Welcome to this special Thanksgiving episode of “Wine Talks”! I’m Paul Kalemkiarian, and today I’m taking you behind the scenes, sharing personal reflections, wine industry insights, and some heartfelt gratitude that I hope will resonate with wine lovers and those just beginning their journey alike.

I kick things off with a little self-deprecating humor about my “Roman nose”—it’s been fodder for nicknames all my life, but it’s part of who I am, and it’s a reminder to be thankful for our unique quirks. As I prepared for our Thanksgiving gathering, I chose some wonderful wines for the meal, especially bottles from Chateau Bailly. That wine isn’t just a favorite—it’s meaningful because my niece, Lisa, interned there, deepening our family’s connection to the world of wine.

Reflecting on my path, I never intended to follow in my father’s footsteps and join the wine business. I started out in Corporate America after graduating from USC, learning valuable lessons at big companies and tiny startups alike. But everything changed when my father called to ask if I’d look at an offer for Wine of the Month Club before he sold it—and I’m thankful every day that he did. I was reminded of this blessing in a call with my siblings this morning, as we celebrated what it means to be part of this industry and our family.

The camaraderie in wine is unmatched, and I’m eternally grateful for remarkable friends and colleagues like Veronique Sanders and Alexander Van Beek, masters behind esteemed châteaux in Bordeaux. Despite our different backgrounds and worlds apart—her in France, me in Southern California—there’s an instant “family” bond created by our mutual passion for wine and the challenges we face together.

One of my favorite recent experiences is hearing Lisa’s story about her time in France. As an intern at Chateau Bailly, they put her to work in the vineyard. She wasn’t sure about it at first, but as I told her: if you want to be a winemaker, that’s where you need to be. Now, she cherishes that hands-on experience, and I couldn’t be prouder.

This episode explores how essential the vineyard is—it’s truly where wine is made. I also touch on the reality of the wine business: there’s a divide between terroir-driven, honest wines and the mass-market, trend-driven labels on supermarket shelves. While both have their place, I believe that truly great wine should represent the land and the time it came from—not just chase the latest consumer whim.

I’m excited for upcoming podcast guests, too, like Nick Karavitas, who’s seen it all in his 45-year career, and Walter Gioris, the French-Belgian musician behind the “Endless Summer” surf film soundtrack who now runs a Carmel Valley winery. Their stories are unique and inspiring, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Finally, I share some career advice for anyone in the corporate world: knowing wine isn’t just for sommeliers—it’s a powerful tool in international business. Understanding how to read a wine label, what an appellation means, and how to pair wine with a meal can set you apart in any setting.

So whether you’re exploring what wine to serve at your next family event, interested in vineyard life, or looking to build confidence as a wine taster (or in your business career!), this episode has something for you. I invite you to connect, share your own wine stories in the comments, and, of course, subscribe for more in-depth wine conversations.

Highlights & SEO-friendly themes:

Thanksgiving wine recommendations

Wine for family gatherings

Behind-the-scenes wine industry stories

Chateau Bailly internship and vineyard work

Terroir and authentic winemaking

Navigating the wine business

Interviews with wine icons and musicians-turned-winemakers

Wine education for business professionals

Tasting tips and career growth through wine knowledge

Thank you for spending time with me on "Wine Talks." Like, subscribe, and hit that bell for more relatable wine stories, industry wisdom, and heartfelt conversations. Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving!