Wine Talks with Paul K.

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) <a href="https://www.apple.com" target="_

Georgian wines have been around...well, I suppose over 6000 years. In fact, it is a disputed fact between the Armenians and the Georgians as to which country made wine first. The best analysis I can come up with is that 6100 years ago, when what is now called Areni 1 Cave located in Armenia was established, there was no Georgia and there was no Armenia, but regardless, the disageement lives on. Georgian wines have been in the US since I can remember. At least since the '80's. And back then they carried a pecular, indigenous character; earthy, ozidized and cloudy. That has all changed but the history. A politician turned wine guy is trying to change the perception of Georgian wine...Melory Tsipouria. Listen to him tell his story. When I first sat down with Mallory Zippor, I realized he wasn't just a guest—he was a force of nature. Imagine a man who's fought for his country's democracy, worked in Congress, and now deploys that same relentless spirit to put Georgian wine on the American map. Mallory Zippor doesn't just sell wine; he crafts a movement—one handshake, one tasting, one story at a time. You'll hear him lay out his vision with the same confidence he used to take four congressional delegations to Georgia, making it clear that introducing 8,000 years of winemaking tradition in a land where most people haven't even heard of his homeland is not for the faint of heart. This isn't your average wine conversation. It's a blueprint for making the future, not waiting for it. Over the course of our conversation, I watched as Mallory Zippor demystified not only the process of importing and advocating for a little-known wine region, but the uniquely personal approaches that set him apart. He's rocked 300 in-store tastings in just eight months, recruited family and friends into his passionate crew, and outmaneuvered corporate gatekeepers at every turn. He has a knack for turning an ignorant "I didn't even know Georgia was a country!" into genuine curiosity, using everything from ancient clay amphorae to vivid bottle artwork, all while keeping his wines affordable and intensely personal. As Mallory Zippor tells it, with every taste poured, a new ambassador is born—a theory he's putting to the test every single day. If you join me for this episode, here's what you'll discover, one clay pot at a time: 🏺 What makes Georgian wine "the birthplace of wine," and how 500 indigenous varietals survived centuries of empires and the Soviet machine 🏺 How 300 grassroots tastings outshine digital marketing and create lasting relationships—one poured glass at a time 🏺 The role of ancient clay amphorae in crafting both orange (amber) and red wines, and why American palates are finally catching on 🏺 Why clean, natural wines with minimal intervention are more than a health trend—they're a strategic advantage in today's market 🏺 How

Wine Talks had tried...tried to get Ms. Anson on the show. But being the quintessential author and historian of the vineyards and wines of Bordeaux, it took a bit of scheduling. Jane Anson is the real thing. And we could have spoken for hours. She is elegant, articulate and whimisical all in one person. We already know it takes pure passion of story telling to write about wine and to study wine, but to roll into her skill set, the previously mentioned human qualities, is quite rare. If you want the real story behind a bottle of Bordeaux, don't ask the winemaker—take a look in their cellar, says Jane Anson, and see if all they drink is their own wine. That's the kind of sharp, behind-the-label wisdom I promised you when I sat down with Jane Anson, someone who knows this region not as a myth or a brand, but as a living, breathing place. She's spent twenty years in Bordeaux, weaving her own story through the halls of opulent first growths and the quiet perseverance of family-owned estates feeling the squeeze of a world in flux. Her take? Bordeaux isn't just a catalogue of big names and gilded bottles—it's where history, ego, weather, and inheritance all seem to collide in every vintage. In this conversation, Jane Anson and I dig deep into what it means to live and work in Bordeaux right now. You'll hear how the region has shrunk from a teeming 8,000 châteaux down to just 4,000, and what that upheaval actually looks like for the people on the ground—farmers, families, the next generation of winemakers. Jane Anson bursts the myth of Bordeaux as nothing but luxury, sharing stories that move from $10 bottles to legendary labels, always circling back to the truth that wine's real magic is in human connection, stories, and sharing a bottle at the table. You won't just learn about grape varietals, classifications, or price tags. In this episode, you'll get Jane Anson's inside perspective on Bordeaux's beating heart—where architecture, history, and living memory are the real terroir. Here's what you'll take away from my conversation with Jane Anson: 🍷 The insider's guide to Bordeaux's transformation—from thousands of châteaux shuttering to the new wave of authentic wine tourism 🍷 How the arrival of outside investors (from China, America, and beyond) has disrupted and enriched the story of Bordeaux 🍷 The role technology and AI now play in wine storytelling, and why the most important stories still come from real people 🍷 What makes a great winemaker (here's a hint: their cellar holds more than just their own bottles) 🍷 Why, in an age of noise and speed, people, relationships, and shared drinks still matter most If you want to understand Bordeaux—what it was, is, and could be—I promise this is an episode you can't afford to miss. YouTube: https://youtu.be/zawVPjOnm24

The idea of food and wine pairing is elusive at best. If you gave five Sommeliers the same dish and a host of wines to pair with the dish, you could very easily get five different suggestions. I know for me, when I pair wine and food, my first ideas usually don't work. Enter Dr. Peter Klosse and his research.   If you've ever stared at a wine list or picked up a tasting note and thought, "There's got to be a better way to make sense of all this," then this episode of Wine Talks is for you. Paul K sits down with Peter Klosse, the Dutch chef and flavor scientist who's shaking the very foundation of how we talk about taste. What unfolds is an insightful, casual, and story-rich conversation that bridges the wide and sometimes intimidating gap between what we like to eat and drink—and why we like it in the first place. Peter, who founded the Academy of Gastronomy and has worked with everyone from Michelin-star restaurants to academic researchers, brings forward the argument that taste doesn't have to be mysterious or completely subjective. He outlines how measurable factors—molecules, acidity, and something he elegantly calls "mouthfeel"—can, and should, inform how we approach both food and wine. Gone are the days of rigid regional traditions and cryptic sommelier speak. Instead, Peter's methods empower anyone, from the everyday wine lover to the master chef, to connect with wine and food on a deeper level. The episode is peppered with from-the-trenches anecdotes: Paul recounts customer calls from Europe, diners who try to recapture that perfect vacation meal at home, and the generational tug-of-war over wine language. Peter's responses never fail to surprise, elegantly reframing frustration into scientific curiosity and actionable tools. He's not out to replace the magic of a great meal—just to help everyone understand and repeat it, whether it's in a three-star restaurant or at your own dinner table. What's especially exciting is how Peter breaks down the concept of "liking" into something actionable. He describes how chefs and hosts can tailor dishes to individual preferences using the simple, science-based tools his research has uncovered. By the time the show wraps, you'll have a new lens for your next glass of wine, and a deeper appreciation for the art-meets-science at the center of every great meal. What you'll learn in this episode: 🍷 The scientific basis for taste—how measurable qualities like acidity, sweetness, and mouthfeel define your wine experience 🍷 The concepts of contracting, coating, and drying, and how they simplify understanding both wine and food 🍷 Why harmonious pairings create a pleasurable reaction in your brain, backed b

I find her refreshing. I find her intriguing. I find her wise: In wine. Natalie brings to the proverbial table an unabashed view of wine and she will tell you like it is.  I have to tell you that having Natalie McLean on the show was one of those times where you know you could just keep talking for hours, and still barely scratch the surface. From the moment she cracked her opening line about starting to drink when she met her husband—"and haven't found a reason to stop"—I knew we were in for an episode rich in anecdotes, laughter, and real insight into the world of wine and the people orbiting it. I love a guest who doesn't take themselves too seriously, especially when that guest has the credentials and accolades to do so if they wanted. Right off the bat, the story of how Natalie McLean first dipped her toe—well, her glass—into wine was classic. The ex-husband, the MBA couple, and the journey through Spanish classes, golf, and finally onto wine studies left me grinning. You know, everyone's path to wine is different, but hers, starting with a night course in Toronto after failed golf and Spanish efforts, reminded me that for every over-serious sommelier out there, there's a person who just wanted to relax after work and stumbled into a passion. And let me tell you, Natalie McLean didn't just dip in; she cannonballed. I was genuinely impressed with the way she described her wine education—full sommelier diploma, authoring books like Red, White, and Drunk All Over, and racking up James Beard awards along the way. But what I really admire is her ability to bring it all down to earth. She calls herself the "Chief of Wine Happiness," which put an instant smile on my face—because at the end of the day, isn't that what a great bottle is supposed to do? There's this refreshing honesty in Natalie McLean about wine's intimidating side. I shared my own blunders—forgetting wine for family Easter, wandering into the market like any other consumer, grabbing a brand and sometimes striking out. She had her own: sweating bullets in a restaurant interview, staring at a wine list, and famously ordering a Cabernet with Dover sole at a big consulting dinner. Didn't get the job, but it sparked that classic realization: "I never want to feel that way again." I could relate—as much as anyone, even after decades in the business, that dusty wine list in a posh restaurant can still get your palms sweaty. The conversation took a fun turn when she described her divorce tastings—pairing Cabernets with burning love letters. We laughed, but there's a message in the humor: wine isn't just labels and numbers; it's woven into our life's best and worst moments. We got onto selecting wine in restaurants, talking to

This is what is so interesting about the wine trade.  It takes a ton of passion to do this, it is hard work and sometimes, without the passion, it just feels like a vanity project. At Caiarosa in Italy, the passion extends from Bordeaux France. I have had the pleasure to sit with the Director of the famed Chateau Giscours, a 2nd growth Bordeaux, and find their story and approach solid, but adventurous. Enter Caiarosa on the west side of Tuscany; a solidly Tuscan winery employing the methodes and thought processes of Bordeaux; sounds mixed up? Have a listen and find out why this makes sense. Ivo Assanelli may not travel with a corkscrew in one hand and a passport in the other, but after this conversation, you'll swear he's unlocked the essence of Tuscany with each bottle he opens. This episode invites listeners into a world where the liquid in your glass is no ordinary beverage—it's a vessel for stories, heritage, and profound emotion. Paul Kalemkiarian hosts a discussion that sweeps you from windswept Tuscan hills to bustling global wine expos, all while wrestling with questions of tradition, innovation, and the ever-changing palate of a new generation. You'll immediately sense that with every uncorked bottle, Ivo Assanelli carries not just the flavors of Cairosa, but the soul of winemaking itself. You'll learn why simply calling wine "alcohol" or "a beverage" misses its very point—and how approaching a glass, whether in California or on the coast of Tuscany, is an act steeped in generations of craft, climate, and culture. The conversation pulls listeners behind the scenes into the delicate business of sustaining organic and biodynamic vineyards, the unpredictability of weather, and the fine art of blending parcels that can shift in character every few yards. They explore the struggles and triumphs of carrying European tradition into markets where attention spans are short and every shelf is crowded, revealing that success means more than just good wine; it's about forging human connections and passing along stories that endure. From clinking glasses at wine fairs to humble tales of filling demi-johns in Italian villages, every anecdote reinforces just how tightly wine is woven into the fabric of life. You'll come away tasting not just the terroir, but the history, the hardship, the romance, and the unwavering passion that makes a bottle come alive in your hands. 🍷 How the story in a bottle connects generations, places, and people far beyond the alcohol content 🍷 Why a wine's true personality is shaped by the challenges of each season, not just the label on the outside 🍷 The real reasons passionate wine lovers like Ivo Assanelli hit the road—sharing beauty, not chasing trends

I have been watching, waiting, watching and waiting again...to talk with Klaas De Jong. He produces some of the most unique and cinematic wine footage in the trade. But it isn't just about the footage, it is the story telling. And he didn't come from the wine side, he is a movie maker who loves wine and he brought the two worlds together. If ever there was a guest who could turn the scrutinizing lens of cinema on a glass of wine, it's Klaus de Jong—part philosopher, part producer, and entirely convinced that the best stories ferment slowly at the intersection of culture and entertainment. You'll leave this episode with the rarest of vintages: the inside track on how wine media is shaped, poured, and served to global audiences, straight from someone who's reimagined vine-to-glass storytelling for the screen. Klaus de Jong unpacks why wine TV shows have long lagged behind food programming, revealing how a cinematic, "Chef's Table" approach finally cracked open the vault, giving rise to serious "edutainment" for wine lovers and professionals alike 02:25. He guides you through the dual headwinds of modern film and the wine trade—the shrinking cinema crowds, the anxious global wine industry, and the high stakes of quality demanded by platforms like Apple TV and American Airlines 09:10. Independence—no sponsors, no advertisements, just stories—remains Klaus de Jong's north star, shaping his work into something both credible and captivating. And through tales of grand cru houses and luxury Champagne brands meeting 21st-century uncertainty 14:07, you'll witness why authentic, rock-and-roll storytelling must replace snobbery if wine is to reach a new, open-minded audience 17:19. There's even a philosophical detour into the very taste experience, courtesy of a Michelin-starred Dutch chef who turns wine pairing—and the traditional swirl-and-sniff routine—on its head 43:29. As Klaus de Jong shares his journey from the Dutch film scene to international streamers, and teases a dramatic English-language feature on the infamous "Sour Grapes" wine fraud, he peels back the curtain on the art, the hustle, and the accidental education that comes with a well-made glass and a well-told story. 🎬 What you'll learn in this episode: 🎬 Why wine TV was once unwelcome—and ho

