Eric Asimov never complains about having the best job in the world, and after listening to this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll understand why. As The New York Times’s wine critic, Asimov brings an unpretentious brilliance to the table—and in this conversation with host Paul Kalemkiarian, he uncorks a heady bouquet of insights about the ever-evolving landscape of wine and food. Get ready to hear why Asimov believes we are living in the greatest era for wine lovers, with unprecedented access to varietals and regions that would have baffled even the most passionate collectors just a generation ago. You’ll learn how climate change isn’t just a buzzword, but a force actively reshaping vineyards from Burgundy to Ontario, driving growers to rethink grape selection, harvest timing, and even the direction their hillsides face. Asimov demystifies the ways restaurants and sommeliers have shaped our palates, only for COVID and economic pressures to threaten the incredible diversity we now take for granted. From a riveting discussion about immigrant cuisine and the waves of culture that landed on American shores, to a candid look at the mass production and marketing of "celebrity" wines, you’ll find yourself questioning what makes a wine (or restaurant) truly memorable. Asimov doesn’t just talk flavor—he explains how to truly fall in love with wine, to find your palate, and why wine education starts not with scores or snobbery, but with curiosity and community. Whether you fancy yourself a connoisseur or someone still figuring out the difference between Beaujolais Nouveau and Cru, this episode offers a compelling, inside look at where wine, food, and culture intersect in a world that’s constantly swirling and changing.

Linfield University (Greg Jones' affiliation)
Website: https://www.linfield.edu

Larkmead Vineyards (Dan Petroski's winery)
Website: https://www.larkmead.com

Chateau de Jacques
Website: https://www.chateau-de-jacques.fr

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (referred to as "Southern")
Website: https://www.southernwine.com
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