I forgot her exuberance, energy, and love of wine and music. I'm so glad I had the chance to remember. The wine world needs more Stephanie Morton-Smalls; she helps us keep our eye on the ball. If you’ve ever wondered why some wines taste better when paired with heartfelt stories or Adele ballads, “Wine Talks” with Stephanie Morton Small and Paul Kalemkiarian has your answer (and maybe your calling as an emotional sommelier). Stephanie, a four-time founder and true wine globe-trotter, dives headf...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min•Ep. 428
I keep an eye on this girl. She makes this happen. As a college athlete, mom and wine brand manager, Monika is always "shaking the tree."I am inspisred by her tenacity and I am impressed with her no-nonsense approach to branding wine. Monika Elling doesn’t just swirl her wine—she stirs the conversation and upends what you thought you knew about what’s in your glass (and your grocery cart). She brings both a sharp palate and a sharper intellect to Wine Talks, joining Paul Kalemkiarian for an epis...
Jun 24, 2025•51 min•Ep. 427
Sometimes when you speak to a consultant, you get consultant gobeldy gook. I can't tell you how many consultants I hired along the way at the WIne of the Month Club, but suffice it to say, most did not perform as expected. Why? Because selling wine is different than anything else in the world. Courtney O'Brien is different. She knows wine, she knows branding and she brings corporate America along for the ride. If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet informative take on this episode of Wine Talk...
Jun 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 425
The Master Sommelier is a commitment to hospitality. So it makes you wonder what a young girl, who admittedly called herself lazy, would take on such a commitment. As life would have it, the challenges became clear to Stefanie Hehn, and each ladder rung became the next challenge. And I get it. I love hospitality. Here is her story on getting to the utmost revered degree in the subject. Stefanie Hehn—master sommelier extraordinaire from Hamburg’s fabulous Fontenay Hotel—brings a whole philosophy ...
Jun 17, 2025•56 min•Ep. 425
I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St. Emilion. My curiosity required me to ask the wholesaler, "Maybe the Chateau owner will come on the show?" "Let me check." "He would love it" So then I though I'd best look up the guest (this was one hour before his arrival). OMG..this Zaya Younan is a formidable busine...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 424
Investing in wine might seem risky. Might seem like a horizon uncrossed. There is growing success rate in wine investments and it takes a trained and experience broker/agent to know where and when. Marc Lefleur might be the only man who can make a conversation about asset classes as delicious as a glass of aged Barolo. In this episode, you’ll travel from the sun-dappled slopes of Piemonte to the bustling banking circles of Geneva, all while unraveling the mysteries of wine investment with someon...
Jun 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 423
When you hear a New Zealand accent, what do you try and do? I try to figure is it Aussi or English? Maybe South African. Regardless of where you land with this interpretation, you always settle into a nice comfort zone with New Zealanders. There is a certain warmth and instant camaraderie. Tiraki wines are new to the United States and it was an honor to sit with Josh and hear his plans. On today’s episode of Wine Talks, I sat down with Josh Hammond of Teraki Wines, who’s redefining what it means...
Jun 05, 2025•39 min•Ep. 422
I had the distcint honor to know Melvin Masters; responsible for some iconic imported brands of wine that you would see everywhere. Unfortunately, we lost him a year or two ago and I has saddened me ever since. As a friend, he would reach out to his A-list of friends to encourage them to come on the podcast. Literally, just weeks before Steven Spurrier, yes, the one and the same of the famed Steven Spurrier, came on the show. I was humbled and honored. Stephen Spurrier was never one to swirl aro...
May 30, 2025•59 min•Season 10Ep. 11
If you have thought about entering the wine trade but really don't think you would be much of wine winemaker...but you really feel like you are going to love it. It actually took me many years to "love" it but hear this story. Armen is getting ready to quite his day job... head down and make it work. And you know, it is working. Armen Ghazikhanian didn’t so much dive into the wine business as wander in with curiosity, a keen palate, and a spreadsheet in his back pocket. You’ll come away from thi...
May 27, 2025•57 min•Ep. 421
When last in Bordeaux, I spent some time with Veronique Sanders-Van Beek, the Director of Chateau Haut Bailly. And as a result, she offered an internship to one of my favorite interns who graced the Wine of the Month Club. The young girl arrives shortly in Bordeaux to start her journey. I learned from Mdm. Veronique that her husband, Alexander Van Beek, is the Director of Chateau Giscours, a third growth of the famed 1855 Classification. When I heard that Pauline was in town to share the wines.....
