Lisa Kay, Enology Student and Future Winemaker:
Lisa Kay began as a talking points writer for Wine Talks, then pursued enology at Cornell after being inspired by the show’s women winemakers. Her journey led her to a six-week internship at Chateau Aubay in Bordeaux, highlighting wine’s power to foster personal growth and global connections. Paul emphasizes Lisa’s inspiring story as an example of how passion for wine creates opportunities and relationships, connecting students and industry leaders in unexpected, meaningful ways.
The Cladstrups – Chroniclers of Wine, War, and Parisian History:
Don and Petie Kladstrup, authors of “Wine and War,” delve into their new book on Empress Eugénie, revealing her lasting influence on Paris and its wine history. Their work uncovers surprising links between historical figures and Bordeaux wine estates, making history engaging and relevant. Paul praises their storytelling and insists “Wine and War” is essential for anyone in the wine industry, highlighting how wine and history intertwine to shape culture.
Maximilian Riedel – Passion for the Perfect Glass:
Paul discusses with Maximilian Riedel how the shape and design of glassware profoundly affect wine enjoyment. They debunk common skepticism through examples like the film “Sideways” and reveal the science behind well-crafted crystal glasses. Maximilian’s dedication to innovation and wine appreciation shines, encouraging listeners to re-experience wine with purposeful glassware design, thus understanding the subtle interplay between tradition, sensory experience, and the industry’s legacy.
Bill Calejas – Reimagining Wine Tourism:
Bill Calejas transformed his personal love of wine into immersive, culture-rich enotourism experiences, moving beyond standard wine tours. His method offers participants deep engagement with winemakers and regions, making travelers ambassadors of culture, not just visitors. Paul details how Bill’s approach emphasizes authentic encounters, storytelling, and the transformative potential of wine tourism. He highlights Bill’s flair for creating lasting bonds—showing wine as a vehicle for genuine discovery.
Jason Haas – Bridging Rhône Valley and Paso Robles:
Jason Haas of Tablas Creek advanced California’s embrace of Rhône varietals, blending French heritage with local innovation. Paul traces Jason’s family’s American-French partnership and their founding role in the Rhone Rangers movement. Their culinary and wine meetings led to cross-continental friendships, establishing transformative new directions for Paso Robles wines. Jason’s journey exemplifies wine’s ability to unite global communities and cultivate longstanding industry bonds.
Vahe Kushgarian – From Italian Estates to Armenian Bubbles:
Vahe Kushgarian’s career spans Italian estates, running Berkeley’s famed Laleem restaurant, and pioneering Armenian sparkling wine. Paul revisits Vahe’s remarkable story of cultural bridging, from mentoring Rhône Rangers to launching internationally recognized brands. Vahe embodies wine’s potential for adventure, creativity, and heritage preservation—demonstrating how one individual’s vision can revitalise traditions and connect people, places, and history across generations and borders.
