Podcasts about Winemaking

This week on Everybody in the Pool, we're heading to Napa Valley... sadly not literally. This time, anyway! David Pearson, president of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, has spent his career in wine, but he's now leading a transformation that's as much about climate solutions as it is about Cabernet. It's a story about farming, philosophy, and, yes, some really good wine.We dig into:What regenerative farming really means — and why it's not just a buzzwordHow microbes, fungi, and “living soils” can make better grapes (and better wine)Why this approach is also climate adaptation in a warming worldThe surprising connection between soil health, nutrient density, and tasteHow big players like Moët Hennessy are backing the shiftLinks:Joseph Phelps Website: http://www.josephphelps.com/David Pearson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pearson-6896a82/ All episodes: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/Subscribe to the Everybody in the Pool newsletter: https://www.mollywood.co/Become a member and get an ad-free version of the podcast: https://everybodyinthepool.supercast.com/What you can do to help: Please subscribe and tell your friends about Everybody in the Pool!Send feedback or become a sponsor! in@everybodyinthepool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Szymanski, is the chef, owner, and head wino at Lords, Dame, and Crevette restaurants in NYC. Hailing from across the pond in London, Ed, along with his wife Patricia, in less than half a decade have created some of NYC's most beloved and critically acclaimed restaurants and wine programs, each with their own identity.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the on-going themes with Wine Talks, with virtually all guests, is the idea that you never stop learning in the wine trade. I supposed you could say that about many industries, but wine carries with it the idea of the harvest; the surrounding conditions that otherwise would be called "terroir" when discussing the differences from one year to the next. And there in lies the "never stop learning" aspect of wine. Each year is different and each your your knowledge and curiosity is compounded. Tony Biagi relishes in this concept. He finds the will and the drive directly from the annual but perrenial unkowns when the next harvest arrives. We had an inspiring conversation at the Robert Mondavi tasting room in downtown Napa (a must stop when visiting). ony Biagi might claim his parents thought he was crazy for joining the wine world, but on this episode, it's clear that his unique path—from wrestling recruit to celebrated Napa winemaker—brings bold insight to every bottle he touches. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on what really makes a wine legendary—not just the soil or variety, but the relentless curiosity and humility of those who tend the vines. Listen as Tony wrestles with the legacy of To Kalon, Napa's most storied vineyard, unraveling its mysteries alongside Paul Kalemkiarian. You'll learn how American and French traditions collide in the heart of California, why the freedom to experiment drives vintners across the Atlantic to our shores, and how the “Burgundianization” of Napa reflects a deeper search for identity and place. Tony lays bare the tension between making wine for the critics versus crafting honest, vintage-driven wines—the kind that can never quite be replicated and, like a great song or timeless meal, stir something primal in us all. Hear the unvarnished truth about organic farming, weathering adversity like wildfires, and how a single harvest offers but one shot each year to get it right. Find out why the energy in a morning vineyard or the quiet wisdom of mentors shapes every glass, and discover how genuine hospitality—not snobbery—keeps the wine world alive. By the end, you'll possess an insider's grasp of not only To Kalon's rarefied terroir and innovative spirit, but the soulful alchemy that endlessly draws winemakers and drinkers back to the table. Robert Mondavi Winery (owners of part of To Kalon Vineyard) Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Ridge Vineyards Website: https://www.ridgewine.com Ravenswood Winery Website: https://www.ravenswoodwinery.com PlumpJack Winery Website: https://www.plumpjackwinery.com Duckhorn Vineyards Website: https://www.duckhorn.com Hourglass Wine Company Website: https://www.hourglasswines.com Cade Estate Winery Website: https://www.cadewinery.com Chateau Cheval Blanc Website: https://www.chateau-cheval-blanc.com/en/ Harlan Estate Website: https://www.harlanestate.com Staglin Family Vineyard Website: https://www.staglinfamily.com Domaine Leflaive Website: https://www.domainedeflaive.com/en/ Dalla Valle Vineyards Website: https://www.dallavallevineyards.com Turley Wine Cellars Website: https://www.turleywinecellars.com Terravox (Missouri) Website: https://www.terravox.wine Wine Spectator (wine magazine frequently cited) Website: https://www.winespectator.com     #NapaValley #TonyBiagi #PaulKalemkiarian #winemaking #TokalonVineyard #terroir #CabernetSauvignon #CabernetFranc #organicfarming #vineyardhistory #winebusiness #wineratings #hospitality #winetourism #innovation #tradition #vintage #wineindustry #RobertMondavi #winetastingrooms  

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Grapevines and Storylines: Lake Balaton's Hidden Wine Gem Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-10-06-07-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Balaton partján, ahol a víz csendesen fodrozódik, egy őszi fesztivál kezdődött meg.En: On the shores of Lake Balaton, where the water ripples gently, an autumn festival has begun.Hu: A levegőt a frissen szedett szőlő illata töltötte be.En: The air was filled with the scent of freshly picked grapes.Hu: Színes standok sorakoztak a parton, tele finom ételekkel, helyi borokkal és kézműves termékekkel.En: Colorful stalls lined the shore, full of delicious food, local wines, and handcrafted products.Hu: Áron izgatottan készült erre a napra.En: Áron was eagerly preparing for this day.Hu: Ő egy lelkes borász, aki a saját pincészetéből származó új bort szerette volna bemutatni.En: He is an enthusiastic winemaker who wanted to showcase the new wine from his own winery.Hu: Az emberek tolongtak a sátrak között, élvezték a lazított hangulatot.En: People thronged between the tents, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.Hu: Áron tudta, nem lesz könnyű kitűnni a tömegből.En: Áron knew it wouldn't be easy to stand out from the crowd.Hu: A környéken sok tapasztalt borász volt, de ő hitt a bora különlegességében.En: There were many experienced winemakers around, but he believed in the uniqueness of his wine.Hu: Eldöntötte, hogy ingyenes kóstolókat szervez, hogy felhívja magára a figyelmet.En: He decided to organize complimentary tastings to draw attention.Hu: Eközben Eszter, az élelmiszer-újságíró, a történeteket kereste.En: Meanwhile, Eszter, the food journalist, was in search of stories.Hu: Mindig arra törekedett, hogy hiteles és egyedi sztorikat találjon az olvasóinak.En: She always aimed to find authentic and unique stories for her readers.Hu: A fesztivál sok lehetőséget kínált, de az igazi különlegesség még váratott magára.En: The festival offered many opportunities, but the real gem was yet to be found.Hu: Ahogy Eszter elhaladt Áron standja mellett, látta az emberek érdeklődését.En: As Eszter passed by Áron's stall, she saw the interest of the people.Hu: Valami megfogta az Áron lelkesedésében, és úgy döntött, bekapcsolódik a kóstolásba.En: Something caught her attention in Áron's enthusiasm, and she decided to join the tasting.Hu: Áron szívélyesen üdvözölte őt, örömmel mesélt a borról, amit készített.En: Áron warmly welcomed her and was happy to talk about the wine he had made.Hu: Elmesélte, hogyan hatott a Balaton környéki talaj és a mikroklíma az ízvilágra.En: He explained how the soil and microclimate around Lake Balaton influenced the flavor profile.Hu: Esztert lenyűgözte a szenvedély, amellyel Áron a történetet előadta.En: Eszter was impressed by the passion with which Áron presented the story.Hu: Hirtelen minden összeállt a fejében.En: Suddenly, everything came together in her mind.Hu: Ez volt az a történet, amit keresett.En: This was the story she had been looking for.Hu: Áron borának meséje, a hely szelleme, és az a különleges érintés, amit csak egy kis borászat képes nyújtani.En: The tale of Áron's wine, the spirit of the place, and that special touch that only a small winery could provide.Hu: Az este végeztével, Eszter megírta az izgalmas cikket.En: By the end of the evening, Eszter wrote the exciting article.Hu: Az olvasók átérezhették Áron szeretetét a szakmája iránt.En: Readers could feel Áron's love for his craft.Hu: A cikk sikeres lett, és sokan mentek el Áron standjához, hogy kipróbálják a bort.En: The article was successful, and many visited Áron's stall to try the wine.Hu: Áron érezte, hogy valami megváltozott.En: Áron felt that something had changed.Hu: Több megkeresést is kapott, így a jövője biztosítva volt.En: He received more inquiries, ensuring his future was secure.Hu: Eszter szintén új perspektívát kapott.En: Eszter also gained a new perspective.Hu: Újra felfedezte a történetek erejét, és azt, hogy milyen fontos összekapcsolódni az emberekkel és az ő világukkal.En: She rediscovered the power of stories and how important it is to connect with people and their worlds.Hu: Egy egyszerű találkozás felejthetetlen élményben forrt össze, amit mindketten magukkal vihettek.En: A simple encounter turned into an unforgettable experience that both could carry with them. Vocabulary Words:shores: partjánripples: fodrozódikautumn: ősziscent: illatastalls: standokdelicious: finomshowcase: bemutatniwinery: pincészetébőlthronged: tolongtakrelaxed: lazítottuniqueness: különlegességébencomplimentary: ingyenesattention: figyelmetjournalist: újságíróauthentic: hitelesunique: egyediopportunities: lehetőségetreal gem: igazi különlegességenthusiasm: lelkesedésébenwarmly: szívélyesenflavor profile: ízvilágraimpressed: lenyűgöztepassion: szenvedélyreaders: olvasókcraft: szakmájainquiries: megkereséstsecure: biztosítvaperspective: perspektívátconnect: összekapcsolódniencounter: találkozás

Join me as I sit down with Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Esther shares her fascinating journey from an English major to a wine journalist, starting with a harvest internship in Napa Valley and subsequently working in Mendoza, Argentina. Her career path led her through Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator before landing at the Chronicle in 2015, where she has since become a prominent voice in wine journalism. Throughout our conversation, Esther discusses her approach to wine writing, emphasizing her role as a reporter who explores wine through broader lenses of society, climate change, immigration, and culture. She explains that her job goes beyond traditional wine criticism, focusing instead on telling compelling stories about the wine industry in California. The episode offers listeners an insider's view of wine journalism, tracing her professional evolution and her unique perspective on covering the dynamic world of wine.   Resources from this Episode San Francisco Chronicle Wine Drinking with Esther Newsletter “The original ‘cult' wine: How I discovered California's strangest vineyard” Published 2018   This episode is sponsored by Harvest Pillar concrete trellis posts. Want to know why more growers are going for concrete? It's because Harvest Pillar is the last trellis post you'll ever need.   Check out the Fundamentals of Winemaking Made Easy video course

I can talk about this stuff for days. Get me on a high horse and it is off to the races. I've tasted more wines than most people could ever dare dream of—but what fascinates me isn't just what's in the glass. It's the stories behind the bottles, the regions, and the relentless passion it takes to survive and thrive in the wine trade. In this episode of Wine Talks, I share how a ritual-like discipline led me to taste over 100,000 wines, and what that journey has taught me about the constantly evolving wine industry. I'll take you inside Tuesday morning tastings, reveal why competitors sometimes secretly send each other cases of samples, and unpack how internet sales, supermarket scandals, and shifting consumer habits have redrawn the map of the wine world. But it's not just about business—I'll also show you how to navigate an overwhelming wine aisle with confidence by learning to decode the meaning woven into a label. I'll open a door to emerging wine regions like Armenia, where ancient traditions and native grapes are fighting for global recognition, much like Napa or Bordeaux once did. Along the way, I'll share unexpected stories—from unforgettable dining spots in Yountville, to vodka distilled from “second-chance” fruit, to boutique brands rewriting the rules of luxury. My goal is simple: to help you see wine in a whole new light. You'll leave this episode empowered to explore, enchanted by histories you never knew, and inspired to savor not just what's in your glass, but the human stories that bring it to life. #WineTalks #WinePodcast #PaulKalemkiarian #WineOfTheMonthClub #WineTasting #NapaValley #Yountville #StHelena #WineEducation #WineIndustry #ArmenianWine #WineRegions #WineExperience #WineTravel #WineStories #WineCulture #WineRecommendations #Winemaking #WineShops #WineVarietals

Discover winemaking techniques used by Maison Mirabeau to make their famously delicate rose wines in this interview with Guillame Cordonis.

