Wine Talks with Paul K.
419 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsAll 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
Learn the ups and downs of being in wine. Meet Melvin Masters
October 05, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBExperience is everything in most industries. Coming back from rock bottom is a critically important experience… as is garnering understanding of the industries that surround your particular industry. It all comes together to create “educated guesses” when trying to determine your next step. Meet Melvin Masters who is all that and more.
Wine philosopher, wine judge and Maitre d'. Meet George Skorka.
September 30, 2021 19:20 - 1 hour - 138 MBGeorge Skorka was highlighted in the first edition of Playboy magazine in Hungary. He escaped the regime to come to America without a word of english and with nothing but his wits, personified hospitality. Having worked at the best of the best restaurants in America, he has come to be the personification of the work Maitre d'. You will find his outlook inspiring and his experience extraordinary. Meet George Skorka.
Biodynamic wine in its purest form. Meet Gelert Hart of Ambyth
September 28, 2021 22:13 - 37 minutes - 71.7 MBThe biodynamic wine movement is real and growing. One of the first in California was Gelert Hart and Ambyth wines. Truly rustic and adhering to the principals of biodynamic farming, Ambyth creates extraordinary wines from a variety of grapes. Hear how the vines grow and the philosophy works throughout the process.
He Moved The Needle On Food In America. Jonathan Waxman
September 24, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBThe cuisine boom of the '80s in America is in part due to a movement towards fresher simpler food that took hold in Los Angeles and young chefs and restaurant owners. Jonathan Waxman was at the forefront of this change. Trained in France and part of the original crew at Michael McCarty's Michaels, Jonathan has won numerous awards and opened numerous restaurants. Considered a Top Chef in any circle, meet Jonathan Waxman.
There is wine wisdom in us "old timers" Meet George Ronay.
September 22, 2021 03:33 - 1 hour - 143 MBGeorge Ronay is about to retire from a life of wine; but do you really retire from wine? Hear the passion and philosophy about wine from a man who worked all sides of our great industry. Learn about the passion it takes to be successful and keep an eye on the goal.
Winemaker and Mayor. Fabulous conversation with Valentino Valentini
September 16, 2021 18:30 - 39 minutes - 72.6 MBUmbria is an unsung hero in the realm of Italian wine. The grape Sagrantino makes a robust long lived wine that speaks so telling of its terroir, I feel like I have travelled 3000 miles with each sip. I speak with my good freind Valentino Valentini, a third generation winemaker and former mayor of Montefalco. Enjoy.
They started the biggest wine brand in America. Meet Mike Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey
September 14, 2021 17:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBMike Houlihan was sent out by his new girlfriend to strong arm a $300,000 debt for her client. The rest of the story is funny, inspiring and out right the story of America. In 1989, Mike came paid a sales call on me in our old warehouse in Lomita, California. He said he had the La Feet of California wine. And when left, I thought "what a stupid idea"...oh, really, it is not the largest brand in America. Hear the story.
Best LA Wine Story. San Antonio Winery. Meet Santo Riboli.
September 09, 2021 17:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBThe California wine trade didn’t start in Napa, Sonoma, or Mendocino; it started it in Southern California in the 1700’s. Many Italian immigrants game to the Cucamonga area from the Lombardy region…not to make wine but to cut stone. Founded in 1929, San Antonio Winery is currently the only licensed winery in Los Angeles. Amazing history and story. My old friend Santo Riboli sat with me to discuss the trek of this famed company and family.
Pro caddy turned chocolate wine guy. Unreal. Meet the energetic Cayce Kerr
September 07, 2021 20:10 - 50 minutes - 115 MBI met Cayce Kerr as he was funning flanker of Fred Couples agent to vet me out as a legit company. His stories are amazing and the energy and effort he put into creating his own brand of chocolate wine. At the time, I tasted each and every brand on the market....Cayce's was by far the best of the bunch. Seven years later....he is getting some traction...hear the story.
He can eliminate the effects of alcohol. Meet Dr. Nayav Patel
September 02, 2021 21:51 - 47 minutes - 109 MBI wouldn't have believed it myself until one of the men I respect most in this industry brought in Dr. Nayan Patel. The Doctor of Pharmacy has been working with a delivery system to bring Glutathione (an known detoxification agent) into the blood stream. Have a listen what what his new patent is all about.
