Wine Talks with Paul K.
All you knew about wine is about to bust wide open… We are going to talk about what really happens in the wine business, and I’m taking no prisoners. Learn more at: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/. I am your host, Paul Kalemkiarian, 2nd generation owner of the Original Wine of the Month Club, and I am somewhere north of 100,000 wines tasted. How can Groupon sell 12 bottles for $60, and the wines be good? How do you start a winery anyway and lose money? And is a screwcap really better than a cork? Sometimes I have to pick a wine at the store by the label and the price... and I get screwed. Subscribe now and prepare to be enlightened.
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Inventing the Coravin: Greg Lambrecht on Transforming Wine Culture and Expanding By-the-Glass Exploration
11/18/2025
Inventing the Coravin: Greg Lambrecht on Transforming Wine Culture and Expanding By-the-Glass Exploration
Who invents these things? and what experience do they have that gets them to the point that they can invent these things? Entrepreneurs are a crafty bunch. They dream. They test themselves. They switch gears on the fly. So goes the story of Greg Lambrecht, the inventor of the Coravin wine preservation and dispensing system. You have to believe the story, though it seems unbelievable, because it is true. Imagine a podcast where invention, passion, and the enduring mystique of wine come together—where stories of ingenuity inspire new perspectives on the familiar rituals of sharing a bottle. Welcome to Wine Talks, and in this special episode, we sit down with none other than Greg Lambrecht: medical device inventor, Chairman, and founder of Coravin, the revolutionary wine preservation system that’s changed the way we taste and savor the world’s finest bottles. Our journey begins not in a vineyard, but deep inside the world of plasma physics, where a young Greg Lambrecht first dreamed of fusion reactors before pivoting toward medicine and, ultimately, the creative crossroads that would see him transform both fields. It’s the kind of path mapped by an insatiable curiosity, a "ferocity of purpose"—as Greg Lambrecht puts it—that won’t let go until a solution is found. Whether protecting healthcare workers with safer needles or opening doors to rare wines without ever pulling a cork, Greg Lambrecht's inventions answer needs no one thought to ask out loud. What sets this conversation apart isn’t just its recounting of triumphs over glass and grape, but the philosophy animating Greg Lambrecht’s work. He believes wine’s true essence lies not in luxury, but in experience: its power to bring people together, its infinite variety ripe for exploration, its uncanny knack for weaving memory and flavor into moments we’ll never forget. Wine, as he reminds us, is the "most social beverage," a thread running through history that binds strangers and friends alike. Threaded throughout the episode is an unyielding optimism: that even as wine faces cycles of challenge—from shifting tastes to industry headwinds—it will endure, because what it offers is elemental and unchanging. Imbued with the joy of discovery and a respect for craftsmanship, this episode doesn't just trace the arc of an inventor’s career; it champions a deeper message. Innovation and tradition aren’t adversaries, but partners that keep the world of wine vital and surprising for the generations yet to come. So pour a glass, settle in, and let this episode remind you that sometimes, the best stories—and the best bottles—are those we share together, with curiosity and an open mind. The future of wine, it turns out, is a journey made one meaningful sip at a time. #WineTalksPodcast #GregLambrecht #PaulKalemkiarian #Coravin #WineInnovation #WinePreservation #Entrepreneurship #WineIndustry #WineByTheGlass #WineDiscovery #WineExperience #MedicalDevices #WineCulture #WineTasting #WineTechnology #ChampagnePreservation #WineMemories #Sommelier #WineEducation #WineCommunity
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Breaking Traditions: Collaboration, Diversity, and Modern Strategies in the Wine Industry
11/11/2025
Breaking Traditions: Collaboration, Diversity, and Modern Strategies in the Wine Industry
There is alot of speculation, prognositcatiom, miss-information, ridiculous conclusions, and outright bad data about the wine trade right now. Everyone with an opinion is chiming in. And some of these folks have done nothing more than work in a wine shop or behind the scenes at an agency. How does that quote go? "It is much easier to give advice from the veil of cover, than to use it at the point of attack" That is percisely how I feel about much of what is being said. Enter Barbara Gorder. She gives advice but has used it at the point of attack. You see, she didn't come from the wine trade to convolute and miss-comprehend the data, she came from main stream marketing; high end stuff; Leo Burnett. Barbara Gorder never cared much for the wine itself—at least, not at first. Her fascination started in a Roman-built wine cave, an art history professor and a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But what truly pulls Barbara Gorder into wine’s gravity isn’t just what’s in the glass; it’s the changing, challenging business behind it. This episode pours listeners an insider’s view not just of shifting generational tastes or the specter of “neo-prohibitionists,” but the seismic explosion of wineries competing for our (increasingly distracted) attention. You’ll discover how direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine marketing—once an afterthought—has grown into a multibillion-dollar necessity, and how Barbara Gorder helped drive this revolution by importing lessons from fields as disparate as luxury beauty and global snack foods. With wit and blunt honesty, she uncorks tales of exclusion—women in marketing meetings, outsiders “not related by blood or marriage”—and explains how diversity and collaboration are quietly rewriting the rules of success. Listen in as Paul Kalemkiarian grills her on why most wineries have only now started talking to their customers (and still don’t know their acquisition costs), why the wine industry’s language gap drives away curious drinkers, and how the future lies not in doom-and-gloom narratives, but in creative marketing and open doors. This is a rare tasting of industry confessionals, hard marketing truths, and what it really takes to stand out when your competitors have multiplied from 7,500 to over 11,000 in under five years. By the end, you’ll have a seat at the table with the most eccentric thinkers in wine, understand why “my wine sells itself” is a myth, and get a glimpse at the future of how—and to whom—wine is going to be sold. #wineindustry #DTCwine #BarbaraGorder #PaulKalemkiarian #winemarketing #winebusiness #winerycompetition #winesymposium #FreetheGrapes #directtoconsumer #wineclubs #winediversity #wineexperience #wineeducation #winesalesstrategies #winetech #digitalmarketing #womeninwine #wineconsumertrends #winepodcast
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Behind the Bottle: Wine, Humility, and Inspiring Stories from Rome to Texas
11/06/2025
Behind the Bottle: Wine, Humility, and Inspiring Stories from Rome to Texas
Wine is about the humanity. This concept hit me on a flight home from Rome. I was watching a movie and started to weep. I realized the human soul needs passion, passion forsomething; maybe another person, maybe a lifestyle, maybe a career, but passion drives our will. And wine is full of passion. To do it right, it takes nothing less than passion. Hey there, it’s Paul Kalemkiarian on Wine Talks, and in this episode, I really wanted to get personal and share how deeply humanity and humility run through every thread of the wine world at its highest levels. I open the show reflecting on a profound sense of gratitude after tasting with some top producers—it reminded me why I’m passionate about this podcast. Wine isn’t just a commodity to me; it’s an expression of earth, spirit, and story, and the purpose of Wine Talks is to spread that message. I also let listeners into my own little world, sharing that I’ve tasted 100,000 wines over the years and even built a comprehensive database (and now an AI-driven app) to catalog all these bottles. It’s quirky, but it keeps me grounded in what I love. Then, I shared a special moment from a recent trip to Rome, where I had the honor of attending the Vatican for the canonization of an Armenian archbishop. It was a powerful experience—full of history, pageantry, and meaning. Of course, the promised “private audience with the Pope” wasn’t exactly one-on-one selfies, but still, being there among so many was remarkable. The journey continued to Puglia in southern Italy, where I managed, despite short notice, to meet with Mark Shannon of Amano wines. Mark’s story resonated deeply—an American winemaker settling in an up-and-coming wine region, driven by pure passion. We recorded a heartfelt conversation, shared great food, and I came away reminded how wine connects people at the most human level. On my flight home, I got unexpectedly emotional watching Top Gun: Maverick. It hit home how we all seek passion and escape—sometimes in movies, sometimes in travel, sometimes in wine. No matter our circumstances, that longing for meaningful off-ramps never goes away. The show then explores not only the artistry and soulfulness in winemaking, but also the nuts-and-bolts of the business—from manipulated supermarket bottles that miss the mark to innovative new packaging concepts, marketing strategies, and the challenges faced by artisans like Mark Shannon trying to access the U.S. market. I shared anecdotes about recent guests—a geophysicist connecting volcanic soils to wine character, a business-savvy marketing pro, and other passionate personalities in the wine world. I reflected on the fascinating diversity of experiences, from NBA stars getting into wine to trailblazers supporting Armenian wine in the global conversation. In the end, I emphasized why I do this: it’s for the humanity, the stories, and the connections that wine brings. My hope is always to bring listeners closer to the heart of wine—whether it’s a legendary Bordeaux tasting or a birthday party at my own home. It’s all about sharing, learning, and feeling something real. Cheers to the humanity of wine—and thanks for joining me on this episode of Wine Talks. #winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #winetrade #winebusiness #winetasting #humanityinwine #PugliaItaly #Armenianwine #Bordeaux #NapaValley #passionforwine #storytelling #volcanicsoil #winemarketing #appellation #Primitivo #Zinfandel #winemakers #wineculture
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Puglian Wine Evolution: Mark Shannon’s 46-Year Passion for Quality and Authenticity
11/04/2025
Puglian Wine Evolution: Mark Shannon’s 46-Year Passion for Quality and Authenticity
Wine Talks was invited to meet the Pope....well, at least by the language in the invitation, it sounded like we were going to meet the Pope. It turns out that the word "private audience" meant with 6294 other private invitees. Lol, it was an honor just to be there. Wine Talks took a detour out of Rome to the now-famed wine region of Puglia. Home of Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Fiano, the area of Puglia has a rich Italian history on its own. As the trip was put together on short notice, I searched through my database of Puglian wines tasted and found the wines of A MANO as wines I enjoyed. In the meantime, I reached out to Vahe Keushguerian for some advice on who to contact for a podcast; after all, his famed winemaking career started in Puglia. He mentioned Mark Shannon of A Mano wines...how about that for a serendipitous connection? I put out a quick email to Mark, and he graciously accepted...and offered to bring in a "traditional" Puglian lunch for our group. Mark Shannon may call himself “just a student of winemaking,” but after you hear his journey, you’ll realize he’s more of a wine whisperer—an alchemist who turns curiosity and grit into liquid art. Pour yourself a glass, because in this episode you’ll travel from the bustling streets of Toronto and the sun-drenched vineyards of California, all the way to an ancient town in Puglia, Italy, where Mark Shannon has spent nearly three decades revolutionizing the region’s wines. You’ll discover how he ditched a potential career in medicine for the fermentative fascination of grapes, and how, propelled by his mother’s wisdom to “work at something you really want to do,” he has woven innovation through tradition. Journey me and Mark Shannon as they break down the science, art, and sheer perseverance it takes to make world-class wine in a place once known as Europe’s bulk wine cellar. You’ll learn about the true identity of Primitivo, the surprising origins it shares with California’s Zinfandel, how post-communist Slovakia and Texas played into Mark’s winding path, and why he chooses soil health and vineyard wisdom over trend-chasing packaging fads. They’ll dig into the sociocultural shifts rocking the global wine market, dissect the mythos (and madness) of biodynamics, and debate what makes a wine truly reflect its terroir—even as climate, culture, and commerce threaten to pull it apart. By the end, you won’t just know how great wine is made—you’ll understand why people still obsess over it, why the right bottle at the right table can mean everything, and why Mark Shannon wouldn’t trade his hard-earned slice of Puglia for anything in the world. Amano Wines (also referred to as a Mano or Amano): This is the winery founded by Mark Shannon, and much of the conversation centers around it. Bogle Vineyards (mentioned by Mark Shannon as a place he worked): Fess Parker Winery (another winery Mark Shannon helped build): #WineTalks #Puglia #ItalyWine #MarkShannon #AdamCarolla #AmanoWines #Primitivo #NegroAmaro #Falanghina #BiodynamicWine #VineyardLife #WineMaking #Terroir #WinePodcast #EuropeanWine #GlobalWine #WineCulture #WineTasting #Sustainability #WineEducation
