Wine isn’t just a drink–-it’s an experience. So why limit wine education to a classroom? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here to explore. In this episode of Wine Talks, we’re joined by Christian Oggenfuss, CEO and co-founder of the Napa Valley Wine Academy. With a rich background in wine education, Christian shares how the wine academy was founded and its crucial role in shaping the wine industry. He discusses the significance of hands-on learning and understanding wine beyond textbooks. Ad...
Sep 24, 2024•50 min•Ep. 372
What is it like for women to break into the male-dominated wine industry? For Tracey Mason, a trailblazer and Senior VP of Vintage Wine Estates, the journey has been anything but easy. Despite women being the majority of wine consumers, they still hold fewer key leadership roles in this industry compared to men. Today, Tracey shares her experiences as a woman navigating this industry. She talks about the importance of authenticity in leadership and how she’s using her position to elevate other w...
Sep 19, 2024•55 min•Ep. 371
Do you ever wonder what it feels like to sip a glass of wine surrounded by world-class art and stunning landscapes? At Donum Estate, wine tasting is a soul-awakening experience. In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Angelica Mabray, CEO of Donum Estate, a winery that seamlessly blends art, nature, and fine wine in Sonoma’s Carneros district. Angelica reveals how Donum Estate is breaking away from traditional wine tastings by offering visitors an immersive experience with a world-c...
Sep 17, 2024•50 min•Ep. 370
Is the wine industry holding on too tightly to its traditional strategies? How ready are we for change? Today’s guest challenges us to rethink how we market and sell wine. Meet Priscilla Hennekam, a Brazilian wine expert now based in Australia. With a unique background that spans continents, Priscilla brings valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in exporting wine, particularly between Australia and Brazil. In this episode, Priscilla shares her experiences navigating the complex...
Sep 12, 2024•57 min•Ep. 369
Is the wine industry falling behind with its marketing strategies? How can it attract younger wine drinkers? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with marketing expert and founder of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing, Molly Bossardt. With her educational background in marketing and extensive experience, Molly explains how the wine industry is lagging in digital marketing and the importance of adapting to today’s modern marketing practices. This conversation also explores the growin...
Sep 10, 2024•53 min
What does it take to create a wine that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also carries a legacy of history, passion, and spirituality? Join us in this week’s episode of Wine Talks as Paul K sits down with the esteemed May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, one of Bordeaux’s most seasoned winemakers. Born into one of Bordeaux’s oldest wine families, May-Éliane, or Lady May as she’s fondly known, has seen it all–from the Great Depression to the German occupation during World War II. Today, Lady May sha...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 367
Have you ever tasted a wine so bad it inspired you to create something better? That’s exactly how Fly Wines was born. In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephanie Franklin, CEO and founder of Fly Wines. With a background in tech and marketing, Stephanie left her corporate job to venture into the world of wine, bringing a fresh perspective to an age-old industry. Today, she shares the unique story behind Fly Wines, a wine company that combines the best of both worlds–beau...
Sep 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 366
Imagine creating a world-class wine from grapes no one’s heard of—a wine that carries the history of a place and the resilience of its people. That’s exactly what Jerry Eisterhold, founder of TerraVox Winery in Missouri, is doing. Today, Jerry joins Paul K to discuss the highs and lows of his experimental journey–from discovering North America’s forgotten native grape varieties to the painstaking process of turning them into award-winning, food-friendly fine wines. This conversation tackles the ...
Aug 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 365
Picture this: You've just uncorked a bottle of 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild, a wine you've dreamed of tasting for years. The anticipation builds as you pour the deep red liquid into your glass, swirl it gently, and take in the aroma. But something's off. The bouquet isn't quite right. The taste? Disappointing, to say the least. What if I told you that the $500 bottle you just opened might be a fake? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, we sit down with Maureen Downey, the world's leading exper...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Do you sometimes feel intimidated by wine? You’re not alone. But what if I told you that wine is more accessible than you think? Meet Chasity Cooper, a Chicago-based wine writer and entrepreneur who’s been shaking up the wine world. With a background in marketing and a passion for wine that took her from Syracuse University to the vineyards of Spain, Chasity has carved out a unique space in this industry. She’s not just an incredible wine culture expert but also a champion for diversity and incl...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 364
In Italy’s Piedmont region, a new generation of winemakers is challenging centuries-old traditions. With an eye on sustainability and a thirst for innovation, these winemakers are crafting wines that reflect the region's unique terroir in bold and unexpected ways. In our latest episode of Wine Talks, we sit down with Paolo Scaiola, the talented young winemaker at Tenuta Carretta in Piedmont. With experience spanning from Sonoma to Western Australia, Paolo brings a fresh perspective to this histo...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 362
Have you ever wondered what it takes to preserve the legacy of a world-renowned winery? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, we sit down with Pierre-Olivier Clouet, the director general of the famous Château Cheval Blanc, one of Saint-Émilion’s premier wine producers in the Bordeaux region of France. Pierre shares his deep insights into the intricacies of vineyard management and winemaking and the level of dedication needed to maintain the Château Cheval Blanc’s legacy. We also discuss the evolv...
