“Hey everyone, it’s Paul Kay here from Wine Talks, and let me tell you… buying wine? It’s more than just grabbing a bottle off the shelf. It’s emotional! Just like our guest from this episode, Madeline Puckette, said—‘purchasing wine is an emotional experience.’ And she’s not wrong. So, how do we connect all those emotions to wine? Storytelling.” “You know, I’ve been in this business for a long time, and let me tell you something—it’s not just about the taste or the price. It’s about the story b...
Feb 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 402
In this latest episode of "Wine Talks," I engage in a lively conversation with Zack Armen, the passionate force behind Storica Wines. Zack shares his vision to bring Armenian wines to the forefront of the U.S. market, emphasizing the rich history and unique qualities of Armenian viticulture. The discussion dives into the logistical nightmares of wine importing ("I thought 'Hand Sell' was a type of wine!"), the importance of storytelling in building a brand, and the challenges and triumphs of int...
Feb 20, 2025•53 min•Ep. 401
What does it take to turn a humble date into a game-changing, delicious spirit? Celebrity chef Elizabeth Falkner reveals her recipe. Renowned for her diverse culinary skills and TV appearances, Chef Elizabeth shares her latest venture: creating a sustainable line of spirits using California dates. In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Chef Elizabeth to explore the challenges of modern hospitality, the rise of bittersweet flavors in cocktail culture, the creative process beh...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 400
How would you reinvent a wine legacy that has already left its mark? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Cleo Pahlmeyer, former president of Pahlmeyer and now the founder of Wayfarer Vineyard, to explore how she reimagined her family’s rich wine legacy and carved a new path. Cleo takes us through her journey of building Wayfarer from the ground up. She talks about the challenges of today’s competitive wine market while staying true to the artistry of winemaking. They explore inn...
Jan 16, 2025•50 min•Ep. 399
Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of marketing and operations in the wine industry? In the competitive world of wine, keeping up with the ever-evolving marketing and operational challenges can feel overwhelming. But what if generative AI could be the game-changing tool your winery needs? In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephen Mok, founder of New Vintage Labs, to discuss the rise of vertical AI agents, how these tools can automate your tasks, and why AI i...
Jan 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 398
What would it take for you to leave a successful career to start a wine company? Marvina Robinson had it all–a 20-year Wall Street career and a clear path forward. But her heart was elsewhere. What began as casual champagne nights with friends turned into a journey of passion and resilience. In this episode, Paul K sits down with Marvina, CEO and founder of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, to discuss her remarkable journey in the wine industry. Marvina reveals how she built her champagne brand organical...
Jan 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 397
Cognac isn’t just a drink–it’s a story of history, people, and craftsmanship. This week on Wine Talks, Paul K takes you to the Double Barrel Whiskey Tavern in Beverly Hills for a deep dive into the world of cognac. He’s joined by Eric Le Bouar and Charles Bertrant from Maison Delamain, one of the most renowned names in the industry. Together, they’ll uncover the artistry behind crafting high-quality cognac, from its roots in France’s unique terroirs to the meticulous process that sets Delamain a...
Jan 07, 2025•50 min•Ep. 396
What if your wine could tell a story of integrity and experience rather than just taste? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K talks to renowned winemaker Charles Smith, who takes us behind the scenes of his unique approach to winemaking. Known for his organic winemaking practices, Charles explains the importance of commitment to native fermentation, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and making wine with integrity. This episode also covers the shift in the wine industry towards a more experien...
Dec 31, 2024•30 min•Ep. 395
Do you ever feel like a glass of wine could shift perspective? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Robert Vardanian, Director of Wine Purchasing at Wally’s, to explore the intellectual and emotional depths of wine. From evolving retail trends to the rise of emerging wine regions like Armenia, this episode also unpacks the complexity of wine culture. Robert sheds light on the evolution of hospitality post-COVID and the growing popularity of non-alcoholic wines in dining experienc...
Dec 24, 2024•57 min•Ep. 394
Why does wine feel so special, beyond just being a drink? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor for SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel. With over 16 years of experience in the wine industry, Wanda takes us on her journey from anthropology to wine expert, sharing what makes wine deeply anthropological. They discuss everything from the intersection of wine, culture, and history, the evolving inclusivity in wine, and why stories make every wine bottle memora...