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Unlocking Luxury Wine: Charlotte Selles on Brand Strategy, Relationships, and the Business of Wine
10/30/2025
Unlocking Luxury Wine: Charlotte Selles on Brand Strategy, Relationships, and the Business of Wine
It is complitcated. Life. Wine. And to help clear up the wine complication (not sure there is a way to uncomplicate life), is Charlotte Selles. With a distinctive path to her new company Tassei, she brings to the table a wealth of experience cloaked in knowedge, philosophy and experience. She is like a wine savant. She was in LA for a speaking gig and breaved an unusual SoCal downpour to come to studio to share her spirit. Charlotte Selles is the kind of guest who’ll have you reconsidering not just what’s in your wine glass, but why you care in the first place. You think you know luxury in wine? Not so fast. Drawing on her roots in Paris, direct experience with Beaujolais, and a career arc that went from family negotiations to the boardrooms of Robert Mondavi and Jackson Family Wines, Charlotte uproots every tired assumption about what makes a winery—or a wine—worth chasing. Listen closely and you’ll discover why luxury isn’t about price tags or pedigrees, but about resilience, grit, and the tension that comes from pouring your soul into the vineyard, braving storms—literal and figurative—and nurturing a legacy. But this episode doesn’t stop with terroir. Charlotte takes you to the frontlines of modern wine business, from the misguided myth of floodgates marketing to the high-stakes realities of retention, data analytics, and AI in today’s DTC world. She’ll have you rethinking the purpose of your tasting room, craving the deep relationships behind the best bottles, and maybe even second-guessing whether a discount culture can ever breed true loyalty. By the end, you’ll have a new definition of success—not in cases sold, but in customers kept, relationships built, and a business as alive and evolving as the wine itself. Walk away with a fresh understanding of the true business of wine, grounded in purpose, powered by connection, and ready for an uncertain but thrilling future. Jackson Family Wines Website: Constellation Brands Website: Robert Mondavi Winery Website: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Website: Trader Joe’s Website: Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: Enolytics Website: Commerce7 Website: Wine Direct Website: The Wine Group Website: Verité Winery Website: KNL (K&L Wine Merchants) Website: Wally’s Wine & Spirits Website: #WineTalksPodcast, #CharlotteSelles, #PaulKalemkiarian, #LuxuryWine, #WineBusiness, #DTCWine, #WineInnovation, #CustomerRetention, #WineMarketing, #AIandWine, #NapaValley, #Beaujolais, #BrandStrategy, #SonomaState, #CriticalThinking, #WineRelationships, #WineConsulting, #Entrepreneurship, #WineIndustryInsights, #CommunityBuilding Charlotte Selles is a dynamic leader in the wine industry, known for blending deep expertise with an adventurous spirit. Born in Paris, Charlotte grew up immersed in wine thanks to her father’s work in the négociant industry and an ambitious, if slightly misguided, attempt to become a gentleman farmer in Beaujolais. Through this early exposure, she witnessed first-hand the highs and lows of wine production, gaining a nuanced understanding of luxury and the grit required to succeed. Charlotte made the leap to the U.S. in her early twenties, bringing with her a suitcase of Beaujolais and a healthy dose of courage. Over the years, she carved out a reputation as an innovative strategist, serving as the general manager of the renowned Robert Mondavi Winery and Constellation Brands. She also held the position of Vice President of International Portfolio Strategy for Jackson Family Wines, steering global growth for one of the industry’s heavyweights. Her journey ultimately led her to found Tissay, where she now works as CEO, advising premium vineyards and artisan wineries on brand management and growth. Tissay specializes in helping wineries recover from overexpansion, transition to new business models, and build meaningful relationships with their core customers. Charlotte’s approach is anything but one-size-fits-all; she champions retention marketing, customer data analysis, and strategic focus, drawing on her broad experience in both the European and American wine landscapes. In addition to her consulting work, Charlotte teaches at the Sonoma State Wine Business Institute and speaks on topics ranging from leadership and innovation to global market evolution. She’s well-known for her wit, candor, and commitment to elevating both wine and the people behind it. Her path, from Paris to California’s wine country, is proof that embracing adventure—and a bit of chaos—can lead to extraordinary results.
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From Rocks to Wine: Diana Khandilyan’s Unique Journey Through Terroir and Winemaking
10/28/2025
From Rocks to Wine: Diana Khandilyan’s Unique Journey Through Terroir and Winemaking
I jumped in on a LinkedIn conversation about wine, soil, volcano's and more. Thought I would contribute to the message string. That is when I engaged Diana on the concept of terroir. But not just any terroir, but volcanic terroir. Then I realized that Diana's expertise in the realm of wine...is the soil! She is a expert in energy and geophysics! Diana Kandiglian is the kind of guest who measures her excitement in bottles, not hours. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a scientist who reads rocks for a living falls in love with wine, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how Diana’s background as a geophysicist shapes her curiosity about soils and terroir, and why she believes the best wines surprise you, just like life itself. Through her stories, you’ll uncover why Armenia’s volcanic soils produce wines unlike any other, how centuries-old vines navigate climate change, and why boutique winemaking has become the soul of the country’s industry. Paul and Diana peel back layers of old world tradition and new world innovation, exploring appellations, indigenous grape varieties, and the risks of chasing global trends at the expense of authenticity. You’ll be puzzled—but enlightened—by the paradox of Armenia’s old vines and young winemakers, and why Diana advocates for some rules to keep the magic alive. There’s a fascinating discussion of soil science, climate, and grape selection: from Texan clays to French boulders, you’ll understand how the land whispers its secrets into every glass. You’ll hear why the future of wine in both Armenia and unexpected places like Texas and Brazil depends on resilience, sustainable practices, and stories worth telling. If your palate craves complexity and your mind seeks narratives from every region, Diana’s “Pour Across America” vision will inspire you to taste wines you’ve never imagined—and appreciate the intersection of science and soul in every sip. By the time you finish listening, you’ll carry away a deeper understanding not only of Armenian wine, but of what it means to seek adventure, surprise, and connection in your glass. Pour Across America Wine Club Website: Grgich Hills Winery Website: Zulal Wines Website: Van Ardi Website: Karas Wines Website: Messina Hof Winery Website: McPherson Cellars Website: En Vino Wine Shop (Envino) Website: Terravox Website: #winepodcast, #winetalks, #DianaKandiglian, #PaulKalemkiarian, #Armenianwine, #terroir, #geophysics, #soilscience, #volcanicwine, #winenatural, #sustainablewine, #boutiquewine, #fingerlakeswine, #pouracrossamerica, #winetasting, #climatechangewine, #winelover, #winenewworld, #wineeducation, #wineinnovation
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Wine Innovation: Mini Bottles, Younger Drinkers, and an Industry in Transition: Meet Abby Bogle
10/16/2025
Wine Innovation: Mini Bottles, Younger Drinkers, and an Industry in Transition: Meet Abby Bogle
I keep hearing how the industry has to change, how Gen Z is aren't drinking wine, how the trade is slow to do anything....until you speak with Abby Bogle. She is the type of enthusiasm and drive that is needed to move with the times. You have all heard me say that "time will tell" and that "all generations come around to the proper glass of wine." What Abby is doing is making the proper glass of wine more accessible. Be careful, she is a bit infectious. Abby Bogle is not your average disruptor—she’s bottling up tradition, cracking open innovation, and pouring new life into the wine industry one mini-bottle at a time. You’ll discover how Abby moved from the heart of Texas wine country to leading a revolution in single-serve wine formats that could change how generations experience wine. This conversation uncorks why classic 750ml bottles are struggling to captivate younger drinkers and what it will take for wine to rival the convenience of seltzers and cocktails. Abby reveals the secrets behind fractionalization—how her company, Small Lot Bottles, transforms wines into TSA-friendly miniatures for education, gifting, and direct-to-consumer sales. You’ll learn why canned wines fizzled, why PET plastic just doesn’t cut it, and how glass keeps wine’s integrity intact. The discussion dives into the technical challenges of bottling, shelf life, and the sophisticated use of Coravin’s argon technology to preserve taste and tradition. Paul and Abby muse on the frustrations of shipping wine, navigating legal hurdles, and why Gen Z consumers might grab a can of hard seltzer before ever considering a can of wine. As the conversation flows, you’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look at how wineries are adapting, how industry innovators like Paul Mabray are influencing change, and why experience matters more than size. You’ll come away understanding how the wine world is responding to declining sales, changing demographics, and the demand for something different—plus, you’ll hear about Texas’ own pioneering vineyards and what it means for the future. If you’re wondering where wine is headed, pull up a glass—this episode will give you more than just a taste of tomorrow’s wine culture. Small Lot Bottles Abby Bogle is owner and CEO of Small Lot Bottles. Their website is: Napa Valley Wine Academy Coravin Wine Foundry Oakville Grocery (Oakville Grocer) Culinary Institute of America Quarter Masters of America's Wine education partner: Knox & Dobson #wineindustry #fractionalization #smallformatbottles #wineinnovation #GenZwine #winetrends #winepackaging #wineexperience #directtoconsumer #wineeducation #NapaValleyWineAcademy #winesampling #Coravin #miniwinebottles #Texaswine #ONDseason #winesustainability #winewastesolutions #alternativewineformats #winerymarketing #winegifting #podcastinterview
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From the LA Lakers Locker Room to Napa Valley vines: Kelly E. Carter on Diversity, Story, and Wine Exploration
10/14/2025
From the LA Lakers Locker Room to Napa Valley vines: Kelly E. Carter on Diversity, Story, and Wine Exploration