Aug 01, 2024•48 min•Ep. 361
Wine consumerism is changing. However, Pico Maccario, a three-generation Italian winery, is staying ahead in today’s market. How? Join us on this episode of Wine Talks as we venture right into the heart of Piedmont, Italy, with Emiliano Morando, the import and export manager at Pico Maccario Winery. Together, we’ll uncover the winery's unique approach and see how it skillfully mix tradition with modern touches to craft exceptional wines. Discover how consumer education has reshaped wine preferen...
Jul 30, 2024•48 min•Ep. 360
Have you ever wondered what makes a bottle of wine truly special? Is it the grapes? The region? Or what about packaging and marketing? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Vito La Fata, president and CEO of La Fata Cellars, who transformed a generational dream into a thriving wine business. Discover how this Sicilian vineyard owner leverages family traditions to create wines that are unforgettable and sellable. Today, we’ll explore Vito’s innovative approach to winemaking, ...
Jul 25, 2024•51 min•Ep. 359
The U.S. wine market is highly competitive. With a substantial number of both domestic and international brands, gaining shelf space and consumer attention can be quite difficult. However, Kanonkop Wine Estate, a renowned South African winery, is gaining traction, and we’re here to uncover its struggle and triumph in entering the U.S. market. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Heinrich Venter, sales manager of Kanonkop Wine Estate, a popular South African wine producer known for its high-qu...
Jul 23, 2024•40 min•Ep. 358
Have you ever wondered what types of wines have made it to White House state dinners? Join Paul K. and Frederick J. Ryan, White House wine authority and author of Wine and the White House: A History, as they explore the fascinating history of wine in the White House and uncover the untold presidential stories associated with it. Today, you’ll hear how wine became a silent yet potent diplomatic tool that helped shape the social fabric of state events. From Jefferson’s French wine voyages to the s...
Jul 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 357
Did you know there’s a hidden winery right in the heart of Los Angeles? Yes, and not many people know it. Located in the prestigious Bel Air, also known as Beverly Hills, Moraga Vineyard spans sixteen and a half acres of vineyard that produces great-tasting wines. In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Paul Warson, the talented winemaker and owner of Moraga Vineyard. Having worked for several notable vineyards across the country (including Australia), Paul brings a wealth of knowle...
Jul 16, 2024•46 min•Ep. 356
Welcome back, Wine Talks listeners! In this episode "Take a Knee," host Adam Carolla and guest Paul Kalemkiarian tdelve into a whirlwind of intriguing topics, offering a blend of profound insights and entertaining anecdotes. Kicking off the discussion, Adam and Paul explore the nebulous concepts of "loss" and "measurement." They question the yardstick society uses to gauge success and failure while Paul passionately argues that every experience is a win. The conversation steers towards the philo...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr•Season 19Ep. 19
Sitting with Don and Petie Kladstrup is like sitting with a "live"history book. As complete "happenstance" would have it, they were sitting with M. Huet and heard the most amazing story of survival. A story of survival in a German POW camp, a story of survival through the memory of a glass of wine, the story of pure determination to get back to the vineyard. At this intersection of history and story telling, the Kladstrups realized there was more out there to learn; that wine is about the story,...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 19Ep. 18
Was there a Bob Hope movie....The Road to Yerevan? Maybe not, but the road to Yerevan for James Tufenkian is fascinating. James is one motivated diasporan. He has created a well-known, world-wide hand woven carpet, planted 1,000,000 trees in Armenia, built a hotel chain and is now embarking on the wine trade. Here are three important points made by James Tufenkian in the episode: 1. **Freedom and Lifestyle in Armenia**: James notes that Jewish immigrants from Russia find the lifestyle in Armenia...
Jul 09, 2024•48 min•Season 19Ep. 17
A Toast to Tradition and Innovation Paul K: Welcome to another episode of "Wine Talks"! Today, we’re popping the cork on a conversation that's rich in history and flavor with the illustrious Veronique Sanders, director and president of Chateau Haut Bailly in the Pessac Leognon district. Veronique: Thank you, Paul! I'm excited to share our journey and passion with your listeners. Paul K kicks things off by reminiscing about the days of his father's involvement in the wine business. He talks about...
Jul 02, 2024•48 min•Season 19Ep. 16
I know the story of the movie Bottle Shock...but here is the back story. Ease drop on this carzy good conversation with the producers of the movie Bottle Shock...but add a hilarious element with Flint Dillie; the designer of the game of the namesake...Bottle Shock. I am already in line to receive my copy because the game is not about wine...well, maybe wine is part of the game, but the premiss is about fooling the judges. But wait, there are legit judges and phoney judges and it is your job to f...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 19Ep. 15
In an engaging moment on the "Wine Talks" podcast, host Paul K shares a fascinating anecdote from his early days as a wine taster. Reflecting on his extensive experience in the industry, Paul recounts how he began tasting wines in 1988. He notes the significant evolution of rosé wine over the decades, particularly in the 1990s when rosé barely made an appearance in his tasting room. Fast forward to the present, and Paul observes a remarkable surge in the popularity of rosé, with every wine-produ...
Jun 20, 2024•49 min•Season 19Ep. 14
Each of us has had one of his wines...somewhere, somehow. Charles Smith is an acclaimed winemaker renowned for his authentic and refreshing approach to the craft. Starting with humble beginnings, Charles personally transported his wine, driving an overburdened van filled with 84 cases to his first potential buyers. His genuine personality and hands-on dedication quickly endeared him to wine enthusiasts and consumers alike. His journey from a passionate individual in an overloaded van to a recogn...
Jun 18, 2024•30 min•Season 19Ep. 13
The wine trade is about passion. From vineyard management to marketing, without the passion, one could never overcome the headwinds. Multiply the headwinds by 10 when trying to open new markets for smaller wineries and lessor known districts. Heinrich Venter tells us all about those headwinds...couple with the passion to get it done. Embracing Tradition and Innovation: Paul K and Heinreich delve into the challenges faced by young winemakers who strive to uphold their predecessors' legacy while i...
Jun 14, 2024•53 min•Season 19Ep. 12
During the episode, Jamie shares a riveting story from his auction days at Sotheby’s. One of the most memorable moments was auctioning the Romney Condy 1945, which fetched an astounding $558,000. This bottle's value was bolstered not just by its rarity and exquisite quality, but also by its unique provenance - it originated from Robert Drouin's cellar, imparting a rich narrative that intertwined history and celebrity. This underscores the importance of storytelling and historical context in the ...
Jun 11, 2024•53 min•Season 19Ep. 11
When the Original Wine of the Month Club was ready for a new chapter, they turned to Carol Collison to make sense of the landscape of selling a wine club. In this episode, we peel it back on a number of fronts: Challenges in the Wine Business: - This episode dives deep into the financial and operational challenges faced by those in the wine business. Paul K recounts a friend’s struggles with a large, aged inventory and shares a cautionary tale about the risks of high pricing and poor market supp...
Jun 04, 2024•50 min•Season 19Ep. 10
Wine Talks was honored to speak with Danielle Coetzee, who is coaxing elegant sparkling wines from the Cap Town appelation in South Africa using the traditional Champagne method and grapes. 1. Cap Classiques is the South African version of traditional method sparkling wines with specific legal requirements. 2. Danielle's family background influenced her passion for winemaking, particularly her uncle's stories of harvest and vineyard work. 3. Nsiki Biela is a notable black winemaker celebrated wi...
May 30, 2024•1 hr•Season 19Ep. 9
The Serres Family ranch is multi-acted...in fact, it is most likely you have seen Serresbluleberries at your local store. Taylor is the 5th generation (which is a veritable reign for a California family in the wine trade) and is grooming the next generation to take over. 🍷 Embrace the Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Taylor Serres emphasized the importance of staying true to winemaking traditions while also being open to new methods, like co-fermented products. It’s like jazzing up a classic ...
May 28, 2024•54 min•Season 19Ep. 8
As part of the South African invasion that tool place here at Wine Talks, Petir Venter came to the studio ready to promote the wine of South Africa. And he did in a very humble way. 1. During COVID-19 lockdowns, some wineries in South Africa turned their wine shops into delis to stay operational and adapt to restrictions. 2. Petri Venter was introduced to vineyards through a Facebook game before transitioning to a real-life winemaking career. 3. South Africa is transitioning from bulk wine expor...
May 23, 2024•49 min•Season 19Ep. 7
