Wine Talks with Paul K. artwork

Wine Talks with Paul K.

419 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratings

All you knew about wine is about to bust wide open….we are going to talk about what really happens in the wine business and I’m taking no prisoners...

I am your host Paul Kalemkiarian 2nd generation owner of the Original Wine of the Month Club, and I am somewhere north of 100,000 wines tasted.

How can Groupon sell 12 bottles for $60 and the wines be good? How do you start a winery anyway and lose money? And is a screwcap really better than a cork? Sometimes I have to pick a wine at the store by the label and the price...and I get screwed.

Subscribe now and prepare to be enlightened.

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Episodes

"The Audacity To HIre A Woman" Says Veronique Sanders of Cht. Haut Bailly.

July 02, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 114 MB

A Toast to Tradition and Innovation    Paul K: Welcome to another episode of "Wine Talks"! Today, we’re popping the cork on a conversation that's rich in history and flavor with the illustrious Veronique Sanders, director and president of Chateau Haut Bailly in the Pessac Leognon district.   Veronique: Thank you, Paul! I'm excited to share our journey and passion with your listeners.   Paul K kicks things off by reminiscing about the days of his father's involvement in th...

Pure Craziness With The Producers Of Bottle Shock...and Now The Game.

June 26, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 88.1 MB

I know the story of the movie Bottle Shock...but here is the back story. Ease drop on this carzy good conversation with the producers of the movie Bottle Shock...but add a hilarious element with Flint Dillie; the designer of the game of the namesake...Bottle Shock. I am already in line to receive my copy because the game is not about wine...well, maybe wine is part of the game, but the premiss is about fooling the judges. But wait, there are legit judges and phoney judges and it is your ...

I Think You Can Say His Family Invented Provence Rosé. Meet François Ott.

June 20, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 122 MB

  In an engaging moment on the "Wine Talks" podcast, host Paul K shares a fascinating anecdote from his early days as a wine taster. Reflecting on his extensive experience in the industry, Paul recounts how he began tasting wines in 1988. He notes the significant evolution of rosé wine over the decades, particularly in the 1990s when rosé barely made an appearance in his tasting room. Fast forward to the present, and Paul observes a remarkable surge in the popularity of rosé, with every wi...

Boot Strap Might Be A word, But I Think Tenancity Is Better To Describe Charles Smith.

June 18, 2024 21:19 - 30 minutes - 70.8 MB

Each of us has had one of his wines...somewhere, somehow.  Charles Smith is an acclaimed winemaker renowned for his authentic and refreshing approach to the craft. Starting with humble beginnings, Charles personally transported his wine, driving an overburdened van filled with 84 cases to his first potential buyers. His genuine personality and hands-on dedication quickly endeared him to wine enthusiasts and consumers alike. His journey from a passionate individual in an overloaded van to a...

With His Insight And Enthusiasm, South African Wines Are On An Upward Trajectory. Meet Henrich Venter.

June 14, 2024 00:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MB

The wine trade is about passion. From vineyard management to marketing, without the passion, one could never overcome the headwinds. Multiply the headwinds by 10 when trying to open new markets for smaller wineries and lessor known districts. Heinrich Venter tells us all about those headwinds...couple with the passion to get it done. Embracing Tradition and Innovation: Paul K and Heinreich delve into the challenges faced by young winemakers who strive to uphold their predecessors' legacy w...

Jamie Ritchie Has Storied History In Wine And Spirits. Now Is COO Of BlockBar. Crazy Stuff.

June 11, 2024 12:00 - 52 minutes - 126 MB

During the episode, Jamie shares a riveting story from his auction days at Sotheby’s. One of the most memorable moments was auctioning the Romney Condy 1945, which fetched an astounding $558,000. This bottle's value was bolstered not just by its rarity and exquisite quality, but also by its unique provenance - it originated from Robert Drouin's cellar, imparting a rich narrative that intertwined history and celebrity. This underscores the importance of storytelling and historical context in ...

So You Want To Buy A Winery In CA.? Speak (or listen) To Carol Collison First.