I can tell you it was like sitting with a long, lost neighbor when sitting with Kelly E. Carter. And in fact, we were neighbors of sorts back in the day. It wasn't until I was searching for images to create the icons for this podcast did I realize I was in the presence of true maverick royalty. Besides being a New York Times best selling author, she has reported from the greatest sporting events of the world: the NBA FInals, Super Bowls, Grand Slams, Stanley Cup Finals and much more. And more intriguing, she was the woman reporter in the locker room! I was so intrigued and we could have spoken for hours because she is the Founder of the wine tourism group, Napa Valley Noir. sitting down with Kelly E. Carter in the studio for this episode of Wine Talks was like taking a stroll down memory lane while simultaneously hitching a ride on a train heading straight for the future of wine tourism. There’s something about Kelly—her energy, her wit, and just her knack for storytelling—that gets you thinking about the wine industry in ways that feel both nostalgic and freshly invigorating. We kicked things off with some good old home turf banter—Kelly’s Windsor Hills childhood (Ray Charles and Ike & Tina Turner for neighbors, no less) and my own roots in Inglewood. Instantly, there was this shared sense that, before wine stole our hearts, Southern California had given us some pretty unique perspectives on culture and community. And as Kelly pointed out, “you’ll never know everything” about winemaking, which is honestly the very reason some of us keep swirling, sipping, and studying. I know I do. What genuinely impressed me was Kelly’s trajectory. She was the first female to cover the Lakers—how many people do you meet who set out in fourth grade to be a sports journalist and actually make it happen? She wasn’t just content to report on sports. She made her mark, switched lanes into entertainment, and then into luxury travel writing, which eventually led her to Florence and Positano. It’s the kind of layered journey you don’t hear about every day. You talk to some folks, they’ve been in wine their whole lives. With Kelly, it’s travel, sports, culture—all converging in the glass. We got into the nitty-gritty of wine and travel writing and how AI could never replace the boots-on-the-ground experience. I had to laugh—when Kelly plugged Napa into chatbots, she got recommendations for wineries that are closed for renovations. "You have to know the latest," she said, reminding me that the best wine stories are always written with real shoe leather, not just code. Her insights into Napa Valley tourism were equally compelling. As the founder of Napa Valley Noir, Kelly’s passion lies in creating experiences rich in narrative, not just pouring cabs for folks who made it big in tech and want a taste of the valley lifestyle. She’s all about partnerships with wineries that have soul, stories, and a genuine connection to their craft—whether it’s a historic vineyard run by women or an impromptu meeting with Thomas Keller that leaves guests starstruck. Frankly, I couldn’t agree more. The stories make the bottle—and the memories. That’s what keeps this business alive, even as the market shifts. Kelly also talked about the recent surge in African American visitors to Napa, thanks in part to celebrity influence (LeBron, Kobe, you name it), and her drive to ensure these visitors experience the full magic Napa has to offer, not just what's on the surface. She’s honest—her intake forms ask straight-up about comfort level on bottle prices. She knows how to match guests with the right wineries, sometimes calling in a favor for an extra pour or a charcuterie board, because that’s how relationships form and deepen in this business. There’s a lesson in Kelly’s methods: whether it’s a group of corporate execs, first-timers, or veteran collectors, she makes sure the experience is tailored and memorable. Maybe it’s the aftermath of her own battles—her candor about beating a rare cancer got me thinking about perspective, gratitude, and the importance of living fully, whether it’s raising a glass or hiking through a vineyard. Talking with Kelly reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place. It’s the human stories behind the wines, the journeys of the people who bring them to life—and the shared desire to know just a little bit more, one sip, one story at a time. Cheers to Kelly and to all of us still curious. YouTube: Napa Valley Noir Alpha Omega Winery Brown Estate Vineyards French Laundry Bouchon Bistro Ad Hoc Visit Napa Valley (tourism board) AAAV - Association of African American Vintners 1010 Wine Bar Vera Wang Tod’s Mohawk Industries #WineTalksPodcast #KellyECarter #PaulKalemkiarian #NapaValleyNoir #NapaValleyTourism #AfricanAmericanWineCulture #WineIndustryStories #WinemakingEducation #WineTastings #TravelWriting #ItalyToNapa #LuxuryTravel #AAAV #WellnessInNapa #WinePricing #BordeauxBlends #WineExperiences #WineBusinessChallenges #CelebrityWineCulture #PersonalMemoir #HeadAndNeckCancer
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Wine, Passion, and Perseverance: Why Human Connection Matters in Hospitality
10/09/2025
Wine, Passion, and Perseverance: Why Human Connection Matters in Hospitality
Sometimes I just get an hankering. Ya know, a chance to try and tell it like it is. There is no óne-size" fits all solution to what is happening in our trade. And there still are many successes in the trade...more to come on that front. Wine is too important to the existance of man to address the ills of the trade with thinking marketing and packaging solutions will solve the problems. Certainly, the trade can make some contemporary adjustments to those issues, but those are not the core issues. They can't be, wine is a conduit for the human soul to the soil; deep rooted (pun intended) in our human history. My solo chat in this episode of Wine Talks covers a smorgasbord of wine world goings-on, from L.A. distributor drama to the secret sauce behind great wine service. I tell some spicy takes on wine industry passion, poke fun at “credentials” (let’s just say WSET 1 is not exactly rocket science), and reminisces about both snobby and soulful wine moments—because hey, sometimes decanting at home is just as much about the class as the glass. Ialso spin off on stories about meeting the Pope (fingers crossed for that podcast collab!) and a forthcoming series, Song of America, which promises inspiring immigrant tales—because let’s face it, who didn’t dream of inventing the bendy straw? The thread running through it all is passion—whether you’re pouring Pinot or running a carpet empire on Santa Monica Blvd, it’s caring deeply that truly makes life (and wine) taste better. And don’t worry, Ikeep ranting about all the things that make me crazy in the wine world, so stay tuned and pour yourself a glass for the ride! #wineindustry #winepassion #RNDCCollapse #winesales #wineeducation #WSET #wineservice #restaurantwinesales #NapaValley #properwineservice #hospitality #immigrantstories #SongOfAmerica #Armenianwinemakers #VaticanWine #wineculture #winestorytelling #celebritywines #farmtotable #wineexperiences
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Beyond the Vines: Tony Biagi’s Journey Through Napa, To Kalon, and Winemaking Wisdom
10/07/2025
Beyond the Vines: Tony Biagi’s Journey Through Napa, To Kalon, and Winemaking Wisdom
One of the on-going themes with Wine Talks, with virtually all guests, is the idea that you never stop learning in the wine trade. I supposed you could say that about many industries, but wine carries with it the idea of the harvest; the surrounding conditions that otherwise would be called "terroir" when discussing the differences from one year to the next. And there in lies the "never stop learning" aspect of wine. Each year is different and each your your knowledge and curiosity is compounded. Tony Biagi relishes in this concept. He finds the will and the drive directly from the annual but perrenial unkowns when the next harvest arrives. We had an inspiring conversation at the Robert Mondavi tasting room in downtown Napa (a must stop when visiting). ony Biagi might claim his parents thought he was crazy for joining the wine world, but on this episode, it’s clear that his unique path—from wrestling recruit to celebrated Napa winemaker—brings bold insight to every bottle he touches. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what really makes a wine legendary—not just the soil or variety, but the relentless curiosity and humility of those who tend the vines. Listen as Tony wrestles with the legacy of To Kalon, Napa’s most storied vineyard, unraveling its mysteries alongside Paul Kalemkiarian. You’ll learn how American and French traditions collide in the heart of California, why the freedom to experiment drives vintners across the Atlantic to our shores, and how the “Burgundianization” of Napa reflects a deeper search for identity and place. Tony lays bare the tension between making wine for the critics versus crafting honest, vintage-driven wines—the kind that can never quite be replicated and, like a great song or timeless meal, stir something primal in us all. Hear the unvarnished truth about organic farming, weathering adversity like wildfires, and how a single harvest offers but one shot each year to get it right. Find out why the energy in a morning vineyard or the quiet wisdom of mentors shapes every glass, and discover how genuine hospitality—not snobbery—keeps the wine world alive. By the end, you’ll possess an insider’s grasp of not only To Kalon’s rarefied terroir and innovative spirit, but the soulful alchemy that endlessly draws winemakers and drinkers back to the table. Robert Mondavi Winery (owners of part of To Kalon Vineyard) Website: Ridge Vineyards Website: Ravenswood Winery Website: PlumpJack Winery Website: Duckhorn Vineyards Website: Hourglass Wine Company Website: Cade Estate Winery Website: Chateau Cheval Blanc Website: Harlan Estate Website: Staglin Family Vineyard Website: Domaine Leflaive Website: Dalla Valle Vineyards Website: Turley Wine Cellars Website: Terravox (Missouri) Website: Wine Spectator (wine magazine frequently cited) Website: #NapaValley #TonyBiagi #PaulKalemkiarian #winemaking #TokalonVineyard #terroir #CabernetSauvignon #CabernetFranc #organicfarming #vineyardhistory #winebusiness #wineratings #hospitality #winetourism #innovation #tradition #vintage #wineindustry #RobertMondavi #winetastingrooms
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Navigating Napa and Beyond: Wine Adventures with Paul Kalemkiarian
09/30/2025
Navigating Napa and Beyond: Wine Adventures with Paul Kalemkiarian
I can talk about this stuff for days. Get me on a high horse and it is off to the races. I’ve tasted more wines than most people could ever dare dream of—but what fascinates me isn’t just what’s in the glass. It’s the stories behind the bottles, the regions, and the relentless passion it takes to survive and thrive in the wine trade. In this episode of Wine Talks, I share how a ritual-like discipline led me to taste over 100,000 wines, and what that journey has taught me about the constantly evolving wine industry. I’ll take you inside Tuesday morning tastings, reveal why competitors sometimes secretly send each other cases of samples, and unpack how internet sales, supermarket scandals, and shifting consumer habits have redrawn the map of the wine world. But it’s not just about business—I’ll also show you how to navigate an overwhelming wine aisle with confidence by learning to decode the meaning woven into a label. I’ll open a door to emerging wine regions like Armenia, where ancient traditions and native grapes are fighting for global recognition, much like Napa or Bordeaux once did. Along the way, I’ll share unexpected stories—from unforgettable dining spots in Yountville, to vodka distilled from “second-chance” fruit, to boutique brands rewriting the rules of luxury. My goal is simple: to help you see wine in a whole new light. You’ll leave this episode empowered to explore, enchanted by histories you never knew, and inspired to savor not just what’s in your glass, but the human stories that bring it to life. #WineTalks #WinePodcast #PaulKalemkiarian #WineOfTheMonthClub #WineTasting #NapaValley #Yountville #StHelena #WineEducation #WineIndustry #ArmenianWine #WineRegions #WineExperience #WineTravel #WineStories #WineCulture #WineRecommendations #Winemaking #WineShops #WineVarietals
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How CellarTracker and AI Are Changing Wine Collecting
09/25/2025
How CellarTracker and AI Are Changing Wine Collecting
I have had a dozen cellar apps. In fact, many were brought to me as the President of the Original Wine of the Month Club to be tested. The current database that houses all my internal tastings over the past 35 years was never produced as a commercial product. And as you can imagine, it is so 1993. Thanks to the energy and self proported "tech geek" Eric LeVine, keeping track of your cellar and much more is at your fingertips. Not only has he created an incredibly robust app in the wine trade, but he has also created a community of collectors and novices alike. When your name rhymes with “wine,” it seems only natural you’d play a key role in reshaping the world of wine collecting. Eric LeVine—yes, “LeVine” with a capital V, as in “wine”—joins Wine Talks to uncork a conversation that’s as much about technology as it is about terroir. In this fascinating episode, you'll discover how a meticulous software engineer transformed from a tech geek into a bona fide wine enthusiast after a life-changing cycling trip through Tuscany. You’ll hear first-hand how Eric’s frustration with clunky, outdated wine cataloguing tools led him to build CellarTracker—a platform that's now indispensable for collectors and curious drinkers alike. Listen in to understand how CellarTracker blossomed from a personal spreadsheet to a global community, amassing over 12 million tasting notes, helping both green beginners and seasoned oenophiles keep track of their treasured bottles (and avoid that collector’s nightmare of opening a vintage past its prime). You’ll also learn how CellarTracker leverages cutting-edge AI to make wine research and cellar management nearly effortless, whether you’re uploading receipts or hunting for that perfect Loire red hidden on your top cellar shelf. Eric goes beyond geekery, showing how technology—and even a little bit of chat-based wizardry—makes wine less intimidating, more approachable, and, most importantly, more social. If you’ve ever wondered how technology can add confidence and curiosity to your wine journey, or how the experience of each bottle is about more than just what’s in your glass, this episode will leave you swirling with inspiration. CellarTracker (Eric Levine is the founder and CEO) Website: #wine #podcast #technology #CellarTracker #winecollecting #winesoftware #AIinwine #wineinventory #winereviews #EricLeVine #winetech #winedatabase #wineenthusiasts #PaulK #winetalks #wineeducation #wineexploration #winetasting #winecommunity #winejourney
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From Ancient Roots to Modern Bottles Armenia’s Journey to World-Class Wine Status
09/23/2025
From Ancient Roots to Modern Bottles Armenia’s Journey to World-Class Wine Status
