The Vine Guy

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Wineries, wines and wine classes in Utah? Certified Sommelier Pam Wood explains. Oct 01, 2020

Show notes

Pamela Wood is a certified wine educator, American wine expert and certified sommelier who traded in her skis for cork screws. Originally from Southern California, Pam’s life changed during a ski trip to Utah after college. Skiing led to a career in hospitality, and that in turn led Pamela to her passion for exploring the world of wine and sharing it with others. Today, Pam is the director of education for the Culinary Wine Institute USA, providing wine sales and service training to restaurants around the country. According to Pam, "The world of wine has something for everyone." Drink in the episode with the enthusiastic Pamela Wood.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Garofoli Verdicchio dei Castello di Jesi Macrina from Marche, Italy

2016 Hewitson Miss Harry “Harriet’s Blend” from Barossa Valley, Australia

From bottling line intern to head winemaker at Quilceda Creek: A conversation with Alex Stewart Sep 24, 2020

Show notes

When Alex Golitzin started Quilceda Creek back in the 1970s, his uncle André Tchelistcheff, America’s most influential winemaker, told him to do one thing and do it well. Golitzin decided to make Cabernet Sauvignon in the Columbia Valley in Washington state. Today, winemaker Alex Stewart carries on the tradition by crafting some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in America, using minimal intervention to let the stunning Columbia Valley fruit shine through. Drink in this delightful conversation with the oh-so modest Alex Stewart.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2017 Quilceda Creek CVR (Columbia Valley Red), Washington State

2017 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State

Jim Schleckser wants you to be a professional drinker Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

Certified Sommelier/CEO Consultant Jim Schleckser told me last year during a Vine Guy podcast episode that he was going to write a book about entertaining in a professional setting. Well, he did it! Professional Drinking: A Spirited Guide to Wine, Cocktails and Confident Business Entertaining is out this week and Jim joins me on the podcast to talk about his new book and give a few tips on ordering wine in a restaurant. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the wine game, you’re going to want to drink in this fun and enjoyable episode with my friend, Jim Schleckser.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2015 Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti from Italy

2015 George Vintage XIII Hansen Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley

Robert Hayk went from Soviet Union athlete to socially responsible Bulgarian wine importer Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

Robert Hayk is on a mission to introduce Americans to wines they have no idea about, namely wines from Bulgaria. In addition to the incredible value these wines offer, Robert is also obsessed with providing quality in the bottle (or can) and transparency on the label. Drink in this very candid – and politically intriguing – conversation with wine importer Robert Hayk.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Bulgariana Pinot Noir

2018 Rough Day Cabernet Sauvignon

Sommelier Nadine Brown learns new things in the wine world Sep 04, 2020

Show notes

Born in Jamaica, Nadine Brown’s journey from social worker to Sommelier has been an unexpected-yet-rewarding experience. Nadine is considered one of the top wine directors in Washington, D.C., and it’s easy to see why, particularly when she defends her All-American wine list. In this episode, we try a “Las Vegas Showgirl” wine from the “pinch” of Napa Valley and learn about The Veraison Project, a program directed at getting people of color more involved in the wine industry. Drink in this interview with Nadine Brown.

Wines Tasted In This Episode:
2018 Chateau Famaey Sparkling Malbec Rose Pet-Nat
2017 Hour Glass “HGIII” Red Wine from Napa Valley, CA

Former Washington Post wine journalist and author, Dick Rosano, knows a thing or two about Italian wines Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

Dick Rosano doesn’t just write about wine, he is an award-wining home winemaker himself. His passion: Italian wines, and in this episode, he shares what’s going on in Chianti, where the winemakers are challenged to “achieve a balance these days between a modernized style but also one that is soulful and fills your mouth.” Drink in this episode with my friend, Dick Rosano. Wines tasted in this episode: 2016 Antinori Santa Cristina from Tuscany 2010 Verbena Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

Wine curious: Tim McDonald shares his path to wine judge Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

“We’d go home at two in the morning, play guitar and drink DRC Échezeaux and Richebourg and not know it was anything special…”

Tim McDonald, chief everything officer of Wine and Spirits Spoken Here, has taken a very interesting road from Las Vegas waiter, to beverage supplier, to wholesale manager, to media consultant, and now head wine judge for several major wine competitions. He likes to think of himself as “wine curious.” What he is is an amazing storyteller. Drink in his story on this episode of the Vine Guy.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Qupe Y Block Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

2018 Laetitia Estate Pinot Noir

2018 Qupe Central Coast Estate Syrah

From Albariño to Zweigelt, America's wine culture has deep roots in Maryland Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association, explains how Maryland has played an important role in America’s wine industry and now has over 100 wineries in the state experimenting with about 200 wine varieties. It’s time to take a hike on the Maryland Wine Trail with Kevin Atticks.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Boordy Vineyards Albariño

2017 Catoctin Breeze Vineyard Estate Syrah

2014 Fiore Winery & Distillery Sangiovese

2017 The Vineyards at Dodon Drum Point Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend.

Former model and actress Sandra Guibord believes everyone has a wine identity Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

Sandra Guibord enjoyed a wonderful career in film and television, but her passion for wine took off when an acting job sent her packing to California. Today, Sandra is an preeminent guide in the wine and spirits community, assisting corporations in entertaining and educating their clients and executives. Her enthusiasm for helping everyday wine consumers select wines for backyard barbecues, business dinners, romantic dates as well as building wine collections is infectious. Drink in this episode with Sandra and find out what World Wine Wednesday is all about.

Wines tasted in this episode

2018 Sella & Mosca Vermentino di Sardegna

Australian actor Fayssal Bazzi shares his passion fine wine and his latest project: 'Stateless' on Netflix Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

Fayssal Bazzi's family was uprooted from their home in Lebanon when Fayssal was just 3 years old. They emigrated to Australia where Fayssal had to quickly learn a new language and culture. Today, he is one of Australia's most talented - and delightful - actors co-starring with Cate Blanchett in the new Netflix limited series, Stateless, available now. This timely refugee drama gives a harrowing look at a broken immigration system. Fayssal plays Ameer, a brave Afghan refugee who flees to Australia to seek asylum with his family. Drink in this episode of the Vine Guy with the extremely talented and humble Fayssal Bazzi.

Wines Tasted In This Episode:

2018 Tyrrell's Beyond Broke Road Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia

2018 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

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