She is the worlds preeminent authority on wine fraud. If you weren't even aware that wine fraud exists, if does...in a big way. Wait until you her Maureen's disdain for Rudy Kurniawan, the famed and jailed wine fraudster (he was sent back to Singapore a few years ago), she tells it like she feels it. You might say Maureen Downey has the world's most expensive palate—and the sharpest magnifying glass for tasting deception in a bottle. If you think wine is just about swirling, sipping, and enjoying a story-laden pour, think again. In this episode, Maureen Downey—the preeminent authority on wine fraud—uncorks a world where forgers ply their trade not just at the highest levels of Bordeaux and Burgundy, but even on supermarket shelves with bottles of everyday Yellowtail. You'll hear how the murky "gray market" and the black market enable criminal networks to slip thousands of counterfeit bottles into collections, auctions, and restaurants every year—a scandal with roots stretching all the way back to the days of Pliny the Elder. You'll follow Maureen Downey through the meticulous, forensic process used to expose fakes. Whether it's ink chemistry, glass composition, or the subtle aging of a label, you'll discover how minute details can distinguish a $3,000 treasure from a $3 dud. Paul Kalemkiarian and Maureen Downey pull back the curtain on infamous figures like Hardy Rodenstock and Rudy Kurniawan, revealing how they manipulated auction houses, winemakers, and even world-famous critics to flood the market with masterful forgeries. With stories of sting operations and daring heists, you'll learn that organized crime isn't just lurking in the shadows of fine wine—it's operating bottling lines and distribution networks worldwide, making wine fraud a global, high-stakes game. But it's not all drama and noir—the episode also delivers practical lessons you can apply as a consumer or collector. You'll learn why supply chain transparency is fast becoming the holy grail, how blockchain and bottle-specific ledgers are shaping the future of wine authenticity, and why "an honest glass of wine" now means more than just artful winemaking. As the episode reveals the challenges of law enforcement and regulatory blind spots, you'll walk away with the tools and insights to spot a con before you ever pop the cork. What you'll learn: The fascinating history of wine fraud, from Roman times to modern-day organized crime How counterfeiters infiltrate every tier of the wine market, from luxury cellars to local pubs The forensic techniques used to detect fake bottles and labels Why traditional anti-fraud tools like hologram stickers fall s

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is coming to Yerevan, Armenia. It is a huge feather in the cap of the Armenian wine trade and the story of how and why it landed there is inspiring. Quentin Havaux is the 3rd generation of the fames tasting and judging group and the ascent to international recognition of the CMB is quite organic and humble.  The wine trade is unforgiving and requires tenancity and patience. Quentin describes the history of CMB with pure enthusiasm and passion. And the relentless ambition to tell the stories of wine is inspiring.  Quentin Havaux believes wine isn't about intimidating jargon or arbitrary numbers—it's about the stories, the traditions, and the sheer enjoyment found in every glass. In this sparkling episode, listeners are invited to sip on the wisdom of the CEO of Vinopress, the driving force behind the influential Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. From family roots in the Belgian printing trade to orchestrating one of the world's most respected wine competitions, Quentin reveals why he's determined to keep wine approachable and full of wonder, rather than just a sum on a scale. Together with Paul Kalemkiarian, he uncorks how competition medals still shape the global wine trade, what it takes to champion emerging regions like Armenia, and how even the smallest producers can stand out when passion meets innovation. You'll hear how Quentin's commitment to making wine enjoyable for everyone is influencing how we select, taste, and understand what's in our glass. Get ready to travel from the wine bars of Seoul to the bustling streets of Yerevan, as Quentin brings us behind the scenes—from organizing blind tastings for thousands of wines to creating new ways for both connoisseurs and novices to connect with complex flavors through simple, engaging experiences. The narrative seamlessly blends the old world with the new: ancient Armenian amphorae, fresh-faced entrepreneurs, and an ever-curious new generation seeking more than just another familiar bottle on the shelf. Here's a taste of what you'll walk away with: 🍷 How aroma-driven wine lists and fresh consumer experiences are breaking down barriers for everyday drinkers in wine bars around the world. 🍷 Why competition medals and international tastings are more than just marketing—they're vital tools for elevating quality and helping producers from new regions gain global recognition. 🍷 Insights into the challenges—and unique opportunities—of introducing unfamiliar grape varieties and wine regions to a marketplace saturated with the "usual suspects." By journey's end, you won't just know more about how wine is judged or marketed; you'll see how Quentin Havaux and his team are reshaping the way the world shares, savors, and celebrates wine—one lively conversation, and one unpretentious pour, at a time. YouTube: https://youtu.be/qxITeNKKmME

He changed everything...without a clue on what can of worms he was going to open. Steven Spurrier, the architect of the Judgement of Paris, checked in with Wine Talks to tell his and it's story. He passed only weeks after. Stephen Spurrier was never just a spectator in the world of wine—he was the host who re-sorted the guest list, rewrote the rules, and decanted a whole new future for California and beyond. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll hear firsthand how one Englishman's curiosity and courage upended centuries of French dominance and invited America to the table. Spurrier's journey, as recounted to Paul K, is laced with wit and candor: from his early days as an "independent younger brother" joining the London wine scene, to his adventurous leap to Paris where he found not only love, but the seeds of a movement that would blossom into the historic Judgment of Paris. Each anecdote bubbles over with the energy of a man unafraid to say "why not?" and willing to challenge everything for the sheer joy of discovery. A glass in hand, you'll travel alongside Spurrier as he navigates the peculiarities and prejudices of Parisian wine culture, reinvents himself as a merchant and educator, and eventually pulls off a tasting so legendary that its aftershocks are still felt today. Revelations abound—not just about the logistics and emotions behind May 24, 1976, but about the characters, the stakes, and the unintended consequences for both the icons of Bordeaux and the upstart producers of Napa Valley. As the story unfolds, you'll hear how a spirit of risk, trust in communication, and a belief in honest storytelling led to a blind tasting that didn't just surprise critics, but also rebalanced the global map of wine quality and perception. But this episode uncorks far more than history—it invites you into the ongoing debate about wine's future. With Spurrier's trademark blend of reverence and irreverence, you'll learn why wine, at its best, is more about friendship, education, and shared narrative than points, packaging, or trends. Whether you're a cork purist, a screwcap convert, or an adventurer intrigued by ancient vineyards in Armenia, Spurrier reminds us that wine's deepest magic is—and will always be—in the stories we sip and share together. Here are five things you'll discover with a swirl of your glass: 🍷 How Stephen Spurrier's wild idea for a wine shop and school in Paris set the stage for the Judgment of Paris. 🍷 The untold stories and behind-the-scenes drama of the 1976 tasting that turned the wine world upside down. 🍷 Why the real legacy of the Judgment of Paris is the global rise of blind tastings and new wine regions. 🍷 What Spurrier really thinks about trends like natural wine, canned packaging, and the meaning behind "organic." 🍷 How the true richness of a bottle isn't measured by prestige, but by trust, storytelling, and the people you share it with.

I am proud when I say I was born in Inglewood, California. So were Li and Leslie Jones. When I was 5 or 6 years old, my father would take me to work as I sat and stamped brochures with the name Van Ness Pharmacy. Then the perscription driver would take me to Daniel Freeman Elementary School. I say that with all the reverence in the world for the process; I learned work ethic. When I heard that there was a wine bar that primarily served wines from black owned wineries and was catgering to a fnew crowd of black wine enthusiasts and in Inglewood, I had to hear more. And Li and Leslie Jones did not disappoint. You might think Leslie Jones and Li Jones would never have dreamed of running a wine bar while growing up in a home where wine was rarely poured and celebrations leaned more toward lemonade stands than stemware. Yet, as you'll discover, their journey from Inglewood siblings to the founders of 1010 Wine Bar unfolds with the same element of surprise and serendipity as finding Dave Matthews playing at your neighborhood venue. This episode is more than a family origin story; it's a lens into a changing city, and a window into Los Angeles' emerging Black wine culture. Listeners will hear how sports stadiums, civic transformations, and a thirst for approachable wine knowledge all collide at the stylish threshold of 1010. You'll come away knowing exactly why wine, of all beverages, holds the unique power to spark conversation, bridge generations, and build a fiercely loyal community—whether your knowledge begins at the supermarket or the cellar. You'll learn how Leslie Jones and Li Jones built an environment where no question is too small, and why so many first-timers are astounded to discover the depth and breadth of Black winemakers. You'll understand how the sisters balance the razor-thin margins and bureaucratic surprises of hospitality with a relentless desire to break down wine's aristocratic "gatekeeping" and make every guest's experience memorable—right down to a spontaneous R&B bingo night. And you'll leave with a sense of how celebrity labels, community partnerships, and a devotion to education are transforming not just 1010, but the image of wine enjoyment for a new generation. By the end, you'll have a taste for resilience and creativity that you won't soon forget—proof that in Inglewood, the future of wine is uncorked one conversation at a time. In this episode, you will learn: The surprising ways wine dismantles social barriers and builds community in unlikely places. How Leslie Jones and Li Jones nurture a culture of approachability and discovery—especially for new wine drinkers. Why the explosion of Black winemakers is changing the face o

I watch social daily. I guess we all have to. Besides the interaction with peers, it keeps you aware of what people are thinking and doing. Once you get past the chaf and get to the honest opinions and outlooks, you get folks like Molly Bossardt.  I reached out to her to get a glimpse of what she is thinking and doing in our trade. Have a listen.   Molly Bassard proves that you don't have to be born in Napa or Bordeaux to turn the wine world on its digital head. When she launched Bread and Butter in the thick of 2020, Molly saw what many in the wine trade still missed: wineries remain rooted in old soil, even as marketing spins ever faster into the future. By tuning in, you'll quickly learn how Molly peeled back the layers of an industry famous for its dusty traditions and discovered a staggering lack of digital innovation, especially among smaller and mid-sized wineries. She exposes why so many vintners are hesitant—even averse—to marketing, and why most farmers don't realize that great wine is only half the job. Molly demystifies what a modern marketing strategy really looks like, from omnipresent email campaigns to the power of influencers, and explains why hiring "my niece who's good at Instagram" isn't enough. You'll get a candid lens into the digital uphill climbs wineries face, why foot traffic still matters in a world obsessed with e-commerce, and how to nurture a genuine community rather than chase short-term trends. Molly also uncorks the realities and limitations of AI in creativity-driven industries, dashing the fantasy that robots can replace passionate marketers. Perhaps most intriguingly, you'll discover what true innovation means when it comes to wine—hint: it has less to do with trendy packaging, and more to do with reimagining sustainability, experience, and storytelling. By episode's end, you'll know why good marketing can't be handed off to just any agency, and you'll see how the future of wine lies not in resisting change, but in embracing creative risk. Expect to come away with an insider's map to the new digital terroir, one meaningful strategy at a time.

Relentless in her pursuits would be an understatement because Kerrin Laz is a force of nature.  Kerrin is the type of person the wine trade needs...now. She is chock full of energy, a plethora of ideas, and a cavalcade of pathways to get there. She will be on the show again; there were too many subjects we never discussed. Sitting down with Kerrin Laz was like flipping open a well-loved journal and discovering a handful of stories you'd forgotten you needed to hear. There's a warmth to the East Coast energy she carries with her, this tenacity blended with familiarity—sort of like sipping an old-vine Zinfandel that carries the sun of California but has the grit of Long Island soil. Right out of the gate, Karen Laz reminded me of those early, stumbling steps we all take in our careers. She grew up in New York, knew Dean & DeLuca as an iconic place—couldn't resist popping in for a cup of coffee, even though her resume, as she freely admits, "had, like, nothing on it" 00:06. When asked if she preferred food or wine, she just sort of shrugged and said, "Wine, I guess." That honest uncertainty? I find that refreshing. Most people will fabricate a grand narrative about their calling, but Karen Laz is humble enough to admit a little serendipity goes a long way. But don't let that humility fool you. Ten years leading her own wine collection, a knack for knowing what guests want before they do, and the rare ability to forge real partnerships with wineries—she's seriously dialed in. I marveled when she described how growing up on Long Island, she watched potato fields transform into vineyards. The region's rise in agro-tourism stuck with me—how people from the city pour into the North Fork and don't think twice about whether the wines are international gold medalists. "It brings excitement," she told me 06:14, "it gets people interested." Sometimes, wine is about adventure—stomping out to a farmstand, finding a bright Merlot, or realizing, incredulously, that some Long Island wineries still only ship within New York 03:46. One thing I picked up fast: Karen Laz is obsessed with the guest experience. She's made it her mission to create truly tailored wine tastings—her team asks questions, customizes lineups, brings in wines that excite her personally, not just what's expected. She has that gift for bringing nervous new tasters right into the fold, making them feel like collectors before they've even bought a bottle <span class="timestamp-link" co