The Armenian wine trade, like the rest of the wine world, has headwinds and maybe a bit more than the more established countries and regions where wine is well known and respected. You have to add to the mix of struggles; unknown grape varietals, no port of entry, unknown regions and 75 years of Soviet oppression. Enter Zara Muradyan; a wine romanticist and proud Armenian vintner. She is fast becoming the one to know in the wine trade out of Armenia and possibly single-handedly recruited the famed and infamous Concours Mondial de Bruxelles International wine tasting to Yerevan, Armenia in May of 2026. It took a bit, but Wine Talks sat with Zara to hear her perspective. Zara Nuradyan can hardly believe it herself: in just fifteen years, Armenia has gone from a forgotten wine outpost—where the post-Soviet legacy meant brandy trumped wine—to a vibrant, world-class wine region inviting international acclaim. In this episode, you’ll discover how Zara, the dynamic director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia and founder of Zara Wines, is not only championing Armenia’s ancient winemaking heritage but also steering its modern renaissance. You’ll hear how the country, armed with indigenous grapes like Areni and Voskahat, is shaking off its low-profile past to carve out a place on the international wine map—and why you might just see Armenian bottles on the tables of Tokyo, Los Angeles, or at your next masterclass. From government investment and educational initiatives to the role of diaspora and global tastings, Zara pulls back the curtain on how Armenia unites old-world traditions and new-world ambition, even courting major international competitions right in Yerevan. You’ll get an insider’s look at the challenges and headwinds, the heady joys of a growing industry, and the story of how passion, terroir, and a can-do spirit have created not just better wine, but a new cultural touchstone for Armenians at home and abroad. If you’ve ever doubted that a “brand new ancient” wine country could dazzle the global stage, Zara’s journey will leave you uncorking more than a few assumptions—and maybe reaching for a bottle of something you’ve never tasted before. Zara Wines (founded by Zara Nuradyan) Website: Not specifically listed in the transcript, but based on the company name, the most likely official site is: Geisenheim University (collaborator in founding the Wine Academy in Armenia) Website: Karas Wines (a key Armenian wine producer mentioned) Website: Alexandria Winery (producer in Armenia) Website: Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia (Zara is the director) Website: or Icare Foundation (collaborator for the Wine Academy) Website: YouTube: https://youtu.be/4hLWvOPDjZw #ArmenianWine #WineIndustry #WineTourism #WineEducation #IndigenousGrapeVarieties #WineHistory #WineRenaissance #Armenia #WinePodcast #WineCulture #InternationalWineMarket #WineExport #WineFoundation #WineMaking #WinePromotion #WineEvents #WineFestivals #zarawines #zaramuradyan #WineInnovation
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Behind the Scenes at the Original Judgment of Paris Tasting
09/18/2025
Behind the Scenes at the Original Judgment of Paris Tasting
Wine Talks is deeply connected to the Judgement of Paris. Not only were the Barretts good customers of our wine shop, Warren Winiarski stayed in our home on a trip to Los Angeles. The industry was completely different then. California wine had always been a thing, particularly before prohibition. It had even made its way to the east coast in the 1800's. But then came that fateful day in Paris at the Intercontinental Hotel, the Americans won. In Paris, there was a journalist named George Taber. He had heard about this tasting pitting California's boutique gems against the equivalent (at least from a grape standpoint) French stars. It turned out to be no contest and set the wine world on its ears. Can you imagine, French judges choosing American vintages over their beloved French wines? George Taber was the only journalist to show up...and almost didn't. George Taber never meant to shake the wine world—he just happened to be the only journalist in the room when California shattered centuries of French pride. As you join us on Wine Talks, you’ll walk beside Taber through the candlelit salons of 1970s Paris, where the unsuspecting French sat down to a blind tasting designed to showcase their invincibility, only to watch that myth dissolve, glass by glass. In this episode, you’ll learn how a simple event—what began as a friendly challenge orchestrated by Steven Spurrier—ended up catalyzing the global rise of American wine and undermining the Old World’s complacency. You’ll get an intimate portrait of the Parisian wine scene in its heyday: corner wine shops, eager expatriates, and the odd British merchant shaking things up with unorthodox ideas. Follow Taber’s transformation from a young Time magazine reporter, new to France and mostly ignorant of wine, to the accidental chronicler of one of history’s most dramatic palate shifts. Discover how logistical headaches and legal loopholes almost kept California’s best bottles out of the competition, and what happened when French wine judges realized—too late—that their favorite “Meursault” was actually a Napa Chardonnay. You’ll hear about the aftershocks reverberating through both continents; how careers were built, fortunes made, and the entire wine business transformed overnight. Plus, Taber reveals the stubborn role of luck in history and how something as small as attending the right tasting at the right time can change everything. By the end, you’ll not only understand the Judgment of Paris, but also the passion, humility, and disruption that lie inside every bottle. #WineTalks #JudgmentOfParis #CaliforniaWine #FrenchWine #GeorgeTaber #StevenSpurrier #ChateauMontelena #StagsLeapWineCellars #NapaValley #WineHistory #WineTasting #WineEducation #BlindTasting #WineIndustry #PodcastInterview #WineStorytelling #WineCulture #CorkHistory #FrenchLifestyle #NewWorldWines Time Magazine Website: (Armen refers to working as a journalist at Time magazine.) Chateau Montelena Website: (Referenced in the discussion about the Judgment of Paris tasting.) Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Website: (Mentioned as one of the winning wineries in the Judgment of Paris.) Charles Krug Winery Website: (Referenced in a story about being poured at an event with President Eisenhower.) Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery Website: (Mentioned when Paul recalls stocking the shelves.) Ackerman Wines Website: (Ackerman, a major New York wine retailer, is referenced.) St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Website: (Discussed in context of early synthetic cork usage.) Barefoot Cellars Website: (Mentioned regarding synthetic corks.) Taylor Wine Company (Taylor Cellars) Website: (Referenced in the cork closure story.)
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From Paris to New York: Jonathan Waxman on Food, Wine, and Cooking’s New Frontiers
09/16/2025
From Paris to New York: Jonathan Waxman on Food, Wine, and Cooking’s New Frontiers
Famed Chef Jonathan Waxman came to Wine Talks through a mutual friend who we lost last year to cancer; Melvin Masters was a one-of-a-kind character in the wine trade and Jonathans partner in the famed Jams Restaruarant. On a recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee, I insisted that the group I was with follow me to Roberts Western (most probably the last true country bar in Nashville), for a fried bologna sandwich. They looked at me crosseyed and followed blindly. You see, we had just finished dinner and everyone had overeaten and were tired. But I knew if I didn't go the first night we were there, I wouldn't make it. Pray tell, why would one do that? Well, if Jonathan Waxman says the first thing he did was take famed Italian Chef Giada De Laurentiis to experience the $5 fried bologna sandwich. Who shouldn't? A slice of flat top freid bologna between two pieces of white bread with a side of Lays potatoe chips, I was in hog heaven. Add a PBR, and you are off to the races. Jonathan Waxman is the kind of chef who can turn a honky tonk fried bologna sandwich in Nashville into high culinary art, then philosophize about the virtues of a perfectly marbled 1961 steak—all before your first glass of Beaujolais is finished. In this episode, you’ll discover the inner workings of an acclaimed chef’s mind as Jonathan shares the flavors, friendships, and formative experiences that shaped his career. You’ll hear about how “wine comes first, food comes second” became his guiding principle, the serendipitous plane rides sourcing lamb and lobster for legendary winery dinners, and the awe-inspiring meals in the kitchens of France that sparked his lifelong passion for simplicity and flavor. Alongside host Paul Kalemkiarian, Jonathan revisits the rollicking days at Michael’s and Jams, brushes elbows with food world icons from Alice Waters to Melvin Masters, and reveals the quiet intensity required to survive and thrive in the high-wire environment of fine dining. From the intricacies of nouvelle cuisine to the rainbow of immigrant influences shaping American food culture, you’ll gain an insider’s appreciation for the nuances of restaurant evolution, the subtle art of pairing local wines with regional dishes, and the uncompromising drive that keeps chefs inventing and adapting—even when the world turns upside down. Whether you’re curious how the Michelin Guide still shapes a restaurant’s fortunes, or just want to know what it’s like to be mentored by legends while flying by the seat of your pants, this episode peels back the layers of taste, tradition, and tenacity, one delicious story at a time. Jordan Winery Willie’s Wine Bar (Paris) Chez Panisse Domaine Chandon Bordeaux Wine Region Napa Valley Michael’s Santa Monica Barbuto Jams (NYC) Wally’s Wine & Spirits Blue Hill Daily Provisions (NYC) Lutèce (Historic, closed, for reference) L’Orangerie (Historic, closed, Los Angeles) Spago (Wolfgang Puck’s Restaurant) Mi Piace (Pasadena, CA) Campanile (Historic, closed, Los Angeles) Union Pasadena Benno (NYC) French Culinary Institute/New York French Cooking School (now Institute of Culinary Education) Le Cordon Bleu Monterey Bistro (Historic, closed) Ritz Paris Place Vendôme #WineTalks #JonathanWaxman #PaulKalemkiarian #ChefInterview #FoodAndWinePairing #RestaurantStories #Barbuto #JamsRestaurant #ChezPanisse #AmericanCuisine #ItalianCuisine #WineCulture #MichelinStars #CulinaryInspiration #FoodHistory #ImmigrantInfluence #WineTasting #RestaurantIndustry #NouvelleCuisine #CulinaryMentorship #WineExperiences #PBR #bolognasandwich #giada #giadadelaurentiis
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Wine Industry at a Crossroads: Changing Tastes, AI, and Where the Money Goes
09/11/2025
Wine Industry at a Crossroads: Changing Tastes, AI, and Where the Money Goes
You can't speak of trends in the wine trends in the wine trade without mentioning Felicity Carter. You can't talk data mining in the wine trade without mentioning Felicity Carter...in fact, I can't think of many surrounding the wine trade that you could speak of without mentioning Felicity Carter. She is a force of date (substituting for "nature"). I've got to tell you, sitting down with Felicity Carter for this episode of Wine Talks was like uncorking an old Burgundy—layered, surprising, and deeply satisfying. There’s something about Felicity’s perspective that just sharpens the mind. Maybe it’s because she’s perched out there in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, on the wine road of the Rhineland Pfalz, right at the border with Alsace. Or maybe it’s just down to the years she’s logged at the intersection of writing, advisory work, and researching high-end wine trends. You know me—I love a guest who isn’t afraid to press into the hard truths and then turn them over like a newly racked barrel. Felicity didn’t disappoint. Right out of the gate, she set the tone: before you start spinning stories about your wine, you better know your cost of goods. Learn Excel, she said. It wasn’t fancy, but, boy, did that resonate with me. Nothing romantic about spreadsheets, but there’s also nothing more sobering than realizing that most people in this business skip the basics. What I really appreciated was how Felicity drew a line in the sand about the current state of the wine industry—not just saying “it’s tough out there” (though it surely is), but also peeling back the bigger picture. She’s got this knack for linking what we see at the store or on Instagram right back to seismic shifts underway. She brought up this old book, “The Empty Raincoat” by Charles Handy, to frame what’s happening now: the wine industry is at the tail end of a 40-year golden run and we’re sliding into a new, uncertain era. It reminded me of my own business, the highs of 2007, and how everything since then feels like riding out after a storm, trying to read new winds that keep shifting. Felicity didn’t shy from the stickier discussions either—like the damage done by “mummy juice” wines and those forgettable bulk bottles that flooded the market in a misguided effort to market to women. She’s got strong opinions on that, and so do I. We both bemoaned how those wines aimed at mothers after a long day might have alienated a generation—or at least set the table for younger drinkers to turn their noses up at what their parents drank. And while I always want to reach for the romance of wine—the history, the sense of being part of something ancient—Felicity was bracing with her take: people buy wine because they like the taste and the fit, and they make up the romance later, mostly to themselves. We commiserated over antiques collecting dust—literally and figuratively—in our homes, the same way “tradition” can just become a nice story rather than a selling point. But here’s what I loved: Felicity isn’t a doomsayer. Sure, the wine industry is congested. Sure, Gen Z might be drinking less wine—maybe because, as Felicity points out, no one wants to do what their mother did—but she still sees opportunity. There’s hope in innovation, in making products for new tastes, and, yes, in getting our business basics right. If you want to make money in wine, she says, embrace the numbers before the stories. And I have to agree. At the end of the day, Felicity brought the clarity that’s so easy to miss when we get caught up in the swirl of nostalgia. Sometimes you need someone to remind you that, yes, wine is culture, and yes, it’s business too—and the two are tangled in ways we all have to keep learning to navigate. Thanks, Felicity. This one’s worth a slow sip. Drinks Insider Felicity Carter mentions she is the founder of Drinks Insider. Website: Areni Global Felicity Carter is the communications director for Areni Global, described as a fine wine think tank. Website: Riedel Glassware Company Max Riedel, owner of Riedel, is referenced in the introduction. Website: #WineIndustry #WineMarketing #WineBusiness #WineTrends #FelicityCarter #WinePodcast #WineInnovation #WineEconomics #Areniglobal