Sideways; the real story...meet Rex Pickett the author. His new musical is coming out.
August 31, 2021 17:00 - 54 minutes - 24.9 MBHIs musical Sideways is gaining attention in the wine world. Hear the story of the book and the movie and the preliminary discussion of the musical. Well, it is coming out and there is a concert in Sonoma to release the songs (at Buena Vista winery). I had the chance to sit down with Rex Pickett, the author of the book Sideways that was made into the multi award winning movie of the same name. Learn where he taught himself to love Pinot Noir...though he never really hated Merlot!
Selling wine on the web is complicated. Meet COO Andrew Walleck
August 26, 2021 17:21 - 56 minutes - 128 MBAndrew came to the wine business with no knowledge of wine but understands internet marketing and logistics. We met on the golf course playing with a round with other wine industry professionals. We had such a great conversation that I thought we would continue on the podcast. He is at a company called Wine Access and works with previous guest, Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin. Salut.
Charisma is not a big enough word to describe Jean Charles. I was on his show!
August 24, 2021 15:43 - 52 minutes - 121 MBHe oozes with charm and charisma but knows how to get serious too. The Boisett name in world of wine is synonimous with fine wines from around the world. As a child he visited the Buena Vista winery in Sonoma while on a US vacation with the family. He told himself that one day he would return to "this most magnificent place." Some of the most iconic structures and vineyards in the Napa Valley are part of the Boisset Collection. Have a listen...quite inspiring.
Pure Wine Making Wisdom (French and American) Wine Talks with Guillaume Large
August 19, 2021 19:19 - 52 minutes - 120 MBThe wine trade in Oregon was creeping along until the late '80's when they started their International Pinot Noir Festival. They invited the great French burgundy makers to participate and the French loved the terroir and camaraderie. Maison Louis Jadot and many other Burgundian houses invested in creating great Pinot Noir in the Williamette Valley, Oregon. Guillaume has been a guest on the show prior and brings new insight into the happenings in the Williamette Valley and Louis Jadot. Salut.
The Wine Critic of Wine Critics Speaks. Meet Dan Berger; so engaging.
August 17, 2021 20:10 - 55 minutes - 127 MBI have been reading his prose for years always wondering who the real Dan Berger is. And boy did I find out....engaging, funny, practical and a living wine resource. It is so important to know the history and stories behind wine; as a beverage and as an industry. Hear is all on this episode of Wine Talks. Salut.
One of the original Sonoma families. We go way back with the Wetzels.
August 12, 2021 20:41 - 1 hour - 142 MBIt was like talking to an old friend with Katie Wetzel. My father and her mother and father were friends back in the days in Palos Verdes Estates. Have a listen as we go through old times, new times and current times.Alexander Valley Vineyards is one of the great original Sonoma winemaking houses and I am proud to have her as my friend and have this conversation.
Too Much Fun on CA Wine Country Radio with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger
August 11, 2021 21:20 - 29 minutes - 67.6 MBThis is one funny bit. On my last trip to Sonoma, I was tapped to be on KSRO's California Wine Country with host Steve Jaxon and famed wine critic Dan Berger. Great conversation and laughter with talented Steve Jaxon and never a dull wine moment with Dan Berger. And look for the podcast (coming soon) I recorded with Dan just before going on the air with these two characters.
She is elegant and poised. Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin.
August 05, 2021 19:05 - 44 minutes - 102 MBVanessa Conlin was born into the arts. After her soiree into singing Opera, her next self disciplined challenge was to learn wine...and why not shoot for the coveted title of Master of Wine? Vanessa is one of 40+ MW's in the US and one of the 90+ women who have earned the title. She is endearing and passionate. Hear from Vanessa Conlin.
The REAL Silver Oak Story. Meet Matt Duncan. 3rd Generation.
August 03, 2021 19:38 - 1 hour - 154 MBIn 1972, the Duncan family set out to try their hand at winemaking; I think it worked. Meet Matt Duncan, 3rd generation owner of Silver Oak Cellars..yes, the famed Silver Oak. His insights and understanding of the winery and the trade are inspirational. Have a listen.