June 04, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 116 MB

When the Original Wine of the Month Club was ready for a new chapter, they turned to Carol Collison to make sense of the landscape of selling a wine club. In this episode, we peel it back on a number of fronts: Challenges in the Wine Business: - This episode dives deep into the financial and operational challenges faced by those in the wine business. Paul K recounts a friend’s struggles with a large, aged inventory and shares a cautionary tale about the risks of high pricing and poor mar...

Sparkling Wine From South Africa? Yes, Please. Meet Danielle Coetzee.

May 30, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

Wine Talks was honored to speak with Danielle Coetzee, who is coaxing elegant sparkling wines from the Cap Town appelation in South Africa using the traditional Champagne method and grapes. 1. Cap Classiques is the South African version of traditional method sparkling wines with specific legal requirements. 2. Danielle's family background influenced her passion for winemaking, particularly her uncle's stories of harvest and vineyard work. 3. Nsiki Biela is a notable black winemaker celeb...

Make The Best Possible Wines With The Least Intervention. Meet Taylor Serres.

May 28, 2024 12:00 - 53 minutes - 126 MB

The Serres Family ranch is multi-acted...in fact, it is most likely you have seen Serresbluleberries at your local store. Taylor is the 5th generation (which is a veritable reign for a California family in the wine trade) and is grooming the next generation to take over.   🍷 Embrace the Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Taylor Serres emphasized the importance of staying true to winemaking traditions while also being open to new methods, like co-fermented products. It’s like jazzing up a...

South Africa Wine Making Is On The Move. He Is One Of The Reasons. Meet Petri Venter

May 23, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 124 MB

As part of the South African invasion that tool place here at Wine Talks, Petir Venter came to the studio ready to promote the wine of South Africa. And he did in a very humble way. 1. During COVID-19 lockdowns, some wineries in South Africa turned their wine shops into delis to stay operational and adapt to restrictions. 2. Petri Venter was introduced to vineyards through a Facebook game before transitioning to a real-life winemaking career. 3. South Africa is transitioning from bulk wi...

Persistance Is Grit. Monika Has Grit. Meet Monika Elling.

May 21, 2024 12:00 - 57 minutes - 134 MB

The word grit carries many forms in this podcast: the guest has grit, her ideas have grit, her discipline has grit, and her approach to the beverage industry has grit. Find out what grit means in a modern day setting.   🍷 **Adapt or Taste Your Own Dust**: Monika Elling highlighted the critical importance of adapting to consumer trends and interests, not just in creating products but also in marketing them. Like trying to ferment grape juice with old socks, ignoring trends in the wine ind...

South Africa Needs A Gavin Slabbert. He Believes In The Soil. Hear Him Here.

May 16, 2024 12:00 - 54 minutes - 131 MB

An in studio visits from 4 delightful South Afrinca winemakers began with this incredible conversation with Gavin Slabbert and Josh Raats of Raats Family Winery. 1. The increasing percentage of women winemakers in America inspired a former intern to pursue enology school. 2. Gavin makes an analogy between wine and golf, emphasizing inclusivity. 3. Gavin/Josh’s family winery has been running for 25 years in New Zealand. 4. A unique wine called Mister de Compostela was created by the firs...

She Knows The Consumer. I Want Her On My Team. Meet Jessica Kogan.

May 09, 2024 12:00 - 51 minutes - 77.7 MB

Jessica Kogan knows it. Listen to her, and you will know it. I did.   🍷 **Embrace the Blend of Digital and Physical**: One of the standout themes from the show was the vital intersection between digital engagement and physical presence. Jessica highlighted how integrating digital tools can lead to significant physical world interactions, like finding wine events or tasting venues. However, their discussion illuminated the enduring need for real-world connections, suggesting that, much li...

A Wine Influencer Extraordinaire. Meet Lucia Palm.