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Ancient Roots, Modern Revival: Exploring Armenian Wine and Enotourism with Lilit Grigoryan
09/09/2025
Ancient Roots, Modern Revival: Exploring Armenian Wine and Enotourism with Lilit Grigoryan
Not of all wine news is about a drop in sales or activity...wine tourism is up. On Wine Talks I regularly discuss the idea that wine is headed back in time to the days where the experience of wine is driving the interest in wine. Winery tastings, wine pairing dinners, day long wine excursions and more are peaking the interest in not only wine enthusiasts but wine novices the same. One destination that is working hard at luring wine travel is Armenia. I have keen interest in understanding the value of and the current climate of wine tourism in my country of heritage. Lilit Gregoryan is on the forefront of the movement and we had a chance to catch up and discuss the current state of Armenian wine travel. I have to tell you, sitting down (virtually, in this case) with Lilit Grigoryan for this episode of Wine Talks was one of those conversations that leaves you thinking long after you hit “stop recording.” Now, I’ll let you in on a little behind-the-scenes secret: this was our third crack at getting the tech to play nice for a clear connection between sunny Southern California and Yerevan, Armenia. You could say we worked up a thirst before we even started talking wine. Right from the get-go, Lilit came in with the big picture view—“Winemaking and wine are rooted as a nation in our DNA.” That statement stuck with me. For all the talk we have about terroir, varietals, and fancy cellaring techniques, sometimes you need a reminder that, in places like Armenia, wine’s not just a beverage or even an export—it’s part of the cultural bedrock. She made the bold and very true point: Armenia isn’t just learning from Europe; it’s reminding Europe, and the world, where winemaking really started. What really fascinated me was her work in building up the Council of Enotourism. Now, enotourism anywhere is having its moment, and Armenia is no exception. I’ll admit, I ended up tumbling down memory lane—remembering road trips that started off about something else (the Monaco Grand Prix, in my case) and somehow veered, as everything in my life seems to, straight into wine country. The magic of enotourism, Lilit pointed out, is that it’s about more than tasting rooms. It’s about connecting public, private, and even academic stakeholders—guides, wineries, archeologists, whole communities—to put Armenia back on the wine map. There’s a humility that runs deep in Armenian winemakers, which, as Lilit mentioned, maybe ought to be set aside for a bit of healthy self-promotion. Why not, when you have 6,100-year-old wine caves that literally rewrite the history of viticulture? This is a nation where, she told me, even the rituals carved into fourth- and sixth-century churches tell the story of wine’s place in life and faith. “We are the shoulders that the Old World stands on.” I scribbled that down—it’s one for the ages. We got into some wine geek talk (couldn’t resist)—about amphora and the ancient methods now making a comeback from Bordeaux to California. Funny thing, the rest of the world calls it trendy; for Armenians, it’s just Tuesday. And I had to laugh—she talked about roadside wine in Coke bottles, and yeah, in 2007, I could barely choke down what I found. But the leap in quality is astounding. Armenian winemakers today are winning international gold medals! You can feel the pride simmering up—and frankly, that’s as it should be. Lilit’s also candid about the challenges—lack of unity among stakeholders, the need for more education, and the always-present tension of getting government support. Reminded me of local feuds in the LA trade; everyone wants the same thing, but getting consensus? It’s like herding cats with corkscrews. But what I love most is her conviction: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Armenians have always been resilient—she’s sure, and so am I, that Armenia’s renaissance is just getting started. And let’s not forget, she humbly attributes her passion to being “one cheeky university girl” drinking wine with her friends, which, honestly, is how the best careers begin. Lilit is creating a movement, and you can feel it—one that won’t just put Armenian wine on the table but will make it impossible for the world to ignore. So, next time you’re reaching for something old-world or new-world, remember Lilit’s words: “We are ancient world.” And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to pour Armenia into your next glass. Wines of Armenia Organization: "Wines of Armenia" (NGO) Website: eNoturos / Council of Enotourism in Armenia Organization: eNoturos, Council of Enotourism in Armenia Website: There is not a direct website publicly available from the information provided in the transcript at this time. Areni-1 Foundation Organization: Areni-1 Foundation (involved with the Areni-1 cave) Website: There is not a direct website publicly available from the information provided in the transcript at this time, but general information on the Areni-1 cave can be viewed here: (Areni Wine Factory), though this is not an official page for the "Areni-1 Foundation." Wine and Vine Foundation of Armenia Organization: Wine and Vine Foundation of Armenia Website: Zatik Wine Festival Event organized by Wines of Armenia Website: Not directly available; may be found through Wines of Armenia's site or social media. Enofest/Enotalks Event by EnoTourism Council Website: Not directly available; check Wines of Armenia for events: Global Wine Tourism Organization Organization referenced as the global enotourism network Website: Cordy Brothers / Corti Brothers Referred to as a famous wine shop in Sacramento Website: Massanois Imports Mentioned as a wine distributor Website: #wine #winetalks #armenianwine #enotouris, #winedna #armenia #ancientwine #wineheritage #wineducatio, #wineculture #winerenaissance #wineindustry #armenianculture #foodandwine #winehistory #winesofarmenia #winemaking #viticulture #winetourism #armenianhospitality
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Navigating Change in the Wine Industry with Bernardus Winemaker Jim McCabe
09/04/2025
Navigating Change in the Wine Industry with Bernardus Winemaker Jim McCabe
The wines of the Monterey Peninsula, and particularly those of the Carmel Valley, are exquisite. It is always just so interesting to have the some grape grown in different parts of the world and be so different...soely on the location and environmental influences of the vineyard. When tasting Bernardus wines, you taste complexities entirely different than anywhere else in California. These wines are something special and Jim McCabe is responsible. I also had to alert him to the famed folk guitar store, McCabes in Santa Monica. You might say Jim McCabe’s side hustle—building guitars—makes him a craftsman twice over, but it’s his day job as winemaker at Bernardus Winery that will have you tuning your curiosity to new frequencies. In this episode of Wine Talks, I invites you to uncork not just bottles, but the entire lived experience of crafting wine in California’s stunning Carmel Valley. You’ll learn why great wine isn’t just about the grapes, but the ebb and flow of history, land, and a willingness to embrace both tradition and careful, gradual innovation. Jim doesn’t just talk barrel aging or fermentation science; he brings you to the heart of winemaking’s enduring mysteries—the art of blending picks from different harvest moments, the challenge of warding off smoke taint during wildfire years, and the ever-changing dance with nature that means no two vintages are ever the same. What does it take to draw younger generations to honest wine when technology and taste are shifting faster than vines grow? Jim and I candidly dissect the battle between old-school storytelling and the rise of social influencers, while reflecting on the timelessness of grassroots, word-of-mouth enthusiasm. Along the way, you’ll pick up on the slow, patient work behind the scenes—why relationships with grape growers matter, why incremental rather than drastic change is key, and how history and tradition shape every bottle. By the end of the conversation, you’ll come away with more than the technical notes of Bernardus’ famed Pinots and Chardonnays; you’ll understand the emotional charge that a simple sniff of a great wine can trigger, and why, whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or new to the wine world, this is a craft that always keeps you guessing, learning, and savoring just one more glass. Bernardus Winery Website: Hotel Amarano Website: McCabe’s Guitar Shop Website: #winepodcast #CarmelValley #MontereyPeninsula #BernardusWinery #PaulKalemkiarian #JimMcCabe #winemaking #wineindustry #boutiquewineries #winemakerstories #winehistory #vineyardmanagement #wineinfluencers #socialmediawine #SauvignonBlanc #PinotNoir #Chardonnay #winetourism #winetasting #winetrends #mccabesguitarshop
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Wine, Terroir, and Storytelling: Cecilia Guzman and the Evolution of Chilean Winemaking
09/02/2025
Wine, Terroir, and Storytelling: Cecilia Guzman and the Evolution of Chilean Winemaking
When people enter a room, you instantly get a sense of their disposition in life. Are they smiley? Frowning? friendly? Gregarious? and you instantly if this is going to work. I knew instantly that this was going to work when Cecilia Guzman walked into the studio. Sitting down in the studio in beautiful Southern California for this episode of Wine Talks was a real treat—one of those times you just know you’ve got the right guest in the right seat. Cecilia Guzman, winemaker at Haras de Pirque (and yes, I stumbled through the name a couple of times—years of Spanish and still getting tripped up), joined me for a conversation that took us deep into the world of Chilean wine, from the fun of making it to the relentless challenge of selling it. Right from the top, Cecilia hit me with one of those insights I love: “Making wine is kind of easy. It’s fun and easy, but selling wine, it’s another stuff.” Isn’t that the story of this business? We’re all drawn in by the romance—the vineyards, the sunshine, the “lifestyle”—but it’s once the barrels are tucked away and the corks are in the bottles that the real grind begins. And, as she pointed out, the business has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Getting your label noticed in today’s flooded market is a whole different challenge than staking out your vineyard back in the day. Now, Cecilia’s story isn’t the usual “dreamer buys some vines” tale. She’s the general manager and winemaker at Aras de Pirque, a property now 100% owned by the Antinori family—six hundred years in wine. Yes, you read that right, six centuries! I always marvel at how these wine dynasties, whether Italian, French, or American, get the itch to go explore somewhere new. In this case, the Antinoris, looking for that “departure from the regular,” were drawn to Chile’s potential—the terroir, the freedom from strict appellation rules, the lure of doing something different. Cecilia’s philosophy on wine really shines when she talks about letting the place shine through—how it’s not about making the best Chilean Cabernet, but making the best wine for that unique spot in Pirque. That notion of terroir, of honest wines that truly express where they’re grown, is something I can get behind. The challenge, as we both lamented, is getting that magic to translate to the consumer, bridging that gap from heartfelt winemaking to the retail shelf. But what I found most refreshing was her practical outlook. She sees Chile as a land with advantages—natural barriers, low disease pressure, and a real push towards sustainability. There’s a bit of humility in her voice when she talks about how Chile can almost do “organic by default.” Yes, their greatest challenge is, as she puts it, the weeds! (The kind in the vineyard, not the grain—note to self, remember the translation next time). What really stuck with me, though, was Cecilia’s sense of continuity and patience. When you only get one shot a year, it takes decades to build real wisdom—and she’s been racking up vintages for thirty years. The Antinoris may have centuries behind them, but every year in Chile still brings new lessons, new surprises, new stories. And isn’t that just the heart of wine? It’s history in a bottle, culture at the table, a product that’s always made better when it brings people together—at home in Chile, or halfway across the world. If you ever get the chance, I’ll tell you, visiting Chile is on that bucket list. From the vineyards to the Andes to those family tables where stories linger as long as the finish on a great Cabernet. Cheers to Cecilia, and to the stories we keep uncorking together. Haras de Pirque Website: Antinori Family (Marchesi Antinori) Website: Los Vascos Website: (Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)) Undurraga Website: Don Melchor Website: #winepodcast #Chileanwine #CeciliaGuzman #PollyHammond #winemaking #winetourism #AntinoriFamily #sustainablewine #terroir #vineyardmanagement #winemarketing #womeninwine #organicfarming #Argentinewine #CabernetSauvignon #Merlot #wineculture #biodynamicwine #wineindustry #foodandwinepairing
