Sitting with Jess Lander is like sitting with your best friend. She is open, fun, and interesting while also informative, cautious, and inspiring. You will learn that wine writing doesn’t come easy for most. Even the most experienced writers sometimes feel like they have run out of subject matter or just plain can’t get their thoughts on paper. For Jess, the ideas seem to flow from her mind to her tablet and she never looks back. Though we spoke for an hour, we hardly touched on all the subjects...
Dec 27, 2022•47 min•Season 13Ep. 19
Sharon Kazan Harris tells it like it is. She is unabashed in her opinion of what is happening in the wine trade and Napa particularly. With a home in Bordeaux France, she carries with her an appreciation of the old and new world wines and brings to the table this unique perspective. When you visit downtown Napa, the tasting room Mia Carta represents her RareCat brand of wines. You will be intrigued if you are fortunate enough to catch her working. In the meantime, have a listen. PK
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 13Ep. 18
Imagine the diagnosis; “you have terminal prostate cancer.” Now what? Listen to this emotional testimony by Dr. Bob (Pulmonologist with the VA) as he walks us through the diagnosis, treatment, and post-realization efforts to support research through the process of raising funds with the wines he has made. Such an interesting story with such courage to emulate. It is truly an inspiring story. To learn more on how you can support prostate cancer research and Dr. Bob, visit the links below. Holland...
Dec 20, 2022•48 min•Season 13Ep. 17
Despite Utah being one of the most strict post-prohibition states, Brooke Martin set up shop as a wine broker. Not knowing what would transpire, she just needed to make a change. Learn what it takes to go from wine enthusiast to wine influencer. She walks us through her regular day and the travel required to make this work. Join me in a fascinating podcast with Brooke Martin.
Dec 15, 2022•58 min•Season 13Ep. 16
This is one driven and intelligent individual. Fighting through racism, sexism, and bureaucracy. Justine has prevailed in creating a new organizational pro forma for the wine business. This is no easy task and is faced with unknowns. Having vast experience in hospitality (currently the Maitre d’hôtel at Comodo in Gramercy Park), Justine took to the supplier side of our business but in a completely unconventional way. Using a cooperative plan to form their company, they have potentially created a...
Dec 13, 2022•56 min•Season 13Ep. 15
A man after my own heart. I had to ask…what is a “Wine Wally?” His response..”Basically, wine idiot” That made me laugh. Liam takes a unique approach to speaking on wine and is very straightforward about his goals. Teach his wine lessons live; meaning, he lets his followers in on his journey through the wine world. I love this idea. For instance, he goes to the supermarket and buys three wines of the same grape from three different price ranges; tastes them and reports on them. We had some good ...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 13Ep. 14
Monique Soltani is an award-winning journalist, TV News anchor, Mother, Wife, Host of Wine Oh T.V., and much more. She has accomplished so much and has been on a journey with her successful show, Wine Oh T.V. But in the midst of shooting a wine episode she got word of her husband's illness; she dropped everything to be by his side, and eventually, she had to say goodbye to her beloved. But in the face of this adversity, she prevailed. She had taken some time off and focused on raising her twin d...
Dec 06, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 13Ep. 13
Wine influencers are a thing. They are passionate about wine and know how to tell stories. Paige Comrie is a classic example. She learned of the “lifestyle” of wine and it was “Katie bar the door”. With both guns drawn, Paige set out to share her passion for wine through photography in Napa Valley. Originally for no charge, she began re-imagining the social presence of Napa wineries. Thus a career was born. Now she not only handles social networking and photography for wineries and her own blog,...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 13Ep. 12
Wine is about the story; the place, the history, and the people who created it. Meet Xavier Sanchez of Chateau Pichon Baron. The classification of 1855 put the Pichon Longueville as a second-growth wine in the famed district of Pauillac. Other notables in the same district are Lafite Rothschild and Chateau La Tour….heard enough. Xavier brings a fresh but educated outlook on wine, Bordeaux, and what it takes to maintain authority in the Bordeaux sector. Enjoy this conversation as it takes twists ...
Nov 29, 2022•53 min•Season 13Ep. 11
Distilled spirits are an amazingly tough market. It never ceases to amaze me how the segment can absorb another premium spirit. But this premium spirit is un unique; it is non-GMO. Wine Talks recently had the guest of a GMO probiotic that helps reduce the symptoms of a hangover…now on the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Mark Anderson who created the largest source of non-GMO rum and vodka. His passion is evident when he delves into the sources of his spirits and the logistical path he and...