May 07, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 159 MB

A seredipitous conversation with a real estate broker, landed a successful wine influencer in the studio. Meet Lucia Palm. 1. Lucia Palm gained significant popularity after her viral videos about Trader Joe's wines. 2. Paul K plans to take a group on a wine country tour, highlighting his role as an influencer in the wine industry. 3. Lucia Palm wants to start promoting independently owned shops in Los Angeles, focusing on affordable wines. 4. Paul introduces Lucia to an auction house in...

A Very Cerebral Wine Approach Delivers Thoughtful Wine. Meet Winemaker Reid Kinnett.

May 01, 2024 12:03 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

So, who is Reid Kinnett....and what makes him passionate? 1. Reid Kinnett uses DNA testing to confirm the authenticity of indigenous Vitis vinifera grapes. 2. Reid swapped 15 cases of wine for his first ton of grapes in 2021. 3. Reid Kinnett blends a little Petite Syrah with his Zinfandel to enhance its profile. 4. Reid Kinnett is involved in making Zinfandel with no residual sugar, focusing on an acid-driven and medium-bodied profile. What you will learn in this podcast. In this...

She Walked Into My Office And Made A Difference. Meet Julie Hernandez.

April 26, 2024 12:00 - 56 minutes - 135 MB

Julie started as a representative for a major wine player in America. I thought she would never make it. Oops. She became an executive in the trade. Incredible conversation. 1.) Julie Hernandez had a "light bulb" moment about the power of wearing a suit in a male-dominated business setting, which positively impacted her career trajectory. 2. Despite being experienced and holding a high-level position, Julie was frequently underestimated by male colleagues, sometimes mistaken for being ...

Making Wine Beverly Hills!...Paul Warson Does. Find Out How.

April 24, 2024 12:00 - 55 minutes - 86.8 MB

Fun Facts About This Episode: 1. Los Angeles County was a major agricultural area for vines with almost 200,000 acres planted in 1893, and it was even featured on the city seal. 2. Moraga Vineyard in Bel Air has a unique terroir with various elevations and exposures, with maritime influence from Santa Monica Bay. 3. The winery at Moraga focuses on producing just one white and one red wine, modeled after a French house's approach to winemaking. 4. Despite being in the heart of LA, Mor...

She Has The Passion And The Experience. Meet Wanda Mann

April 18, 2024 12:09 - 57 minutes - 138 MB

"Wine Talks with Paul K" dives into the vibrant world of wine with the featured guest, Wanda Mann, who brings her extensive knowledge and passion to the conversation. In this not-to-be-missed episode, the main points covered are: 1. **Demystifying Wine Talk**: Paul K and Wanda Mann tackle the complexity of wine terminology, deliberating on how it can sometimes alienate new wine enthusiasts. They discuss the importance of simplifying wine language to make the experience more accessible and ...

Wine and The White House. Fascinating. The Authority; Fred Ryan.

April 16, 2024 12:00 - 57 minutes - 134 MB

In this episode of Wine Talks, we delve into the noble tradition of wine in the corridors of the White House. With the aid of Frederick J. Ryan, whose impressive tome "Wine in the White House: A History" serves as our guide, we explore the nuanced role of wine in American presidential history. Here are 7 points I pulled out of the conversation. 🍷 The White House has long held a tradition of presidential involvement in selecting wines for state affairs. This responsibility demonstrates the s...

Behind the Bubbles: Rodolphe Taittinger Discusses Champagne and French Bloom

April 09, 2024 12:00 - 55 minutes - 130 MB

Our latest episode of Wine Talks features the discerning Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger, CEO of French Bloom, and co-founder of Frerejean Frere Champagne. A scintillating conversation that dives into champagne history, non-alcoholic wine innovation, and the passion driving the family's legacy in winemaking. Here are your 3 key takeaways: - 🏰 **Artisanal Legacy**: Discover the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into building a champagne house from the ground up. Rodolphe discusses the impo...

Claude Has Worked In The Greatest Wine Districts In France. How Did He Get To Napa?