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Science, Grapes, and Adventure: A Wine Student’s Summer at Chateau Haut-Bailly
08/28/2025
Science, Grapes, and Adventure: A Wine Student’s Summer at Chateau Haut-Bailly
A few years ago, a young woman was interning at the Original Wine of the Month Club. Her internship revolved around social networking, office duties, and one particular job that may have set her career path. Lisa Kassabian was to write the talking points for all my podcasts that featured a woman in wine. She would research the guest, write up peritnent points, present the to me and together we would redirect or correct. When that work was completed, Lisa was invited on set to hear how her questions worked and how the guest would respond. Maybe I had something to do with it, it would certainly make sense...because eventually, Lisa became an Enology student at Cornell University. At the University, all students in this curriculum are required to do an internship before they graduate. This is the story of Lisa's internship at the famed Chateau Haut Bailly. For sure, if you want to know the insights a young wine Enology student might gain from the academic side and the practical side of wine...this is the episode. Lisa Kassabian never expected that an afterschool “All About Grapes” club would spark a journey from a Los Angeles vineyard to the heart of Bordeaux. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll discover how a childhood passion for science—and a hobby vineyard at home—led Lisa from California to Cornell, and ultimately, to an eye-opening internship in France. You’ll gain a rare behind-the-scenes view of the very real intersections between wine, science, and culture, as Lisa reveals how pruning and fermentation chemistry connect to centuries of tradition. Listen closely and you’ll learn what really happens when theory meets the terroir: from tackling grapevine netting and barrel racking to navigating French hospitality, language barriers, and immaculate cellars. Through Lisa’s first-hand stories, you’ll hear what distinguishes French winemaking—the meticulous attention to detail, relentless innovation, and deep cultural ties that set Bordeaux apart from Napa. Ever wonder what it’s like to balance the academic rigor of soil science classes with tasting your family’s Sauvignon Blanc in sunny California? Or how it feels to pour wine at a charity gala in a historic French château? This episode peels back the reality of building a global wine career, from landing international internships to learning the business beyond the classroom, and even discovering which French pastries pair best with your morning commute. By the end, you’ll understand not only the pathways women are carving into the industry, but also why every bottle holds a world of stories, science, and adventure—a revelation sure to inspire future vintners and aficionados alike. Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu UC Davis (University of California, Davis) https://www.ucdavis.edu Château Haut-Bailly https://www.haut-bailly.com Sequoia Grove Winery https://www.sequoiagrove.com Smith Haut Lafitte https://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com Château Lynch-Bages https://www.lynchbages.com Château Giscours #wineTalks #LisaKassabian #PaulKalemkiarian #viticulture #enology #CornellUniversity #wineinternship #ChateauHautBailly #Bordeaux #NapaValley #womeninwine #Frenchwine #wineeducation #vineyardmanagement #winemaking #winescience #Frenchculture #wineindustry #winecareers #winepodcast
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The Changing Tastes of Wine: Trends, Innovation, and Restaurant Realities with Chef David Slay
08/26/2025
The Changing Tastes of Wine: Trends, Innovation, and Restaurant Realities with Chef David Slay
I have been hanging around the South Bay beaches since my youth. Maybe you caught my Instagram posts about how that happened. As a family, we spent much of our time in Hermosa Beach; I love the SoCal beach culture. There is an established group of restaurants under the moniker of Chef David Slay. He is a bit of an anomoly in that he has been a chef since his 20's (so well established in that sense), but at the same time, a rising star (usually an accolade for chefs just starting their career). Our conversation was fluid and full of insights. I have to say, sitting down with Chef David Slay for this episode of Wine Talks was a real eye-opener—and honestly, a relief in a business that’s changing faster than most of us care to admit. We met up down in Hermosa Beach, a little outside my usual zone, which always seems to lend itself to looser conversation. There’s no pretense with David; what you see is what you get, and that made for an episode full of straight talk. We kicked things off on common ground—hot yoga, of all things. You’d think two guys from the food and wine world would bond over Burgundy or beef carpaccio, but no, it’s sweating it out in the same studio, talking about how houses and restaurants are being remodeled and how somehow, hot yoga becomes as much therapy as exercise. There’s something grounding about that, and it set the tone for the rest of our conversation. What I appreciate about David is his clear-eyed view of the industry. He doesn’t look at the shift in wine preferences or restaurant trends with nostalgia or bitterness. Instead, he recognizes that consumer tastes have changed, and he’s made it a point to adjust right along with them. “I make wine for what the consumer wants, not for what my taste is,” he says—and you can tell he means it. That’s rare. For some in the business, adapting is an insult to tradition. For David, it’s just good sense. He describes older guests coming in with big Italians and Bordeauxs, while younger tables are ordering orange wine and lower-alcohol options. Rather than resist, he’s leaned in, updating his own winemaking and keeping his wine lists relevant. David also spoke candidly about the business realities—shrinking wine lists, higher prices, and changing buying habits. The days of bragging about a 350-bottle inventory are gone; he’s pared it down to 150 because that’s what works now. What isn’t moving gets cut, and what sells gets the spotlight. He’s refreshingly honest about costs, average bottle prices, and even how certain cult wines just don’t have the cachet with younger drinkers anymore. Running restaurants, building a wine brand, and surviving the post-COVID landscape takes more than passion. David’s approach—focus on quality, pay your people right, and stay involved every day—seems to be the formula. I especially respect how he talks about his crew; he’d rather pay a dishwasher above the norm and keep staff long-term than deal with constant turnover. It’s practical, but it’s also the right thing to do. When we talked about food and wine, he’s got the same data-driven but thoughtful outlook. He doesn’t buy into the old dogma about pairings; instead, he sees the restaurant as a place where anything goes, as long as the customer has a good experience. Honestly, it was one of those episodes that reminded me what I like about this business—the moments where you drop the sales pitch and get real about what’s working, what’s not, and what it means to stay relevant without selling out. David Slay is exactly the kind of guest that keeps me hungry for the next conversation. Arthur J Website: Slay Restaurants (Slay Steak & Fish House, Slay Italian Kitchen, Slay Hermosa, Fête French Bistro) Website: Dragonette Cellars (mentioned as a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer) Website: Daou Vineyards (DAOU Family Estates) Website: Caymus Vineyards (Wagner Family of Wine) Website: Silver Oak Cellars Website: Phelps Insignia (Joseph Phelps Vineyards) Website: Wine of the Month Club Website: Greystone (The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone) Website: Chez Panisse (Alice Waters’ restaurant, mentioned in context) Website: Moza (Osteria Mozza, Nancy Silverton) Website: Chateau Bailly (Château Bouscaut in Pessac-Léognan was likely meant, context: internship in Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux) Website: #winepodcast #restaurantindustry #ChefDavidSlay #PaulK #ManhattanBeach #HermosaBeach #winetrends #wineandfoodpairing #winelist #GenZWine #CaliforniaCuisine #restaurantbusiness #wineconsumption #hospitalityindustry #Frenchcooking #seasonalingredients #wineclubs #winebusiness #SlayWines #cheflegacy
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Redefining Wine Tourism: Intimate Journeys Beyond Typical Wine Country Tours
08/21/2025
Redefining Wine Tourism: Intimate Journeys Beyond Typical Wine Country Tours
Enotoursim has been a staple in the tourism trade. One of my favorite podcast was with JoAnne Dupuy, the woman who delivered the wines from Napa to Steven Spurrier in Paris for the Judgement In Paris. She was the leading Enotourist company in America. As time would have it, Enotourism had seen its days, slumping a bit for the past decade...until now. Though wine sales are off and the wine industry is scurrying to define the cause of this slump, enotourism could save the day. Meet Bill Callejas, he is grassroots and has created an enotourism company from sheer passion. Bill Callejas didn’t just stumble into wine tourism—he reverse-engineered it from the ground up, blending the precision of his production background with a storyteller’s flair and an explorer’s curiosity. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more nuanced perspective on wine travel, or a more convincing case for ditching those cookie-cutter tours. In this episode, you’ll discover the real difference between “just another wine trip” and a thoughtfully crafted, immersive journey that brings you shoulder-to-shoulder with winemakers, artisans, and even the family matriarch preparing your meal. Bill reveals how he and his partners built World Wine Destinations around the idea that travel and wine are each a world unto themselves—each deserving of respect, intention, and creative design. Listeners will learn how each trip is structured like a multi-day live show, full of distinct characters, rising action, and the slow burn of discovery that comes from tasting with local experts in quiet, off-the-map villages. Expect revelations on why genuine wine travel can’t—and shouldn’t—be “dumbed down,” why asking winemakers about their intention often leads to the best stories, and how wine acts as a cultural glue, binding food, land, history, and people in an experience you can literally taste. Whether it’s the ancient amphorae of Greece, the wild terroir of Argentina, or the unexpected intimacy of Paso Robles, you’ll come away with an appreciation for how travel, when done right, changes not just what’s in your glass, but who you are as a drinker and a global citizen. Buckle up—one glass at a time, you’ll learn how the story of wine is best lived, not just told. ✅ Think you know wine travel? Think again. ✅ Discover how storytelling and immersive experiences are redefining wine tourism. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, host Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Bill Callejas of World Wine Destinations to reveal why their unique approach skips the cookie-cutter tours and takes you straight into the heart—and the culture—of the world’s top wine regions. ✅ If you thought wine was just about tasting, you haven’t heard the stories that bring each glass to life. Hit play and get ready to plan your next adventure (and maybe reimagine what a wine trip can be)! World Wine Destinations Website: Corner Wines (Plano, Texas) Website: #winepodcast #winetourism #winetravel #wineculture #worldwinedestinations #BillCallejas #PaulKalemkiarian #winestories #winemakers #winetasting #culturalexperiences #wineregions #wineeducation #foodandwine #winehistory #immersivetravel #wineindustry #PasoRobles #winetrips #oenotourism
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From Australia to Paso: Jane Dunkley on Authentic Wine, Bezel, and California’s New Wave
08/19/2025
From Australia to Paso: Jane Dunkley on Authentic Wine, Bezel, and California’s New Wave