The Armenian wine trade, like the rest of the wine world, has headwinds and maybe a bit more than the more established countries and regions where wine is well known and respected. You have to add to the mix of struggles; unknown grape varietals, no port of entry, unknown regions and 75 years of Soviet oppression. Enter Zara Muradyan; a wine romanticist and proud Armenian vintner. She is fast becoming the one to know in the wine trade out of Armenia and possibly single-handedly recruited the famed and infamous Concours Mondial de Bruxelles International wine tasting to Yerevan, Armenia in May of 2026.  It took a bit, but Wine Talks sat with Zara to hear her perspective. Zara Nuradyan can hardly believe it herself: in just fifteen years, Armenia has gone from a forgotten wine outpost—where the post-Soviet legacy meant brandy trumped wine—to a vibrant, world-class wine region inviting international acclaim. In this episode, you'll discover how Zara, the dynamic director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia and founder of Zara Wines, is not only championing Armenia's ancient winemaking heritage but also steering its modern renaissance. You'll hear how the country, armed with indigenous grapes like Areni and Voskahat, is shaking off its low-profile past to carve out a place on the international wine map—and why you might just see Armenian bottles on the tables of Tokyo, Los Angeles, or at your next masterclass. From government investment and educational initiatives to the role of diaspora and global tastings, Zara pulls back the curtain on how Armenia unites old-world traditions and new-world ambition, even courting major international competitions right in Yerevan. You'll get an insider's look at the challenges and headwinds, the heady joys of a growing industry, and the story of how passion, terroir, and a can-do spirit have created not just better wine, but a new cultural touchstone for Armenians at home and abroad. If you've ever doubted that a “brand new ancient” wine country could dazzle the global stage, Zara's journey will leave you uncorking more than a few assumptions—and maybe reaching for a bottle of something you've never tasted before. Zara Wines (founded by Zara Nuradyan) Website: Not specifically listed in the transcript, but based on the company name, the most likely official site is: https://zarawines.com/ Geisenheim University (collaborator in founding the Wine Academy in Armenia) Website: https://www.hs-geisenheim.de/ Karas Wines (a key Armenian wine producer mentioned) Website: https://karaswines.com/ Alexandria Winery (producer in Armenia) Website: https://alexandriawines.com/ Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia (Zara is the director) Website: https://armeniamwinefoundation.com/ or https://vwfa.am/ Icare Foundation (collaborator for the Wine Academy) Website: https://icare.am/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/4hLWvOPDjZw #ArmenianWine #WineIndustry #WineTourism #WineEducation #IndigenousGrapeVarieties #WineHistory #WineRenaissance #Armenia #WinePodcast #WineCulture #InternationalWineMarket #WineExport #WineFoundation #WineMaking #WinePromotion #WineEvents #WineFestivals #zarawines #zaramuradyan #WineInnovation

Those who love Washington wine know one of the many fine areas for wine tastings is Woodinville. And in Woodinville you’ll find the stunning DeLille Cellars, which is located in the Old Redhook Brewery building just around the corner from the extraordinary Spa at Willows Lodge. At DeLille, I met with Jason Gorski, Vice President [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Jason Gorski, Vice President of Winemaking, DeLille Cellars, Washington, defining the phrase “Every Day is Tuesday”.  Learn more by visiting delillecellars.com

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Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Unveiling the Lost Legacy: A Mendoza Wine Mystery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2025-09-13-22-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: En la finca de flores, un rincón mágico en Mendoza, todo comenzaba a despertarse con la llegada de la primavera.En: On the flower farm, a magical corner in Mendoza, everything began to awaken with the arrival of spring.Es: Los viñedos, bajo la cálida luz del sol, se extendían hacia las majestuosas montañas de los Andes.En: The vineyards, under the warm sunlight, stretched toward the majestic Andes mountains.Es: Por estos caminos, Sofía caminaba día tras día, con la pasión de preservar las técnicas tradicionales de la viticultura.En: Along these paths, Sofía walked day after day, with the passion to preserve traditional winemaking techniques.Es: En su corazón, guardaba un sueño: encontrar la antigua receta de vino que las generaciones pasadas habían perdido en el tiempo.En: In her heart, she held a dream: to find the ancient wine recipe that past generations had lost over time.Es: Héctor, el dueño de la finca, era un hombre reservado.En: Héctor, the owner of the farm, was a reserved man.Es: Siempre había un aire misterioso a su alrededor, sus ojos ocultando secretos de la historia familiar.En: There was always a mysterious air about him, his eyes hiding family history secrets.Es: Aunque deseaba proteger el legado de la finca, no compartía con facilidad los detalles que tanto podían ayudar a Sofía.En: Although he wished to protect the farm's legacy, he did not easily share the details that could greatly help Sofía.Es: Isabella, una crítica de vinos, había llegado a la finca con el propósito de encontrar una historia única.En: Isabella, a wine critic, had arrived at the farm with the purpose of finding a unique story.Es: Los rumores sobre la receta perdida la intrigaban, y vio en ellos una oportunidad de oro para su carrera.En: The rumors about the lost recipe intrigued her, and she saw in them a golden opportunity for her career.Es: Decidida, buscó aliarse con Sofía.En: Determined, she sought to ally with Sofía.Es: Juntas, podrían encontrar las pistas que desvelarían el misterio escondido entre las vides.En: Together, they could find the clues that would reveal the mystery hidden among the vines.Es: Una tarde, mientras el viento susurraba entre las hojas, Sofía y Isabella descubrieron una serie de notas.En: One afternoon, while the wind whispered through the leaves, Sofía and Isabella discovered a series of notes.Es: Eran fragmentos de cartas antiguas.En: They were fragments of old letters.Es: Las letras, aunque desvaídas, aún podían leerse.En: The letters, though faded, could still be read.Es: Aquellas cartas hablaban de un lugar especial, un lugar que solo se abriría al revelar las palabras mágicas.En: Those letters spoke of a special place, a place that would only open by revealing the magic words.Es: Decidieron mostrarle las notas a Héctor.En: They decided to show the notes to Héctor.Es: Aunque al principio se mostró reticente, su corazón cedió al ver la determinación y la sinceridad en los ojos de Sofía e Isabella.En: Although at first he was reluctant, his heart yielded upon seeing the determination and sincerity in Sofía and Isabella's eyes.Es: Con un suspiro, reveló la existencia de un viejo sótano debajo de la bodega.En: With a sigh, he revealed the existence of an old cellar beneath the winery.Es: Guiadas por Héctor, las mujeres bajaron cuidadosamente las escaleras de piedra.En: Guided by Héctor, the women carefully descended the stone stairs.Es: La oscuridad del sótano se iluminó con la luz suave de una lámpara.En: The darkness of the cellar was illuminated by the soft light of a lamp.Es: Allí, tras una puerta secreta, encontraron lo que tanto habían buscado.En: There, behind a secret door, they found what they had sought for so long.Es: La receta apareció, junto a un cofre que contenía cartas y diarios familiares.En: The recipe appeared, along with a chest containing family letters and diaries.Es: En ellos, relatos de amores, luchas y triunfos que definieron a la familia de Héctor por generaciones.En: Within them were tales of love, struggles, and triumphs that had defined Héctor's family for generations.Es: El descubrimiento no solo devolvió la vieja receta, sino que también ayudó a Héctor a comprender la importancia de compartir y honrar su herencia.En: The discovery not only brought back the old recipe but also helped Héctor understand the importance of sharing and honoring his heritage.Es: La emoción llenó los corazones de todos, y una nueva amistad se forjó entre ellos.En: Emotion filled everyone's hearts, and a new friendship was forged among them.Es: Con la primavera completando su renovación, la finca de flores floreció no solo con sus uvas, sino con un renovado espíritu.En: With spring completing its renewal, the flower farm blossomed not only with its grapes but with a renewed spirit.Es: Sofía ganó confianza.En: Sofía gained confidence.Es: Sabía que su amor por el pasado ahora sería el puente hacia el futuro de la finca.En: She knew that her love for the past would now be the bridge to the farm's future.Es: Héctor, Isabella y Sofía compartieron una mirada llena de promesas.En: Héctor, Isabella, and Sofía shared a look full of promises.Es: Juntos, escribieron un nuevo capítulo en la historia de la finca, uno que duraría por siempre.En: Together, they wrote a new chapter in the farm's history, one that would last forever. Vocabulary Words:the vineyard: el viñedomajestic: majestuosothe path: el caminoto awaken: despertarsethe passion: la pasiónthe winemaking: la viticulturathe legacy: el legadothe rumor: el rumorunique: únicodetermined: decididothe clue: la pistato reveal: desvelarthe mystery: el misteriothe wind: el vientoto whisper: susurrarthe note: la notathe fragment: el fragmentothe cellar: el sótanothe lamp: la lámparathe diary: el diariothe struggle: la luchathe triumph: el triunfothe renewal: la renovaciónto blossom: florecerto forge: forjarthe promise: la promesathe defeat: la derrotathe secret: el secretoto descend: descenderthe emotion: la emoción