April 04, 2024 12:02 - 35 minutes - 54.4 MB

In the latest episode of 'Wine Talks,' host Claude Rouquet is joined by guest Paul K to delve deep into the world of viticulture, exploring the nuanced journey from grape to glass. The conversation opens with a glimpse into Claude’s background, which was not traditionally rooted in the wine industry as his family came from the medical field. However, his early exposure to fine wines cultivated a passion that, along with his wife, led them to pivot their successful careers to pursue their lov...

The Temecula Wine Region Is Growing, Meet Vito La Fata...He Is Moving The Needle.

April 02, 2024 12:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MB

Welcome back to another episode of Wine Talks! In today’s conversation, we uncork the fascinating story of Vito La Fata, a man whose winemaking roots are as deep and rich as the vineyards of his Sicilian heritage. With the clink of glasses and the pour of a vintage, Vito takes us on a journey through his family's tumultuous history, from wars and the mafia to love, legacy, and pasta factories that have all infused the essence of every bottle they produce. Join us as we unravel the tapestry...

The Wisdom Of George Walker III. Dwayne Wade Cellars is His Passion.

March 26, 2024 12:00 - 55 minutes - 89.4 MB

George Walker III, a recipient of the Roots Fund scholarship, shares his incredible journey and the impact it has had on his education and career in the wine industry. The Roots Fund, founded in 2020 by Carlton McCoy, Aikimi Dubeau, and Tahir Habibi, aims to provide opportunities for black individuals in the wine industry. George expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from mentors like Matt Nauman and Carlton McCoy, who have helped shape his education and career. George re...

MJ Towler Has It All Goin' On. Meet Fellow Wine Podcaster MJ Towler.

March 21, 2024 12:00 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MB

He calls himself the Black Wine Guy....but never has been too happy with that name. And Wine Talks gets it. MJ Towler has covered virtually all the bases when traversing the wine industry landscape. He has a rounded viewpoint on all things wine. And his take on the plight of BIPOC in the world of wine is pragmatic and right on.  Having worked the floor at what would be one of the most celebrated wine retailers in America, MJ moved on to wholesale and hospitality. He discovered a knack fo...

Yves de Launay Knows Luxury Goods. He Found His Home At Chateau Angelus.

March 19, 2024 12:00 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

When you have sold some of the most luxurious brands in the world, what does adding Chateau Angelus to the list mean? Actually, it means quite a bit.  Chateau Angelus was awarded Premiere Cru Classee "A" when the Right Bank of Bordeaux began classifications in 1955. This puts the Chateau at the top of the region's rankings, which is a significant achievement. Yves de Launay, who has promoted brands such as Sotheby's, Louis XIII Cognac, LVMH, and Cartier, would seem to be a natural fit fo...

LAUNAY MASTER mixdown

March 19, 2024 12:00 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

When you have sold some of the most luxurious brands in the world, what is adding Chateau Angelus to the list? Actually, quite a bit.  When the Right Bank of Bordeaux began in classifications in 1955 (a mere 100 years after Napoleon III ordered the classification of the Left Bank), Chateau Angelus was awarded Premiere Cru Classee "A". This puts the Chateau at the top of the regions rankings. This would seem a natural place to work as Yves de Launay has promoted brands such as Sotheby's, ...

George Mardikians Legend Should Never Be Forgotten. Hear From His Son Haig.

March 13, 2024 21:48 - 1 hour - 161 MB

The late, great, George Mardikian was restauranteur extraordinaire, philanthropist, and an inspiration to his family and employees. Hear from his nephew/son Haig Mardikian wine, Ohmar Khayyams, immigration and philanthropy.  George Mardikian represents all that is good as an American immigrant. He fled Turkey ahead of the Armenian genocide and made his way to San Franciso to start a new life. Fell in love with an American girl only to have her shunned by the family. He sets up shop on Powe...

She is a force of nature for African American Vintners. Try and keep up with Angela McCrae.

March 05, 2024 13:07 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

The Association of African American Vintners started in 2002 with 4 vintners; now there are over 200 members. Thanks largely to the efforts of Angela McCrae and her associates.  Diversity is an important subject in the wine trade. The industry is light on BIPOC and women in the workforce; both labor and executives. But that is all actively changing.   In fact, there is a large event in the Napa Valley at the CIA Napa Copia campus entirely committed to black-owned wineries and black wine in...