Taking a region from zero to one with Michael Juergens
July 28, 2021 23:07 - 1 hour - 139 MBMichael Juergens is a Master of Wine candidate, industry consultant, and author. In this episode Paul and Michael sit down over a glass (or two) and discuss the exciting challenge of growing grapes where they have never been grown before, wine snobbery, and his recently published book Drinking and Knowing Things.
Wine is life for Darrin Low of Dom. Anderson. Hear his philosophy.
July 22, 2021 17:59 - 50 minutes - 117 MBThe Anderson Valley is a wine growing region in Mendocino county that is turning heads with Pinot Noir and Sparkling wine. At the helm of Domaine Anderson is Darrin Low. He grew up in the heart of the wine country and never left (except for his brief stint in Bordeaux). Hear his thoughts on everything wine.
Shark Tank Celebrity Kevin O'Leary knows wine...Hear him on Wine Talks
July 20, 2021 22:53 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MBI was honored and humbled to have wine expert and celebrity Kevin O'Leary on Wine Talks. As a shark on the successful show Shark Tank, he touts his wine expertise and knowledge. After writing a talking points agenda two pages long...we never got off wine and watches! His wine appreciation grew as a his family moved throughout the world and he experienced wine and life. Sit back and hear wine wisdom and stories.
World Renowned Food/Wine Critic; Founder Of Saveur, Meet Colman Andrews
July 13, 2021 19:02 - 1 hour - 93.1 MBI was told by winemaker Bruce Neyers that I was to venture into food and wine writers, Colman Andrews was a must have on the show. As a writer in the entertainment sector, he was nominated for an Grammy...but food and wine was where he wanted to be and wrote for Bon Appetit, Food and Wine and Travel and Leisure. We had a blast on the podcast and am already scheduling the next.
Woman In Wine. Head Winemaker Natalie Bath of Rudd Estates
July 08, 2021 22:38 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBI was intrigued to meet Natalie Bath of Rudd Estates...we were having such a great conversation I went off script and didn't get to all my talking points. Rudd Estates is family owned and produces exquisite wines under Natalie's tootalage. Oh, it is primarily a one woman show. Meet Natalie Bath.
Small Napa winery, large Napa history. Meet winemaker Rich Frederick of Vine Cliff.
July 06, 2021 19:06 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBI could have sworn Proprietress Nell Sweeney walked by when Rich and I were on the mics for Wine Talks. I was going to be a little intimidated had she come in. Rich and I spot of the Sweeney family and the history that surrounds Vine Cliff. Quite fascinating and truly original. Have a listen.
Brass Tacks Conversation With Whitehall Lane's Tom Leonardini II
June 29, 2021 18:51 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBTom Leonardini II is a second generation family at Whitehall Lane. We sat at the winery for what I would call a frank conversation about the state of Napa Valley and wine business as a whole. He sheds some light on what it takes to be successful in the Napa Valley and be a good steward of the land. Have a listen.
Yale Univ. Author "10 Restaurants that Changed America" Wine Talks with Paul Freedman
June 24, 2021 15:40 - 1 hour - 92.2 MBI received the book "10 Restaurants That Changed America" from my daughter as a gift. I couldn't put it down and immediately sought Dr. Freedman for a podcast. The podcast was so interesting that I ordered his second book "American Cuisine and How It Got That Way" and am tearing into that tome. You too will say "who knew?" when the details of what we eat in America are revealed. Salut.
Can’ t discuss wine in the mail without speaking with Paul Mabray
June 18, 2021 21:45 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBPaul Mabray is considered one of the most knowledgeable consultants on the business of wine. Having worked for wine.com WineDirect.com and others. We could have spoken for hours. Have a listen.
Paso is all the rage. Hear from the 2nd generation; Andy Niner.
June 16, 2021 23:16 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MBRichard Niner fell in love with Paso Robles when he visited in the '90's on a business trip...it took 1o years to find the right parcel of land and he and his wife took up the Paso Robles life by purchasing BootJack Ranch. Son Andy Niner is at the helm now and we sat down on Wine Talks to see what Niner Wine Estates is up to under 2nd gen leadership.