Not of all wine news is about a drop in sales or activity...wine tourism is up.  On Wine Talks I regularly discuss the idea that wine is headed back in time to the days where the experience of wine is driving the interest in wine. Winery tastings, wine pairing dinners, day long wine excursions and more are peaking the interest in not only wine enthusiasts but wine novices the same. One destination that is working hard at luring wine travel is Armenia. I have keen interest in understanding the value of and the current climate of wine tourism in my country of heritage. Lilit Gregoryan is on the forefront of the movement and we had a chance to catch up and discuss the current state of Armenian wine travel. I have to tell you, sitting down (virtually, in this case) with Lilit Grigoryan for this episode of Wine Talks was one of those conversations that leaves you thinking long after you hit “stop recording.” Now, I'll let you in on a little behind-the-scenes secret: this was our third crack at getting the tech to play nice for a clear connection between sunny Southern California and Yerevan, Armenia. You could say we worked up a thirst before we even started talking wine. Right from the get-go, Lilit came in with the big picture view—“Winemaking and wine are rooted as a nation in our DNA.” That statement stuck with me. For all the talk we have about terroir, varietals, and fancy cellaring techniques, sometimes you need a reminder that, in places like Armenia, wine's not just a beverage or even an export—it's part of the cultural bedrock. She made the bold and very true point: Armenia isn't just learning from Europe; it's reminding Europe, and the world, where winemaking really started. What really fascinated me was her work in building up the Council of Enotourism. Now, enotourism anywhere is having its moment, and Armenia is no exception. I'll admit, I ended up tumbling down memory lane—remembering road trips that started off about something else (the Monaco Grand Prix, in my case) and somehow veered, as everything in my life seems to, straight into wine country. The magic of enotourism, Lilit pointed out, is that it's about more than tasting rooms. It's about connecting public, private, and even academic stakeholders—guides, wineries, archeologists, whole communities—to put Armenia back on the wine map. There's a humility that runs deep in Armenian winemakers, which, as Lilit mentioned, maybe ought to be set aside for a bit of healthy self-promotion. Why not, when you have 6,100-year-old wine caves that literally rewrite the history of viticulture? This is a nation where, she told me, even the rituals carved into fourth- and sixth-century churches tell the story of wine's place in life and faith. “We are the shoulders that the Old World stands on.” I scribbled that down—it's one for the ages. We got into some wine geek talk (couldn't resist)—about amphora and the ancient methods now making a comeback from Bordeaux to California. Funny thing, the rest of the world calls it trendy; for Armenians, it's just Tuesday. And I had to laugh—she talked about roadside wine in Coke bottles, and yeah, in 2007, I could barely choke down what I found. But the leap in quality is astounding. Armenian winemakers today are winning international gold medals! You can feel the pride simmering up—and frankly, that's as it should be. Lilit's also candid about the challenges—lack of unity among stakeholders, the need for more education, and the always-present tension of getting government support. Reminded me of local feuds in the LA trade; everyone wants the same thing, but getting consensus? It's like herding cats with corkscrews. But what I love most is her conviction: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Armenians have always been resilient—she's sure, and so am I, that Armenia's renaissance is just getting started. And let's not forget, she humbly attributes her passion to being “one cheeky university girl” drinking wine with her friends, which, honestly, is how the best careers begin. Lilit is creating a movement, and you can feel it—one that won't just put Armenian wine on the table but will make it impossible for the world to ignore. So, next time you're reaching for something old-world or new-world, remember Lilit's words: “We are ancient world.” And maybe, just maybe, it's time to pour Armenia into your next glass.   Wines of Armenia Organization: "Wines of Armenia" (NGO) Website: https://winesofarmenia.am/ eNoturos / Council of Enotourism in Armenia Organization: eNoturos, Council of Enotourism in Armenia Website: There is not a direct website publicly available from the information provided in the transcript at this time. Areni-1 Foundation Organization: Areni-1 Foundation (involved with the Areni-1 cave) Website: There is not a direct website publicly available from the information provided in the transcript at this time, but general information on the Areni-1 cave can be viewed here: http://www.areniwinery.com/ (Areni Wine Factory), though this is not an official page for the "Areni-1 Foundation." Wine and Vine Foundation of Armenia Organization: Wine and Vine Foundation of Armenia Website: https://armeniandrinks.com/en/wine-foundation Zatik Wine Festival Event organized by Wines of Armenia Website: Not directly available; may be found through Wines of Armenia's site or social media. Enofest/Enotalks Event by EnoTourism Council Website: Not directly available; check Wines of Armenia for events: https://winesofarmenia.am/ Global Wine Tourism Organization Organization referenced as the global enotourism network Website: https://gwto.org/ Cordy Brothers / Corti Brothers Referred to as a famous wine shop in Sacramento Website: https://www.cortibrothers.com/ Massanois Imports Mentioned as a wine distributor Website: https://www.massanois.com/   #wine #winetalks #armenianwine #enotouris, #winedna #armenia #ancientwine #wineheritage #wineducatio, #wineculture #winerenaissance #wineindustry #armenianculture #foodandwine #winehistory #winesofarmenia #winemaking #viticulture #winetourism #armenianhospitality

The wines of the Monterey Peninsula, and particularly those of the Carmel Valley, are exquisite. It is always just so interesting to have the some grape grown in different parts of the world and be so different...soely on the location and environmental influences of the vineyard. When tasting Bernardus wines, you taste complexities entirely different than anywhere else in California. These wines are something special and Jim McCabe is responsible. I also had to alert him to the famed folk guitar store, McCabes in Santa Monica. You might say Jim McCabe's side hustle—building guitars—makes him a craftsman twice over, but it's his day job as winemaker at Bernardus Winery that will have you tuning your curiosity to new frequencies. In this episode of Wine Talks, I invites you to uncork not just bottles, but the entire lived experience of crafting wine in California's stunning Carmel Valley. You'll learn why great wine isn't just about the grapes, but the ebb and flow of history, land, and a willingness to embrace both tradition and careful, gradual innovation. Jim doesn't just talk barrel aging or fermentation science; he brings you to the heart of winemaking's enduring mysteries—the art of blending picks from different harvest moments, the challenge of warding off smoke taint during wildfire years, and the ever-changing dance with nature that means no two vintages are ever the same. What does it take to draw younger generations to honest wine when technology and taste are shifting faster than vines grow? Jim and I candidly dissect the battle between old-school storytelling and the rise of social influencers, while reflecting on the timelessness of grassroots, word-of-mouth enthusiasm. Along the way, you'll pick up on the slow, patient work behind the scenes—why relationships with grape growers matter, why incremental rather than drastic change is key, and how history and tradition shape every bottle. By the end of the conversation, you'll come away with more than the technical notes of Bernardus' famed Pinots and Chardonnays; you'll understand the emotional charge that a simple sniff of a great wine can trigger, and why, whether you're a seasoned sommelier or new to the wine world, this is a craft that always keeps you guessing, learning, and savoring just one more glass. Bernardus Winery Website: https://www.bernardus.com Hotel Amarano Website: https://www.hotelamarano.com McCabe's Guitar Shop Website: https://www.mccabes.com   #winepodcast #CarmelValley #MontereyPeninsula #BernardusWinery #PaulKalemkiarian #JimMcCabe #winemaking #wineindustry #boutiquewineries #winemakerstories #winehistory #vineyardmanagement #wineinfluencers #socialmediawine #SauvignonBlanc #PinotNoir #Chardonnay #winetourism #winetasting #winetrends #mccabesguitarshop    

When people enter a room, you instantly get a sense of their disposition in life. Are they smiley? Frowning? friendly? Gregarious? and you instantly if this is going to work. I knew instantly that this was going to work when Cecilia Guzman walked into the studio.  Sitting down in the studio in beautiful Southern California for this episode of Wine Talks was a real treat—one of those times you just know you've got the right guest in the right seat. Cecilia Guzman, winemaker at Haras de Pirque (and yes, I stumbled through the name a couple of times—years of Spanish and still getting tripped up), joined me for a conversation that took us deep into the world of Chilean wine, from the fun of making it to the relentless challenge of selling it. Right from the top, Cecilia hit me with one of those insights I love: “Making wine is kind of easy. It's fun and easy, but selling wine, it's another stuff.” Isn't that the story of this business? We're all drawn in by the romance—the vineyards, the sunshine, the “lifestyle”—but it's once the barrels are tucked away and the corks are in the bottles that the real grind begins. And, as she pointed out, the business has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Getting your label noticed in today's flooded market is a whole different challenge than staking out your vineyard back in the day. Now, Cecilia's story isn't the usual “dreamer buys some vines” tale. She's the general manager and winemaker at Aras de Pirque, a property now 100% owned by the Antinori family—six hundred years in wine. Yes, you read that right, six centuries! I always marvel at how these wine dynasties, whether Italian, French, or American, get the itch to go explore somewhere new. In this case, the Antinoris, looking for that “departure from the regular,” were drawn to Chile's potential—the terroir, the freedom from strict appellation rules, the lure of doing something different. Cecilia's philosophy on wine really shines when she talks about letting the place shine through—how it's not about making the best Chilean Cabernet, but making the best wine for that unique spot in Pirque. That notion of terroir, of honest wines that truly express where they're grown, is something I can get behind. The challenge, as we both lamented, is getting that magic to translate to the consumer, bridging that gap from heartfelt winemaking to the retail shelf. But what I found most refreshing was her practical outlook. She sees Chile as a land with advantages—natural barriers, low disease pressure, and a real push towards sustainability. There's a bit of humility in her voice when she talks about how Chile can almost do “organic by default.” Yes, their greatest challenge is, as she puts it, the weeds! (The kind in the vineyard, not the grain—note to self, remember the translation next time). What really stuck with me, though, was Cecilia's sense of continuity and patience. When you only get one shot a year, it takes decades to build real wisdom—and she's been racking up vintages for thirty years. The Antinoris may have centuries behind them, but every year in Chile still brings new lessons, new surprises, new stories. And isn't that just the heart of wine? It's history in a bottle, culture at the table, a product that's always made better when it brings people together—at home in Chile, or halfway across the world. If you ever get the chance, I'll tell you, visiting Chile is on that bucket list. From the vineyards to the Andes to those family tables where stories linger as long as the finish on a great Cabernet. Cheers to Cecilia, and to the stories we keep uncorking together. Haras de Pirque  Website: https://www.harasdepirque.com/ Antinori Family (Marchesi Antinori) Website: https://www.antinori.it/ Los Vascos Website: https://www.lafite.com/en/the-domaines/los-vascos/ (Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)) Undurraga Website: https://www.undurraga.cl/ Don Melchor Website: https://www.donmelchor.com   #winepodcast #Chileanwine #CeciliaGuzman #PollyHammond #winemaking #winetourism #AntinoriFamily #sustainablewine #terroir #vineyardmanagement #winemarketing #womeninwine #organicfarming #Argentinewine #CabernetSauvignon #Merlot #wineculture #biodynamicwine #wineindustry #foodandwinepairing  