Farmer, winemaker, philosopher; Meet Wine Brian Talley

February 29, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

In the wine trade there is a lot of idle talk.  Opinions on the longevity of the industry, opinions of consumerism, opinions of packaging trends...let's face it Wine Talks has it's opinions too.  But it takes fortitude to stay the course; pick a philosophy and run with it. Talley Farms does just that.   Guests come on this show to tell their stories. Typically, Wine Talks will bring in a couple of vintages to show its support for the brand and the story telling. It was a first here tha...

Wine In Romania? Meet The Expert And Wine Comtessse, Marinela Ardelean.

February 27, 2024 13:05 - 58 minutes - 140 MB

In 1988, Paul K Sr. featured a Romanian wine in the Original Wine of the Month Club. The wine was Premiat Sauvignon Blanc and was $2.50/bottle on reorder. It was a very nice wine.  Turns out, according to Marinela, that wine was purchased from Romania during the USSR rule. Long before the value and complexity of freedom was real. It is so interesting that the Original Wine of the Month Club was ahead of its time in 1988...finding a Soviet block wine worthy of the American palate. Now, as...

Wine makers are philosophers, the good wine makers that is. Meet a good one, Chris Phelps.

February 22, 2024 13:00 - 49 minutes - 75.2 MB

Off the main highway that runs through Napa Valley and specifically through Saint Helena, one can make a hard left turn after passing the cute gas station that doubles as a coffee shop (yes, new meaning to the question "leaded?". Make the next right and travel a block or two and you will find a hidden gem of a tasting room. Understated and doubling as an office, Chris Phelps and his son Josh hole up here to create their wine magic. Chris's path to this quaint tasting room/office has taken ...

Dream Job In Bordeaux And The Passion To Do It. Meet Matthieu Bordes of Cht. Lagrange.

February 20, 2024 13:00 - 54 minutes - 130 MB

Chateau Lagrange was in Los Angeles. Matthieu Bordes presiding.   On a recent visit to the WIne Talks studios, we caught up with all things Bordeaux.   Matthieu considers it a dream job. Maybe "job" isn't the best adjective. When you love to do something and have the passion to do it every day at the best you can offer, maybe it is no longer a job. This is clearly Mattieu Bordes as the Director Général of the Chateau. Chateau Lagrange is owned by the Japanese conglomerate, Suntory Grou...

From Grandma's Kitchen to Working the Line. A book from Chef Frederic Castan.

February 15, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 142 MB

In his new book "Facing the Heat; From my grand mother's kitchen to cooking on the line." Chef Castan has peeks around just about every corner of the chef business. After all, he has worked for some of what would be considered the best restaurants in France to being head Chef at one of the largest hotel chains in America and just about everything in between; including but not limited to an absolute failure with his mexican restaurant in Nice, France. This path is hard and the difficulty fo...

Fine Wine Defined. Pauline Is On A Mission. Pauline Vicard of Areni Global.

February 13, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 85.8 MB

The Areni Global group is on a mission. They want to protect the flanks of fine wine. What is fine wine? Pauline Vicard defines it here. Areni Global was named after the famed Areni-1 cave found in Aremia; the oldest known in-tact winery ever unearthed. The founding of the group was to create a think tank of industry leaders who, well, maybe not predict the future, but consider the future of wine wine on a world wide basis. There are so many moving parts in producing wine and getting it ...

Have camera and plane, will travel. Meet Dr. Higgins I presume.

February 06, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB

Michael Higgins is quite unique in the world of wine. He has published three photo journals on three popular wine-growing regions of the world. Starting in Argentina, he sets out to bring to the readers a comprehensive view of the region, people and wineries. But he adds an important twist to his books. He explains where, who and what each winery is; what to look for there, where to eat, and provides amazing photos to support his viewpoints. These are not your regular travel books.  Since ...