Nov 25, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 13Ep. 10
Meeting Tonya Pitts is like discovering your new favorite wine. Our conversation was captivating, rich, and full of depth and character! She is a role model to many within the wine industry and the perfect example of an excellent sommelier who goes above and beyond to bring outstanding wines to the list she curates and the customers she guides. She currently is the wine director at One Market in San Francisco, 2022 Wine Enthusiast Winner for best Sommelier/Wine Director, an advocate for women an...
Nov 22, 2022•58 min•Season 13Ep. 9
The difference between old-world and new-world wineries is embedded in the story of Chateau Trianon. The Hebrard family was deeply tied to the famed Cheval Blanc in Saint Emillion but was forced to sell under certain legal ties to the property. This is real Bordeaux history. Dominque Hebrard searched for the perfect replacement for his love of wine and through discreet connections, uncovered Chateau Trianon. What is so special? This is the property that Louis the XIV called "refuge privé" (priva...
Nov 17, 2022•40 min•Season 13Ep. 8
A.P.W.A.S.I. stands for the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute...an institute began by Dr. Clinton Lee to give access to all who seek education in our industry. He is articulate and passionate about what a proper glass of wine brings to the table. Dr. Lee takes a holistic approach to not only what is in the glass, but what it takes to enhance the service and hospitality of the wine and spirits experience. We had a completely wonderful conversation and could have spoken for another hour, howe...
Nov 08, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 13Ep. 5
Once in awhile a guest comes to the studio that takes over the show. Lia is one of those guests. Knowledgeable, fun, engaging and intriguing would be a few adjectives I would use to describe our conversation. And the wines were great too! lol. The Glenelly Estate is producing amazing Bordeaux style wines...butwait, they also produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; which is perfectly fine for Lia, she was raised in Burgundy, France. The history of South African wines is intriguing and the history of t...
Nov 03, 2022•59 min•Season 13Ep. 4
Charlie brings a rather unique view of the wine world. As a human resources attorney by day, his love for wine and his matter-of-fact approach all other times has landed him in the unexpected position of wine influencer. But the story isn't over. Charlie is also an expert and importer of fine caviar. It is a first to have a caviar specialist on the show. Charlie calls it the way he sees it and at some point in his pursuit of wine knowledge and appreciation (and he gets it), he stumbled upon the ...
Nov 01, 2022•54 min•Season 13Ep. 3
Not only is she part of an unheralded 7th-generation California wine family, but she is also a wine influencer to boot. Meet the effervescent Cecily Gamba from Gamba Vineyards and You had me at Bordeaux. All industries need to look to the youth to find a path. Though wine is an ancient industry, the marketing and consumption of wine looks nothing like its history might suggest. These days it takes social media, email, google, and influencer marketing. Cecily finds herself in a unique position tr...
Oct 27, 2022•54 min•Season 13Ep. 2
If it takes a team of winemakers, pickers, marketers, accountants, and many more...It takes a Director of Operations to hold it all together. Benoit Collard of Piper-Heidsieck is just that person. From the farm to production, it takes a skilled motivator and compromiser to keep a winery functioning. You only get one harvest a year to make it right and the pressure is on. Meet Benoit Collard of the renowned Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck. He runs the show. And I think you will find his approach ...
Oct 26, 2022•54 min•Season 13Ep. 1
Port is an elixir that is meant to shut down the day, take a break from the rat race, and indulge oneself in a sensory delight. The traditional port is from the Douro region of Portugal and the story of the region and wine is part of wine history. The oldest port house in Portugal is Kopke (pronounced Kop-keh). We were delighted to have Carla Tiago, the lead winemaker of Kopke, on Wine Talks Podcast. You will hear about the making of Port, the governmental oversight of Port, the terroir of the D...
Oct 20, 2022•58 min•Season 12Ep. 20
You will learn the passion and commitment it takes to grow and make Champagne. The world has an expectation of the best wines that come from the famed district. Clovis Taittinger from Champagne Taittinger recently visited Los Angeles and I had the chance to reconnect with him in Hollywood. After a few minutes, I remembered how he is a very philosophical man whose point of view is rooted in history and sentiment. The winery is owned by his father and run by the sister and brother team of Vitalie ...
Oct 18, 2022•37 min•Season 12Ep. 20
Eva Horton tried out for the Dallas Cowboy cheerleading squad almost on a bet. You could say it was a "double dare" that most people would have ignored or stuffed off. Not Eva, she is a true and true Texas woman who lives up to her commitments. And after a few minutes of listening to her story, you too will understand what I am telling you. Flat Creek Winery is outside of Austin, Texas about an hour out of the airport, and plays host to an incredible tasting room, restaurant, disc golf, concerts...