A few years ago, a young woman was interning at the Original Wine of the Month Club. Her internship revolved around social networking, office duties, and one particular job that may have set her career path. Lisa Kassabian was to write the talking points for all my podcasts that featured a woman in wine.  She would research the guest, write up peritnent points, present the to me and together we would redirect or correct. When that work was completed, Lisa was invited on set to hear how her questions worked and how the guest would respond. Maybe I had something to do with it, it would certainly make sense...because eventually, Lisa became an Enology student at Cornell University.  At the University, all students in this curriculum are required to do an internship before they graduate. This is the story of Lisa's internship at the famed Chateau Haut Bailly. For sure, if you want to know the insights a young wine Enology student might gain from the academic side and the practical side of wine...this is the episode. Lisa Kassabian never expected that an afterschool “All About Grapes” club would spark a journey from a Los Angeles vineyard to the heart of Bordeaux. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll discover how a childhood passion for science—and a hobby vineyard at home—led Lisa from California to Cornell, and ultimately, to an eye-opening internship in France. You'll gain a rare behind-the-scenes view of the very real intersections between wine, science, and culture, as Lisa reveals how pruning and fermentation chemistry connect to centuries of tradition. Listen closely and you'll learn what really happens when theory meets the terroir: from tackling grapevine netting and barrel racking to navigating French hospitality, language barriers, and immaculate cellars. Through Lisa's first-hand stories, you'll hear what distinguishes French winemaking—the meticulous attention to detail, relentless innovation, and deep cultural ties that set Bordeaux apart from Napa. Ever wonder what it's like to balance the academic rigor of soil science classes with tasting your family's Sauvignon Blanc in sunny California? Or how it feels to pour wine at a charity gala in a historic French château? This episode peels back the reality of building a global wine career, from landing international internships to learning the business beyond the classroom, and even discovering which French pastries pair best with your morning commute. By the end, you'll understand not only the pathways women are carving into the industry, but also why every bottle holds a world of stories, science, and adventure—a revelation sure to inspire future vintners and aficionados alike.   Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu   UC Davis (University of California, Davis) https://www.ucdavis.edu   Château Haut-Bailly https://www.haut-bailly.com   Sequoia Grove Winery https://www.sequoiagrove.com   Smith Haut Lafitte https://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com   Château Lynch-Bages https://www.lynchbages.com   Château Giscours https://www.giscours.com #wineTalks #LisaKassabian #PaulKalemkiarian #viticulture #enology #CornellUniversity #wineinternship #ChateauHautBailly #Bordeaux #NapaValley #womeninwine #Frenchwine #wineeducation #vineyardmanagement #winemaking #winescience #Frenchculture #wineindustry #winecareers #winepodcast  

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, Billy sits down with Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac, one of Burgundy's most respected and influential domaines. Founded in 1968 by Jeremy's father Jacques, Domaine Dujac has grown from just a few hectares in Morey-Saint-Denis to over 20 hectares of some of the Côte d'Or's most coveted vineyards. Today, Jeremy carries forward that legacy while also shaping a vision for the future of Burgundy.The conversation explores the estate's history, farming and winemaking philosophy, and Jeremy's perspective on whole-cluster fermentation, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and the generational shift in Burgundy. Jeremy also shares his involvement with The Roots Fund, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in wine through scholarships, mentorship, and internships.Listeners will hear about:The story behind the name Domaine Dujac and Jeremy's path back to the estateHow whole-cluster fermentation has shaped Dujac's style and Jeremy's evolving approachThe domaine's transition to organic and biodynamic farming and its impact on vineyard resilienceBurgundy's generational handover and how Jeremy's experience compares to his peersThe philosophy behind supporting vineyard workers and advancing sustainability beyond the vinesJeremy's projects outside Burgundy, including Triennes in Provence and the Trailside Vineyard collaboration in Napa ValleyThe mission of The Roots Fund and examples of how it's changing careers in wineWhether you're a Burgundy collector, a wine professional, or simply fascinated by the people shaping wine culture today, this episode offers rare insight from one of the region's most thoughtful voices.

Send us a textJoin us on The Pinto Podcast for Nancy's latest surgery update and our rookie dive into winemaking. We reminisce about the dog days of summer, trips to Hillcrest Farms in Bartonsville, PA, and the grueling double sessions of football season. We cheer Summerlin South's epic Little League World Series run and puzzle over MLB's potential playoff shake-ups. Plus, our first-ever Cracker Barrel visit—spoiler: we just browsed the store!#PintoPodcast #CrackerBarrel #LittleLeague #MLBPlayoffs #HighSchoolFootball #HillcrestFarms #SummerNostalgia #Winemaking Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, share and rate! https://thepintopodcast.buzzsprout.com Chris Pinto IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrispeterpinto FB: https://www.facebook.com/chris.pinto.940X: https://x.com/chrispeterpintoLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispintoemployment/ https://www.chrispinto.com/ Email: chrispintoactor@gmail.com Music and Sound FX Credits: https://freepd.com/

Enotoursim has been a staple in the tourism trade. One of my favorite podcast was with XXX Duput, the woman who delivered the wines from Napa to Steven Spurrier in Paris for the Judgement In Paris. She was the leading Enotourist company in America.  As time would have it, Enotourism had seen its days, slumping a bit for the past decade...until now. Though wine sales are off and the wine industry is scurrying to define the cause of this slump, enotourism could save the day. Meet Bill Callejas, he is grassroots and has created an enotourism company from sheer passion. Bill Callejas didn't just stumble into wine tourism—he reverse-engineered it from the ground up, blending the precision of his production background with a storyteller's flair and an explorer's curiosity. You'll be hard pressed to find a more nuanced perspective on wine travel, or a more convincing case for ditching those cookie-cutter tours. In this episode, you'll discover the real difference between “just another wine trip” and a thoughtfully crafted, immersive journey that brings you shoulder-to-shoulder with winemakers, artisans, and even the family matriarch preparing your meal. Bill reveals how he and his partners built World Wine Destinations around the idea that travel and wine are each a world unto themselves—each deserving of respect, intention, and creative design. Listeners will learn how each trip is structured like a multi-day live show, full of distinct characters, rising action, and the slow burn of discovery that comes from tasting with local experts in quiet, off-the-map villages. Expect revelations on why genuine wine travel can't—and shouldn't—be “dumbed down,” why asking winemakers about their intention often leads to the best stories, and how wine acts as a cultural glue, binding food, land, history, and people in an experience you can literally taste. Whether it's the ancient amphorae of Greece, the wild terroir of Argentina, or the unexpected intimacy of Paso Robles, you'll come away with an appreciation for how travel, when done right, changes not just what's in your glass, but who you are as a drinker and a global citizen. Buckle up—one glass at a time, you'll learn how the story of wine is best lived, not just told. ✅ Think you know wine travel? Think again. ✅ Discover how storytelling and immersive experiences are redefining wine tourism. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, host Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Bill Callejas of World Wine Destinations to reveal why their unique approach skips the cookie-cutter tours and takes you straight into the heart—and the culture—of the world's top wine regions. ✅ If you thought wine was just about tasting, you haven't heard the stories that bring each glass to life. Hit play and get ready to plan your next adventure (and maybe reimagine what a wine trip can be)! World Wine Destinations Website: https://www.worldwinedestinations.com Corner Wines (Plano, Texas) Website: https://www.cornerwines.com   #winepodcast #winetourism #winetravel #wineculture #worldwinedestinations #BillCallejas #PaulKalemkiarian #winestories #winemakers #winetasting #culturalexperiences #wineregions #wineeducation #foodandwine #winehistory #immersivetravel #wineindustry #PasoRobles #winetrips #oenotourism  

Wine needs a fresh face. Well, that is if you ask the pundits in the industry. I am not sure I agree. Certainly, any industry needs to keep up with the times, I suppose marketing ideas and packaging ideas would follow. I am not sure I even agree with that... however, one thing I do believe is bringing a contemporary viewpoint to the table is beneficial. Meet a contemporary viewpoint in Jane Dunkley of Bezel Vineyards. eflecting on my conversation with Jane Dunkley of Bezel Vineyards for the latest episode of Wine Talks, I'm left both energized and encouraged about where the wine industry is headed—and what truly matters in today's wine world. Our podcast's mission has always been to tell the real stories of wine, far beyond tasting notes and ratings. So, sitting down (virtually, at least) with Jane, an Australian-born winemaker who has worked on both sides of the world and now crafts wines for the Cakebread family's new Bezel brand in Paso Robles, was exactly the kind of exchange I live for. Jane's journey started far south of Perth, in Western Australia, on a beef cattle ranch—a background that immediately resonated with me. We swapped stories about the one-of-a-kind “smell” of cattle yards; a scent that, as Jane wryly put it, no amount of showers can really erase. It set her on the path to winemaking: the agricultural connection without the lingering aroma of livestock. That personal connection to the land gave her an appreciation—almost an obligation—to bring authenticity into her role as a winemaker. That idea of authenticity kept surfacing. Jane made it clear: if you're just coming into wine “because you couldn't think of any other way to spend your money,” the market sees through it. The consumer is craving stories and purpose—an ethos to connect with, not just a pretty label or Instagram-ready tasting room. Her advice? If you're ready to make this your life, with good intentions and a real story, there's room for you. I couldn't agree more. We explored what Paso Robles has become—a place that's evolved from cowboy hats and thrift stores to French restaurants and billion-dollar wine acquisitions (yes, I'm still amazed by the DAOU story). Yet, amidst the changing face of Paso, Jane finds the same rural, collaborative spirit that was there when she arrived. I can vouch for it myself; Paso still feels real and welcoming, even if, like me, you eventually learn you're a much better wine storyteller than farmer. It was refreshing to hear Jane champion the idea that innovation in wine isn't about flash—wines in cans, weird flavors, or marketing gimmicks—but about a “unique voice,” expressed sincerely in the glass. We tasted her Bezel Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet, and I was genuinely impressed. The Sauvignon Blanc brought a Southern Hemisphere intensity but was rooted in Paso—minerality and all. The Cabernet, meanwhile, struck that elusive balance between structure and approachability at a $30 price point. As a guy who's sold millions of bottles in that sweet spot, I know how hard that is to get right. At its heart, this episode underlined why I started Wine Talks: to share the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs of people like Jane Dunkley. Wine is about connection—between people, land, science, art, and most of all, experience. The future belongs to those willing to show what they stand for and bring their whole story to the table. And as long as there are voices like Jane's willing to do that, I'll keep telling these stories. Cheers to authenticity—and to the next great bottle. Bezel Vineyards (Jane Dunkley's current winemaking project, associated with Cakebread Cellars) https://bezelwines.com Cakebread Cellars (Iconic Napa Valley winery, parent company for Bezel) https://cakebread.com Bonny Doon Vineyard (Winery owned by Randall Grahm, mentioned regarding Jane's past experience) https://www.bonnydoonvineyard.com Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) (Large wine company Jane worked with in California) https://www.gallo.com The Language of Yes (Project with Randall Grahm that Jane contributed to) https://www.thelanguageofyeswine.com Dow (DAOU Vineyards & Winery) (Paso Robles winery referenced in industry context) https://daouvineyards.com Austin Hope (Hope Family Wines) (Mentioned in relation to Paso Robles Cabernet benchmarks) https://hopefamilywines.com Lewin Estate (Leeuwin Estate) (Margaret River, Australia; discussed in early career context) https://leeuwinestate.com.au   #WineTalks #Podcast #JaneDunkley #PaulKalemkiarian #BezelVineyards #CakebreadCellars #PasoRobles #Winemaking #WineIndustry #WineStories #MargaretRiver #AustralianWine #FemaleWinemaker #VineyardLife #WineTasting #WineInnovation #WineCommunity #WineAuthenticity #SauvignonBlanc #CabernetSauvignon    