Wine needs a fresh face. Well, that is if you ask the pundits in the industry. I am not sure I agree. Certainly, any industry needs to keep up with the times, I suppose marketing ideas and packaging ideas would follow. I am not sure I even agree with that... however, one thing I do believe is bringing a contemporary viewpoint to the table is beneficial. Meet a contemporary viewpoint in Jane Dunkley of Bezel. eflecting on my conversation with Jane Dunkley of Bezel for the latest episode of Wine Talks, I’m left both energized and encouraged about where the wine industry is headed—and what truly matters in today’s wine world. Our podcast’s mission has always been to tell the real stories of wine, far beyond tasting notes and ratings. So, sitting down (virtually, at least) with Jane, an Australian-born winemaker who has worked on both sides of the world and now crafts wines for the Cakebread family’s new Bezel brand in Paso Robles, was exactly the kind of exchange I live for. Jane’s journey started far south of Perth, in Western Australia, on a beef cattle ranch—a background that immediately resonated with me. We swapped stories about the one-of-a-kind “smell” of cattle yards; a scent that, as Jane wryly put it, no amount of showers can really erase. It set her on the path to winemaking: the agricultural connection without the lingering aroma of livestock. That personal connection to the land gave her an appreciation—almost an obligation—to bring authenticity into her role as a winemaker. That idea of authenticity kept surfacing. Jane made it clear: if you’re just coming into wine “because you couldn’t think of any other way to spend your money,” the market sees through it. The consumer is craving stories and purpose—an ethos to connect with, not just a pretty label or Instagram-ready tasting room. Her advice? If you’re ready to make this your life, with good intentions and a real story, there’s room for you. I couldn’t agree more. We explored what Paso Robles has become—a place that’s evolved from cowboy hats and thrift stores to French restaurants and billion-dollar wine acquisitions (yes, I’m still amazed by the DAOU story). Yet, amidst the changing face of Paso, Jane finds the same rural, collaborative spirit that was there when she arrived. I can vouch for it myself; Paso still feels real and welcoming, even if, like me, you eventually learn you’re a much better wine storyteller than farmer. It was refreshing to hear Jane champion the idea that innovation in wine isn’t about flash—wines in cans, weird flavors, or marketing gimmicks—but about a “unique voice,” expressed sincerely in the glass. We tasted her Bezel Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet, and I was genuinely impressed. The Sauvignon Blanc brought a Southern Hemisphere intensity but was rooted in Paso—minerality and all. The Cabernet, meanwhile, struck that elusive balance between structure and approachability at a $30 price point. As a guy who’s sold millions of bottles in that sweet spot, I know how hard that is to get right. At its heart, this episode underlined why I started Wine Talks: to share the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs of people like Jane Dunkley. Wine is about connection—between people, land, science, art, and most of all, experience. The future belongs to those willing to show what they stand for and bring their whole story to the table. And as long as there are voices like Jane’s willing to do that, I’ll keep telling these stories. Cheers to authenticity—and to the next great bottle. Bezel (Jane Dunkley’s current winemaking project, associated with Cakebread Cellars) Cakebread Cellars (Iconic Napa Valley winery, parent company for Bezel) Bonny Doon Vineyard (Winery owned by Randall Grahm, mentioned regarding Jane’s past experience) Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) (Large wine company Jane worked with in California) The Language of Yes (Project with Randall Grahm that Jane contributed to) Dow (DAOU Vineyards & Winery) (Paso Robles winery referenced in industry context) Austin Hope (Hope Family Wines) (Mentioned in relation to Paso Robles Cabernet benchmarks) Lewin Estate (Leeuwin Estate) (Margaret River, Australia; discussed in early career context) #WineTalks #Podcast #JaneDunkley #PaulKalemkiarian #Bezel #CakebreadCellars #PasoRobles #Winemaking #WineIndustry #WineStories #MargaretRiver #AustralianWine #FemaleWinemaker #VineyardLife #WineTasting #WineInnovation #WineCommunity #WineAuthenticity #SauvignonBlanc #CabernetSauvignon
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Wine, Paris, and Power: Inside the Untold Story of Empress Eugenie’s Legacy
08/12/2025
Wine, Paris, and Power: Inside the Untold Story of Empress Eugenie’s Legacy
You know the Kladstrups. Frankly, anyone interested in wine, whether through in the trade or as a consumer, should/must read their first book on wine: Wine and War. Since they have published 3 more books and just releasing the latest: Eugenie; The Last Empress of France. I was honored to get an advanced copy of the book and we had a chance to sit and laugh, recall history and talk wine. Petie and Don Kladstrup have a peculiar knack for stumbling upon history’s best-kept secrets, usually while chasing a good glass of wine or a mysterious letter in a Paris archive. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll follow the Kladstrups as they unearth the remarkable story of Empress Eugenie—the last French Empress, a force of nature whose life is hidden in the shadows of her more famous male counterparts. Forget what you thought you knew about French wine and revolution; you’ll come away not only with a fresh perspective on the grand cru vineyards of Bordeaux and the Champagne houses' enterprising widows, but with intimate knowledge of how Eugenie’s untold story entwines itself with the very essence of France. Through the Kladstrups’ lively banter, listeners will travel from the opulent halls of the Second Empire to the chaotic streets of Paris under siege, learn why an empress was once dismissed as a mere ornament, and discover how she transformed French education, fashion, architecture, and even agriculture—never mind her influential eye for haute couture and her trailblazing push for women’s rights. History leaps off the page as Don and Petie describe the research adventures that led from wine cellars in exile to dusty university archives, weaving Eugenie’s Spanish roots, shrewd business mind, and political resiliency into the culture of modern France. Experience the story of how personal ambition, societal prejudice, and the subtle power of a forgotten woman unravel through lost letters, chance encounters, and a passion for all things French—especially when there’s a bottle uncorked at the finish line. This is not just history; it’s the tale of how one extraordinary woman shaped a nation, told by those who know how to find magic in both a glass and a story. Cakebread Cellars (referred to as the "Cake Bread family" in the transcript) Website: Veuve Clicquot (referred to as "V. Clicot", "Widow Clicquot", and "Veuve Clicquot Clicot") Website: Château Giscours Website: Château Haut-Bailly (shortened as "Chateau Bailly" in the transcript) Website: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (wine competition mentioned toward the end) Website: Air France (mentioned as a travel choice) Website: #WineTalks #EmpressEugenie #HistoryPodcast #FrenchHistory #WineAndWar #Paris #PetieKladstrup #DonKladstrup #NapoleonIII #WomenInHistory #FrenchWine #Champagne #BookDiscussion #HistoricalFigures #WineCulture #PodcastInterview #ParisianCulture #FemaleEmpowerment #Bordeaux #FashionHistory
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From Internships to Iconic Glassware: The Many Faces of Wine: Behind The Scenes Of Wine Talks.
08/07/2025
From Internships to Iconic Glassware: The Many Faces of Wine: Behind The Scenes Of Wine Talks.
Sometimes, I just have to say my peace and get on with it. Though in this episode, I dig into the relationships that are forged like in no other industry. Hear me out. I would argue that the best stories in wine aren't just written in vineyards and cellars, but in the electric connections between people, places, and time—sometimes under the neon glow of a set piece scavenged from a Hollywood film. In this episode, I’m unabashedly turning the spotlight on myself and the tangled web of encounters that make up my journey through the wine world. You’ll hear how my wish to inspire led one of my early show writers, Lisa K., to trade in her notes for studies in Bordeaux and how, through her, I’ve built connections I never would have imagined, including friendships with renowned professors and winemakers. I’ll take you behind the scenes with the legendary Cladstrups, whose books have forever changed how I—and maybe how you—experience Paris, and with Maximilian Riedel, whose passion for glassware may just have you questioning whether the vessel truly shapes your wine’s destiny. I walk you through my adventures in enotourism with Bill Kalais, who proves that real travel in wine is about genuine cultural immersion, not just bus tours and tastings. And I’ll reveal how pioneers like Jason Haas reinvented American wine by shattering old rules and building new bridges—reminding all of us how wine creates an ever-unfolding tapestry of relationships and possibility. At every turn, I come back to a core truth: wine transforms lives, forges lasting bonds across continents and cultures, and weaves together music, language, land, and food into something inseparable and deeply human. Listen in and you’ll learn, through my own stories, why the most meaningful bottles are those that connect us, and perhaps even discover the real reason Paris owes more to an exiled empress than to any king. #WineTalks #WineIndustry #WinePodcast #WineHistory #WineEducation #WineInnovation #WineCulture #WineTravel #WineTourism #WineConnections #WineStories #Winemaking #Glassware #RhoneRangers #FrenchWine #Bordeaux #WomenInWine #WineAndWar #ChampagneCharlie
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How the Right Wine Glass Changes Everything: Paul K Talks with Maximilian Riedel
08/05/2025
How the Right Wine Glass Changes Everything: Paul K Talks with Maximilian Riedel
Once I was asked to meet a vendor at a local diner...a diner like the one at the end of the movies Sideways. Complete with amber plastic tumblers. IN walked one of the old time great wine slaesman with his wares in tow. I must have looked cross-eyed because I was sure he would not want to taste his wines here, at this diner. I was wrong and he did. This is when I learned how important the proper glass is when tasting or drinking wine. I guess some of us learn the hard way. Prepare to be absolutely amazed and inspired by this deep dive into the world of wine glasses and the family legacy behind Riedel, the world’s oldest glass-producing company! In this fascinating episode of Wine Talks, host Paul K sits down with Maximilian Riedel, the charismatic 11th-generation leader of Riedel, and the conversation will forever change the way you think about what’s in your glass. Maximilian reveals that it’s the DNA of the grape that determines the shape of the glass—how cool is that? Wine glasses are not designed on computers or drawn out in some sterile lab; they’re born through taste, smell, texture, and endless experimentation alongside renowned winemakers from the world’s top regions. We learn that even the world’s most iconic glasses, meticulously crafted over generations, owe their existence to a relentless process of trial and error and to the subtle, invaluable feedback from true wine experts. Who knew that glass shape could affect the way wine tastes so much? We’re also treated to incredible stories—from how only the last three generations of the Riedel family fell in love with wine, to wild collaborations with everyone from Champagne houses to the tequila industry (yes, Riedel invented the first tequila-sipping glass, honored by the President of Mexico!). Maximilian opens up about following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, the influence of family, and how he’s trying to inspire his own young kids to appreciate the culture and storytelling of wine and glassware. But the discussion doesn’t stop at the glass itself. Paul and Maximilian explore broader wine culture—why restaurant wine pricing can be intimidating, the evolving language of wine, and why social media is so crucial for connecting with younger generations and spreading the joy and artistry of wine. This episode will make you want to rethink everything you know about wine tasting, glassware, and even the traditions and values that shape the way we drink. Maximilian’s passion, humor, and eye-opening insights will leave you wanting to experience wine in a whole new way. If you’ve ever wondered whether the glass matters or are curious about the magical intersection of history, craftsmanship, and wine, this is a must-watch. Don’t miss this journey into the artistry, science, and family stories that make every sip extraordinary! Riedel (Wine glass and decanter manufacturer) https://www.riedel.com Tiffany & Co. (Referenced as "Tiffany’s") https://www.tiffany.com Target (Referenced as "Target") https://www.target.com Dom Pérignon (Champagne house) https://www.domperignon.com Krug Champagne (Champagne house) https://www.krug.com George V / Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/ #wine #winetalks #riedel #maximilianriedel #glassware #wineglasses #winestories #wineculture #crystalglass #sommeliers #winelover #wineindustry #terroir #wineeducation #familybusiness #tasteexperience #winemakers #finewine #socialmediawine #wineinnovation