She is the real deal. Isis Daniels, The Millenial Somm, can tell it like it is. There is no "fluff"here, just the facts maam. I was taken not only by her level of expertise but also by her ability to convey honest positions with honest feelings; a bit rare in today's social-network society. In other words, this is no AI Somm. When you invite ISIS Daniels, the Millennial Somm herself, into your headphones, you'd best expect more than wine talk—you're headed for a technicolor journey through bottles and generations, biases and breakthroughs. You'll quickly discover ISIS Daniels isn't interested in the labels on the front of the bottle so much as the stories—and sometimes the battles—behind them. What compels a millennial to upend the starchy old script of wine appreciation, to create a space that feels as fresh and inclusive as a porch with friends instead of a paneled tasting room? You'll learn how ISIS Daniels made wine her own, bringing in family members who never drank or never understood why it mattered, and, in the process, carving out new cultural spaces with every pour. You'll hear how a simple bottle from 7-Eleven, or a cringe-worthy supermarket staple, might be the gateway into joy and knowledge—and why the wine world might be missing the point by turning up its nose. You'll get insider views on non-alcoholic wines, what "clean" and "natural" really mean (hint: probably not what you think), and why inclusion matters beyond just having another seat at the table. Here are three things you'll take away from this candid, energizing conversation: How to welcome newcomers to wine without judgment, embracing every palate—from sweet supermarket blends to terroir-driven bottles. How millennials and younger generations are reshaping wine culture by demanding inclusion, authenticity, and transparency around what's in the glass. Why conversations about women and people of color in wine are critical to understanding not just who makes wine, but how wine's business, storytelling, and even legislation are evolving. From D.C. wine caucuses to jazz festivals in Napa, you'll come away not just with wine wisdom, but with a whole new sense of what it means to taste, to share, and to belong.   https://youtu.be/yTPKcCWuvgk

I am a sparkling wine lover. I think sparkling wine should be part of everyones repetoir; not for celebrations...for dinner, for lunch, for anytime. Certainly, one issue with sparkling wine is the price. One of the most popular Champagnes in the world, Veuve Clicquot, is $60.00/bottle! But then you see La Marca sparkling at $14.00/bottle.  What is a consumer to do? One conversation with Anna Lopez of Gramora clears it all up. When you meet someone as devoted to their craft as Anna Lopez, you realize immediately that wine is more than a drink—it's a philosophy of patience, persistence, and place. This episode unfurls the fascinating story of how a tradition-bound winemaker from Gramona decided to trade the old guard for innovation, helping lead a sparkling wine revolution in Spain's Penedes region. Listeners are drawn into the drama behind the formation of Corpinnat, the new collective of family-run estates that broke away from the Cava appellation in order to protect integrity, promote organic farming, and give a voice to the land itself. Through an intimate and sometimes rebellious conversation, you'll come to understand why the geography under your feet matters as much as the grapes in your hand, and what it takes to craft sparkling wine with complexity, elegance, and a sense of purpose that transcends commercial trends and marketing budgets. Anna Lopez peels back generations of winery history, revealing how time—through wars, scarcity, and serendipitous cellaring—has shaped not only the wines but the entire winemaking philosophy at Gramona. You'll hear about the deep commitment to biodynamic farming, the return of bees and sheep as vineyard partners, and the meticulous stewardship needed to protect the land for generations to come. Through vivid stories and a genuine passion for tradition and terroir, the episode makes clear that every bottle is a vessel of history, culture, and community—a true taste of its origins, meant for celebration and remembrance. You will learn: The origins and meaning of Corpinnat, and why a group of traditional wineries broke from Cava to create stricter standards focused on organic farming, indigenous grapes, and regional identity. How patient aging, historical circumstance, and unique Mediterranean soils contribute to the complexity and elegance of world-class sparkling wines. The philosophy and real-world impact of biodynamic viticulture, including why animal life, cover crops, and communal stewardship are essential to preserving both land and wine for future generations.   https://youtu.be/e8MQNJJReRg

There has been an uptick in wine media. The series "Drops of God" has raised an eyebrow. It has become quite common when I am speaking about wine that someone asks if I have seen the show.  I have been horrified by some of the work I have seen on-line and even on an airline. Just when the industry is reevaluating where it needs to go, ghastly footage shows up in the medai...have we no understanding of what the people want to see?  Film is story telling...and Chris McGilvray is keenly aware of this. Though he was focused on corporate productions in the Silicon Valley, the opportunity to document a story of the winery Eden captured his imagination. Chris McGilvray's path to wine was anything but typical—he started at USC's prestigious film school, dropped out to wander Central America, and finally became an independent filmmaker in Santa Cruz, a place where both winemaking and movie making are decidedly unconventional, and the distance from Silicon Valley is measured in more than miles. Chris bridges the worlds of slow cinema and meticulous viticulture, unraveling the layers behind his films Eden and Terroir. Not only does he reveal how the Santa Cruz Mountains' small wine community operates on passion rather than profit, but you'll also gain rare insight into how documentary filmmaking mimics the slow, steady rhythms of vineyard life—a process measured in seasons and decades, not in quick cuts or viral videos. As you listen, you'll come away with intimate knowledge of how Chris tracked the entire 2015 vintage with four wineries, walked vineyards to understand the terroir, and wrangled seven years of evolving storylines into a film that is as honest and surprising as the wines it documents. He explores why storytelling is critical for both wine and film in a world crowded with content, sharing why he believes experiences, not data or trends, are the key to reconnecting us with craft. From debates about wine's value—human, not monetary—to the practical realities of distribution, direct-to-consumer sales, and innovation, McGilvray shares trade secrets, the existential challenges both industries face, and his hopes for what lies ahead. Chris peels back these layers—one slow shot, one vintage, one interview at a time—connecting artistry, agriculture, and authentic narrative with every turn of the cork and every frame of film. Three points you will learn from this episode: How the art of documentary filmmaking parallels the patient, generational craft of winemaking, and why both thrive on constraint and authenticity. Why storytelling and firsthand experiences matter more than data and metrics in building passion for wine—and what both

It is impossible to speak of the wines from Spain...at least the famous ones, without speaking about 1.) the Ribero del Duero and 2.) Vega Sicilia. When Wine Talks was asked to join a lunch at the Berverly Hilton Hotel and sit with Pable Alvarez, we responded with "Yes, please." Pablo Alvarez is the kind of guest who logs 135 days a year circling the globe, sharing bottles and stories that most of us only dream of tasting. You will come away with far more than just a sense of Spanish terroir—you'll get a rare look into the evolution of Vega Sicilia, Spain's most iconic and enigmatic winery, through the eyes of the family now behind its legacy. Alvarez demystifies what sets Spanish wines apart, charting their rise from unsung regions of Europe to an era where Spanish labels are now coveted on international shelves—and in the cellars of those in the know. You'll follow the Douro as it cuts through a tapestry of chalky soils and storied vineyards, and with it, unravel why only a fraction of Vega Sicilia's land becomes wine worthy of the name. Terroir isn't just a patch of dirt here—it's the collected wisdom of generations, old clones with hidden stories, the philosophical tug-of-war between family and land. Alongside wines, you may not expect tales of family business, the messy and miraculous transition of a real estate dynasty into winemaking royalty, or the moment Hungary's legendary Tokaji called to the Alvarez clan across borders and regimes. Listen as Pablo reveals, with humility and humor, the magic in bottles once reserved for family tables, and why knowing the winemaker—really knowing who stands behind the label—matters more than ever in a landscape cluttered with ratings and €1 bottles. Whether you're here for the esoteric, the historical, or simply a guide for your next drink, this episode is your passport: you'll finish knowing how Spanish wines found their soul, how Tokaji's acidity changes everything you thought about sweet wines, and why, in the end, the best wine is sometimes just the one you like. Three Things You Will Learn The True Meaning of Terroir: Hear what makes the land and philosophy behind Spain's greatest wines so distinctive, including how Vegas Sicilia's unique soils and old clones influence every bottle. The Evolution of Spanish Wine: Discover how Spanish wine rose from humble beginnings, why its presence on shelves worldwide is changing, and what it takes to stand out in the modern marketplace. From Family Business to Global Legacy: Find out how a family of real estate visionaries fell in love with wine, took a chance on a legendary estate, expanded into Hungary's Tokaj

It is crazy interesting to me that a winery as young as Quintus, in such an established and historical area as Saint Emilion, can make such waves when virtually in it's infancy as a winery.  Michel Roland (we just lost him), the famed oenologist once told a friend of mine that now that it is established she can grow wine grapes at her vineyard, it will take 100 years to know what it really can do. Enter the Chateau Quintus, a winery in the famed Right Bank Bordeaux appelation; Saint Emilion. The fertile ground where Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Angelus and Petrus call home, is now the birthplace of the upstart Chateau Quintus. Up start only in the sense that it is a youngin' having only been established in 2011. To have been able to create such concentrated, complex wine in such a short time would have been unheard of in the earlier days of Bordeaux; meaning, how could this happen? It has taken dozens of years for other Chateau to learn of their own pedigree...hear the story here.   YouTube: https://youtu.be/ghXyTJCZe0M #wine #Bordeaux #SaintÉmilion #ChâteauQuintus #PaulKalemkiarian #NilsVaincot #winetasting #terroir #GrandCru #wineclassification #RightBank #LeftBank #Merlot #CabernetFranc #Oscars #winetourism #hospitality #blindtasting #DomaineClarenceDillon #wineemotion #masterclass

When I recorded this episode, Trevor was the Director and Head Winemaker of the famed Beaulieu Vineyards. And, one of the reasons I ventured into a corporate winery podcast, was that very reason. I wanted to peel back the idea of a such an iconic winery becoming corporate and how much the "Board" had to do with the decision making; in other words, can a winery maintain its boutique expression despite having a huge beauracracy working in the background. Trevor Durling is now with Darioush and Nate Weiss has taken the helm (recently at Silver Oak). Trevor Duling is the kind of winemaker who almost ended up piloting B-52s before dedicating his life to the legacy and land of Beaulieu Vineyard—luckily for all of us, he decided that art, science, and agriculture in a glass was a more enduring pursuit than the cockpit. In this episode, you'll be swept from Trevor Duling's childhood inspirations, shaped by the tales of his heroic grandfather, into the heart of Napa's most closely-guarded secrets. Listen as Paul Kalemkiarian uncovers the personal and professional turning points that led Trevor Duling from his Sonoma roots to vintages that tell the story of each growing season—where no two years, and no two glasses, are ever the same. You'll learn how history and innovation intertwine in the valley, as Trevor Duling recounts the surprising ways tradition and technology collide in the pursuit of true terroir. Through anecdotes featuring legendary influencers like André Tchelistcheff, listeners gain a portrait of Napa winemaking as a mix of humility, knowledge-sharing, and a relentless drive toward improvement. This is not a simple swirl-and-sniff episode—it's a study in legacy, land stewardship, and why the best bottles are chapters in an ongoing narrative. By the end of the conversation, you'll see why wine is so much more than a drink—it's a living time capsule that connects us to place, to people, and to history itself. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: The fascinating ways a winemaker's upbringing—and a single, memorable tasting of a 1968 Georges de Latour—can alter the course of a life. Why the evolution of Napa winemaking is inseparable from the lessons of pioneers like André Tchelistcheff, and what it means to be a steward of land rather than just a producer. An eye-opening look at sustainability, the push and pull of trends versus terroir, and how collaboration and a touch of imperfection make for truly great wine. Pull up a glass and get ready: this journey through Napa is as much about the characters behind the wine as it is about the wine itself.