Veuve Clicquot is Widow Clicquot. Meet the story teller Tilar Mazzeo
June 08, 2021 23:07 - 1 hour - 104 MBTilar Mazzeo used to share the fame Champagne Veuve Clicquot with her friends and would bring anecdotal stories about the widow until her friends said "you need to write a book about this woman" so she did. A fascinating story of the most recognized Champagne brand on the planet... and it wasn't always that way. After you hear the sorted tails, you will be inspired to get on a plane, head to Champagne France and see it for yourself.
Chefs, Drugs and Rock and Roll. Meet author Andrew Friedman.
June 02, 2021 20:33 - 1 hour - 85 MBI read Chefs, Drugs and Rock and Roll at the behest of the great Melvyn Masters. I wasn't 20 pages into the book before I decided having Andrew Friedman on the show was a must. A variable wealth of American cuisine knowledge, Andrew Friedman breaks the subject down to help us understand how what we eat came to be. Enjoy.
Fame Austin Hope style. Wine Talks with the Austin Hope
May 26, 2021 20:36 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBOn a recent trip to Paso Robles....a must do for anyone interested in learning the great districts of California wine, I sat with Austin Hope of the Hope family vineyards. Hear how he responded to covid and other interesting approaches to telling the Hope Family story. Great chat and we will do it again.
Pure Wine Critic Royalty. Meet Bartholomew Broadbent
May 14, 2021 21:15 - 1 hour - 89 MBBartholomew Broadbent has a storied wine history on his own. He currently owns one of the great importing houses in America, Broadbent selections, and single handedly brought Madera back to America after a prohibition hiatus. Not to mention the son of one of the great Masters of Wine, wine critic and famed wine auctioneer Michael Broadbent. We get into it on this episode of Wine Talks.
He is a legend. The Wine Merchant of Beverly Hills; Mr. Dennis Overstreet
May 13, 2021 19:36 - 58 minutes - 83.4 MBEver industry needs is leaders...the mythical legends that inspire us to do better, to keep your head down and persevere. Dennis Overstreet is that man and I had the chance to set up the studio in his store in Beverly Hills. Sitting amongst the greatest wines in the world, we laughed, gafawed and got serious about wine.
He is a legend. The Wine Merchant of Beverly Hills; Dennis Overstreet
May 11, 2021 21:40 - 58 minutes - 80 MBEver industry needs is leaders... the mythical legends that inspire us to do better, to keep your head down and persevere. Dennis Overstreet is that man and I had the chance to set up the studio in his store in Beverly Hills. Sitting amongst the greatest wines in the world, we laughed, gafawed and got serious about wine.
Wine and the Glass. Meet PhD Katherine Larson
May 06, 2021 22:40 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MBMeet PhD Katherine Larson, curator of the Fire And Vine Exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass and wine have 1000's of years together and Katherine took the time to sit with us and explain the history....quite intriguing....and learn what the "punt" is for!
Canned Wine, Beer and Master Somm Emmanuel Kemiji
April 27, 2021 16:30 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBIt has been a few years since Emmanuel Kemiji was hanging around...we got him in studio to tell us of his newest ventures...this man has been busy, canning wine and making incredible craft beers. Hear the story and the path it took to get here (not to get to the studio...to canning wine and making beer).
From Kendal Jackson to Yao Ming meet winemaker Tom Hinde
April 13, 2021 23:12 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBTom Hinde's resume is off the charts. He has made wine for iconic wineries such as Kendal Jackson and iconic celebrities such as Yao Ming. His outlook and passion for wine is clearly a reflection of his experience. You will find this episode informative and inspiring. Have a listen to Tom Hinde....really quite revealing.
Savvy Talk With Vintage Wine Estates CEO Pat Roney
April 06, 2021 21:38 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBPat Roney, CEO of Vintage Wine Estates, has kept vigilant in growing his company to one of the largest winery groups in America. His insightful look at the industry reminds us that it is about quality products and good service....despite phoney taste algorithms. Hear his insights and resolve to forge more quality for Vintage Wine Estates.
Chief Of Wine Happiness. I Chat With Natalie MacLean
March 17, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBA wealth of wine knowledge, Natalie MacLean, noted wine author, stumbled into wine appreciation where her husband suggested she take wine classes (gold lesson didn't pan out the way they had hoped). A wealth of wine knowledge and a fresh approach, meet Natalie Maclean.
