joined in the studio by Michael Skurnik. In 1977, after graduating from UMass Amherst, Michael took a waiter’s job at Windows on the World while he waited to land a “real job.” He progressed quickly to sommelier and had the opportunity to taste thousands of wines from their extensive cellars. Michael left Windows in 1980 to work on the distribution side of the business. In 1987, he founded Michael Skurnik Wines (now just simply Skurnik Wines) in order to bring in a few boutique wineries from California and the rest is history. The business grew rapidly and now Skurnik Wines represents a host of wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary and even New Mexico and Israel!

It’s Cider Issues on Cooking Issues! Dave Arnold is joined by two bad-ass cider makers, Leif Sundström of Sundström Cider & John Reynolds of Blackduck Cidery. Together, they talk about some cider history and solve some listener questions related to apples, keeving and cider making. The Cider Makers Sundström Cider is a new cidery based in the Hudson Valley of NY.  Leif Sundström began Sundström Cider after 10 years of working in the wine industry.  Beginning in Portland, OR Leif worked as opening beverage director for Le Pigeon restaurant before transitioning to more intimate aspects of the wine industry, first as harvest assistant and cellar hand at Boedecker Cellars and later moving to NYC to work as Portfolio Manager of Terry Theise Estate Selections at Skurnik Wines.  After leaving Skurnik, Leif spent a harvest season at Weingut Leitz in Rüdesheim, Germany before moving to the Hudson Valley to pursue the challenge of maximizing the potential of cider.  Sundström Cider focuses on select wild harvest apples, older heirloom and cider apple varieties, as well as several species of crab apples in an effort to make vinous, age-able ciders that seek to speak of the place they come from.   John Reynolds co-owns Blackduck Cidery with his wife Shannon and their two out of control red headed daughters, Pippin and Idunn. He’s spent most of his adult life involved with fruit and hard work, although not necessarily at the same time. The orchard was planted fifteen years ago and culminated in our first vintage in 2013. In his spare time, The Lawrence Welk Show and the intricacies of Dr. Seuss’s word play consumes many long mindless hours.