Wine is experiential. It is what the industry has to hang its hat on. Each glass needs to conjure up emotion, memories and a sense of being. My father bought his wine shop in 1969 and a started his academic journey to understand and promote wine. He took master classes before they were masterclasses: German Wine Academy, the Italian Wine Consortium and many more. He was a learner. So when he was telling me a story about one of the most emotional wines he had ever tasted, and how he had waited in a long line to get a thimblefull of a taste, it was required listening. That day at a Hueblien auction, they were auctioning the iconic 1921 Chateau d'Yquem and I believe the auctioneer was the famed Michael Broadbent. When I heard that Lorenzo Pasquini, the Director of Chateau d"Yquem was going to be in LA, I created a stir of inquiries to get him on the podcast. We ended up at Wallys famed wine bar and restaurant for a sit down episode of the show. I have to tell you that sitting down with Lorenzo Pasquini at Wally's in Beverly Hills was a breath of fresh air. It's not every day you get to share a table (and a glass) with the director of Château d'Yquem, one of the most storied estates in Bordeaux. Right from the start, Lorenzo hit me with a line that stuck: "Wine is by definition very human." As someone who's been fascinated by the soul and story of wine for decades, I couldn't help but smile. This wasn't going to be your average technical chat about barrels and Brix. Now, I like anecdotes—my dad was the king of them—and I come from a world where every wine has a memory attached. Lorenzo gets that. He talked about how Yquem isn't just a brand, or even a name, but something almost universal, capable of creating emotion in savvy collectors and absolute newcomers alike. It reminded me of my dad waiting in line for a thimble of '21 Yquem at the Hublin auction—the anticipation, the respect, the pure joy of tasting something almost mythical. We dug into the mystery of botrytis—the "noble rot"—and why it's at the heart of what makes Yquem so special. Lorenzo's insight was that it's not about control. There's an element of surrender and humility. You can prepare, observe, react, but ultimately you wait for nature to do her thing. That's the contrast, really, between technology-driven wines and those that are still, in essence, artisanal. There's a sense of patience and a sense of trust in the process that I find inspiring—and grounding. He made me think differently about the grapes themselves. I had always pictured noble rot as something pretty unappetizing. But Lorenzo described how, seen under a microscope, it's actually beautiful—almost poetic. Sometimes you just need to change your perspective to find the beauty, even when it comes to the fungus that transforms a grape. We compared vintages—the pure botrytis expression of 2013 versus the fruit-forward 2017 and the youthful vibrancy of 2023. Lorenz

When one thinks of the "food revolution" of America, a few names show themselves immediately. In that this movement started in California and namely Los Angeles, chefs such as Alice Waters, Jonathan Waxman, Wolfgang Puck, Ken Frank, Michael McCarty greace the list. Not the least of these is Nancy Silverton. A pioneer on not only the savory side of this revolution, but the baking side as well ("as well" might be minimizing her impact, call it "and she put fresh bread baking on the forefront of the modern restaurant menu items). I sat with Nancy to have her reflect on those days and prognositcate on what is to come. Nancy Silverton has a knack for rolling (pun intended) with the punches—whether it's kneading the perfect loaf or fielding questions about a celebrity guest who turns out to be Mick Jagger, but goes unrecognized by kitchen staff. In this episode of "Wine Talks," you'll discover why Nancy Silverton has left an indelible mark on American dining. Paul K skillfully steers the conversation from Silverton's pioneering days at La Brea Bakery and Campanile to the modern reality of Instagram influencers eclipsing old-school food critics. Listeners will get a rare look into how food culture has evolved, from the French-dominated fine dining of New York to LA's laid-back, boundary-pushing culinary scene, and why California's lack of tradition became fuel for innovation. You'll hear about the rise (pun intended) of neighborhood restaurants over destination dining, what it takes to write a truly "doable" cookbook (hint: fewer sous chefs required), and why the simple act of charging for bread reveals so much about the state of hospitality today. Along the way, Nancy Silverton opens up about her formative experiences, from working in her college dormitory kitchen to redefining what it means to be a chef in America—and why she never wears a toque. Thoughtful, honest, and peppered with anecdotes about family, legacy, and the tactile joy of cooking, this episode offers intimate insights into a generational shift in food, wine, and what truly resonates with diners and home cooks alike. Tune in to learn: Why generational attitudes toward food and dining are shifting, and what it means for the future of restaurants How American chefs broke away from European traditions and found creative freedom in LA's food scene The inside story of how social media and the cult of the influencer have overtaken the role of the food critic, changing cookbook publishing, restaurant success, and food discovery forever. #NancySilverton #PaulK #WineTalks #restaurantindustry #artisanbread #LaBreaBakery #Campanile #OsteriaMozza #foodrevolution #Americancuisine #LosAngelesdining #socialmedia #Instagram #foodinfluencers #cookbooks #pastrychef #hospitality #culinarylegacy #winetrends #neighborhoodrestaurants #celebritychefs <p data-

By all intensive purposes, this is Wine Talks 501st episode...crazy to think of all those guests, research, production, and insight that goes into creating and maintaining a podcast. All that to say, once in awhile, a character comes along. Someone who thinks a bit different, articulates a bit different and all the more inspires by what they say. Jesse Fox is one of those. Jesse Fox may have chased TV-chef fame in his culinary youth, but it's the alchemy of kitchens, vineyards, and his knack for blending artistry with precision that makes him one of Napa's most intriguing winemakers. In this episode, you'll be treated to the story behind his philosophy—rooted in the repetition, timing, and taste memory of elite kitchens like the French Laundry—and now poured into every bottle at Sequoia Grove. With Paul K guiding the conversation, you'll learn how Jesse Fox brings the hospitality mindset to wine, why experiences and relationships matter far more than gimmicks, and how staying true to a brand's roots is the real secret to cultural relevance. Instead of fixating on the old playbook or chasing the next big marketing trend, Jesse Fox invites listeners to imagine a wine industry that innovates without losing sight of connection—and authenticity. As the conversation flows from the realities of Napa's enotourism challenges to the eternal magic of a well-balanced glass, you'll peel back layers of insight into both the "back house" and "front house" of winemaking. It's an intimate look at how Sequoia Grove is doubling down on estate vineyards, investing in legacy, and refusing to be just another bottle on the shelf. By the time you reach the last sip of this episode, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on why properly made wine is more than alcohol—it's a beverage that shapes memories, celebrates place, and makes the world a little brighter. Three things you'll learn, best poured into wine glasses: 🥂 How Napa wineries can blend innovation with tradition, honoring place while adapting to a changing market. 🥂 Why authentic, properly balanced wine strikes a chord with everyone, from novices to seasoned collectors. 🥂 The unique challenges—and opportunities—of making approachable Cabernet in a region where land prices and competition are sky-high. YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAtoycCF54E #WineTalks #SequoiaGrove #NapaValley #JesseFox #PaulK #Winemaking #CabernetSauvignon #Chardonnay #Hospitality #FoodAndWine #Experiences #CulinaryJourney #FrenchLaundry #WineIndustry #WineCulture #Sustainability #VineyardLife #WineInnovation #WinePhilosophy #PodcastChat

When at Wine Paris, I visited the booths of many countries. Catching up with old friends, and forging new relationships to help move the needle in wine.  As I visited the Armenian wine booth, there was a bustle in the air. If there is an old guard in the Armenian wine trade, it would be Vahe Keusguarian. He forged much of what is the modern wine industry there. But before Vahe, there was Karas. In fact, Vahe's first job as he picked up his life and moved to Armenia...was at Karas.  At the helm at Karas, an incredibly capable young woman; Juliana Del Aguila. Not only does she responsible for this pioneering winery in Armenia, she is at the helm of Bodega Fin Del Mundo in Argentina. Can you imagine that travel log? She spyed me in the corner of her eye and quickly came to say hi. You see, Wine Talks was one of her first podcasts...if not the first. Hear her here. Juliana de la Guila brings more than wine knowledge—she brings continents together in a single conversation. You'll quickly realize that when it comes to Karas Wines and the Armenian wine revival, her passion is as layered as a rare vintage, with roots reaching from the arid soils of the Ararat Valley to the windswept vineyards of Patagonia. In this episode, you'll discover how Juliana and her family became pioneers in resurrecting Armenia's ancient winemaking tradition after decades lost to brandy production under the Soviet Union. You'll learn why the rebirth of Armenian viticulture is more than just an economic opportunity—it's about community, sustainability, and rekindling magic in a bottle that Armenians can send around the world as a piece of home. Juliana de la Guila will reveal how indigenous varietals like Areni are reclaiming their historical seat at the world's wine table and why international grapes such as Malbec and Cabernet Franc are being invited to the Armenian party, all in the search for terroir and expression. Along the way, you'll pick up surprising insights about irrigation from Turkish reservoirs, organic certification, and the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, as well as the emotional and existential connection that makes a glass of Armenian wine taste like home. From the shifting Los Angeles wine market to China's nascent curiosity, from new cuisine in Yerevan's wine bars to the soul of sustainable farming, you'll walk away with a story that's as much about family, identity, and evolution as it is about grapes. Prepare to taste history, experience emotion, and understand how wine truly connects land, legacy, and the modern world—one bottle at a time. Three things you'll learn in this episode: Why Armenian wine disappeared for decades, how it's being reborn, and what it takes to reestablish a nation's grape

When I visited Paris in 1993, I had been helping my parents sell my grandmothers house. My father said "we are taking you and Sandra to Tour D'Argent." THe whole story for another time. My father spoke French to the Sommelier and asked for the 1945 Lafite Rothschild...an epic of the epics. At that time, it was $3,500. As the Sommelier presented the bottle in it's wicker carrier, the age of the crust and the caking of the dust was admiarable. There was considerable ullage (the air gap bewteen the cork and the wine). In French, my father suggests "Open it, it is fine, I buy it, if is over the hill, you buy it "...the reply? "Non, Monsieur" He order the 1962 Cos D'Estrournel. So when I heard the Techinical Director, Dominique Arangoits was in town, I had to sit for a podcast. I can guarantee you that my French is much better now. Dominique Arangoits wasn't raised on grand cru vineyards or surrounded by the opulent châteaux that so often feature in Bordeaux lore. Instead, he began his story in the rugged Basque country, a region where the mountains meet the Spanish border and family tradition meant tending to a small patch of vines for homemade wine. There's something poetic in how his early memories, flavored by the modest vineyard his grandfather cared for, foreshadowed a journey that would lead him to the highest echelons of wine science and estate management. In this episode, Dominique's story unfolds with the humility and curiosity of someone who didn't set out to be a winemaker, but who became one by way of chance and passion. He recounts to Paul Kalemkiarian how agronomy studies in Bordeaux presented the fork in the road—that pivotal moment when Dominique first glimpsed the bridge between science and art, and realized that winemaking could be not just a career, but a lifelong passion. From there, the journey took him abroad to Hungary's Tokaj region, where he learned the complexities of building a winery from scratch; returning to France, he brought those lessons to Cos d'Estournel, entrusted with one of the most ambitious projects in Bordeaux: imagining an entirely new winery "from an empty sheet." But this episode isn't just about technical prowess or the mechanics of grape growing. Listen closely and you'll hear Dominique's profound reverence for terroir—a concept he elevates above all else, even above the winemaker himself. To Dominique, the role of the grape variety is not to dominate, but to "read" the land, allowing the subtle, emotional taste of the place to emerge in the bottle. When faced with climate change, he doesn't lament, but adapts, observing how today's warmer vintages make Cabernet Sauvignon easier to ripen and forever alter the definition of what makes a "classic" Bordeaux. Throughout the conversation, Paul Kalemkiarian pushes Dominique with questions about politics and classification—why second growths matter, whether the age-old B

This is a true story. in 1989, Michael Houlihan came to my office. He had a vision of wine brand (the story of why he had a vision is crazy in itself). He wanted to create a wine named Barefoot Cellars. He had found the name from a deunct brand and had gone to the owner to ask to buy the name.  He also wanted to call it the "Chateau La Feet" of California wine. I was annoyed. After I left, I called my father to tell him this crazy idea, "it will never work" I said. Today, Barefoot is the largest brand in America. Moral of the story: Don't listen to me. Mike Houlihan might be the only guest who walked into a bankrupt winery hoping to collect $300,000, and walked out with the ingredients to launch America's largest wine brand. You'll discover how Mike Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey took their outsider wisdom—and perhaps a little moxie—and transformed bare feet, old tanks, and a rickety bottling machine into an empire rivaling Robert Mondavi and winning over Trader Joe's and Kroger buyers from coast to coast. This isn't another vineyard romance—this is gritty, real entrepreneurship. You'll learn the salty secrets of wine buyers ("make it better than Bob, cheaper than Bob, and put it in a pig!"), the art of selling to mom-and-pop shops when big chains slam the door, and the critical merchandising strategies that made their bottle shine from four feet away (just as the buyer demanded). If you ever wondered what it takes to turn hardship into hustle—or how you can build a business legacy on persistence and soft skills, not just spreadsheets—Mike Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey peel back the curtain, sharing lessons that apply far beyond the wine aisle. Expect stories about bottling gone wrong, the challenges of excise taxes, and the colorful cast of wine industry characters. You'll walk away knowing why sincerity, face-to-face connection, and caring for the people in "low places" are the true keys to scaling a business—and why their journey is now taught in universities across the globe. This episode distills decades of learning, from humble beginnings to bestselling audiobooks, written by a team that never turned down a learning curve or a handshake. If you wanted a taste of how innovation, resilience, and a little bit of luck can transform your life, this is your vintage. Listeners will learn: How understanding your real customer—rather than industry norms—can shape a brand and turn small insights into multi-million case success. The unfiltered truth about wine distribution, price setting, and the critical importance of merchandising and "being visible from four feet away." Why business growth depends as much on relationships, hustle, and soft skills as it does on capital—and how these human elements can still triumph in the digital age. YouTube: https://youtu.be/8dkxijQMwrQ #WineTa