This is the story. Hear exactly what he was thinking when he created Direct to Consumer wines...Paul K. Sr one on one

February 01, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 104 MB

Unaware he was creating the $3B Direct to Consumer wine industry, Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. explains how the idea evolved and his thoughts on business.   In 1969, a time where California wine was barely recognized to the world. a pharmacist who was born in Cairo, bought a liguor store in the quaint beach town of Palos Verdes Estates. As a good merchant would do, he wanted control of the quality of the merchandise and insisted he taste every wine that was brought to him to consider. This wa...

Jean-Charles Boisset Is All About Vision. Hear Him Speak On Napa.

January 30, 2024 13:00 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MB

Just when you thought the Napa Valley was going the way of its French counterparts by steeping itself in the tradition...along comes Jean Charles Boisset. You will be fascinated, intrigued, and dumbfounded. Jean-Charles not only comes from one of the most famed Burgundian families, he married a Gallo. And I think you can surmise, they are a power wine couple in the Napa Valley scene. One might think that there is a utopia in the Napa Valley. The scenery, the wineries, the people, the lif...

Paul McSharry Can Make Your Winemaking Dreams Come True. Osiris Wine Club Is Open

January 24, 2024 13:08 - 1 hour - 143 MB

Paul McSharry wasn't originally destined for the wine business, he had other plans. Let's face it, Ireland is not necessarily the hotbed of the wine culture.   Life has a way of redirecting our focus and Paul has bitten off an idea that seems to be resonating with want to be winemakers and curiosity seekers all the same. Because of the expense and the bureaucratic headwinds that clog up the wine trade, it is virtually impossible or too expensive to venture into it alone. One mistake, and. ...

His quest is to show the world American wine grapes. Meet Jerry Eisterhold in TerraVox (Missouri).

January 18, 2024 13:22 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MB

The Smithsonian Institute wanted to know about Jerry Eisterhold. So much so, the featured an article on what one might say is a long shot at best. The idea to repropagate vines of yesteryear in America would be fruitless (pun intended). But it is quite the opposite.  In this episode, you will hear the history of wine grapes in America that I would easily put down even money that the most advanced academics in the world of wine would not have a notion of the significance. It was so intrigui...

Married and selling wine together? Ouch. Meet Jeff and Kathy of Uncorked.

January 16, 2024 13:00 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MB

Of all the sectors of wine, retail has to be the toughest. Tough meaning you need to understand not only wine, but POS systems, merchandising, event planning, inventory systems, the gift of gab, employee relations, internet marketing, subscription marketing, and many more facets.  And Jeff and Kathy did not set out to be a multi-store wine shop "chain" nor did the set out to get married. But, as the romance of wine would have it, both of these events occurred.  Wine Talks caught up with ...

She watched the Nazi's destroy her mothers Chateau. Literally. Meet the elegant May-Elaine Lencquesaing

January 11, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 99.3 MB

The Nazis destroyed her parent's Chateau, and she was there to witness. You just know it. Humans have a sense about who and what they are. and when you sit in the presence of pure elegance, pure knowledge, and pure humility, you just know it.  Though May-Eliance Lencquesaing spoke for over 75 minutes (she took a couple of breaths), it took 15 seconds to realize that this conversation was going to be epic.  She started with "Hello Paul, good to see you again"...because she had remembere...

I'm telling you like it is in the wine trade. A trailer as it were.

January 09, 2024 13:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB

Time to set the record straight. Because I have just about had enough. On this episode, I try to lay it all out....get to the root and wax poetic a bit. Wine has a special place in me heart and that didn't happen overnight. It took 35 years for me to grab the underlying value of the proper glass of wine. There is somethiing completely ethereal about real wine...what is real wine? listen to this episode.  Season 17 was a crazy good season of guests and thoughts on wine and the longer th...

Could a genetically engineered probiotic prevent a hangover? And is GMO really a bad thing? Meet Zack Abbott of ZBiotics and find out here!