I was lucky to sit down with Winemaker Leo Tellez and Dir. of Hospitality and Sales, Joe Hinde from Ackerman Family Vineyards in downtown Napa! From the "aviary" of their restored Victorian Heritage House, we laugh and learn from each other as I hear their journeys that led them to where they are today.Listen as we taste 3 unique and delicious small-production wines (Triple Sip Spotlight!) and talk about the newest Napa Valley AVA, Coombsville, what makes it special and why you need to be drinking wines from this very specific region. Highlights: Coombesville is a hidden gem in Napa Valley, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of of these wine professionals come from multi-generational wine families and carved their paths in this industry Now more than ever, the importance of supporting and drinking wines from small family producers Winemaking is a blend of art and science, requiring creativity and meticulous attention. The joy of wine tasting lies in the stories and connections made around the table. Episode Links:You can purchase their wines and set up a tasting at Ackerman Family VineyardsCheck out their YouTube Channel for more of the "Joe and Leo Show"Follow them on InstagramOther Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Today, Shelley and Phil virtually sit across from Erica Orr with Orr Wines. These wines are amazing! Find them! Buy them! We're ALL in on these wines. These wines were so good, Phil even drops an F-Bomb! This episode sums up why we do this podcast. #HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing #DumpPhil #EasterEgg Wines this episode:2024 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc ($28 at the winery)

This week, the legendary Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal makes his return to Into The Necrosphere. I had the opportunity to sit down with him face-to-face at his art gallery in Bergen during this year's Beyond The Gates Festival, and we set the world to rights—discussing everything from the state of modern society to the recent Gaahl's Wyrd record, the sequel-in-progress to the last Trelldom album, and, of course, we drank some wine. On the Weekly News rant, the latest singles by Despised Icon, Innumerable Forms, Author & Punisher, Revocation, and others are rounded up for judgment. PLUS, I answer your questions, including my take on the upcoming Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev bout at UFC 319, how I manage to juggle a podcast with a career and normal life, the possibility of a live Into The Necrosphere event, and more.   Please support the bands featured on this episode: Gaahls Wyrd:  https://gaahlswyrd.bandcamp.com/  Trelldom:  https://trelldom.bandcamp.com/     Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse:  Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.

SWR's Tobias Webb recently visited Colorado and discovered how a thriving wine region is developing, the sustainability issues they face, and what's next for high desert wine.  In the first of three podcasts, he speaks with Nick Games, owner of Maison La Belle Vie in Palisade, Colorado. Located 1,500m above sea-level, Nick shares the peculiarities of growing grapes at a high altitude, the environmental challenges they face, and how they are adapting to a changing climate.  

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Junel van der Merwe, the Cape Wine Master at Alvi’s Drift. Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala King is the weekend breakfast show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour morning programme is the perfect (and perky!) way to kickstart your weekend. Author and journalist Sara-Jayne Makwala-King spends 3 hours interviewing a variety of guests about all things cultural and entertaining. The team keeps an eye on weekend news stories, but the focus remains on relaxation and restoration. Favourites include the weekly wellness check-in on Saturdays at 7:35am and heartfelt chats during the Sunday 9am profile interview. Listen live on Primedia+ Saturdays and Sundays between 07:00 and 10:00am (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala-King broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/AgPbZi9 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/j1EhEkZ Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, I just have to say my peace and get on with it.  Though in this episode, I dig into the relationships that are forged like in no other industry. Hear me out.   I would argue that the best stories in wine aren't just written in vineyards and cellars, but in the electric connections between people, places, and time—sometimes under the neon glow of a set piece scavenged from a Hollywood film. In this episode, I'm unabashedly turning the spotlight on myself and the tangled web of encounters that make up my journey through the wine world. You'll hear how my wish to inspire led one of my early show writers, Lisa K., to trade in her notes for studies in Bordeaux and how, through her, I've built connections I never would have imagined, including friendships with renowned professors and winemakers. I'll take you behind the scenes with the legendary Cladstrups, whose books have forever changed how I—and maybe how you—experience Paris, and with Maximilian Riedel, whose passion for glassware may just have you questioning whether the vessel truly shapes your wine's destiny. I walk you through my adventures in enotourism with Bill Kalais, who proves that real travel in wine is about genuine cultural immersion, not just bus tours and tastings. And I'll reveal how pioneers like Jason Haas reinvented American wine by shattering old rules and building new bridges—reminding all of us how wine creates an ever-unfolding tapestry of relationships and possibility. At every turn, I come back to a core truth: wine transforms lives, forges lasting bonds across continents and cultures, and weaves together music, language, land, and food into something inseparable and deeply human. Listen in and you'll learn, through my own stories, why the most meaningful bottles are those that connect us, and perhaps even discover the real reason Paris owes more to an exiled empress than to any king. #WineTalks #WineIndustry #WinePodcast #WineHistory #WineEducation #WineInnovation #WineCulture #WineTravel #WineTourism #WineConnections #WineStories #Winemaking #Glassware #RhoneRangers #FrenchWine #Bordeaux #WomenInWine #WineAndWar #ChampagneCharlie  

How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? What makes a “bon moment” and why is it worth taking seriously? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman's terrific new book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights What was Steve's favourite aperitif discovery in France? How did a funny mispronunciation lead to an embarrassing introduction? How did stuffed cuttlefish challenge Steve's ideas about strong flavours and aromas in food? How does the historical connection between wine and work show up in French culture today? Why has the Languedoc remained in the shadow of Bordeaux and Burgundy, despite having the largest vineyard area in the world? What surprised Steve the most about the process of blending wine? Why does the latitude of a vineyard matter when learning about tasting wine? How can you have the best experience while visiting the Languedoc?   Key Takeaways How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? You start thinking about the unfolding year as not months and days, but as seasons, and you look forward to the next season. And you participate fully, and then you let that season be done, and don't mourn it, because you know it's going to come around again. It forces you to be present in the moment, because it's not like, if I just wait long enough, things are going to get better. What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? In wine country, wine is not just a pleasant accompaniment to life; it literally forms everything. The vines themselves actually form the landscape and just becomes a part of everything. It's work, it's what creates revenue that the village can survive, but then it's also something that you have with almost every meal. Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? It's still an affordable place to buy a hectare of vines, and so young winemakers can come in and they can afford to experiment with organic, natural or biodynamic winemaking. A lot of the chemicals to avoid spoilage - the Languedoc naturally doesn't have much of that. What makes a “bon moment” and why is it worth taking seriously? It's translated as a good moment, but in France, it has all kinds of other connotations. I think everybody who's listening will recognize one of those moments where you're sitting with people that you care about, where there's good wine and there's good food. That's the centerpiece, that's the excuse to be together. But then the moment unfolds into something greater than itself.   About Steve Hoffman Steve Hoffman is a Minnesota tax preparer and food writer. His writing has won multiple national awards, including the 2019 James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. He has been published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune, among other publications. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly and entitled puggle, and roughly 80,000 honeybees.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/349.

Alex De Cata, Senior Manager of Global Development at WSET, joins Janina to explore how wine education can break barriers and create opportunity. From adapting materials for visually impaired students to funding wine courses in Angola and South Africa, WSET's reach goes far beyond the classroom. They discuss how education—through tasting, theory, and structured approaches—empowers people to understand and enjoy wine, regardless of their background or budget. Along the way, you'll learn why blind tasting is such a powerful tool for wine education, how cultural context shapes the way we perceive aromas, and why exploring lesser-known grapes like Fetească Regală or Xinomavro can offer incredible value. Alex also reflects on the emotional connection we form with wine through meaningful moments, and how staying curious—and truly listening—can help build a more inclusive and diverse industry. This inspiring conversation will leave you rethinking what wine education really means—and who it's for. Episode Guide (Chapters) [02:21] – How Alex carved out his role at Wine & Spirit Education Trust [03:44] – What is the WSET and what does it stand for? [04:33] – Who are WSET courses for? [05:43] – Why blind tasting matters [09:35] – How to build your aroma memory [12:48] – Tasting the unexpected: wines off the beaten path [15:01] – Exploring regions beyond Bordeaux, into the South West of France [19:16] – How WSET promotes accessibility and inclusion [23:46] – WSET's global social impact [27:42] – What's next for WSET's social initiatives? [32:31] – How wine education can save you money [34:24] – Discover: Fetească Regală and Fetească albă [36:15] – Alex's favourite part of teaching [38:31] – Wine recommendation: meaningful moments [40:45] – What can we all do to make the industry better? If you are wanting to explore more the qualifications available at the WSET, find all details on their website: https://www.wsetglobal.com/

Legacy in the wine trade is not guaranteed. Not every child wants to take on the wine trade. I have many stories of famed children of iconic brands setting out to carve their own path to only lnad back in this passionate business. Jason Haas of Tablas Creek came around a bit quicker. He saw what an honest glass of wine represents and is now the second generation owner of Tablas Creek. Jason Haas may be the only guest who can increase the world's acreage of a grape by 40% simply by planting half an acre. If that got your attention, prepare for a conversation filled with surprising truths about winemaking in Paso Robles, the deep roots of Tablas Creek, and the evolving landscape of California's wine industry. You'll learn how a partnership between the American Haas family and the French Perrins of Château de Beaucastel launched an early French “transplant” with a vision for Mediterranean grapes in California—long before it was fashionable. Jason offers an insider's perspective on why Paso Robles' sub-appellations are more expressive than those in Napa and how scientific mapping by UC Davis and Cal Poly replaced politics with terroir. You'll get an engrossing look at how this once rural, cowboy town is still shaped more by local families than by corporate interests, and why that matters for the wines—and the people—who make them. Jason also reveals how trends, from big brand Cabs chasing the Napa style to small-batch Rhône blends with true regional character, shape what's in your glass. If you've ever wondered what innovation actually means in wine—outside of quirky bottles and cans—Jason gives you a primer on farming organically and regeneratively, introducing grapes the world has nearly forgotten, and packaging that shrinks the industry's carbon footprint. You'll hear the untold story of California's Roan Ranger movement that started in a little Berkeley restaurant, and why camaraderie and shared purpose make Paso's wine community unique. Along the way, you'll discover why the best part of a Paso wine club might be the opportunity to bowl against your neighboring vintners' Little League teams—no cowboy hat required. Tablas Creek (the main winery discussed, Jason Haas is proprietor) Website: https://www.tablascreek.com Château de Beaucastel (French winery, partners with Tablas Creek founders) Website: https://www.beaucastel.com Opus One (Napa Valley winery referenced) Website: https://www.opusonewinery.com Dominus Estate (another Napa Valley winery referenced) Website: https://www.dominusestate.com Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (regional wine association mentioned) Website: https://pasowine.com Edmunds St. John (Steve Edmunds mentioned as an original Rhone Ranger) Website: http://www.edmundsstjohn.com Brooks Winery (Janie Hook referenced as part of a wine collective) Website: https://www.brookswine.com Vineyard Brands (Import company founded by Robert Haas, Jason's father) Website: https://www.vineyardbrands.com Ancient Peaks Winery (mentioned as owned by a former well digger) Website: https://www.ancientpeaks.com Austin Hope (Paso Robles winery/brand discussed) Website: https://hfwines.com DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles producer mentioned) Website: https://daouvineyards.com JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery (Paso producer mentioned) Website: https://www.justinwine.com J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (Paso Robles winery mentioned) Website: https://www.jlohr.com Wine of the Month Club (Paul Kalemkiarian's business) Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com Lalime's Restaurant (Berkeley restaurant referenced as a meeting point; may now be closed but for history: ) Website (legacy/reference): https://www.lalimes.com #winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #JasonHaas #TablasCreek #PasoRobles #RhoneVarietals #winemaking #wineindustry #winenight #vineyardlife #CaliforniaWine #wineclub #d2cwine #winestories #wineducation #sustainablewine #wineinnovation #tastingroom #winecommunity

It's a roller coaster of emotions in this interview, so hop on and buckle up! Trish interviews Shauna Rosenblum, Lytton Springs winemaker at Ridge Vineyards. The two met through Women in Wine Oregon when Trish needed a dynamic panelist for the organization's annual conference. She blew away the audience with her journey to winemaking and we're hoping this conversation will do the same. Shauna grew up in the vines so to speak, knowing how to test sugars at a very young age and getting very good at throwing bottles on the bottling line when she was 12. Winemaking was not what she wanted to do though, so she set her sights on art school and then became an art teacher. At that point, her parents started a new winery and Shauna came to "help out" and essentially, ended up helping Dad build the company. She faced a series of challenges a few years later, ones that made her want to quit the wine business all together. She talks about how some song lyrics from Frozen 2, nacho cheese and vodka, and perhaps a message from the universe made everything come into focus.

When I was approached by a PR firm to interview the Stephen and Jennifer McPherson, I gladly agreed not knowing a thing. Podcasts guests are not hard to find in the industry...but good podcasts guests...that is a different story. I am about the story. That is what I am pitching in the world of wine; innovation in marketing and packaging are important, but what is that innovation centered on? The story.  And here is a story, what started as a promise between spouses, became a reality and one that they, as many life changes perform, they wish they had started earlier. If you ever wondered what happens when a top entertainment exec swaps red carpets for rolling vineyards, Stephen and Jennifer McPherson's journey will uncork your imagination. On this episode, you'll hear firsthand how passion trumped the allure of Hollywood glitz, beckoning Stephen from ABC to the grape-stained heart of Napa Valley—all because of a vow made to Jennifer on the eve of their wedding. You'll be invited into the world of Promise Winery, a boutique operation run by this husband-and-wife team with just three employees and a steadfast commitment to staying small, authentic, and deeply personal. Get ready to learn what it takes to follow a dream in an industry that, while brimming with camaraderie and collaboration, is anything but easy. The McPhersons peel back the layers of their calling, sharing stories that reveal why wine is far more than a business—it's an expression of emotion, a vehicle for connection, and a labor of genuine love. You'll laugh at the tales of pigs, homemade prosciutto, and kitchen experiments, and come away touched by their philosophy that great wine is born not in boardrooms but through personal relationships, intention, and joy. As you listen, you'll pick up intimate details about wine's power to unite, the changing landscape of Napa, the eccentricities of wine marketing, and the importance of sticking to your values when trends and algorithms tempt you otherwise. This isn't just a tasting—it's a tour of the soul behind the bottle, with wisdom for anyone dreaming of a life built on what matters most.   Promise Winery Website: https://www.promisewine.com Wine of the Month Club Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com Rombauer Vineyards Website: https://www.rombauer.com Goldman Sachs Website: https://www.goldmansachs.com Naked Wines Website: https://www.nakedwines.com Winc (formerly Club W) Website: https://www.winc.com Chateau Coutet Website: https://www.chateaucoutet.com Colgin Cellars Website: https://www.colgincellars.com   #WineTalks #PromiseWinery #NapaValley #WinePodcast #WineIndustry #WinePassion #WineStories #Winemaking #BoutiqueWinery #WineLovers #WineCommunity #WineExperience #WineTasting #FamilyBusiness #WineJourney #WineAndFood #WineEmotion #WineEducation #WineCulture #AuthenticWine #paulkalemkiarian #winetalkspodcast 

Harriet Churchill and her husband Henry are originally from England, but spent many years living in Australia based in Melbourne originally, working in the area of sustainability, but eventually moved to regional Victoria right near me! I first heard of their story and their vineyard in the Macedon Ranges Zig Zag wines, when I was hanging out with other locals around the fire during happy hour at my local pub!  I'm thrilled that I followed her up for a chat as I found our discussion about her life thoroughly inspirational! If you're wondering about making a change in your life, whatever that change may be, have a listen to Harriet and you will just want to grab life with both hands and shake it up!Harriet described their life in Australia, which seems to me to be quite "French country" in the manner in which they operated. I also got a beautiful insight into their life now in France. It was fascinating to hear Harriet talk about the difference in the way the winemaking successes, as well as the challenges can pop up in Australia and now France. She also talked about the difference between being "good" or "fluent" with her French, as she can get by with most exchanges, until she gets to the other mums with the school gate gossip and she's got no idea what's going on!  This is such a wonderfully warm and heart-filled chat about immersing in life's experiences as they present themselves. In this episode I was introduced to a new concept when Harriet talked about what the heart needs and what the heart wants. Her heart wanted to stay in Australia, but it needed to move back closer to her family in the UK and the Languedoc region in France was the perfect fit for them all. Come and escape to France with us through our chat xx**Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast.**Other Loulabelle's links:FrancoFile Fix on YouTubeLoulabelle's FrancoFiles Spotify Playlist Loulabelle's FrancoFiles InstagramLoulabelle's FrancoFiles website

This episode features my conversation with Tom Sherwood, the owner and winemaker of BXT Wines in California. BXT is an exploration of Californian viticulture through the lens of traditionally made sparkling wine. The idea of “Bubbles by Tom“ (BXT) is to take a grower-Champagne mentality and apply it to hand-crafted sparkling wines from grapes grown throughout California, and Tom seeks out interesting vineyard sites to work with for producing his small batches of these wines. He started this project in 2018 inspired by grower Champagne, but he grew up in Australia where he says he stumbled into wine making when he attended Adelaide University and studied Viticulture and Enology. He not only discovered a love for this career but he also me his now wife, Britt, who also works in the wine industry as the Director of Winemaking for Lawrence Wine Estates in Napa, CA. Tom was not afraid to get a little nerdy while talking about the details of his grape growing and winemaking practices, and you'll appreciate his transparency during our discussion about wine pricing and the state of the market for domestic sparkling wine. You can visit www.bxtwines.com to learn more about the portfolio, and you can connect with Tom by following @bxtwines on Instagram.Recorded July 20, 2025

In this episode, we head to the iconic Napa Valley to meet Amber Minha, Global Sales Director at Staglin Family Vineyard — a family-run winery known not only for its exceptional Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, but for embedding mental health advocacy into the very core of its mission. Amber dives into the story of how the Staglin family built their estate with a clear sense of purpose, from reclaiming historic vines to pioneering sustainability and championing inclusivity in the wine industry. They explore what makes the Rutherford Bench so special, how the “Rutherford dust” shapes the character of their wines, and the winemaking philosophy behind their elegant, age-worthy style. They also taste the Salus Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a difference: 100% of its profits are donated to brain health research through the family's foundation One Mind. Expect mocha-dusted tannins, autumnal aromas, and a full-bodied texture that feels featherlight — a wine Janina calls “plush, polished and profoundly humane.” If you've ever wondered why Napa Cabernet is worth the price, or how wine can be a true force for good, this episode is for you. Pour yourself a glass and enjoy. Episode Guide  [02:34] – The history of Staglin Family Vineyard [04:37] – What makes the Rutherford Bench so unique [06:19] – “Rutherford dust” and the minerality of their wines [07:24] – Family-owned and family-run: what it really means at Staglin [09:42] – A breakdown of the varietals grown at the estate [10:38] – Introducing the Salus wines and their mission for mental health [13:15] – The origin of their One Mind foundation: from diagnosis to music festival [15:17] – What kind of impact the family hopes to make [17:21] – What to expect from a Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon [19:24] – Tasting Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 8Wines £118 [23:37] – Where to buy: Simply Wines Direct & The Champagne Company [24:56] – Why Napa Valley wines are (deservedly) expensive [27:27] – How Napa's climate makes organic farming easier [29:22] – Winemaking philosophy: balance, freshness, and textured finesse [33:10] – Creating a more equitable and inclusive wine industry [35:43] – Advice for small wineries looking to start giving back [38:09] – What's next for Staglin: replanting, solar renewal, and generational transition [40:31] – Vine life cycles and the decision to replant [42:18] – How to visit the winery and what to expect [45:20] – Sharing a glass with wine legend André Tchelistcheff

Sometimes life is about timing. Just as I was inquiring about the wine of an Armenian wine maker, I received an email from a gentleman thanking me for the inquiry, and that he happens to be in LA...and would love to sit for a podcast. I was floored. When Vahagn sat down and began to speak, I knew we would hit it off. He had insight and passion. And it turns out that the winemaker, Zara Muradyan is his wife. What are the odds..lol. Oxford educated with a grounded outlook on wine, we hit it off and the conversation could have gone on for hours. Vahagn Voskanyan wants you to remember his name—not for its tricky spelling, but for the remarkable story behind every bottle he touches. You will come away with an entirely fresh appreciation for what it means to make wine in Armenia, where every sip is less about chasing trends and more about channeling centuries of heritage, family resilience, and pure emotion into the glass. As Vahagnn candidly shares, wine is a process—not just a result—and through his partnership with his trailblazing wife, Zara, he's helping to reignite an Armenian industry that only recently emerged from decades of obscurity. Listeners will discover how Zara's relentless pursuit of innovation, from rewriting Armenia's winemaking curriculum to engineering a new kind of Armenian vermouth, is matched only by Vahagnn's drive to connect their wines to the hearts of drinkers across the world. You'll learn the hard truths and soft skills of building a boutique winery where “less is more” and the story matters as much as the science. Through tales of global journeys, emotional tastings, and lessons drawn from both Soviet-era and millennia-old winemaking traditions, you'll gain insight into the unique character of Armenian grapes, the challenge of defining terroir when history itself is being rewritten, and the profound belief that wine should spark conversation, curiosity, and connection. Whether it's reflecting on the emotion of a perfectly balanced wine, discussing how innovation meets tradition, or embracing the “life of wine” over the fleeting allure of lifestyle, Vahagnn's wisdom and humility shine through. Expect to finish the episode not just wanting to taste their story, but also to rethink what, and who, really fills the bottle in front of you. Zara Muradian Winery (referred to as "Zara Winery" / "Zara Muradian Winery"): No website was provided in the transcript. If you'd like to find more, you may try searching for "Zara Muradian Winery Armenia" or similar terms online. White Rabbit Family (a group of high-end restaurants in Russia): Website: https://whiterabbitfamily.com/en/ California State University, Fresno – Viticulture & Enology Research Center: Main university site: https://www.fresnostate.edu/ Viticulture & Enology Center: https://jcast.fresnostate.edu/ve/index.html Geisenheim University (Germany) Website: https://www.hs-geisenheim.de/ James Suckling (wine critic and tasting events): Website: https://www.jamessuckling.com/ CivilNet (mentioned as a studio/production site in Armenia) Website: https://www.civilnet.am/   #winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #VahagnnVoskanyan #ZaraWinery #ArmenianWine #winemaking #wineeducation #familybusiness #boutiquewinery #JamesSuckling #grapegrowing #Armenia #winehistory #winepassion #womeninwine #vineyardlife #wineculture #wineindustry #winestory

Chris and Morgan discuss the 2024 California vintage, regenerative organic farming, and even take another pass at barbecue, all while breaking down the wines of the Bedrock 2025 Fall Release. 22:56 — 2023 Bien Nacido Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 33:00 — 2024 Compagni Portis Heritage Wine, Sonoma Valley 42:02 — 2024 Cuvee Karatas, Sonoma Valley 50:03 — 2024 Old Vine Zinfandel, California 1:05:15 — 2024 Katushas' Zinfandel, Mokelumne River 1:11:10 — 2024 Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa County

Today, Shelley and Phil sit down with Long Shadows winemaker, Gilles Nicault, and taste through eight of their wines. If you want to learn about an amazing winery model, this is a must listen episode! #HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing Visit https://longshadows.com to see, and order, the entire lineup of Long Shadows wines! Wines this episode:2024 Long Shadows Poet's Leap ($20 at the winery)

Proper winemaking takes humility. It takes a story. It takes risk. And I guess risk is relative. when you come from nothing or next to nothing and you plot a path and execute a path, that comes from and takes humility. Mike Grgich landed in Saint Helena with $32 dollars sewed in his shoe and landed in front of a faceless hotel. He wasn't sure at the point what to do next and certainly wasn't aware of what was to become of him. Sitting with Violet Grgich is in itself sitting with humility. Such a desirable trait in a human being. She immediately draws you in to her outlook on life; perhaps a piece of her fathers outlook. The Grgich name might conjure visions of Napa Valley legend, but Violet Grgich proves she's every bit as fascinating as the myth she continues. In this unforgettable conversation, you'll traverse the triumphant, tumultuous journey of her father, Mike Grgich—the man behind the “Judgment of Paris”—from a small, impoverished Croatian village to the heart of California winemaking, with $32 literally sewn into his shoe and ambition sewn into his soul. Violet unspools the invisible threads connecting generations: the hard-won wisdom passed from father to daughter, the unwavering commitment to tradition and authenticity, and the belief that the story in every bottle is as important as the wine itself. Along the way, you'll uncover why organic, regenerative farming isn't just a marketing phrase at Grgich Hills, but a living, breathing value system; how a winemaker's hands-off approach reveals complexity in the glass; and why, despite decades of technological advances, the heart of great wine remains thrillingly elemental. Violet's reflections on the emotional power of wine—its capacity to conjure memories, ignite conversation, and bind friends—will linger with you long after, as will her thoughts on the shifting tides of generations, changing tastes, and why she's certain that, in the end, every age group rediscovers honest wine. You'll step behind the cellar door to meet the people, the terroir, and even the family spirit that defines Grgich Hills—learning not only the story of a vineyard, but how wine, at its best, transforms a simple moment into something infinite. By the end, you'll know not just how Grgich wines are made, but why they matter, and why the real taste of wine is the taste of a hard-won, beautifully lived life.   Grgich Hills Estate (Violet Grgich's winery) https://www.grgich.com Napa Valley Vintners Association https://www.napavintners.com Apple Inc. (referenced as the employer of Paul K's daughter) https://www.apple.com Robert Mondavi Winery https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Chateau Montelena https://www.montelena.com Hills Bros. Coffee (referenced due to Austin Hills) https://www.hillsbros.com St. Helena Hotel (historical mention, no current operational website found) Pepperdine University (Violet's MBA alma mater) https://www.pepperdine.edu   #WineTalks #podcast #NapaValley #VioletGrgich #PaulK #GrgichHills #JudgmentofParis #winemaking #winehistory #organicfarming #regenerativeagriculture #wineemotion #immigrantstories #familylegacy #Chardonnay #CabernetSauvignon #wineinnovation #naturalwine #wineeducation #winebusiness #wineryexperiences

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Emily Faulconer, Head Winemaker and Technical Director at Viñedos Familia Chadwick, the acclaimed Chilean estate behind Seña and Viñedo Chadwick. Recently named one of the most influential figures in Chilean wine, Emily shares her journey from Viña Carmen to Chadwick, her vision for sustainability and biodynamics, and the challenges and rewards of crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends in Puente Alto and Aconcagua.Emily and Billy also taste and discuss multiple vintages of Seña and Viñedo Chadwick, offering a rare opportunity to hear how these wines evolve over time. They cover everything from vineyard strategy and canopy management to stylistic decisions, the legacy of Eduardo Chadwick, and Chile's growing recognition on the global fine wine stage.Topics Covered:Emily's path to becoming Technical Director at Viñedos Familia ChadwickThe biodynamic philosophy and viticulture behind Seña and Viñedo ChadwickTasting notes and vintage comparisons (2009, 2020, 2021 Seña; 2016, 2018 Viñedo Chadwick)The legacy of Eduardo Chadwick and ties to the Mondavi familyThe Berlin Tasting and Chile's emergence in the fine wine worldFuture goals for sustainability, terroir expression, and ageabilityFeatured Wines:Seña 2009, 2020, 2021Viñedo Chadwick 2016, 2018Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Vent Wine Podcast01:07 4th of July Story: A Visit to Livermore06:10 News of the Week: Trebbiano Spoletino09:15 Emily Falconer's Career Journey17:32 The Transition Back to Viñedos Chadwick19:26 Overview of Viñedos Familia Chadwick's Portfolio25:49 Introduction to Vineyard Philosophy26:44 Exploring Seña: A Modern Classic29:10 Viñedos Chadwick: A Family Legacy35:03 Viticulture Techniques and Climate Adaptation40:56 Comparing Seña and Viñedos Chadwick43:55 Chilean Wines on the Global Stage49:40 Conclusion and RecommendationsSubscribe & Follow:Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode of 5 Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Emily Faulconer, Technical Director of Viñedos Familia Chadwick, with direct oversight of the iconic labels Seña and Viñedo Chadwick, two of Chile's most iconic and ageworthy red wines. She was recently named one of Los Más Influyentes del Vino, a major annual survey of over 40 leading figures in the Chilean wine trade.Emily shares insight into Seña's coastal vineyards, discusses the influence of Bordeaux and Burgundy on her winemaking philosophy, and reflects on standout vintages like 2018 and 2021. She also talks about her long-term vision for Seña, one centered on consistency, adaptability, and climate resilience through biodynamic viticulture.Topics covered include:Seña's vineyard location and grape varietiesWhat makes Seña a “modern classic” in Chilean wineGlobal inspirations behind Emily's winemaking approachStandout vintages and what made them exceptionalWhat's ahead for Seña in the next decadeWhether you're a fan of Chilean wine, Bordeaux-style blends, or simply curious about how great wines adapt to changing climates, this is a conversation not to miss.

In this episode, we head to the mountains of Northern Lebanon to meet Michelle and Claudine, neighbors, best friends, and the visionary founders of Heya Wines, a natural winery rooted in inclusion, heritage, and community. Heya Wines (meaning “She” in Arabic) is more than just a label, it's a movement. From championing gender equity and employing Syrian refugee women, working with indigenous grapes and fermenting with apples in response to Lebanon's energy crisis, every bottle tells a story of purpose and place. We dive into their hands-on winemaking approach, explore the beauty of high-altitude terroir, and taste their soulful wines, from Nour, a textured white blend of direct press Obeideh & White Grenache to Kanz, a red made with carbonic maceration and aged in amphora. We also hear about the challenges of making wine in a region grappling with instability, and how the power of community, resilience, and female solidarity fuels every step. This is a story of women rewriting what it means to make wine, not just in Lebanon, but everywhere. Whether you're curious about natural wine, socially conscious farming, or planning a trip to the Levant, this episode will inspire you to pour with intention. Episode Guide (Chapters) 1:23 - Founding Heya Wines: friendship, passion, and a mission for equity 5:15 - Facing gender bias and creating equal pay in Lebanon's wine industry 7:53 - Hiring and empowering Syrian refugee women 9:57 - The rainy harvest: a community effort that defines Heya's spirit 11:25 - Traditional Lebanese breakfast: manoushe, za'atar and labneh 13:38 - Heya's location: high-altitude terroir (1450m) near the Syrian border 14.07 - The region of Dimane, North Lebanon and it's terroir 17:27 - Creating Farha, a co-ferment of apples and indigenous Merwah grapes 18.03 - What does Merwah taste like? 18:40 -  Travel tips: Beirut → Batroun (45min) → Heya Wines (another 45min) 20.46 - What does Obeidah taste like, and how it compares to Merwah? 21:13 - Tasting Nour (white blend of Obeideh & Grenache) — made during the war Gnarly Vines - £30  29:06 - Tasting Kanz (red Grenache-Syrah): carbonic maceration in amphora Gnarly Vines - £28  29:34 - Kanz: “Treasure”: why it's their most playful and textural wine 30.44 - How ageing in amphora affects the wine 34:49 - Food pairings: platters with white & red meats, yogurt, vegetables 35:45 - Global feedback and building a growing Heya Wines community 39:02 - Labels featuring real harvest women - authentic and unfiltered 41:12 - What's next: expanding opportunities for women and working moms 42.17 - One message for listeners working in a vineyard, cellar or boardroom who can shape the future of wine  

How did a kid with no background in winemaking, a D1 scholarship to wrestle in college, and an interest in Mechanical Engineering end up making wine at one of the most famous wineries in Napa? You could call it fate. This week, we had the honor of sitting down with Kurtis Ogasawara who is the Director of Winemaking at Robert Mondavi Winery. Like a lot of winemakers we have met, he didn't start out expecting to be a winemaker, and began with a background in science and math. But, maybe the most amazing thing about Kurtis is that his experience as a Division 1 college athlete has influenced how he sees the winemaking process - which he likens to a team because of all the different people and talents that have to come together to make something special. Join us for this fun and fascinating interview, and gain a new appreciation for this storied winery and one of its amazing winemakers. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we'd love to hear from you!Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Was wine in the Bible just a calorie source—or something far richer? In this fascinating conversation, Dr. John Anthony Dunne, author of The Mountain Shall Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol, joins Dru Johnson to explore how wine and alcohol shaped ancient Israel's culture, theology, and imagination. Dr. Dunne traces how biblical wine reflected not only the scarcity and agricultural hopes of ancient life, but also a tradition of craftsmanship, connoisseurship, and divine blessing. Together they unpack why biblical wine wasn't just functional—it was symbolic of abundance, peace, and God's favor. From fermentation methods and ancient storage to the surprising case for white wine at the wedding at Cana, this episode challenges modern assumptions about alcohol in Scripture. Dunne explores why the biblical world viewed wine as inherently miraculous, why production was tied to the land promise, and how modern communion links us to Canaan's terroir in unexpected ways. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Christianity and Alcohol 02:52 Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption 06:01 Theological Implications of Alcohol in Scripture 08:58 Wine Production and Its Significance 12:00 The Craft of Winemaking in Ancient Times 14:57 Grapes: Beyond Wine Production 18:06 Environmental Factors in Viticulture 20:58 The Symbolism of Wine in Biblical Texts 22:06 The Importance of Climate in Winemaking 25:11 Exploring Ancient Grape Varieties 27:07 The Fermentation Process of Ancient Wines 35:04 The Significance of Jesus' First Miracle 45:10 Wine as a Connection to the Land

In this episode, we welcome David McMillan back to the show, co-founder of Montreal's famed Joe Beef restaurant, and now winemaker in the countryside of Quebec. In this wide ranging conversation, we discuss the growing industry of locally made wines, farmland access, indigenous growing practices, David's evolving diet, cooking advice, and what it means to support “true” local agriculture and business. David advocates for small, heartfelt, chef-owned restaurants, criticizing luxury excess and corporate influence. With Michelin arriving in Quebec, he warns against the loss of local food identity. His solution? A welcoming family restaurant with affordable meals, and news of his upcoming cookbook launch in Montreal and New York.David's new book: Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes  https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847844005/Timestamps[0:00] Intro[03:12] Winemaking & the evolution of Quebec terroir and hybrid grape varieties[09:45] Farmland access[21:05] Re-wilding on Dave's farm[28:59] Iroquois growing practices, Oyster history of NYC, metal detecting[47:50] David's evolving diet[57:33] Cooking advice [1:23:05] David's new project & vision: $5-soup, accessible family bistro[1:29:47] How corporate chains are squeezing out small, soulful restaurants[1:36:51]  Critique of fine dining excess and luxury obsession[1:42:08] Thoughts on the Michelin Guide - “True” local food & economy[1:54:06] Rapid Fire Q&A, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips[2:09:41] Wrapping up with his new cookbook Spilled and launch plansSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksDavid:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmillanmtl JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

While Shakespeare's plays are filled with references to ale and sack, wine played a central role in both the economy and social customs of Renaissance England. In this episode, we uncork the history of winemaking in Shakespeare's lifetime—what kinds of grapes were grown, how wine was stored and served, and why a cold snap in the 1500s forever changed England's vineyards. Our guest, winemaker and historian Stephen Franzoi, joins us to explore the world of Elizabethan viticulture and what Shakespeare himself might have been sipping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Lodi, Great Stories, Zinfandel, Young Blood, Earthquakes and interview with Jeff Farthing, Director of Winemaking, Michael David Winery in Lodi, CA. ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in CA wine, chatting along the way with the experts who make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Jeff Farthing, Michael David Winery. 

Madness. That's what you call it when a former sponsored skateboarder gets a Ph.D. in fermentation, then starts brewing super-premium beer in Napa Valley. In this conversation, Eli Brown talks with Nile Zacherle, the founder & master brewer of Mad Fritz.RELATED LINKS:Blister Craft CollectiveBecome a BLISTER+ MemberMad Fritz BrewingMad Fritz MembershipWinemaker's Review (Nile's Podcast)TOPICS & TIMES:Origins of Mad Fritz (5:31)Nile's Background (10:08)Hawaiian Beer: Culture & Challenges (16:07)Skateboarding (25:08)Winemaking (27:27)Transition Back to Brewing (35:34)Diving into Mad Fritz (42:00)Jupiter & Camel (44:41)Brewing System (47:13)Barrel Aging (1:03:32)Where to Find the Beer (1:11:09)SEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hanging in Lodi, good at science, space, the final frontier, zero gravity and interview with Jeff Farthing, Director of Winemaking, Michael David Winery in Lodi, CA. ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in CA wine, chatting along the way with the experts who make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Jeff Farthing, Michael David Winery. P1

Making wine in California, France, and even Serbia, consulting winemaker Julien Fayard has a broad view of the winemaking world. His constant monitoring, evaluation, and investment in winemaking technology benefit both his own and his clients' wineries. Julien offers insight into winemaking technology on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as some of the specific technologies he utilizes. Detailed Show Notes: Julien's background: French, came to the US in 2006 and worked for Phillipe Melka, started his consulting practice in 2013, built two wineries and manages three others; mostly Napa (~85%), but also makes wine from Sonoma, Sierra Foothills, Provence, Bordeaux, and SerbiaUses trial & error to evaluate new winemaking technologyUsually, a trigger that causes each tech adoptionHears about new tech from travel and conversations with other wineries and tech companiesFrench tech is mostly involved with wine contact (e.g., yeast, oak treatment), the US is mostly logistics, mechanization, automation of labor, and CA is slow to mechanize vineyard workMonitors the slowly evolving knowledge base in winemaking - most tech innovations are slight derivatives of existing knowledge (e.g., sulfur automation)To buy into a new tech: other people using it, company viability (and ability to scale), practicality of solution (e.g., barrel door for fermentation did not take into consideration time and the challenge to move between barrels)ROI calculation includes cost savings, risk assessments, and quantity or quality improvementsGenerally does not implement things that could move costs more than 10-20%The most significant variable cost driver is when volume drops (e.g., waste, accidents, filtering, bulking out wine) - each tank is ~$100k of wineFruition Sciences did a lot of sap flow analysis, but never got mass adoptionWell monitoring technology is happening, and may be required soonCommunications modules for sensors are getting much cheaper, enabling more techVinwizard (NZ) - wall winery automationStarted with pumpover automation (temp, speed)Can control to avoid peak energy hoursCan set times for tanks to make temp-sensitive additions easierAlarms for glycol system outagesArkenstone was 1st Napa winery to adopt, learned from them, a solution more complete than TankNetMin ~$50k costInnovint - winery SW management systemCreates all work orders, does costing, compliance, and traceabilityClients, CPAs, and compliance can see everythingA communication tool, very user-friendlySentia - hand wine analyzer (VA, malic, alcohol, SO2)$2k/machine

If you have thought about entering the wine trade but really don't think you would be much of wine winemaker...but you really feel like you are going to love it. It actually took me many years to "love" it but hear this story. Armen is getting ready to quite his day job... head down and make it work. And you  know, it is working. Armen Ghazikhanian didn't so much dive into the wine business as wander in with curiosity, a keen palate, and a spreadsheet in his back pocket. You'll come away from this episode with more than just a newfound respect for Armenian wine; you'll discover how a career in finance can lead to the art of curating bottles that carry centuries of culture and a whisper of volcanic terroir. Armen reveals how his passion-driven side gig, Cork and Bottle, was forged as much by personal connections and boots on the ground in remote Armenian villages as by business school savviness—only to discover that the wine industry plays by its own rules entirely. Along the way, you'll learn about the surprising renaissance of Armenian winemaking after the Soviet era, why indigenous grape varieties like areni and voskehat are turning the heads of wine judges and sommeliers, and what happens when you take a risk importing unknown bottles to the US, hoping they don't just satisfy your friends but spark conversation in wine shops and restaurants across California. Through anecdotes of smuggling bottles, weathering the red tape of international logistics, and winning unexpected gold at wine competitions, Armen shares what it means to balance romanticism and reality in the wine trade. Hosts and listeners alike will come away with a deeper appreciation for how wine isn't just a drink, but a powerful carrier of memory, tradition, and entrepreneurial risk—all told with Armen's self-effacing humor and Paul's insider understanding of the business. And if you've ever wondered whether a grape from the South Caucasus can go toe-to-toe with a California cab, this episode might just send you to the nearest shop asking for a bottle of “Areni”—even if you're not quite sure how to pronounce it.   #WineTalksPodcast #ArmenianWine #CorkAndBottle #WineImporter #WineCulture #PassionToProfession #IndigenousGrapes #WineBusiness