In as large as the wine trade is, it is really a small, tight knit industry. It takes a certain love of the lifestyle, the product and the people to survive, or shall I say flourish.  I've been following the career and passion of Master of Wine Isabelle Legeron. So intrigued I am, that when I learned her famed wine consortium, RAW wine, was in Paris the week I was attending Wine Paris, I had to catch up with her and learn her latest. Isabelle Legeron has never been one for convention—unless, of course, by "convention" you mean redefining the world of natural wine while collecting accolades like France's Légion d'honneur. In this illuminating episode, listeners will savor Isabelle Legeron's passionate vision for returning wine to its roots as an authentic, cultural expression—connecting land, grower, and glass in a way that today's industrial winemaking has all but forgotten. As founder of the RAW WINE movement, Isabelle Legeron draws back the curtain on the additives, shortcuts, and marketing tricks currently saturating the wine industry, advocating instead for genuine, low-intervention methods that honor tradition, sustainability, and unique terroir. You'll dive into rich stories from her travels—from Tokyo to Armenia—where wine is less a commodity and more a living legacy, shaped by history and heartfelt craftsmanship. Each conversation is spiced with practical insights on how any wine lover can support this global shift and recognize the remarkable difference in their glass. Listeners of Wine Talks will gain: Understand what truly defines raw, low-intervention, biodynamic, and organic wines. Insights on sustainable viticulture: Discover the environmental costs of industrial winemaking and the urgent need for regenerative farming. The art of storytelling in wine: Learn how grower narratives and regional traditions infuse every bottle with singular character. Trends reshaping the wine business: From non-alcoholic ferments to the revival of indigenous grapes, find out what's next for authentic winemaking. How to taste terroir: Get practical tips for experiencing sense of place and purity in every sip. Strategies for supporting small producers: Hear why championing local growers matters in today's challenging market. Come away with not only knowledge, but a renewed appreciation for real wine—the kind that celebrates culture, creativity, and the natural world, one glass at a time. YouTube:  https://youtu.be/6WausoeeM9I   <div id="content_item_editor_9bffd980-4ee1-4127-a3d0-2b9b787ae799" class="editor editor-sm" spellcheck="true

Wine and tech have had their disagreements. There are pundits on both sides of the fence of tech in wine and when I heard there was a LA Wine Tech booth at Wine Paris, I had to explore.  I reached out to the head guy (he doesn't really have a title), Laurent David to explore the opportunity to set up a podcast right there at the show. He agreed and here it is. Wine Paris has become one of the largest wine shows in the world, with over 6000 wine booths and dozens of seminars, let alone a chance to taste some of the most well known wines in the world, it is easy to understand the throngs of people who attend. Laurent David traded launching iPhones for nurturing vines—now that's what you call an unusual upgrade. On this episode of Wine Talks, you'll get a rare look at the crossroads where Apple-level tech meets centuries-old Saint-Émilion winegrowing, straight from Laurent David himself. But you won't just hear tales of grape and gadget; you'll discover why the wine world is not as disconnected from innovation as it seems. You'll learn how obsessive experimentation drives winemakers—giving them only one annual shot to perfect their art, unlike software engineers who can endlessly tweak. As Paul Kalemkiarian probes the evolving role of data, AI, and digital tools, you'll see how the experience of wine is being reshaped for a new generation, and why a can of Château Lafite may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. The conversation lifts the curtain on why "best wine" is subjective, how social media and influencers (hello, Taylor Swift!) can spark global trends, and the challenge of making wine approachable without killing its soul. You'll peek into the ways winemakers are using AI not just to streamline paperwork, but to connect emotionally—with WhatsApp vineyard updates and Instagram journeys. Whether it's demystifying labels with QR codes, developing consumer clubs inspired by Napa, or finding clever methods to anchor memories like a quiche from childhood, Laurent David and Paul Kalemkiarian reveal how the future of wine depends on blending digital savvy with human touch. By the end, you'll understand that tech is just the tool—the real goal is sparking happiness, creating moments, and keeping wine a "social potion" for generations yet to come.     https://youtu.be/RmgBN_VFU5A   #WineTalks #WineTech #LaurentDavid #PaulKalemkiarian #AIinWine #WineInnovation #WineExperience #WineParis #LAWineTech #DigitalWineSales #WineClubs #SaintEmilion #WineData #WineMarketing #WineTourism #WineIndustryTrends #WineAndMillennials #BlockchainInWine #WineStorytelling #WineAndTechnology

Next week, I am in Paris. And I have the privledge to document the session on "Rethinking The WIne Business." Two of the prominent panel members are Paul Mabray and Priscilla Hennekam.  There is a movement in the trade to mix things up a bit; make some changes, move the needle a bit. Paul Mabray is considered the pre-eminent authority of all things digital wine. Platforms, logistics, user-experience and more, all play into the realm of Paul's knowledge base.  I have to tell you, having Paul Mabray on the show was a breath of fresh air—no other way to describe it. He's got this knack for slicing through the clutter and getting to the heart of what's happening in the wine world today. You know me, I love a good anecdote and an insightful thought, and he delivered plenty. Right out of the gate, Paul Mabray hit us with a beautiful metaphor: a glass of wine is a time capsule, a space-time machine connecting you to France ten years ago, or some other corner of the world and moment in history. I was hooked! That's what keeps me coming back to these conversations—a guest who sees past the label and into the soul of wine itself. We started the episode in my studio in Monroeville, California, broadcasting all the way to Napa. Paul Mabray—and, yes, for the record, both our names being Paul made the "Paul Squared" jokes inevitable—has worn many hats: club manager, consultant, software innovator, and digital pioneer. I reminisced about the early days of my own family's Wine of the Month Club: carbon paper, binders stuffed with customer cards, and handwritten manifests. He nodded knowingly, recalling his own journey at Niebaum Coppola, and the story about hiring Rob Crumb to write Access for Dummies so they could process wine club memberships in 72 hours instead of weeks! That story, I thought, is the kind of practical innovation the wine business desperately needed. As I listened to Paul Mabray, it occurred to me how much the industry has changed. The old guard—wholesalers, lobbyists—used to make it nearly impossible to ship direct to consumers. Back then, you practically had to sneak into the Wholesalers Association. He reminded me how those lobbying efforts were already fracturing in the mid-2000s, and with COVID, things are accelerating. Consumers are getting what they want, regulations be damned. That's insight you only get from someone who's lived both the analog and digital sides of the game. We also dove into software innovation—my old-school, "clunky but functional" database meets his experience launching e-commerce solutions like Wine Direct back in 2002. He had me laughing with stories of credit card gateways thinking a massive wine club w

I have to say that I can pick ém. My love of Bordeaux and the volume of Bordeaux I have tasted has lead me to Chateau Haut Bailly. Under the tootlidge of Veronique Sanders-Van Beek, the winery continues to make great strides not only in quality, but developing the experience of wine. You see, wine it not just a beverage, it has a soul, a connection, an expression of its place and of it's time. I have been fortunate enough to consider Veronique a friend and I look for opportunities to tell the story of the Chateau. Here I speak with Cyprien Chamanhet, Marketing Director of the Chateau. I have to tell you, having Cyprien Champanhet from Chateau Haut-Bailly in the studio was a real treat and just the sort of conversation that reminds me why I love hosting Wine Talks. We sat down in Southern California on a January day, and from the get-go, Cyprien brought an honest and unpretentious energy to the discussion—he cuts straight to the point. "Do you like the wine?" he asked, and it was refreshing to hear someone in the trade boil things down to pleasure and emotion, not just technical complexity. Even with fine wines, the fundamental goal is enjoyment. That's a sentiment I think too often gets lost in the shuffle in our industry, which can sometimes take itself a bit too seriously. We quickly dove into the DNA of Chateau Haut-Bailly. Cyprien is both Sales Director and Marketing Communications Director, but more than wearing official hats, he embodies what makes the estate special—the constant drive to improve, to question, and to never stand still. It's not that they have some rigid, well-documented strategy; it's woven into their identity. Every decision they make at the château pivots on the question: will this improve the wine, the hospitality, or the relationships with their partners? That's where the magic really happens, not just in boardrooms, but passing in the vineyards, talking among the team, and always with the Wilmers family, their deeply involved owners. Speaking of the Wilmers, Cyprien talked about Chris Wilmers, their chairman, and professor of ecology at UC Santa Cruz. Now, there's a boardroom influence that definitely filters down into the vines—and you see it in their approach to sustainability. It's much more than lip service. The château doesn't use weed killers or insect killers, maintains century-old vines, and considers not just organic or biodynamic approaches, but a kind of "third way" that balances environmental impact, carbon footprint, and even workers' and neighbors' health. I love seeing how that academic, ecological mindset brings practical, tangible benefits to the vineyard. It's a beautiful fusion of tradition and progress. We did some deep thinking around terroir—that mysterious, oft-referenced concept that supposedly starts and ends in soil. But as I prodded Cyprien, he agreed terroir extends into philosophy, history, and—yes—the boardroom. The energy and et

Crazy story. Walter Georis wrote the soundtrack to the iconic surf film, The Endless Summer. With desires to make it big in music, the soundtrack would be their swan song in show business. What happens after, is shear career poetry. I have to tell you that sitting down with Walter Georis was the kind of podcast taping that makes me glad I do this show. There's something about a man whose life story connects surf music, fine dining, art, and wine that just puts a smile on your face—especially when he unspools it with such humble, matter-of-fact wisdom. Now, I didn't know much about Walter Georis before a friend tipped me off. I got an email out of the blue—one of those you almost skip past in your inbox. My friend, who I used to surf with in Palos Verdes, had been up late thinking about "The Endless Summer." He does a quick search, and boom—finds out that the guy who wrote the music for that iconic film now owns a winery up in Carmel Valley. He tells me, "Paul, you've got to talk to this guy!" And, boy, am I glad I did. From the start, Walter Georis came off with a grounded, European sensibility—someone raised on the value of seasons, making things from scratch, and, most importantly, letting nature express itself. I loved his opening line: "I don't do anything to the wine to manipulate it…" For him, a vintage is a vintage, and that's the story in the bottle. As someone who's spent a lifetime talking with both big-shot and backyard winemakers, this kind of honesty always jumps out at me. What floored me about Walter Georis was the stories. Here's a Belgian kid, can hardly swim, never surfed, but ends up shaping the sound of California's surf music scene in the sixties! He and his buddies, playing in garages and school gyms, end up composing for "The Endless Summer"—and not by luck, but because they show up, put in the hours, and play for the right parties (and some of the right glassers, too—if you know, you know). And, this is the kicker—he does all this as a French speaker, blending right in with the "stoked, it's a trip" Southern California crowd. But Walter Georis's life isn't about hanging onto some faded record label glory. He's got this restless, creative spirit. After the music, he turns to art, painting eight hours a day in Carmel, living on the cheap. He spends years finding his style, blending the abstract with the figurative—until, naturally, he finds himself in the hospitality business, opening Casanova and La Boheme Song with his family. This is what I love: the European model, building legacy, not just chasing a fast-growing, flash-in-the-pan restaurant business. And Walter Georis gets it right—places that become international, drawing in everyone from actors to race car drivers, all wanting a piece of that Carmel magic. But for me, this episode really shines when we dig into the winemaking. Walter Georis talks about honest wine—the idea that you don't mess

I have been selling direct to the consumer in the wine trade for over 35 years. The industry certainly is not what it was; in some ways, better, in other ways, not so much. I've seen it all...well, at least most of it. The month and year I started with the Original Wine of the Month Club, my father was featuring a Romanian wine; mind you, Romania was still under Soviet rule. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Marinella Ardelean, expert on Romanian wine. I have to tell you, having Marinella Ardelian on the show took me back, and not just because she reminded me that the first Romanian wine I ever sold—way back in 1989—was a $2.50 Sauvignon Blanc from a winery called Premiat. There's something poetic about opening an episode by unearthing an old newsletter my late father wrote about that wine, especially since it was the same month I joined the family business. Wine really does have a way of sharpening your memory. The nose, the flavor, even the price tag—they stick with you. The conversation started with that kind of serendipity, but Marinella Ardelian quickly brought us to the present. She's based in Venice, waves the flag for Romanian wine, and has this bright, unfussy way of making big topics feel accessible. I love guests like that—insightful without being pedantic, and uncannily good at weaving personal experience into global perspectives. Right off the bat, she fine-tuned the narrative: Romanian wine doesn't need to come "back" to the world stage, it needs to stand in the spotlight it deserves, shoulder to shoulder with France and Italy. I'll admit, I never would've guessed Romania is now in the top six worldwide for vineyard acreage—and domestically, folks there are still drinking 30 liters a year! Sure, the numbers dance around a bit, but the underlying story is about a country with real wine culture. We spent a little time reminiscing about the communist days, when the government controlled everything and Vinexport was king. But the part that struck me most was her clear-eyed take on why Romanian wine isn't chasing the bottom shelf in America. "Romanian wines are not cheap," Marinella Ardelian declared, and she meant it. With high domestic demand and only a sliver of production exported, those who do ship overseas bring quality, not just volume. She's keen on stories and education—Romanian wine, she said, needs context, not just curiosity. This segued beautifully into the broader question of how a wine region markets itself. Marinella Ardelian made a compelling case: you can't just sell the wine, you have to sell the country. Romanian wine, for her, is inseparable from Transylvanian castles, farm-to-table food, and the dramatic scenery. I found that refreshing. Too often, we get obsessed with varietals and forget there's a living culture behind every label. She also explained that since the fall of communism in 1989, a whole generation of winemakers has embraced in