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Exploring Paso Robles: Rhone Varietals, Innovation, and Community with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek
07/31/2025
Exploring Paso Robles: Rhone Varietals, Innovation, and Community with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek
Legacy in the wine trade is not guaranteed. Not every child wants to take on the wine trade. I have many stories of famed children of iconic brands setting out to carve their own path to only lnad back in this passionate business. Jason Haas of Tablas Creek came around a bit quicker. He saw what an honest glass of wine represents and is now the second generation owner of Tablas Creek. Jason Haas may be the only guest who can increase the world’s acreage of a grape by 40% simply by planting half an acre. If that got your attention, prepare for a conversation filled with surprising truths about winemaking in Paso Robles, the deep roots of Tablas Creek, and the evolving landscape of California’s wine industry. You’ll learn how a partnership between the American Haas family and the French Perrins of Château de Beaucastel launched an early French “transplant” with a vision for Mediterranean grapes in California—long before it was fashionable. Jason offers an insider’s perspective on why Paso Robles’ sub-appellations are more expressive than those in Napa and how scientific mapping by UC Davis and Cal Poly replaced politics with terroir. You’ll get an engrossing look at how this once rural, cowboy town is still shaped more by local families than by corporate interests, and why that matters for the wines—and the people—who make them. Jason also reveals how trends, from big brand Cabs chasing the Napa style to small-batch Rhône blends with true regional character, shape what’s in your glass. If you’ve ever wondered what innovation actually means in wine—outside of quirky bottles and cans—Jason gives you a primer on farming organically and regeneratively, introducing grapes the world has nearly forgotten, and packaging that shrinks the industry’s carbon footprint. You’ll hear the untold story of California’s Roan Ranger movement that started in a little Berkeley restaurant, and why camaraderie and shared purpose make Paso’s wine community unique. Along the way, you’ll discover why the best part of a Paso wine club might be the opportunity to bowl against your neighboring vintners’ Little League teams—no cowboy hat required. Tablas Creek (the main winery discussed, Jason Haas is proprietor) Website: Château de Beaucastel (French winery, partners with Tablas Creek founders) Website: Opus One (Napa Valley winery referenced) Website: Dominus Estate (another Napa Valley winery referenced) Website: Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (regional wine association mentioned) Website: Edmunds St. John (Steve Edmunds mentioned as an original Rhone Ranger) Website: Brooks Winery (Janie Hook referenced as part of a wine collective) Website: Vineyard Brands (Import company founded by Robert Haas, Jason’s father) Website: Ancient Peaks Winery (mentioned as owned by a former well digger) Website: Austin Hope (Paso Robles winery/brand discussed) Website: DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles producer mentioned) Website: JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery (Paso producer mentioned) Website: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (Paso Robles winery mentioned) Website: Wine of the Month Club (Paul Kalemkiarian’s business) Website: Lalime’s Restaurant (Berkeley restaurant referenced as a meeting point; may now be closed but for history: ) Website (legacy/reference): #winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #JasonHaas #TablasCreek #PasoRobles #RhoneVarietals #winemaking #wineindustry #winenight #vineyardlife #CaliforniaWine #wineclub #d2cwine #winestories #wineducation #sustainablewine #wineinnovation #tastingroom #winecommunity
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Chasing Passions and Building Promise Winery: The Journey of Stephen and Jennifer McPherson
07/29/2025
Chasing Passions and Building Promise Winery: The Journey of Stephen and Jennifer McPherson
When I was approached by a PR firm to interview the Stephen and Jennifer McPherson, I gladly agreed not knowing a thing. Podcasts guests are not hard to find in the industry...but good podcasts guests...that is a different story. I am about the story. That is what I am pitching in the world of wine; innovation in marketing and packaging are important, but what is that innovation centered on? The story. And here is a story, what started as a promise between spouses, became a reality and one that they, as many life changes perform, they wish they had started earlier. If you ever wondered what happens when a top entertainment exec swaps red carpets for rolling vineyards, Stephen and Jennifer McPherson’s journey will uncork your imagination. On this episode, you’ll hear firsthand how passion trumped the allure of Hollywood glitz, beckoning Stephen from ABC to the grape-stained heart of Napa Valley—all because of a vow made to Jennifer on the eve of their wedding. You’ll be invited into the world of Promise Winery, a boutique operation run by this husband-and-wife team with just three employees and a steadfast commitment to staying small, authentic, and deeply personal. Get ready to learn what it takes to follow a dream in an industry that, while brimming with camaraderie and collaboration, is anything but easy. The McPhersons peel back the layers of their calling, sharing stories that reveal why wine is far more than a business—it’s an expression of emotion, a vehicle for connection, and a labor of genuine love. You’ll laugh at the tales of pigs, homemade prosciutto, and kitchen experiments, and come away touched by their philosophy that great wine is born not in boardrooms but through personal relationships, intention, and joy. As you listen, you’ll pick up intimate details about wine’s power to unite, the changing landscape of Napa, the eccentricities of wine marketing, and the importance of sticking to your values when trends and algorithms tempt you otherwise. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a tour of the soul behind the bottle, with wisdom for anyone dreaming of a life built on what matters most. Promise Winery Website: Wine of the Month Club Website: Rombauer Vineyards Website: Goldman Sachs Website: Naked Wines Website: Winc (formerly Club W) Website: Chateau Coutet Website: Colgin Cellars Website: #WineTalks #PromiseWinery #NapaValley #WinePodcast #WineIndustry #WinePassion #WineStories #Winemaking #BoutiqueWinery #WineLovers #WineCommunity #WineExperience #WineTasting #FamilyBusiness #WineJourney #WineAndFood #WineEmotion #WineEducation #WineCulture #AuthenticWine #paulkalemkiarian #winetalkspodcast
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Why Wine Pairing Rules Are Made Up Tim Hanni Explains
07/24/2025
Why Wine Pairing Rules Are Made Up Tim Hanni Explains
This is absolutely incredible. During this conversation with Master of Wine Tim Hanni, I had to step back and take a breather. He speaks on such a level about wine and the errors of the industry and packs so much into a single sentence, one must just ask him to stop to let the listener regroup. And then you can't wait to get to the next subject. Tim Hanni has a knack for stirring up the wine world—and not just in the glass. Master of Wine, self-proclaimed neurodivergent, and recovering vertical thinker, Tim upends every rule you thought you knew about wine and food pairing. In this episode, you’ll tumble down the rabbit hole of wine “education,” learning why the very idea of a standardized language for wine is more myth than method, and why trying to force consumers into rigid tasting frameworks makes about as much sense as serving Château Yquem only after dessert. Tim invites us to step outside the vertical “vacuum” of tradition, where “experts” argue endlessly over points, metaphors, and what makes a wine “authentic,” regardless of what real people like or taste. Instead, you’ll explore horizontal segmentation—a visionary approach that asks what you enjoy, rather than lecturing you on what you’re supposed to like. He’ll open your eyes to the untold culinary histories of France, China, and beyond, exposing how local customs—think mixing wine with water, Cognac with Sprite, or the Spanish cult of Calimocho—defied all the snobbery and made wine approachable. Beyond the chemistry and the clichés, Tim shows how genetics, perception, and even childhood memories shape your palate. Unravel the neuroplastic threads connecting culture, biology, and psychology, and discover why language about wine is as personal and subjective as taste itself. Trust us, you’ll come away from this conversation empowered to toss aside intimidation, embrace your own preferences, and maybe even splash a little Coca-Cola in your glass—because as Tim reveals, the future of wine isn’t about changing you to fit the wine, but letting the wine world finally fit you. ✅ Think wine is all about fancy rules and stuffy traditions? Think again. ✅ Master of Wine Tim Hanni and host Paul Kalemkiarian shatter the myths around wine language, food pairing, and what REALLY matters when you pour a glass. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, they dive into why the “rules” of wine are mostly illusions, how perception and neurodiversity shape our tastes, and why the industry needs a massive shake-up. ✅ Bottom line: Forget the snobbery—wine is about YOUR experience, not outdated dogma. Mentioned in the podcast: Monell Chemical Senses Center Website: https://www.monell.org/ Suntory (Japanese company referenced for scotch and wine ventures) Website: https://www.suntory.com/ #wine #winetalks #timhanni #paulkalemkiarian #wineindustry #wineeducation #neurodivergence #winepairing #sensoryscience #winelover #perception #winemyths #foodandwine #winetasting #winelanguage #winehistory #verticalsegmentation #horizontalsegmentation #mindgenomics #wineculture
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Rethinking Wine Clubs, Loyalty, and Digital Marketing in the Modern Wine Industry. Polly Hammond.
07/22/2025
Rethinking Wine Clubs, Loyalty, and Digital Marketing in the Modern Wine Industry. Polly Hammond.
Reaching out to Polly to have a chat about coming on Wine Talks, was like a breath of fresh air. Podcasting takes great effort and a conscious effort to be better and to look for guests that can add to the entertainment and education value of the show. I could have just as easily recorded our pre-call and published that as a podcast. I think you will find Polly intriguing, inspiring and knowledgable. Polly Hammond would be the first to admit she never gets nervous on podcasts—until, of course, she landed on Wine Talks with Paul K., reminiscing about youthful memories in Hermosa Beach and realizing just how close to home a conversation about wine could truly feel. In this episode, listeners are in for much more than a stroll down California’s scenic, wine-soaked memory lanes. You’ll dive deep with Polly, CEO and founder of Five Forests Wine Consultancy, as she shakes up entrenched ideas about what keeps wine regions—and the wider wine business—buzzing and relevant. Expect lively debate about the value of tradition and typicity, a behind-the-scenes look at loyalty and wine clubs in the digital age, and a wake-up call about the risks of letting marketing run on autopilot. Polly challenges brands to not just hand down goals to marketers, but to invite them into the boardroom, making a compelling case for why the future of wine depends on personal, empathetic connection with consumers instead of faceless macro-data. Along the way, you’ll pick up eyebrow-raising stories—like how middle-aged moms became surprising champions of 19 Crimes, or why a thriving direct mail business in the ’90s can teach us crucial lessons for today’s digital dilemma. Whether you’re a wine lover wondering how your own preferences evolve, or an industry stalwart trying to keep pace with Gen Z’s changing tastes and the existential threat of e-commerce to the old wine club model, this episode peels back the curtain on the emotional, psychological, and practical realities facing wine today. When Polly finishes, you’ll find yourself equipped—not just with fascinating wine stories, but with a new lens for viewing the wine world’s challenges and possibilities, one disruptively practical insight at a time. Five Forest Wine Consultancy Website: Ottomany Global (sometimes spelled as "Areni Global" in industry contexts; it's a wine think tank) Website: Alexander Valley Vineyards Website: Hope Family Wines (Trecini/Treana Wines) Website: (Triana/Treana is a brand under Hope Family Wines) SC (University of Southern California, USC) Website: Napa Valley Wine Academy Website: Wine of the Month Club Website: Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: Coca-Cola Website: Wine Warehouse Website: #wineindustry #winetalks #winemarketing #wineloyalty #wineclubs #wineconsulting #winetradition #digitalmarketing #winelife #pollyhammond #paulkalemkiarian #femalewineleaders #winebusiness #wineretail #winesales #winestory #winebranding #customerloyalty #winedigital #winepodcast
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