Aaron Vaccaro , CEO of Liquor Lab Former Topgolf exec who helped grow it from 10 to 70+ locations and $1.1B in revenue. 🍸 What You’ll Hear: Aaron’s journey from finance and venture capital to building experience-driven brands The Topgolf transformation —how it evolved from a driving range to an entertainment empire Why Liquor Lab is the “Topgolf of cocktails” —accessible, social, hands-on Cocktail classes: 90 minutes, ~$70, 3 drinks, taught by professionals in Nashville and Louisville Insight i...
Aug 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 237
Topic: Creating palm wine sustainably without harvesting palm trees Guest: Onye, founder of Ikenga Wines Environmental Impact: Avoids traditional palm farming to reduce carbon footprint and forest clearing Production Philosophy: Source-agnostic and rooted in molecular replication of palm sap The Journey: From 2019 epiphany to today’s artistic exploration of flavor and sensory expression Palm Wine Variants: Focus on oil palm chemistry; acknowledges coconut and raphia varietals Wine Styles: Experi...
Aug 12, 2025•5 min•Ep. 235
Onye shares his pivot from Harvard University to launching a palm wine company Discusses exploring Nigeria’s palm wine culture and production methods Explains how palm wine can be preserved and bottled for U.S. markets Insight into their sparkling palm wine labels and West African food pairings Anecdotes about former classmates, including a researcher 3D printing a human heart Talks about filling the beverage gap in fine dining experiences for African cuisines Website sales live now; restaurant ...
Aug 08, 2025•6 min•Ep. 234
Topic: Palm wine – an ancient, non-grape wine made from palm tree sap What is Palm Wine? Naturally fermenting sap collected from palm trees; typically consumed the same day Traditional Use: Morning (low-alcohol, sweet) vs. evening (higher alcohol); if left too long, it turns to vinegar Innovative Twist: Onye creates a molecular palm sap from plant-based sources, allowing for controlled fermentation Wine Style: Sparkling, pet-nat-inspired, unfiltered and hazy Alcohol Content: Traditional palm win...
Aug 05, 2025•6 min•Ep. 233
Guest: Onye Ahanotu , founder/winemaker at Ikenga Wines Location: Berkeley, California Origins: Grew up in Sonoma County , inspired by the rise of the local wine industry Educational background: Chemical Engineering (UC Irvine) + Materials Science (University of Michigan) Cultural Influence: Nigerian roots, family meals, fufu, and palm wine traditions Philosophy: Wine as a fusion of science, food, travel, and art Fun Fact: Palm wine can be a breakfast drink in Nigeria! @thebestwinepod Discover M...
Aug 03, 2025•5 min•Ep. 232
David shares his personal journey from Buffalo to highlighting his culinary influences. The discussion promotes the idea that champagne should be enjoyed regularly, not just on special occasions. Avid Vines aims to elevate everyday dining experiences by pairing organic champagnes with various cuisines. We encourage you to explore the unique flavors of organic champagne and how they complement food. The episode concludes by inviting you to also engage with Avid Vines through their newsletter and ...
Jul 30, 2025•18 min•Ep. 231
Forrest Kelly chats with Aaron, CEO of Liquor Lab , about how cocktail culture is evolving — and how Liquor Lab is making mixology approachable, experiential, and social. From the decline of traditional liquor sales to the rise of alcohol alternatives and Gen Z drinking trends, Aaron shares how Liquor Lab is removing the intimidation from cocktail making and turning every class into a memorable moment. Whether you're planning a date night or a corporate event, Liquor Lab is raising the bar — lit...
Jul 29, 2025•5 min•Ep. 230
The conversation begins with an overview of the class structure, which spans ninety minutes and is generally conducted during the evenings on select days. The cost of participation is articulated as being between $65 to $75, a figure that Vaccaro defends as a reasonable investment when considering the value provided, which includes the crafting and enjoyment of three cocktails along with the social and educational experience facilitated by expert bartenders. @thebestwinepod Discover More from Th...
Jul 25, 2025•6 min•Ep. 229
Liquor Lab was established as an experiential marketing platform to enhance consumer engagement with spirits brands. The unique concept behind Liquor Lab involves teaching individuals how to craft cocktails hands-on, thereby facilitating deeper brand loyalty. Each class at Liquor Lab lasts 90 minutes and covers the preparation of three distinct cocktails with various themes. @thebestwinepod Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network: Wine Podcast Music Podcast Travel Podcast Hosted by ...
Jul 22, 2025•5 min•Ep. 228
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast , we tee off with Aaron Vaccaro, CEO of Liquor Lab and a key player behind the explosive growth of Topgolf. Aaron shares how a career that started in finance took a hard left into the world of immersive entertainment, helping grow Topgolf from 10 locations to over 70 and more than a billion in revenue. From tracking golf balls to tracking consumer experience trends, he breaks down how food, drinks—including wine!—and pure fun became the real draw. We also chat abou...
Jul 18, 2025•6 min•Ep. 227
In this chilling episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast , Brenda from Horrifying History returns to reveal the darker, spine-tingling side of bubbly. From exploding bottles to ghostly monks whispering in cellars, we uncork the legend of Dom Perignon — a monk who may have feared the very sparkle he helped perfect. 🎧 Hear how the “devil’s cellar,” black bottles, and lost journals all add up to a wine tale steeped in mystery. 🫧 Was Dom fighting off demons… or inviting them to the party? 🥂 Lis...
Jul 15, 2025•4 min•Ep. 226
In this haunting episode, Forrest is joined by Brenda, the captivating host of Horrifying History , to uncork the terrifying tale of the Great French Wine Blight —a 19th-century disaster that devastated vineyards, ruined fortunes, and almost brought wine culture in France to a tragic end. Brenda brings her signature storytelling style to this real-life horror, revealing how a microscopic invader crossed oceans and left centuries of viticulture in ruin. It’s historical, it’s horrifying, and yes—i...
Jul 12, 2025•5 min•Ep. 225
We delve into the profound experiences of Mark Steven Porro , who recounts his journey of living in the world's largest wine region, the south of France. Marc illustrates the challenges he faced in navigating the complexities of the French financial system as a foreigner, culminating in a heartwarming story of his participation in a local vendange, or harvest celebration. He eloquently describes the enchanting atmosphere of Château de Montpezat , where the community gathers to partake in the joy...
Jul 08, 2025•5 min•Ep. 224
Melissa Aellen, 3rd‑generation Maryland winemaker; Director of Winery Operations at Simple Theory Wine Co. Melissa’s family legacy, winemaking philosophy, and approach to making wine approachable and terroir‑driven. @thebestwinepod Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network: Wine Podcast Music Podcast Travel Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Jul 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 222
This episode is a little different—and deeply personal. Forrest welcomes author, actor, and full-time son Mark Steven Porro , whose memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode tells the moving (and surprisingly hilarious) story of becoming a caregiver to his 90-year-old mother. With Forrest recently saying goodbye to his own beloved mom, this conversation doubles as a tribute to the women who raised us—with sass, grit, and, eventually, a taste for red wine. From Hollywood sets to cobblestone streets in t...
Jul 04, 2025•5 min•Ep. 220
Melissa Aellen is shaking things up in the wine world with Simple Theory Wines , and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! We dive into her journey of creating a downtown tasting room, which is totally a win for wine lovers everywhere. Melissa shares the fun and not-so-fun challenges she faced, like navigating those pesky alcohol laws in Maryland—seriously, no wine in grocery stores? What is this, the 1950s? Plus, she’s got big plans for the future, including planting some fancy hybrid grapes an...
Jun 28, 2025•5 min•Ep. 219
Melissa Aellen spills the grapes on Simple Theory Wines , and let me tell you, it’s all about keeping wine simple and fun! She dives into the unique Chambourcin grape that’s low in tannins but high in color and protein—basically the overachiever of the grape world. We get the scoop on their cozy downtown Frederick tasting lounge, where you can kick back with a glass of wine and a build-your-own charcuterie board. Melissa’s mission? To make wine approachable for everyone, from newbies to seasoned...
Jun 24, 2025•5 min•Ep. 218
Forrest and Melissa Aellen from Simple Theory Wines are in the house, talking all things wine and vineyard magic! They’re all about making their vineyard fantastic—no more under ripe, difficult fruit for them. With a focus on sustainability, they share how keeping good bugs around is a win-win for the vines and the environment. We dive into their journey, the fun challenges of growing Barbera , and how a little friendly competition in the family can lead to some amazing results. Plus, get the sc...
Jun 21, 2025•6 min•Ep. 217
Forrest and Melissa Aellen are pouring out the secrets behind the success of Simple Theory Wines , and trust me, it’s a refreshing sip of insight! They dive into how climate change has transformed their vineyard game, allowing them to grow grapes that were once impossible to ripen. With a dash of humor and a lot of heart, they chat about their leap into sustainable practices, like going fully solar-powered—yes, they’re basically a power plant now! Plus, they share some family tales and the ups a...
Jun 17, 2025•5 min•Ep. 216
We chat with the Lisa Lee, the mastermind behind The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Lisa shares her wild journey from a dreamer with a flair for interior design and photography to a wine-loving sommelier. @thebestwinepod Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network: Wine Podcast Music Podcast Travel Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Jun 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 223
Forrest is hanging out with Melissa Aellen from Simple Theory Wines , and wow, does she have a story! She kicks things off by sharing how her childhood dreams of being a secretary morphed into a full-blown passion for winemaking. Melissa talks about her journey through the wine world, the lack of role models, and how one inspiring magazine cover changed everything for her. We dive into her experiences at Cornell and some wild tales from her internships, including a hilarious foot-treading escapa...
Jun 13, 2025•6 min•Ep. 215
Melissa Aellen elaborates on the unique branding of Simple Theory Wine , which incorporates mathematical symbolism in its logo. The inception of Simple Theory Wine is rooted in a family legacy that dates back to 1976, emphasizing a rich history of winemaking. See us @thebestwinepod @thebestwinepod Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network: Wine Podcast Music Podcast Travel Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us...
Jun 10, 2025•5 min•Ep. 214
Lisa, the fabulous owner of The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach , swings by to spill the tea on her wine-filled world! We kick things off with some rapid-fire questions that uncover her dream dinner guest—none other than the legendary Raj Parr. Sounds fancy, right? But wait, there’s more! Lisa shares her newfound love for orange wines, specifically one called the Vice Brooklynites, which she describes as "lovely and fun." We also dive into the vibes of her tasting room, where she boldly decl...
Jun 06, 2025•5 min•Ep. 213
Lisa from The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach is dishing out her top picks for food and wine combos that’ll make your taste buds dance! She’s got this chef's board that’s basically a charcuterie dream, loaded with cheeses, meats, and all the goodies you could want. Seriously, it’s a total game-changer for your wine experience. We dive into some fab wines too, like a crisp Chablis or a lovely Riesling, perfect for newbies and seasoned sippers alike. So grab your glass and tune in as we chat a...
Jun 03, 2025•5 min•Ep. 212
Sour Grapes tells us that it’s all about the attitude, folks! So grab your favorite glass and let’s get into the juicy details of poker strategies and perfect pours, all served with a side of witty banter. @thebestwinepod Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network: Wine Podcast Music Podcast Travel Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
May 28, 2025•2 min•Ep. 211
We’re diving into the delicious world of charcuterie and culinary evolution at The Tasting Room on 9th! Lisa chats about how the menu has transformed since Day One, with my charcuterie skills shining brighter than a cheese-laden sunset. We’ve got seafood pastas and hearty dishes now, all thanks to some tasty teamwork with Chef Robert from US Foods, who’s been a total game-changer. Plus, we’ve kicked off a super exclusive monthly fine dining experience that’s like a dinner party with 11 new frien...
May 28, 2025•5 min•Ep. 210
Milan recounts his formative years in a small town near Philadelphia, highlighting how they shaped his identity. Milan discusses the transition from a demanding advertising career to founding Free Spirits, emphasizing a desire for change. The concept of Free Spirits arose from the realization that alcohol need not be central to social enjoyment and cocktail culture. Milan's company produces non-alcoholic spirits, aiming to offer flavorful alternatives without the drawbacks of alcohol consumption...
May 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 206
Forrest and Lisa Lee of The Tasting Room on 9th dive into creating a killer dining experience, where every little detail matters! We chat about how to wow guests right from the moment they walk in, from setting the perfect table to offering a choice of water—yes, even the bubbly stuff! Lisa gets real about the importance of being proactive, making sure no glass is ever empty and every birthday is celebrated like it's a royal affair. So grab your favorite snack and settle in. @thebestwinepod Disc...
May 16, 2025•5 min•Ep. 209
Lisa Lee from The Tasting Room on 9th joins us to spill the tea on what it really takes to launch an upscale wine bar. We dive into the nitty-gritty of her journey, from scouting the perfect location downtown to transforming a vanilla shell into a classy spot for wine and craft cocktails. Lisa shares how she navigated the challenges of being a woman in business and made sure her voice was heard, all while balancing her accommodating nature with the need to be bold. And trust me, her stories abou...
May 13, 2025•6 min•Ep. 208
Lisa Lee from The Tasting Room on 9th is spilling the tea on what it takes to run a cozy wine bar in Myrtle Beach! She’s all about that hands-on learning vibe, diving headfirst into the restaurant scene without a prior background. We chat about the challenges she faced, like turning a sleepy downtown into a buzzing hotspot, all while keeping it family-friendly. Plus, Lisa opens up about teaming up with her business partner, Jamie, who’s got the culinary chops to match Lisa’s hospitality flair. I...
May 09, 2025•5 min•Ep. 207