May 22, 2025•56 min•Ep. 420
I have known the Levys for years. I've known them as restauranteurs and gracious people. They fell in to the restaurant business and it was sink of swim; swim they did, creating an iconic establishment in heart of Southern California. From the restaurant came what one would consider the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley...a craft cocktail lounge. No one had heard of such falderall out of downtown Los Angeles, a craft cocktail bar...the idea. Well, it turns out to be a brilliant idea an...
May 20, 2025•54 min•Ep. 417
I am halfway through Gerard Bertrands new book: "Multidimensional Wine" and realize it is a must read for wine professionals and novices alike..get it here: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/multidimensional-wine Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bringing the wines from the South of France to the notice of the wine world. He farms biodynamicaly ...
May 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 416
Gary Brooks doesn’t just make wine—he turns the whole idea of winemaking on its head and brings it back down to earth, reminding us that, after all, it’s just “rotting fruit.” But don’t be fooled by the humility. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll discover how a man raised in Annapolis, guided by a career that veered from the Navy to IT management, ended up chasing Pinot Noir dreams in California’s Petaluma Gap. As Paul Kalemkiarian digs in, you’ll learn how Gary navigated the split between w...
May 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 419
On a podcast with Emilie Steckenborn of LVMH China, she insisted that I meet with Robert Foye to discuss a podcast appearance. She insisted. After 2 minutes on a call with Robert, I moved from chatting to scheduling. Despite conversations on the web about how the trade should be more innovative and rethink, Robert feels you need experience to move forward. How can you innovate without knowing the pitfalls of what came before? With Robert Foye, it is about leadership and adaptability. Hear it her...
May 13, 2025•50 min•Ep. 418
I was approached by a PR firm to put Ben Bell on the show. Certainly seemed like an interesting thought. Afterall, domestic Sake is a rarity and one from the heart of Little Tokyo, Arkansas! (that was a little tongue-in-cheek humour). There were so many questions and so little time. Some stories just require more questions and who wouldn't want to know how in the H-E double hockey sticks did he fall into making Sake in Arkansas. Ben Bell might be the only person you’ll ever meet whose journey to...
May 08, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 418
If you were to reflect on the most influential restaurants during the renaissance of food in America, you could not exit the thought without thinking of Ma Maison. Not only a Hollywood scene of its own, the fresh take on French cuisine started the change in how Americans saw food. One of the most poignant contributions to the food scene was bringing the chef out of the "back-house" into the "front house" to glad hand the guests. And make the chef Wolfgang Puck and you have a recipe for success. ...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 19
One of the more intriguing elements of wine is that it can appeal to a wide range of people. In wide range, I mean it has appeal on so many different levels; a novice can just enjoy their favorite wines from the supermarket and delve into the history when inclined; a collector can peel each wine back and learn of its origin and take it a step deeper, the wine enthusiast that wants to put their toe in the water of wine knowledge can enroll in one the wine certification organizations and earn a ce...
May 01, 2025•59 min•Ep. 415
We I frist met Phil Long, I was tasting at the African American Association of Vintners and we just happen to stumble across the fact that we literally grew up around the corner from each other in Inglewood, California. Granted that was many years ago, and much has changed in society since those days, but we both ended up in the wine trade and found a mutual connection on both levels. Phil Long might be the only winemaker who can turn a tale about drafting homework into a master class on the tho...
Apr 29, 2025•55 min
I couldn't help myself. I mean, how American can you be? In fact, I do what I can when travelling to absorb culture and not compare to the American lifestyle. But I had to ask "Is the Chinese food in China the same as it is in the states?" The answer....listen to the podcast! I was completely taken by Emilie...She brings warmth to her perspective but at the same time, taking a firm position that is rooted in vast experience and educated conjecture. Emilie Steckenborn makes a living where most of...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 414
What I didn't expect when we first logged into Riverside.fm for the podcast...was his opening remarks. "I am a bit bi-polar, dyslexic, a recovering alcoholic, and diagnosed with ADHD." and my response was "Is that it?" Then that turned into what I expect to be a series of episodes because forty-five minutes just ain't enough time. In this engaging episode of "Wine Talks," I sit with Tim Hanni, a Master of Wine, to delve into the fascinating world of wine. Tim reveals historical insights, such as...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 413
I had to take the call. When a PR firm reached out to Wine Talks to ask if Gisela Kreplinger would be an appropriate guest...I jumped all over the opportunity. We all have questions about wine as it is discussed in the Bible. Is it hypocratic? DId Noah become drunk? How is wine to be viewed in today's culture? You will be impressed and inspired by the answers from Dr. Gisela Kreplinger. Gisela Kreglinger might just convince you that wine is much more than a mere beverage; it's a divine conversat...
