Wine Enthusiast Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 90: Exploring the Drinks Influence of First Australians May 26, 2021

Show notes

Australia has a long history of wine production, dating back around 200 years. In that time, the country has built a reputation for quality offerings that can compete globally.

But broad understanding of Australia's winemaking origins, especially the influence of Aboriginal culture, is sparse, and the contributions of the First Nations People of Australia are often overlooked or undervalued.

To understand more about the country's drinks history and its impact on Australia's wine world today, Contributing Editor Christina Pickard speaks to drinks industry veterans Curly Haslam-Coates and Gary Green.

Their conversations demonstrate how programs and producers are advancing modern dialogues.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 89: Is Wine Art? May 12, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, we go a little deep and talk about a somewhat philosophical question. Is wine art? Wine drinkers often romanticize the art and poetry of winemaking, but it's impossible to ignore the science behind wine production. At the end of the day, perhaps wine is just a product, a commodity, based in science and with a clear method for optimal production?

Care to fall down this rabbit hole with us?

Managing Editor Lauren Buzzeo speaks to Winemaker/Vineyard Manager Rachel Rose of Bryn Mawr Vineyards in Salem, Oregon, to discuss the reality of making wine, and if what's in the bottle can truly be considered art.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 88: Germany's Au Naturel Challenge Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

"Natural wines" are increasingly bantered about these days, but in cool-climate regions like Germany, with highly challenging weather and disease issues, making wines "au naturel" can be a risky proposition. For some, it's a must-do labor of love, and we explore why. Contributing Editor Anna Lee Iijima speaks with two producers from the Pfalz wine region in western Germany who champion such change: Bettina Bürklin-von Gurazdi of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, and Hans and Valentin Rebholz from the Rebholz Estate.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 87: Why Is Natural Wine So Divisive? Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

Natural wine often falls into a love it or hate it conversation, but why? In search of answers, we talk to Meri Lugo of Domestique Wine shop, a retailer from the natty side, and Charles Springfield, a somm who deals in more traditional bottles, to find out what it is about this category that inspires such heated debate. We discuss some of the perceptions and misunderstandings among natural and conventional wine lovers, as well as how one can get over the hump to expand your palate.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 86: California's Women in Wine—Part 2 Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

The second in our two-part series to honor Women's History Month, this episode of the Wine Enthusiast Podcast features some of the leading ladies of the California wine scene who are driving the industry forward today.

To kick things off, Contributing Editor Virginie Boone speaks with Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, president and founder of Dream Big Darling, cofounder of Wine Speak Paso Robles and VP of operations at Ancient Peaks Winery, about the importance of finding your tribe and building your support network, as well as mentoring and amplifying others' voices.

We also speak with Ana Keller of Keller Estate, who centers her conversation around respecting the land and the community around you, and how organizations can champion change. Innovative and inspiring, Keller advocates attention to farming for the future and applying best and sustainable practices for the greater good of generations to come.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 85: California's Women in Wine—Part 1 Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

The first in a two-part series to honor Women's History Month, this episode of the Wine Enthusiast Podcast features some of the leading ladies of the California wine scene who are driving the industry forward today. Carolyn and Aly Wente of Wente Vineyards talk about how they maintain their family business. Also in this episode is Remi Cohen, the second CEO of iconic California brand Domaine Carneros, who shares how her decades of experience have helped shape her role and perspectives today.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 84: The Insane Appeal of South African Chardonnay Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

Chardonnay may be the world's most popular white wine grape, but consumers tend to gravitate to two iconic areas when shopping for the stuff: Burgundy and California. It's time to think about the bridge that brings those two worlds, Old and New, together in one delicious sip: South Africa.

Graham Weerts, winemaker for Capensis Wines in South Africa as well as winemaker at Stonestreet Estate in California's Alexander Valley and Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Jackson Family Wines, helps us explore why the country should be in your regular rotation for exemplary Chards of brilliance and balance.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 83: Put a (Better) Cork In It Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

Cork closures are nothing new in the world of wine, but thankfully, the techniques and technology being used to make them more consistently reliable is. From questions of sustainability and the use of alternate materials to improved testing techniques, it turns out that not all corks are created equally, but they're being made better than ever before.

In honor of our The New Now issue, we're getting a little geeky and diving deep with some real cork dorks. Contributing Editor Sean Sullivan talks to Carlos de Jesus, director of marketing and communication, and Dr. Paulo Lopes, director of innovation, from Amorim, the world's largest cork producer. We also tap Denis van Roey, CEO, and Stéphane Vidal, head of strategic innovation, at Vinventions, producers of Nomacorc.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 82: A Wine Lover's Guide to Mezcal Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Spirits Editor Kara Newman speaks with mezcal experts and Agave Road Trip podcast cohosts Lou Bank and Salvador "Chava" Peribán about the wonderfully complex and absolutely delicious world of mezcal and agave heritage spirits, including production and product insight, why the concept of terroir is not just for grapes, and which terms and bottles you should be seeking out now.

Instagram: @wineenthusiast

Twitter: @WineEnthusiast

Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Episode 81: What's Next for Craft Beer in 2021 Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

Still grappling with the global pandemic and all of the business shifts that have resulted, we have a candid conversation with multiple beer industry pros about what the year ahead holds for craft beer, and what it means for what's in your glass.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected