What you’ll learn in this episode: The origins of Stephen Cipes’ journey from New York real estate to pioneering organic vineyards in British Columbia. How French grape clones, dry Okanagan climate, and second-bottle fermentation built a foundation for award-winning sparkling wines. Why Summerhill Pyramid Winery constructed a precision pyramid modeled after Giza, and how it influences the “marriage period” of sparkling wine. The philosophy behind biodynamic and organic wine production, and its e...
Sep 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 247
What’s inside: Price vs. Pleasure: Why expectation can trick your taste buds—and how blind tastings level the field. Affordable All-Stars: How a sub-$20 Tempranillo or $12 Chianti can punch above its weight. Practical Pairing: Don’t waste a $200 Burgundy on pizza night. Match the moment, not the marketing. @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 ab...
Sep 19, 2025•4 min•Ep. 245
Mead, honey wine, Hidden Legend Winery , Victor Montana , Bitterroot Mountains, wildflower honey, clover honey, mead fermentation, raw honey handling, Mazer Cup International, Montana mead, family-run winery, continuous fermentation, online shipping to 37 states. Quotes : If you break a grape, you can’t stop it from making wine— honey needs a nudge. I buy 12–30,000 pounds of honey at a time—if a tank’s empty, I fill it. Our bottles are so laden with hardware you can barely see them. @thebestwine...
Sep 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 235
Forrest talks with Lindsey , co-creator of Rimessa Roscioli in Rome, Italy. Lindsey shares her inspiring journey from Detroit to Rome and the origins of Roscioli’s wine tasting space, which began in an underground warehouse with a speakeasy vibe. Lindsey’s leap from Detroit to Rome and her passion for wine The backstory of Rimessa Roscioli and its unique tasting experience How Roscioli connects wine lovers worldwide through wine clubs, QR codes, and video storytelling Innovative sustainability p...
Sep 12, 2025•39 min•Ep. 243
The wine world is evolving. Are you enjoying these trends? White Wines on the Rise – Chenin Blanc and Albariño are stealing the spotlight with crisp, food-friendly versatility. Low & No-Alcohol Wines – Sober-curious drinkers are driving growth, with the category projected to reach $7 billion by 2035. Organic & Sustainable – Gen Z’s eco-focus is fueling growth in biodynamic and solar-powered wineries. Orange Wines – Bold, skin-contact whites from Slovenia and Georgia are capturing attenti...
Sep 09, 2025•3 min•Ep. 242
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast is honored to receive the 2025 Earworthy Award for Best Short Form Podcast ! In this special episode, Forrest Kelly and Sour Grapes reflect on the recognition, the community of indie podcasters, and the joy of storytelling over wine. From Sour Grapes’ award-winning Chianti spills to mason jar debates, this episode delivers both laughs and heartfelt gratitude. Plus, we thank Frank Racioppi and the Earworthy team for shining a spotlight on authentic indie voices. @th...
Sep 02, 2025•4 min•Ep. 241
Founder/winemaker Onye Ahanotu of Ikenga Wines joins Forrest to unpack the world of palm wine—a millennia-old beverage made from palm sap—and how he’s using a patent-pending, sustainable process to craft a controlled, bottle-ready, Methode ancestrale (pet-nat)–style sparkling palm wine in Berkeley, California. @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 informatio...
Aug 22, 2025•20 min•Ep. 240
Guest: Stacy Lee, host of Dark Hearts , a podcast about true crime, cults, and mysteries Story Highlight: In 2005, Mark Anderson deliberately set fire to Wines Central, destroying over $250M in rare wines. Anderson had been embezzling wine from the facility for years before setting the blaze. One victim said: “It felt like someone burned down my family tree.” Dark Hearts : True crime, cults, and conspiracies—episodes every Monday and Wednesday Platforms: Available on all podcast apps and YouTube...
Aug 20, 2025•4 min•Ep. 236
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