Wine branding is slow. It is different than other products; more rules, a limited set of consumers, and big brands standing in your way. These are the typical headwinds; unless your Samvel Hakobyan. I am convinced, despite the current tone of nah sayers and industry pundits looking for some kind of magic bullet to ease the woes of the trade, that proper and tested principles of business are more important now than ever—Persistance, perseverance, and passion; if you do not have these principles in your quiver, you are done. Where do these principals come from? are you born with them? Can you learn them? Can you read them in a book? The answer to these questions lies in this podcast with Samvel Hakobyan. I have to tell you, hosting Samvel Hakobyan on Wine Talks was one of those moments that reminded me why I'm addicted to these stories—especially when they connect so many worlds you wouldn't expect. But today, I want to linger on the Michael Franzese thread, because that's where grit, fate, and transformation collided like a flash in the cellar. Let's set the scene: Samvel, a young Armenian immigrant whose family had just clawed its way out of a bankrupt pizza shop in Sacramento, grows up idolizing one of the mob's most notorious figures—Michael Franzese. Not for the notoriety, mind you, but because Franzese's story is one of transformation. Here's a man who was the biggest earner in the mob after Capone, who finds God in a prison cell, and emerges not just clean, but on fire with a completely different purpose. So, how does a nineteen-year-old kid in California, hustling in door-to-door roofing, go from being a fan to actually sitting across the table from Michael Franzese? It's pure Armenian inspiration. Samvel told this story with the kind of detail that gives you goosebumps: Challenges at every step, flights canceled, Uber rides missed, and yet, by sheer persistence, Samvel finds himself pulled up to a hotel in Texas at the exact moment Franzese steps out to get into the very Uber they just exited. I mean, come on—if you wrote it, nobody would believe it! What kind of young man sidles up to a former mob boss and asks for his phone number? Only one who expects more out of himself and the world around him. And Michael, ever the seasoned reader of people, tells him, "If you have the guts to ask, I'll give it to you." There's a lesson in that right there: Opportunity doesn't knock; you do. Fast-forward through a winding road—Samvel helping his family, digging out of debt, building a marketing agency, and yet never dropping that thread with Michael. When the time came to link Michael's story with Armenian wine, Samvel saw it instantly: Combine a narrative of personal transformation with the oldest wine culture in the world. Who better to front a wine about rebirth, legacy, and endurance than a man who lived the mob life and now stands in the pulpit? Michael wasn't just a celebrity face. He became a

Paris.....Texas. The subject to two movies over the years, the most recent a romantic comedy. Listen, folks, this ain't no joke. I can personally attest that BBQ is alive in well in Texas and this day was a Championship Blowout.  Wine Talks was so intrgiued about the whole culture of BBQ, that we set up a podcast with Steven White, last years Grand Champion, Laura Caldwell, the representative from the Championship Barbecue Alliance, and Paul Allen, the 8 year President of the Paris, Texas Chamber of Commerce. We had a hoot. This episode is all about barbecue in Paris, Texas, but it's also a celebration of community, camaraderie, and a bit of competition. The host, Paul Kalemkiarian, kicks things off with heartfelt family anecdotes and dives straight into the welcoming spirit of Paris. Our guests — Steven White, Laura Caldwell, and Paul Allen — are true barbecue champions, and their love for bringing people together through food is practically contagious. A few tasty tidbits: Barbecue isn't just about grilling meat — it's about balance. As Steven White explains, the trick is not being "too sweet, not too spicy, not too anything." The competitions are run by alliances like the Champions Barbecue Alliance, who keep judging modern with QR codes and cell phones — no greasy, handwritten scorecards here! Newbies are ALWAYS welcome. Veteran pit-masters love sharing tips, but the real trick is in the execution (and maybe wrangling an occasional bacon stretcher just for laughs). The event supports local scholarships for kids, blending culinary skills with giving back. Most importantly, it's all about the joy of gathering around good food. Whether you're debating the merits of beer, whiskey, or a surprising glass of wine with your brisket, you're guaranteed to find laughter and friendship. If you want more nitty-gritty details, heartwarming stories, or just an excuse to fire up your grill this weekend, this episode's transcript is packed with flavor. Just ask if you want to zoom in on a specific part! Let me know if you want more fun facts, tips from the pit, or favorite wine pairings to go with those ribs. I'm here to serve — lighthearted and informative, just like this Paris, Texas shindig! YouTube:  https://youtu.be/PYXxTffwzdI?si=zObHVBSRQdP9j2PM #BarbecueCompetition #WineTalksPodcast #TexasBBQ #FoodCommunity

The wine movement is Armenia is "pedal to the medal." Katie, bar the door, no holds barred. As it should be. And leading the helm are some tough no non-sense women. Sisian Boghossian is one of them. Clearly, her commitment to her heritage country is firmly planted, as her intentions when arriving in Yerevan were set on gaining some experience and returning to her home in Canada. Oops, sometimes the best laid plans of mice and women are derailed. In this episode of Wine Talks, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sisian Boghossian, who brought an incredible breadth of insight and personal experience to our conversation about Armenia—her homeland and her passion. The focus of the episode was on what makes Armenia an authentic, vibrant destination, especially beyond its capital, Yerevan. Sisian Boghossian immediately set the scene by sharing how the real beauty of Armenia lies in its regions, where the authenticity of its culture truly shines. It was inviting and heartfelt, and I could sense her pride in encouraging travelers to explore beyond the city. Our discussion dove into tourism and how post-Soviet Armenia is evolving, especially with growing international interest. It was eye-opening to learn how government strategies, infrastructure improvements, and a slow but steady climb in visitor numbers—particularly after bouncing back from Covid—are changing the perception of Armenia on the global stage. Sisian Boghossian broke down the challenges and successes and explained how diverse marketing efforts target both the diaspora and international tourists, touching on those untapped markets of Armenians who have never even visited their ancestral homeland. We also explored the culinary and nightlife explosion in Yerevan, shaped by influences from Syrian and Lebanese Armenians, and the shift toward Armenia being recognized as a safe, welcoming country with a deep-rooted sense of family and hospitality. From hiking spots to world-class cuisine, the reasons to visit Armenia are multiplying—and being discovered by publications like Forbes and Conde Nast. One of my favorite threads of the conversation was Armenia's blossoming wine industry and how wine tourism is putting the country on the map. We talked about the international events Armenia has hosted, like the UN Global Wine Conference and the upcoming prestigious wine competitions, which bring global experts right to Armenian soil. In this context, we touched on the stories of passionate winemakers and entrepreneurs—many of them women—who are shaping the industry and breaking molds in what is traditionally a patriarchal society. There was a delightful detour into culture and film, as Sisian Boghossian shared her involvement in "A Winter's Song," a Christmas romantic comedy shot in Armenia, which aims to showcase the country to a global audience—not just Armenians. We laughed about the unique joys and challenges of cultural e

In all industries there are the visionaries. People that make industry veterans raise an eyebrow and reflect "this is exactly who we need." Keith Saarloos is that person for me. I won't bore you with my tenure but suffice it to say, I've been around the block...enter Keith Saarloos. I am so inspired by this man, I want to find a way to start a podcast with him. News on that later. What is cool....eac and every time I receive an inquiry to visiting the Central Coast wine district and specifically, Los Olivos, I recommend Saarloos and Sons...and each and everytime, Keith takes the moment to engage the guest...in my opinion, this is rethinking the wine business, not social metrics and boxed wine. We started off with Keith Saarloos sharing his roots—growing up in Southern California, the life lessons learned working in his family's business, and his journey that eventually led him to the Santa Ynez Valley. I loved listening to Keith reminisce about those early days, from delivery routes that taught him everything about the region to how customer service is at the heart of every great business. Keith opened up about how his family shifted from the dairy industry to farming and, after a tough chapter as apple growers, ultimately found their way to planting grapevines. He talked about the serendipitous way the winemaking journey began for the Saarloos family—less out of a carefully mapped business plan and more because of resilience, optimism, and a willingness to learn by doing. We got into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a real farmer and winemaker—how everything from humility to the willingness to "burn the ships" and never quit has shaped the Saarloos approach. Keith emphasized how much of wine's magic comes from the honest, sometimes gritty, work in the vineyard—not just from slick marketing or a pretty label. If you came into winemaking thinking it was all about lifestyle and glamour, Keith quickly dispels that myth and gives you the reality: hard work, family, and a deep connection to the land. One of the most moving parts of the episode was when we talked about the legacy of family. Keith spoke about the loss of his father, what it means to try to fill those big shoes, and how the wisdom and values passed down through generations end up in each bottle they produce. I could really feel the passion when Keith explained that every bottle is a story—often with a family member's photo on the label—a piece of living legacy. We didn't shy away from the philosophical side of wine, either. We discussed why people are drawn to this lifestyle, the concept of terroir in Ballard Canyon, and the intangible, almost spiritual connection between what's in your glass and the land it comes from. We even touched on biblical references to wine, and what it means for wine to be more than just a beverage—but rather something soulful, connecting people and places through time.</

Step into the story of LA's culinary evolution with Wine Talks, where conversations are poured as generously as the wine. In this episode, I welcomes legendary restaurateur Piero Selvaggio—a man whose career spans the golden age of Los Angeles dining, and whose philosophy on food and wine has inspired chefs, winemakers, and bon vivants the world over. Wine Talks isn't just about swirling glasses and describing bouquets—it's about the unforgettable people behind the bottle, and the moments that shape the table. Imagine LA in the early 1970s, when Italian cuisine meant little more than checkered cloths and spaghetti. Into this world, Piero Selvaggio arrived with little more than $5,000 and a vision—an immigrant's drive, sharpened by honesty and the hunger for authenticity. Through his iconic restaurant Valentino, Piero Selvaggio became both a host and a bridge—introducing LA to the wonders of Italian food beyond the basics, and to wines that would soon rewrite world history. The cast is rich with characters: Jim Barrett of Chateau Montelena, the quiet revolutionary behind the Judgment of Paris; Wolfang Puck and Michael McCarty, friends and culinary disruptors; and a procession of winemakers, chefs, and critics who together transformed LA's dining scene from backwater to beacon. But at the heart of the story is Piero Selvaggio's enduring message: passion and curiosity are what make the journey worthwhile. He shares how a well-timed piece of honest criticism set him on a path of discovery, how the bonds between food, wine, and people mean more than accolades, and how restaurants aren't just businesses—they're places of memory, inspiration, and celebration. As Paul Kalemkiarian and Piero Selvaggio unfold the tale, you'll hear about earthquakes that shatter cellars but never friendships, about the pursuit of true ingredients, and about the resilience behind the glamour—especially in times of uncertainty. The conversation is a tribute to tradition, innovation, and the spirit that keeps us gathering, toasting, and tasting no matter what. Listen to Wine Talks for a seat at the table of LA's great culinary adventure, and find yourself inspired not just to drink, but to savor the story in every glass.   winepodcast, LArestauranthistory, Italiancuisine, PieroSelvaggio, PaulKalemkiarian, Valentinorestaurant, winecollecting, JudgmentofParis, Californiawines, foodandwinepairing, restaurantbusiness, Michelinguide, chefculture, winedistributors, winelistcuration, pandemicrestaurants, c

Wine Talks has been watching this woman. She is making waves in a part of the wine world that one might not consider in daily converstaion: Nigeria. How does one become a Bordeaux specialist in Nigeria? Where does that inspiration come from? I have to tell you, having Rita Rosa on Wine Talks was like catching a warm breeze off the Mediterranean—unexpected, lively, and full of stories you want to tuck away for a rainy day with a glass of red. I started our conversation, as I often do, thinking I'd heard most things about the global wine world, but Rita took me right to the heart of Nigeria, weaving its vibrancy into the fabric of Bordeaux's storied cellars. Let's be honest: when you hear "African wine market," most folks in the business still think it's in its infancy, maybe a curiosity for big European houses sniffing after emerging markets. But Rita set me straight right from the jump—Nigerians have been drinking wine for quite a while, thank you very much. She explained that Lagos, with its 30 million people and a nightlife that rivals New York, is a place where wine shops mingle with the energy of a city that never sleeps. What struck me most was Rita's insistence that wine, at its core, is about what makes your heart beat and your mouth feel alive—forget the technical jargon for a moment, and just savor the connection it brings between people. I've always found wine to be the great equalizer at the table, but Rita has this beautiful ritual, telling her guests—ministers, commissioners, presidents—to leave their titles at the door and just be human, united by the "elixir which brings all of us joy." And talk about insight—she moved from banking into wine through a happy twist of fate, marrying into a family that started an actual wine store in Nigeria. She didn't just open the doors; she redefined what a wine shop was in Lagos by bringing Bordeaux's best right to West Africa. Rita didn't mince words about what it felt like to be a black woman in the predominantly male, white-dominated world of wine—walking into tasting rooms in Bordeaux and feeling the eyes on her, questioning her authority and knowledge. And yet, her sense of pride in being Nigerian, in holding space for herself and others like her, was palpable. That same energy she poured into her business, her studies, and later into programs like Bordeaux Mentor Week, aiming to open doors for young hopefuls from emerging wine countries. One of my favorite moments was when she shared her disdain for wine pairing rules. Rita throws caution (and orthodoxy) to the wind—she's out there pairing Bordeaux with Nigerian meats and letting guests explore, taste, and challenge all the old conventions. As someone who's never shied from having strong opinions about pairing, I found her approach utterly refreshing. It reminded me of my own tendency to resist being put in a box, especially by tradition-bound French winemakers. Th