December 26, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MB

Would you like to end your hangover before it even starts? Would you like to mitigate any symptoms of excessive drinking? Certainly, we have all thought at some point, "I wish there was something to help keep away a hangover!" Have a listen to this.   After studying classical art, archeology, and microbiology, Zack Abbott found himself working in an HIV lab with his mind wondering, thinking there was a consumer use for his microbiology interests. So he played around with a couple of ide...

First a PhD, then wine influencer. Meet Dr. Nia Ruth and all her energy.

December 21, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

Despite we might be competitors in the wine club space, Nia brings a bubbly outlook to the world of wine influencers. She has two important features that bring the spotlight to her efforts; she is a woman, and a woman of color; both attributes the wine industry is seeking to fill in the ranks. She was engaging and fun to have in the studio and I think you will find her outlook on the world of wine refreshing and contemporary. Such a contrast to, for instance, the group of wine enthusiast...

With (3) substantial wine and business degrees, Julien takes on Napa with Maison Fayard..

December 19, 2023 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76 MB

As much as we aspire for wine to be a romantic beverage that tells a story...and it is, we have to acknowledge that is it business.  So you must meet Julien Fayard of Fayard Wines. And there is really good chance you will meet him if you swing into his new tasting room on 2nd street in downtown Napa.  There we peeled back his career path and opinion of all things wine.  WIth a Masters in WInemaking, a Masters in Agribuisness and a Masters in Business, Julien has equiped himself with all th...

With a Master of Wine and a WSET Diploma and the French language well in hand, she became a wine educator.. Meet Anne McHale.

December 16, 2023 19:14 - 52 minutes - 72.7 MB

Anne McHale is well accomplished in the academia of wine. She has a Master of Wine (incredible study required to earn) and a WSET Diploma (the highest accolade for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust)...neither an easy feat by any stretch. But what is disarmning is her utter charm. First, her accent will confuse you until you understand the source, but her ability to articulate her ambition in wine is the clincher to fall head over heels for her. Each time I relisten to the show, I am rei...

Whitehall Lane is a staple in the Napa Valley wine scene. Hear from the Leonardini brother/sister act.

December 15, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MB

One thing about this episode, you get the straight scoop. Wine is about history. It is about the story. All to often in many of life's endeavors, we forget the story, we forget the history. That is the reason history repeats itself. In Europe, a winery being run by the 5th or 7th or even 10th generation is not unheard of; it is what makes the wine industry so unique. California could never catch up, but there are legacies being formed from the original families who sought a life of the v...

He has made wine all over the world and has settled at Stags Leap in the Napa Valley. Meet Ludovic Dervin.

December 12, 2023 13:05 - 59 minutes - 81.1 MB

Ludovic Devrin was born in Champagne...so the question has to be asked...why did you land in the Napa Valley. Seems the romance of the famed bubbly beverage would keep pon close to home but Ludovic wanted to see the world. Though he did get his degree at the University of Reins (in the Champagne region) he has made wine in France, South Africa, Greece, and now California. His curiosity to explore the New World versus Old World winemaking techniques and philosophies, groomed him perfectly to ...

Modeling, hospitality then winemaking. Meet talented Stephanie Cook

December 06, 2023 23:19 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MB

Wine Talks believes in the story of wine. There is a colloquialism in the wine trade "Every bottle tells a story" which on the surface is correct....but sometime seems too trite. What is in the bottle is not just an expression of terroir (soil, weather, environment) but also an an expression of the accumulation of the winemkars experiences, passions, lifestyle and what he or she thinks the proper melange of all these elements should be. Stephanie learned this the hard way (but the proper...

She is preparing the wine industry for what is coming. Change. Meet Priscilla Hennekam.

November 30, 2023 13:00 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

The wine industry is wrought with tradition. It certainly can be said that this industry at its  core, is not much different than it was 100 years ago. Certainly technology has helped in all aspects; vineyard, biology, processing, equipment, chemistry and more, but the fundamental premise is the same.  Make good wine, find buyers to drink it, make some profit, put the profit into next years vintage. Some more recent changes in marketing include email, social, video, audio, affiliate and Di...