Steven Spurrier (passed 3/9/21); Architect of the Judgement of Paris...Incredible.
March 10, 2021 00:01 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBSteven just passed this morning...I thought it a nice gesture to relaunch his appearance on Wine Talks. In 1976, the Americans beat the French in their own tasting. Meet the architect of this famed event, Steven Spurrier. You will never sip another glass of wine and not think of this story.
He put wine and food on it’s ear. Meet famed Michael McCarty.
March 06, 2021 01:49 - 51 minutes - 71 MBThe food scene in the US was changing rapidly in the '80's and LA was the hub. Being a Chef was not a claim to fame in those days but restaurants like Michaels in Santa Monica was changing all that. Michaels was like a Chef breeding ground churning greats like the namesake, Michael McCarty, Ken Frank, Jonathan Waxman, Nancy Silverton and more. You will be amused and intrigued with Michaels recollection back in the day.
Wine Meet Chef: Famed Jonathan Waxman Tells All
February 24, 2021 22:11 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBThe cuisine boom of the '80s in America is in part due to a movement towards fresher simpler food that took hold in Los Angeles and young chefs and restaurant owners. Jonathan Waxman was at the forefront of this change. Trained in France and part of the original crew at Michael McCarty's Michaels, Jonathan has won numerous awards and opened numerous restaurants. Considered a Top Chef in any circle, meet Jonathan Waxman.
NYTimes Wine critic Eric Asimov was on fire. Hear his insights.
February 19, 2021 01:47 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBEric Asimov's experience in the food and wine world is impossible to compare. Having started with the NY Times as a food critic and then moving to wine 16 years ago, he has developed an all-encompassing opinion when it comes to all things wine. His insights are thoughtful and insightful. Enjoy.
Learn Burgundy. Meet Frédéric Bernier of Maison Louis Jadot
February 04, 2021 22:02 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBEach time I sit with Frédéric Barnier, it is like going to Burgundy school. Due to Covid, the 2019 barrel tasting of the wines of Maison Louis Jadot was canceled, so I reached out to head winemaker, M. Barnier to catch up on the happenings. From Covid to climate change, we covered it all.
US laws have nothing on Canada...I spoke with the hosts of "Two Guys Talking Wine"
January 30, 2021 17:44 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MBWe could have chatted for another hour and still had more to discuss. Andre and Michael of the Canadian podcast "Two Guys Talking Wine" was like meeting up with old friends and catching up; the subject ? Wine, naturally.
Meet The Ambassador of Beaujolais, Winemaker Cyril Chirouze.
January 26, 2021 21:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBIf you found a menu from a restaurant in the Burgundy part of France from let's say 1965, you would find that fine Beaujolais wines rivaled in price their competitors of Burgundy. With the advent of Beaujolais Nouveau, the perception of Beaujolais began to change. Meet Cyril Chirouze, winemaker at Chateau Des Jacques of Maison Louis Jadot, His commentary and insight into this historical region will compel you to do a bit of research.
Wine Photojournalist Michael Higgins was in the house.
January 19, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 90.5 MBIf you go on a wine tour of either Bordeaux, France, or Argentina, you will make a big mistake if don't take along the respective copy of Michael Higgins' Exploring Wine Regions. A Ph.D., pilot, and wine devotee having traveled the world to create these two gorgeous coffee table books. And a hoot to talk to.
Murder, Arson In The Wine Business? Frances Dinkelspiel Tells Us
January 15, 2021 18:46 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBFrances Dinkelspiel has written two New York Times best-selling books; the latest was Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arson in the Vineyards of California. She follows the trails of some of the most notorious deceitful events in the wine trade...and it ain't pretty. You will want to read the book immediately.
Laura Rhys is a Master Sommelier At A Rare Place To Work
January 06, 2021 23:56 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBIn 1988, my father visited England to explore the wine route and I have his notes to prove it. Back then, the wine trade was sparse and the wines were average at best...climate change has changed enough in the past 30 years that a world-class sparkling wine trade has emerged. Laura Rhys is a Master Sommelier who heads up the program at Gusbourne in Kent, England. It is quite surprising what they are doing there.