Apr 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 412
When I saw ske with Susan to see what we might talk about, I was taken by her passion to share her life's pursuits: WIne and music. After speaking for just a few minutes, the connection between the two was clear. Then I remembered an study done by the Bose corporation...she was inspired to hear more...as was I. In this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and Master of Fine Arts, shares her unique journey and insights into the intersection of wine and music. She reveals...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 411
Though different parts of the wine world (geographically) present their own headwinds, many of the difficulties in the wine trade are universal. And sometimes the solution is at hand, but just not realized or acted upon. Moahe Weizman saw the issue, brainstormed a solution and has now launched his idea. And it is working. Welcome to Wine Talks with Paul K. In today's episode, I dive into the innovative world of collaborative wine selling with Moshe Weizman from Whining. Imagine transforming the ...
Mar 27, 2025•55 min•Ep. 410
I went back into my archives and found a newsletter from 1998. I had featured the Chateau Potelle 1995 Zinfandel and I remember the wine well. On a recent trip to Napa, after 28 years, I decided it would be nice to check in with Jean-Noel. I am not sure why I waited so long! In this episode of Wine Talks, I sit with Jean-Noel and dive into the world of wine with a sprinkle of humor and a good dash of philosophy. Jean-Noel, a seasoned veteran, opposes the American habit of rating wines, comparing...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 409
There is elegance, there is smarts, and there is athleticism...rarely do you find them in one person. Meet Florence Cathiard, half of the husband-wife team that owns and transformed both Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux and Cahtiard Vineyards in Napa. The dynamic duo as established these two prime vineyards and places of history into thought provoking destinations. It takes about 20 seconds to realize you are conversing with an accomplished business woman and wine romanticist. Join me as I...
Mar 20, 2025•47 min•Ep. 408
I am always intrigues with entrepreneurs, particularly ones that venture in the the space that I occupied for over 35 years. That is the curation of fine wine to expose people to fine wine. It can be a thankless job at times because you only seem to hear about the issues and problems a client might have, but growth in itself proves you are doing more good than harm. I just wrapped up an incredible episode of Wine Talks with the amazing Claudia Callegari. We dove deep into the world of affordable...
Mar 18, 2025•50 min•Ep. 407
Our first attempt at this resulted in catastrophic audio quality...but I was so intrigued by her enthusiasm and thoughtful approach to wine and wine education that I had to find the time to get her back on the show. Meet Tonya Morning Star. I am thrilled to share the latest episode of Wine Talks, featuring my special guest, Tanya Morning Star, CEO of the Cellar Muse. This episode delves into the world of wine education, exploring the rich tapestry of wine origin, history, and the unifying experi...
Mar 11, 2025•49 min•Ep. 406
What up? wine enthusiasts! It's your host, Paul K, and welcome to another episode of Wine Talks with Paul Kay. Today, we're on a thrilling away game in the picturesque Napa Valley, home to some of the finest wineries in the world. Join me at the historic Inglewood Winery, where I sit down with the talented winemaker Jonathan Tyer and winery Director Enrique Herrero . It's a fascinating journey through the heart of California's wine country, exploring the rich history and ever-evolving art of win...
Mar 06, 2025•49 min•Ep. 405
I was at a wine tasting minding my own business when this attractive young Armenian woman approaches and asks if I am Paul from the Wine Talks podcast, as I straighten-up and look scholarly (as far as I know), we engaged in such a great conversation that I immediately extended an invitation to sit and tell her story. Welcome to Wine Talks with Paul K, where we dive deep into the stories behind the vineyards. In today's episode, Ani Duzbadanyan shares her journey from a journalist in Armenia to a...
Mar 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 404
In this enlightening episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of food and wine with renowned critic Peter Dills. Discover the legacy and insights of old-school restaurant criticism, the impact of digital media on consumer choices, and how the culture of dining is shifting with time. Whether we're talking about the challenges restaurants face in sustaining the classic dining experience or navigating the complexities of the wine market, this conversation is as m...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 403
