No one expects a high-powered executive to moonlight as a cheerleader—especially not one with pom-poms stashed next to multi-million dollar portfolios. That’s exactly where Eva Horton flips the script on all of us, as she sits down with Paul Kalemkiarian for a jaw-dropping conversation on Wine Talks. This episode unpacks…
Think about it...Robert Vardanian has. Rob describes wine as the story of a particular place, time, and the people who made it—essentially, each bottle is like a message in a bottle from a unique corner of the world. He draws a fun parallel to a scene in the film "Saving…
I could hardly believe the stories Don and Petie Kladstrup shared on this episode of Wine Talks. There I was, prepping my usual questions about historical bottles and legendary cellars, when suddenly, our conversation took this wild turn—one I never saw coming. It’s not often our guests have me on…
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…
What does it mean to "pull a Nixon?" when it comes to wine service. We have all done it and now I know what to call it! When you pour one quality level of wine (of liquor for that matter) for your guests and reserve another level of quality for…
Kevin O’Leary, widely recognized as an investor, quickly learned the tough realities of the wine business. Joking that “the way to become a millionaire in wine is to start as a billionaire,” he discovered firsthand how challenging the industry could be. In North America, an astonishing 97% of wine sells…
Susan Kostrwava knows the wine industry like few others—after all, when she talks about effective messaging, wine authenticity, and the power of experience, it’s with the insight of someone who shaped the narratives at Wine Enthusiast and now crafts strategy for brands craving a new audience. In this episode, you’ll…
A few years ago, I had NBA star John Salley in the house. We had some great laughs and the story telling was incredible. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix NBA championship rings, vegan wine, and a dash of Inglewood nostalgia, this episode is for you! Host…
Here Madeline Puckett compares social marketing as going to the gym. I get her point in that there is a baseline to stay fit as there is a baseline in social to stay active.
Sometimes life is about timing. Just as I was inquiring about the wine of an Armenian wine maker, I received an email from a gentleman thanking me for the inquiry, and that he happens to be in LA...and would love to sit for a podcast. I was floored. When Vahagn…
What better way to define a wine professional versus a wine lover than to hear it from Pierre Olivier Clouet of Chateau Cheval Blanc. Pierre Olivier Clouet is the kind of winemaker whose energy is so palpable, you half expect him to vivify the vines just by striding through the…
At a recent Cabernet Sauvignon tasting in Los Angeles at the famed Republique restaurant, I spied this cool cat pouring off some aged wines. In that I fancy myself as a off-beat jacket guy, I had to engage Ron as to the provenance of not his wines, but of his…
Despite being the son of a pharmacist turned wine professional, I did not know the purpose of an Entheogen. Ross Halleck set me straight,so much so, that after defining an entheogen, the value of the consumption of wine became clearer. Ross Halleck doesn’t just make wine—he might just ask you…
Proper winemaking takes humility. It takes a story. It takes risk. And I guess risk is relative. when you come from nothing or next to nothing and you plot a path and execute a path, that comes from and takes humility. Mike Grgich landed in Saint Helena with $32 dollars…
Stephanie Morton-Small doesn’t just pour wine—he pours a brand new philosophy into the glass. You will come away from this episode seeing wine, not merely as a world of flavor notes and technical jargon, but as a profound and very human emotional experience. Through a lively exploration, our guest debunks…
And and I know what that animal's been eating So like let's say we go to sage country and the uh deer are all eating sage I like to cook some sage in- How interesting Like if you do a white-tailed deer that doesn't really eat sage you know they're…
Chef Ara Zada joins us for a flavorful discussion on how classical French cooking techniques can elevate traditional Middle Eastern dishes. In this clip, Ara explains the art of layering flavors—starting with aromatics like mirepoix, onions, garlic, and sofrito—and how integrating these elements into your cooking liquid enhances not just…
If you have spent any time at all in the wine trade...even if you have just visited the wine section of your favorite market; you know, have seen and recognize the name Sebastiani. They are one of the original Sonoma county wine families and August is the 4th generation. He…
I forgot her exuberance, energy, and love of wine and music. I'm so glad I had the chance to remember. The wine world needs more Stephanie Morton-Smalls; she helps us keep our eye on the ball. If you’ve ever wondered why some wines taste better when paired with heartfelt stories…
When I told my wife I was interviewing Chef Ara Zada...she was like..."I follow him!""He is great!" She never says that about me. I guess I need to learn how to make "fusion"cuisine with Mediterranean food!. Chef Ara Zada has a storied career and now turned food influencer. We had…
I keep an eye on this girl. She makes this happen. As a college athlete, mom, and wine brand manager, Monika is always "shaking the tree."I am inspired by her tenacity and impressed with her no-nonsense approach to branding wine. Monika Elling doesn’t just swirl her wine—she stirs the conversation…
Sometimes when you speak to a consultant, you get consultant gobeldy gook. I can't tell you how many consultants I hired along the way at the WIne of the Month Club, but suffice it to say, most did not perform as expected. Why? Because selling wine is different than anything…
PR firms call regularly to put their clients on the show. Sometimes I'm like..."Ummm, what does shoe repair have to do with wine?" In this case, a Master Sommelier who is a lead somm at a Michelin-starred restaurant. ...Sign me up! Stefanie Hehn—master sommelier extraordinaire from Hamburg’s fabulous Fontenay Hotel—brings…
I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St.…