Oct 13, 2022•52 min•Season 12Ep. 19
The history of the Champagne district of France is storied. The romance of the beverage and the cultural impact is even more influential in our lives. Piper Heidsieck is in the middle of this history and we had the lead winemaker in the house to talk all things Champagne. Emilien Boutillat stopped in to chat about the district, the winery, the philosophy, and the methods at this fabled winery. Have a listen to gain a new appreciation of Champagne and sparkling wine as a whole.
Oct 11, 2022•46 min•Season 12Ep. 18
Port is often miss-understood. What it is, when to serve and how to serve. How long does it last in the bottle once opened? and are there optimal serving temperatures? What is the difference between a Ruby and Tawny Port? What is a vintage Port or for that matter and Late Bottled Vintage Port? All these and more questions are answered on this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K. Ana Rato travels the world virtually half of her year touting the value of a good glass of Port. An elixir by some defin...
Oct 06, 2022•51 min•Season 12Ep. 17
Emmanuel is one of the most interesting gentlemen in the wine industry. Besides being one of the early American Master Sommeliers ever bestowed the accolade, he makes wine, beer, and not nitro brew coffee. I have always loved his Clos Pessarra wines from Priorat Spain, but now he brings me his Miura beer and starts to talk about his nitro brew coffee...always looking for opportunities. Last week he stopped in to tout his latest accomplishments and as he is telling the stories I', "stop, let's do...
Oct 04, 2022•54 min•Season 12Ep. 17
Don't understand the Cotes Du Rhone wine region in France? Learn about it right here from Marie-Melodie Confetti of Vins de Vienne. A interesting story of three well known wine makers getting together to create something unique in the wine world. If you put three chefs in the kitchen together, there is no knowing what will come out...and the same is in the wine world. Wine making is a blend of art and science and different perspectives can muddle things up. Here they have created a wonderful exp...
Sep 29, 2022•42 min•Season 12Ep. 16
His family started the famed Champagne house Piper-Heidseick in 1789...meet Parirck d'Aulan of Alta Vista winery in Argentina. You will learn French history, Champagne history, cultural history, and the incredible wine movement in Argentina. Argentina has amazing terroir that is just now being discovered as the vineyards head up the Andes. Vineyard designate wines are becoming a movement in the Argentinian wine industry and it is clearly successful in expanding the mystique of these wines. Patri...
Sep 27, 2022•53 min•Season 12Ep. 15
This was fascinating….not only are their wine influencers in Lithuania, the food and wine culture is quickly growing and becoming European. Urté saw the need for wine and food eductions in her native Lithuania. The Soviet era stifled food creativity and clearly corralled wine production. In fact, during the Soviet era, each country had its role in the production of various alcohol products. Lithuania didn’t get much of the action and the food and wine culture was depressed. Now, with their new f...
Sep 19, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 12Ep. 11
A young man gives up his profession in the medical field to become the worlds leading expert on Sochu (Japanese distilled beverage). In this episode, you will learn about Sochu, Japanese Whiskey, Grappa, Koji mold, Saki, and more. Stephen Lyman is on an exciting journey as he now lives in Japan and travels introducing the world to the wonderment of not only Sochu...but all types of Japanese beverages. He also has an affinity for fine Bordeaux. This is one fantastic conversation. Have a listen....
Sep 19, 2022•55 min•Season 12Ep. 14
Learn what Enogastronomy is... a new word for me too! It happens to all of us. We can point to a time in our lives when our head was turned toward a career in wine. Federica is no exception. Hear the story from Federica as she was chasing a career in film and oops, caught the wine bug. Now the VP of the UK Sommelier Association, Federica lectures and shares her passion for wine through tastings and food pairings. She has a keen outlook on the trade of wine and the teaching of the value of a grea...
Sep 15, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 12Ep. 13
Stephanie Morton Small write music; not the notes but they lyrics. Oh, and she is the VP of a compelling winery in Argentina; Finca Decero. One theme that comes out of Wine Talks is the value of international experience in not only making wine but marketing wine. The passion that comes from these cross country experiences only further solidifies the mystique and intrigue the business of wine brings. Stephanie Morton Small has worked around the world in some of the great wine districts; Bordeaux,...
Sep 07, 2022•50 min•Season 12Ep. 12
The famed Burgundy house, Maison Louis Jadot became enamoured with the idea to start operations in Oregon (considered prince Pinot Noir and Chardonnay land). Since 1988, McMinnville college has been playing host to the International Pinot Noir Festival (we attended in 1989). In those days, there were only a handful of wineries and driving the wine trail in the Williamette Valley, you would find sporadic at best, vineyards to visit. Now, the industry is flourishing and the Resonance Vineyard is p...
Aug 25, 2022•49 min•Season 12Ep. 10