This might meet with controversy, but I think Adam is correct. growing non-indigenous varietals, whether it be Armenia, Georgia or anywhere else, supports the chances of burgeoning wine regions to get any traction in the world of wine. It is tough out there where brand recognition is a tough battle to win, and consumers are inundated with messaging. Adam has taken, not sure I can call it the high road, but "A" road to getting his wines recognized as worthy of your attention. And he has done it by growing what otherwise would be sacreligious varietals.   In this special episode, I sit down with Adam Kablanian, the visionary founder and owner of Alexandria Winery in Armenia—a man whose life has spanned the worlds of microchip design and ancient terroir, bringing together the precision of Silicon Valley and the heart of Armenian soil. Our story begins with Adam Kablanian's ambitious dream: to put Armenia on the world wine map, proving that its volcanic soils and diverse terroirs can produce wines of excellence and distinct character. Raised in physics and forged in the fires of tech entrepreneurship, Adam Kablanian isn't your typical winemaker. He talks about hiring talented minds for his tech companies and learning, through trial and success, that potential is more about people and environment than just experience. This philosophy naturally transitioned when he began examining the land, the grapes, and the possibilities in Armenia—a nation with a deep but interrupted history of winemaking. Adam Kablanian shares how he could have chosen the comfort and prestige of Napa, but instead, he was drawn to the challenge and the adventure of Armenia, where land is cheaper, and the story richer. His approach is pragmatic and inspirational; recognizing the headwinds of unfamiliar grape names and unknown regions, he decided to bridge old and new by producing international varietals alongside Armenia's indigenous grapes. His winemaking isn't just about bottles—it's about creating honest wines that echo the terroir, about blending ancient vines with modern techniques, and, most importantly, about making wine accessible. From his initial days struggling with unremarkable local wines, to witnessing Armenia's transformation as technology and global culture elevated the nation's palate, Adam Kablanian r

Wine is family. True wine, true expression, true passion only comes from the support of the family. Not just your blood relatives, but the family of wine. One who is in the trade and has an earnest appreciation for the value of an honest wine, is welcome all over the world by their fellow brothers and sisters. I have seen if first hand over and over again. In this case, Robert McKinly came to Wine Talks through what might be the most authentic, meaning non-commercial, path...through a USC fraternity brother.  We learned of our mutual involvement in the wine trade when we were both asked to participate in creating a wine dinner for upt 50 guests. And when I tasted the wines they were making out of Williamette Valley, Oregon, I became an instant fan.  Robert McKinley, the winemaker, is the son of my college brother and he got caught the jist of wine at an early age. Our discussion was fascinating. For this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Robert McKinley of Norris Winery—an Oregon vintner whose journey embodies the restless curiosity, grit, and humility that define the Willamette Valley's rise. The tale begins like all good wine stories do: with family and a patch of earth no one quite knows how to love yet. Robert McKinley's parents purchased what was then a hazelnut orchard in 2005, right as Ribbon Ridge earned its AVA status. A teenager, Robert spent his formative years amidst newly planted vines, not yet knowing the soil would shape not just Pinot Noir, but his destiny. He recounts, with genuine awe, the slow, collaborative growth of an entire region—neighbors lending a hand, grapes shared and bartered, and a sense that the Willamette was still, in his words, "the wild, wild West" of winemaking. What's compelling about Robert McKinley is his philosophy—a conviction that great wine is made in the vineyard, not the cellar. "Our goal is just to guide the fruit through," he says, placing nature, patience, and attentive farming above the artifice of heavy-handed cellar work. Each year brings new weather, new tests, and new opportunities for discovery. Some years, smoke from wildfires changes everything. Some years, unexpected frost demands nimble thinking. The constant, Robert McKinley says, is the discipline and humility to let the land—and the vintage—speak for itself. We explore what it means to chase the elusive concept of terroir, to collaborate with neighbors instead of merely competing, and to endure the challenges of a winemaker's life: distribution headaches, shipping woes, and generational change. Robert McKinley shares his love for Riesling—a grape he

I came into the studio today to get some wine and organize a few things. I also wanted to test the internet connections because yesterday I had two show fall apart from internet issues. It seems they were on the guests side. As I started testing, it turns out I had something to say (shocker). Absolutely! Here's a warm recap of the episode from my point of view as the narrator: In this episode, I took a moment to share both some personal reflections and a few heartwarming stories from the wine world. As Thanksgiving approached, I found myself in the office, grabbing wines for our family gathering, and reminiscing about the journey that brought me here—especially how grateful I am for my father's decision to offer me the Wine of the Month Club before selling it. I never planned on being in the wine business, but looking back, I'm thankful every day for the path it set me on. I also spoke about the tight-knit fraternity and sorority within the wine trade, highlighting friendships with people like Veronique Sanders and Alexander Van Beek of Bordeaux's Chateau Giscours. Their support—taking my niece Lisa in as an intern at Château Batailley—perfectly illustrates how the wine world feels like an extended family. Lisa's journey from hesitance to a newfound love of working in the vineyard reminded me that the passion for wine truly begins in the soil. The episode was also a chance for me to talk about upcoming podcasts, including my recent interviews with figures like Nick Karavitas—who's been in the wine business for 45 years—and Walter Georis, the musician behind the iconic surf film, The Endless Summer, who now owns a winery. It's always fascinating to see the serendipitous ways people find themselves in the wine industry! I reflected on the two very different sides of the wine trade: the premium, terroir-driven wines that express a unique sense of place and time, and the mass-market, consumer-driven labels found in supermarkets. I made it clear that I value both, but I have a special place in my heart for the wines that reflect honest craftsmanship and their natural origins. Lastly, I expressed pride in helping my nephew navigate the world of wine as he builds his corporate career, teaching him that understanding wine isn't just about the drink—it's about opening doors and connecting with people around the world. All in all, this short episode was my chance to share gratitude, celebrate the connections made through wine, and offer a few human stories along the way. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!   YouTube: https://youtu.be/irTHdpjPATY   #WinePodcast #WineIndustry<

It is a dream for many people to pick up and move to another country. Virtually, no one acts on that dream. Steve Hoffman did. And it seems it takes a certain type of partner, a certain type of children and a certain type of risk tolerance. What do you do? Throw a dart and a map of France and moce there? The answer to that question and just about any question you might have in regardst o moving your entire family to a foreign country is answered in his book "A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France" In this episode, I sat down with Steve Hoffman—a truly fascinating guest whose life journey has taken him from tax preparation in Minnesota to writing about food, wine, and the adventures that come when you upend your comfortable life and move your family to rural southern France. We kicked things off by talking about Steve Hoffman's unusual career blend: by day he's a seasoned tax preparer (25 years in the game), but his real creative passion lies in writing, especially about food and travel. We dove into his book, "A Season for That," which chronicles his family's adventure as they left behind their predictable Minnesota routine for a small French village—with two kids in tow. That journey was as much about immersing themselves in French culture and language as it was about discovering how to cook the local food and connect with the local winemaking traditions. One of the big themes we explored was creativity—how hard it is to switch gears from the structured world of numbers to the freewheeling world of writing. Both of us agreed: creativity is a skill you have to practice, nurture, and work at. We also talked about how the relentless pace of social media and AI-generated content creates burnout for today's creators, and how meaningful writing (and winemaking) always comes from a deep, unique personal perspective. We took the listeners through the excitement and challenges of integrating into French village life—the struggles with unfamiliar and often pungent cuisine, and how difficult it was for Steve Hoffman's kids to adjust. We got honest about failed dishes, peculiar local ingredients, and the cultural value of not wasting any part of the food. The conversation was filled with stories about learning from neighbors, the importance of family meals, and how sharing food and wine be

Who invents these things? and what experience do they have that gets them to the point that they can invent these things?  Entrepreneurs are a crafty bunch. They dream. They test themselves. They switch gears on the fly. So goes the story of Greg Lambrecht, the inventor of the Coravin wine preservation and dispensing system. You have to believe the story, though it seems unbelievable, because it is true. Imagine a podcast where invention, passion, and the enduring mystique of wine come together—where stories of ingenuity inspire new perspectives on the familiar rituals of sharing a bottle. Welcome to Wine Talks, and in this special episode, we sit down with none other than Greg Lambrecht: medical device inventor, Chairman, and founder of Coravin, the revolutionary wine preservation system that's changed the way we taste and savor the world's finest bottles. Our journey begins not in a vineyard, but deep inside the world of plasma physics, where a young Greg Lambrecht first dreamed of fusion reactors before pivoting toward medicine and, ultimately, the creative crossroads that would see him transform both fields. It's the kind of path mapped by an insatiable curiosity, a "ferocity of purpose"—as Greg Lambrecht puts it—that won't let go until a solution is found. Whether protecting healthcare workers with safer needles or opening doors to rare wines without ever pulling a cork, Greg Lambrecht's inventions answer needs no one thought to ask out loud. What sets this conversation apart isn't just its recounting of triumphs over glass and grape, but the philosophy animating Greg Lambrecht's work. He believes wine's true essence lies not in luxury, but in experience: its power to bring people together, its infinite variety ripe for exploration, its uncanny knack for weaving memory and flavor into moments we'll never forget. Wine, as he reminds us, is the "most social beverage," a thread running through history that binds strangers and friends alike. Threaded throughout the episode is an unyielding optimism: that even as wine faces cycles of challenge—from shifting tastes to industry headwinds—it will endure, because what it offers is elemental and unchanging. Imbued with the joy of discovery and a respect for craftsmanship, this episode doesn't just trace the arc of an inventor's career; it champions a deeper message. Innovation and tradition aren't adversaries, but partners that keep the world of wine vital and surprising for the generations yet to come. So pour a glass, settle in, and let this episode remind you that sometimes, the best stories—and the best bottles—are those we share together, with curiosity and an open mind. The future of wine, it turns out, is a journey made one meaningful sip at a time.     #WineTalksPodcast #GregLambrecht #PaulKalemkiarian #Coravin #WineInnovation #WinePreservation #Entrepreneurship #WineIndustry #WineByTheGlass #WineDiscovery #WineExperience

There is alot of speculation, prognositcatiom, miss-information, ridiculous conclusions, and outright bad data about the wine trade right now. Everyone with an opinion is chiming in. And some of these folks have done nothing more than work in a wine shop or behind the scenes at an agency. How does that quote go? "It is much easier to give advice from the veil of cover, than to use it at the point of attack" That is percisely how I feel about much of what is being said. Enter Barbara Gorder. She gives advice but has used it at the point of attack. You see, she didn't come from the wine trade to convolute and miss-comprehend the data, she came from main stream marketing; high end stuff; Leo Burnett. Barbara Gorder never cared much for the wine itself—at least, not at first. Her fascination started in a Roman-built wine cave, an art history professor and a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But what truly pulls Barbara Gorder into wine's gravity isn't just what's in the glass; it's the changing, challenging business behind it. This episode pours listeners an insider's view not just of shifting generational tastes or the specter of "neo-prohibitionists," but the seismic explosion of wineries competing for our (increasingly distracted) attention. You'll discover how direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine marketing—once an afterthought—has grown into a multibillion-dollar necessity, and how Barbara Gorder helped drive this revolution by importing lessons from fields as disparate as luxury beauty and global snack foods. With wit and blunt honesty, she uncorks tales of exclusion—women in marketing meetings, outsiders "not related by blood or marriage"—and explains how diversity and collaboration are quietly rewriting the rules of success. Listen in as Paul Kalemkiarian grills her on why most wineries have only now started talking to their customers (and still don't know their acquisition costs), why the wine industry's language gap drives away curious drinkers, and how the future lies not in doom-and-gloom narratives, but in creative marketing and open doors. This is a rare tasting of industry confessionals, hard marketing truths, and what it really takes to stand out when your competitors have multiplied from 7,500 to over 11,000 in under five years. By the end, you'll have a seat at the table with the most eccentric thinkers in wine, understand why "my wine sells itself" is a myth, and get a glimpse at the future of how—and to whom—wine is going to be sold.     #wineindustry #DTCwine<