Dec 17, 2024•57 min•Ep. 393
Do you ever wonder if AI can taste wine and tell you what consumers really want? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Katerina Axelsson, founder and CEO of Tastry, to explore how AI is transforming the wine industry, helping winemakers predict consumer preferences with scientific precision. Katerina shares her journey from chemist to tech entrepreneur and explains how Tastry’s unique approach bridges the artistry of winemaking with cutting-edge science. From rescuing wine batches...
Dec 10, 2024•53 min•Ep. 392
Have you ever imagined tasting a Chardonnay from Bordeaux? In this week’s latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Francois Peltereau-Villeneuve of Wine Concept to explore Château La Gaffelière’s bold artistry in blending Burgundy clones and its daring decision to leave Bordueaux’s rigid classification system. Learn how unique vineyard techniques, like vertical vine growth and vintage blending, are rewriting the region’s wine story. From innovative winemaking techniques to simplifying...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min•Ep. 391
Have you ever wanted to leave it all behind and follow your dream? That’s exactly what Romano Marniga and Patrizia Chiari did when they traded their careers in finance and coffee distribution for the rolling hills of Tuscany. In this episode, Paul K sits down with the owners of Tenuta Impostino, a boutique winery redefining Tuscany’s winemaking traditions. Romano and Patrizia share their journey from corporate grind to organic farming, highlighting the challenges and joys of building a family-ru...
Nov 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 390
What makes a dining or travel experience truly unforgettable? Vannessa Scott-Allen, Executive Director of Always Practice Hospitality, believes the secret lies in one word: connection. In our latest episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Vannessa explains how storytelling elevates wine from just a drink into a memorable experience. She emphasizes the growing need for genuine connections in a digital age where authenticity often feels lost. Vannessa also explores how COVID-19 reshaped the hospitality...
Nov 21, 2024•48 min•Ep. 389
Does wine feel too complicated? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, the founders of Invivo Wines, to explore how they’ve transformed the wine industry. Ditching the stuffy, aristocratic vibe traditionally associated with wine, Invivo has redefined the game with bold creativity and a focus on fun and inclusivity. They reveal the power of their celebrity collaborations with Sarah Jessica Parker and Graham Norton–partnerships that go beyond simple e...
Nov 19, 2024•49 min•Ep. 388
Bordeaux–a wine region synonymous with elegance, heritage, and traditional fine wines. But what happens when a 19th-century Bordeaux château boldly embraces modernity? In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Thibaut Richard, the Commercial Director of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Nestled within the city limits of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and countryside charm. Today, Thibaut explains how château preserves authentic...
Nov 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 387
Have you ever dreamed of starting a small wine production? Nerses and Carol Bezdjian did more than just dream–they took the leap. With Qini Wines, they blend Armenian heritage and an entrepreneurial spirit into every bottle. Nerses, with a background in wine logistics, made a fascinating detour to winemaking, driven by his desire to craft wines that tell a story. In this episode of Wine Talks, we dive into the joys and struggles of building a boutique wine brand–from hand-harvesting grapes to ma...
Nov 12, 2024•53 min•Ep. 386
What do today’s consumers really want in their glass? Are wine ratings the ultimate guide to wine enjoyment? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Aymeric de Gironde, CEO, president, and winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion, France. With a family legacy in the wine industry, Aymeric discusses the philosophy that guides his approach to winemaking: crafting wines that capture the essence of their terroir. He shares his insights into the modern wine consumer’s prefer...
Nov 07, 2024•52 min•Ep. 385
Wine isn't just a drink; it's a story, memory, and time capsule. In this episode of Wine Talks, we explore the world of authentic, handcrafted wines with Keith Saarloos of Saarloos and Sons. Keith’s vineyard journey began when his family transitioned from apple orchards to vineyards, fueled by resilience and a shared passion for creating unforgettable experiences. With a rich family legacy and a commitment to quality, Keith reveals how each bottle captures specific moments and places, inviting p...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 384
What does it take to protect a 200-year-old winemaking legacy? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K speaks with Thomas Schlumberger about the historical and cultural legacy of Domaines Schlumberger, a renowned Alsatian winery. Thomas, the seventh generation to manage this family estate, reveals how his ancestors preserved these vineyards during wars and the challenges that came with it. As climate change presents new challenges and possibilities, Thomas also explains how his team adapts to cont...
Nov 01, 2024•47 min•Ep. 383
Innovation fuels success–even in the centuries-old wine industry. But what truly qualifies as an innovation in the wine trade? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K dives into the transformative power of innovation across all sectors with Gerard Tellis, the Neely Chair of American Enterprise at USC. With over 35 years of expertise, Gerard shares invaluable insights from Tesla’s radical disruption of the automotive industry and incremental innovations shaping the wine trade. He highlights how com...
Oct 29, 2024•51 min•Ep. 382
Imagine enjoying a glass of beautifully crafted premium wine... without the alcohol! What if I told you that non-alcoholic wine could offer the same depth of flavor, elegance, and satisfaction as its traditional counterpart? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Rachel Martin, founder of Oceano Wines, who’s making waves in the industry by producing high-quality, non-alcoholic wines. Rachel shares her experience from running her family’s Virginia vineyard to launching her own brand...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min•Ep. 381
What happens when two Russian entrepreneurs decide to start a winery in Tuscany? You get a story as bold as the wine they’re producing! In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Luca Vitiello, marketing and sales director of Bertinga Winery, a revolutionary winery in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region. Founded in 2015 by two Russian wine enthusiasts, Bertinga Winery is breaking tradition by focusing on single-vineyard Merlot–a rarity in the Sangiovese-dominated region. With de...
Oct 22, 2024•52 min•Ep. 380
How does a country with no native wine culture become a new destination for wine lovers? Panama is showing us exactly how. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by wine writer and historian Charlie Leary to discuss how Panama is quickly emerging as a wine destination despite its non-traditional wine-producing background. With a growing middle class and a thriving digital culture, the country’s wine scene is booming—driven by imports from Spain and South America. Today, Leary takes us through Cent...
Oct 18, 2024•57 min•Ep. 378
Have you ever dreamed of starting something big–like planting a vineyard–in a place where it seemed impossible? Then this episode is for you. In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephanie Franklin, founder of Franklin Vines, who is building her first ever vineyard in the historic yet lesser-known town of Shankleville, Texas. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey of honoring her family’s legacy by creating a vineyard on her grandfather’s land, despite the harsh Texas clim...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 379
Have you ever thought about what makes icewine so unique? You might be familiar with dessert wines, but icewine stands out on its own! In the latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Randy Dufour from Arterra Corporation to break down the fascinating process behind this rare and extraordinary wine. Made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine and harvested at just the right moment, icewine is truly one of a kind! Randy covers everything you need to know about icewine–from its ri...
Oct 10, 2024•59 min•Ep. 377
What happens when a world-renowned luxury jewelry brand like Bulgari decides to create wine? Giovanni Bulgari, the great-great-grandson of the iconic jeweler, has poured his heart into a different kind of craftsmanship–wine. In this week’s episode, Paul K sits down with Francesco Poggi, export manager for Podernuovo, to explore the fascinating story of the Bulgari family and how Giovanni transitioned from luxury jewels to fine wine. Francesco gives us an insider’s view of how Giovanni brought th...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Ep. 376
Imagine a place where you can store your favorite bottles of wine, enjoy them with friends, and indulge in high-end dining–all in one location. Sounds too good to be true, right? In this week’s episode, Paul K chats with Damon Raque about his exciting new concept in Atlanta–-Bottle Bank. Bottle Bank isn’t just wine storage; it’s a wine lover’s paradise! Whether you’re looking to enjoy your collection in a luxurious setting or explore new wines with like-minded enthusiasts, Bottle Bank has you co...
Oct 03, 2024•55 min•Ep. 375
What makes South African wines stand out in the global wine industry? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Jacques Viljoen, Cellar Master at Boschendal Wines, to uncover the secret behind South Africa’s great-tasting wines. With a unique balance of old-world tradition and new-world freedom, Jacques explains how South Africa’s winemakers are using diverse terroirs and cutting-edge winemaking techniques to produce wines that are both elegant and timeless. If you are curious to know...
Oct 01, 2024•42 min•Ep. 374
Are we losing the authentic flavors of our food, or are they just being masked by modern food trends? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Anthony Rahayel, founder of NoGarlicNoOnions–a YouTube sensation for food lovers worldwide. Today, Anthony shares his incredible journey from being a dentist to traveling the world in search of authentic food stories. With over 8,500 videos to his name, Anthony explains why he’s on a mission to preserve traditional Lebanese culinary techniques...
Sep 26, 2024•50 min•Ep. 373