Wine is about the humanity.  This concept hit me on a flight home from Rome. I was watching a movie and started to weep. I realized the human soul needs passion, passion forsomething; maybe another person, maybe a lifestyle, maybe a career, but passion drives our will. And wine is full of passion. To do it right, it takes nothing less than passion. Hey there, it's Paul Kalemkiarian on Wine Talks, and in this episode, I really wanted to get personal and share how deeply humanity and humility run through every thread of the wine world at its highest levels. I open the show reflecting on a profound sense of gratitude after tasting with some top producers—it reminded me why I'm passionate about this podcast. Wine isn't just a commodity to me; it's an expression of earth, spirit, and story, and the purpose of Wine Talks is to spread that message. I also let listeners into my own little world, sharing that I've tasted 100,000 wines over the years and even built a comprehensive database (and now an AI-driven app) to catalog all these bottles. It's quirky, but it keeps me grounded in what I love. Then, I shared a special moment from a recent trip to Rome, where I had the honor of attending the Vatican for the canonization of an Armenian archbishop. It was a powerful experience—full of history, pageantry, and meaning. Of course, the promised "private audience with the Pope" wasn't exactly one-on-one selfies, but still, being there among so many was remarkable. The journey continued to Puglia in southern Italy, where I managed, despite short notice, to meet with Mark Shannon of Amano wines. Mark's story resonated deeply—an American winemaker settling in an up-and-coming wine region, driven by pure passion. We recorded a heartfelt conversation, shared great food, and I came away reminded how wine connects people at the most human level. On my flight home, I got unexpectedly emotional watching Top Gun: Maverick. It hit home how we all seek passion and escape—sometimes in movies, sometimes in travel, sometimes in wine. No matter our circumstances, that longing for meaningful off-ramps never goes away. The show then explores not only the artistry and soulfulness in winemaking, but also the nuts-and-bolts of the business—from manipulated supermarket bottles that miss the mark to innovative new packaging concepts, marketing strategies, and the challenges faced by artisans like Mark Shannon trying to access the U.S. market. I shared anecdotes about recent guests—a geophysicist connecting volcanic soils to wine character, a business-savvy marketing pro, and other passionate personalities in the wine world. I reflected on the fascinating diversity of experiences, from NBA stars getting into wine to trailblazers supporting Armenian wine in the global conversation. In the end, I emphasized why I do this: it's for the humanity, the stories, and the connections that wine brings. My hope is always to bring liste

Wine Talks was invited to meet the Pope....well, at least by the language in the invitation, it sounded like we were going to meet the Pope. It turns out that the word "private audience" meant with 6294 other private invitees. Lol, it was an honor just to be there. Wine Talks took a detour out of Rome to the now-famed wine region of Puglia.  Home of Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Fiano, the area of Puglia has a rich Italian history on its own. As the trip was put together on short notice, I searched through my database of Puglian wines tasted and found the wines of A MANO as wines I enjoyed. In the meantime, I reached out to Vahe Keushguerian for some advice on who to contact for a podcast; after all, his famed winemaking career started in Puglia. He mentioned Mark Shannon of A Mano wines...how about that for a serendipitous connection?  I put out a quick email to Mark, and he graciously accepted...and offered to bring in a "traditional" Puglian lunch for our group.  Mark Shannon may call himself "just a student of winemaking," but after you hear his journey, you'll realize he's more of a wine whisperer—an alchemist who turns curiosity and grit into liquid art. Pour yourself a glass, because in this episode you'll travel from the bustling streets of Toronto and the sun-drenched vineyards of California, all the way to an ancient town in Puglia, Italy, where Mark Shannon has spent nearly three decades revolutionizing the region's wines. You'll discover how he ditched a potential career in medicine for the fermentative fascination of grapes, and how, propelled by his mother's wisdom to "work at something you really want to do," he has woven innovation through tradition. Journey me and Mark Shannon as they break down the science, art, and sheer perseverance it takes to make world-class wine in a place once known as Europe's bulk wine cellar. You'll learn about the true identity of Primitivo, the surprising origins it shares with California's Zinfandel, how post-communist Slovakia and Texas played into Mark's winding path, and why he chooses soil health and vineyard wisdom over trend-chasing packaging fads. They'll dig into the sociocultural shifts rocking the global wine market, dissect the mythos (and madness) of biodynamics, and debate what makes a wine truly reflect its terroir—even as climate, culture, and commerce threaten to pull it apart. By the end, you won't just know how great wine is made—you'll understand why people still obsess over it, why the right bottle at the right table can mean everything, and why <span class="speaker-mention" contenteditable="false" data

It is complitcated. Life. Wine. And to help clear up the wine complication (not sure there is a way to uncomplicate life), is Charlotte Selles. With a distinctive path to her new company Tassei, she brings to the table a wealth of experience cloaked in knowedge, philosophy and experience. She is like a wine savant. She was in LA for a speaking gig and breaved an unusual SoCal downpour to come to studio to share her spirit. Charlotte Selles is the kind of guest who'll have you reconsidering not just what's in your wine glass, but why you care in the first place. You think you know luxury in wine? Not so fast. Drawing on her roots in Paris, direct experience with Beaujolais, and a career arc that went from family negotiations to the boardrooms of Robert Mondavi and Jackson Family Wines, Charlotte uproots every tired assumption about what makes a winery—or a wine—worth chasing. Listen closely and you'll discover why luxury isn't about price tags or pedigrees, but about resilience, grit, and the tension that comes from pouring your soul into the vineyard, braving storms—literal and figurative—and nurturing a legacy. But this episode doesn't stop with terroir. Charlotte takes you to the frontlines of modern wine business, from the misguided myth of floodgates marketing to the high-stakes realities of retention, data analytics, and AI in today's DTC world. She'll have you rethinking the purpose of your tasting room, craving the deep relationships behind the best bottles, and maybe even second-guessing whether a discount culture can ever breed true loyalty. By the end, you'll have a new definition of success—not in cases sold, but in customers kept, relationships built, and a business as alive and evolving as the wine itself. Walk away with a fresh understanding of the true business of wine, grounded in purpose, powered by connection, and ready for an uncertain but thrilling future. Jackson Family Wines Website: https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com Constellation Brands Website: https://www.cbrands.com Robert Mondavi Winery Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Website: https://www.woodbridgewines.com Trader Joe's Website: https://www.traderjoes.com Gallo (E. & J. Gallo W

I jumped in on a LinkedIn conversation about wine, soil, volcano's and more. Thought I would contribute to the message string. That is when I engaged Diana on the concept of terroir. But not just any terroir, but volcanic terroir.  Then I realized that Diana's expertise in the realm of wine...is the soil! She is a expert in energy and geophysics! Diana Kandiglian is the kind of guest who measures her excitement in bottles, not hours. If you've ever wondered what happens when a scientist who reads rocks for a living falls in love with wine, this episode is for you. You'll learn how Diana's background as a geophysicist shapes her curiosity about soils and terroir, and why she believes the best wines surprise you, just like life itself. Through her stories, you'll uncover why Armenia's volcanic soils produce wines unlike any other, how centuries-old vines navigate climate change, and why boutique winemaking has become the soul of the country's industry. Paul and Diana peel back layers of old world tradition and new world innovation, exploring appellations, indigenous grape varieties, and the risks of chasing global trends at the expense of authenticity. You'll be puzzled—but enlightened—by the paradox of Armenia's old vines and young winemakers, and why Diana advocates for some rules to keep the magic alive. There's a fascinating discussion of soil science, climate, and grape selection: from Texan clays to French boulders, you'll understand how the land whispers its secrets into every glass. You'll hear why the future of wine in both Armenia and unexpected places like Texas and Brazil depends on resilience, sustainable practices, and stories worth telling. If your palate craves complexity and your mind seeks narratives from every region, Diana's "Pour Across America" vision will inspire you to taste wines you've never imagined—and appreciate the intersection of science and soul in every sip. By the time you finish listening, you'll carry away a deeper understanding not only of Armenian wine, but of what it means to seek adventure, surprise, and connection in your glass.         Pour Across America Wine Club Website: www.pouracrossamerica.com Grgich Hills Winery Website: www.grgich.com Zulal Wines Website: www.zulalwines.com Van Ardi Website: www.vanardi.com Karas Wines Website: <a href="https://www.kar

I keep hearing how the industry has to change, how Gen Z is aren't drinking wine, how the trade is slow to do anything....until you speak with Abby Bogle. She is the type of enthusiasm and drive that is needed to move with the times. You have all heard me say that "time will tell" and that "all generations come around to the proper glass of wine." What Abby is doing is making the proper glass of wine more accessible. Be careful, she is a bit infectious. Abby Bogle is not your average disruptor—she's bottling up tradition, cracking open innovation, and pouring new life into the wine industry one mini-bottle at a time. You'll discover how Abby moved from the heart of Texas wine country to leading a revolution in single-serve wine formats that could change how generations experience wine. This conversation uncorks why classic 750ml bottles are struggling to captivate younger drinkers and what it will take for wine to rival the convenience of seltzers and cocktails. Abby reveals the secrets behind fractionalization—how her company, Small Lot Bottles, transforms wines into TSA-friendly miniatures for education, gifting, and direct-to-consumer sales. You'll learn why canned wines fizzled, why PET plastic just doesn't cut it, and how glass keeps wine's integrity intact. The discussion dives into the technical challenges of bottling, shelf life, and the sophisticated use of Coravin's argon technology to preserve taste and tradition. Paul and Abby muse on the frustrations of shipping wine, navigating legal hurdles, and why Gen Z consumers might grab a can of hard seltzer before ever considering a can of wine. As the conversation flows, you'll gain a behind-the-scenes look at how wineries are adapting, how industry innovators like Paul Mabray are influencing change, and why experience matters more than size. You'll come away understanding how the wine world is responding to declining sales, changing demographics, and the demand for something different—plus, you'll hear about Texas' own pioneering vineyards and what it means for the future. If you're wondering where wine is headed, pull up a glass—this episode will give you more than just a taste of tomorrow's wine culture. Small Lot Bottles Abby Bogle is owner and CEO of Small Lot Bottles. Their website is: https://smalllotbottles.com Napa Valley Wine Academy https://napavalleywineacademy.com Coravin https://coravin.com Wine Foundry https://www.winefoundry.com <

I can tell you it was like sitting with a long, lost neighbor when sitting with Kelly E. Carter. And in fact, we were neighbors of sorts back in the day. It wasn't until I was searching for images to create the icons for this podcast did I realize I was in the presence of true maverick royalty. Besides being a New York Times best selling author, she has reported from the greatest sporting events of the world: the NBA FInals, Super Bowls, Grand Slams, Stanley Cup Finals and much more. And more intriguing, she was the woman reporter in the locker room! I was so intrigued and we could have spoken for hours because she is the Founder of the wine tourism group, Napa Valley Noir. sitting down with Kelly E. Carter in the studio for this episode of Wine Talks was like taking a stroll down memory lane while simultaneously hitching a ride on a train heading straight for the future of wine tourism. There's something about Kelly—her energy, her wit, and just her knack for storytelling—that gets you thinking about the wine industry in ways that feel both nostalgic and freshly invigorating. We kicked things off with some good old home turf banter—Kelly's Windsor Hills childhood (Ray Charles and Ike & Tina Turner for neighbors, no less) and my own roots in Inglewood. Instantly, there was this shared sense that, before wine stole our hearts, Southern California had given us some pretty unique perspectives on culture and community. And as Kelly pointed out, "you'll never know everything" about winemaking, which is honestly the very reason some of us keep swirling, sipping, and studying. I know I do. What genuinely impressed me was Kelly's trajectory. She was the first female to cover the Lakers—how many people do you meet who set out in fourth grade to be a sports journalist and actually make it happen? She wasn't just content to report on sports. She made her mark, switched lanes into entertainment, and then into luxury travel writing, which eventually led her to Florence and Positano. It's the kind of layered journey you don't hear about every day. You talk to some folks, they've been in wine their whole lives. With Kelly, it's travel, sports, culture—all converging in the glass. We got into the nitty-gritty of wine and travel writing and how AI could never replace the boots-on-the-ground experience. I had to laugh—when Kelly plugged Napa into chatbots, she got recommendations for wineries that are closed for renovations. "You have to know the latest," she said, reminding me that the best wine stories are always written with real shoe leather, not just code. Her insights into Napa Valley tourism were equally compelling. As the founder of Napa Valley Noir, Kelly's passion lies in creating experiences rich in narrative, not just pouring cabs for folks who made it big in tech and want a taste of the valley lifestyle. She's all about partnerships with wineries that have soul, stories, and a

Sometimes I just get an hankering. Ya know, a chance to try and tell it like it is. There is no óne-size" fits all solution to what is happening in our trade. And there still are many successes in the trade...more to come on that front. Wine is too important to the existance of man to address the ills of the trade with thinking marketing and packaging solutions will solve the problems. Certainly, the trade can make some contemporary adjustments to those issues, but those are not the core issues. They can't be, wine is a conduit for the human soul to the soil; deep rooted (pun intended) in our human history. My solo chat in this episode of Wine Talks covers a smorgasbord of wine world goings-on, from L.A. distributor drama to the secret sauce behind great wine service. I tell some spicy takes on wine industry passion, poke fun at "credentials" (let's just say WSET 1 is not exactly rocket science), and reminisces about both snobby and soulful wine moments—because hey, sometimes decanting at home is just as much about the class as the glass. Ialso spin off on stories about meeting the Pope (fingers crossed for that podcast collab!) and a forthcoming series, Song of America, which promises inspiring immigrant tales—because let's face it, who didn't dream of inventing the bendy straw? The thread running through it all is passion—whether you're pouring Pinot or running a carpet empire on Santa Monica Blvd, it's caring deeply that truly makes life (and wine) taste better. And don't worry, Ikeep ranting about all the things that make me crazy in the wine world, so stay tuned and pour yourself a glass for the ride!   #wineindustry #winepassion #RNDCCollapse #winesales #wineeducation #WSET #wineservice #restaurantwinesales #NapaValley #properwineservice #hospitality #immigrantstories #SongOfAmerica #Armenianwinemakers #VaticanWine #wineculture #winestorytelling #celebritywines #farmtotable #wineexperiences