Wine Talks with Paul K.

Latest Episodes:

With $25 In His Pocket, He Left Iran at 13 Years Old. This Is His Story. Zaya Younan. Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St. Emilion. My curiosity required me to ask the wholesaler, "Maybe the Chateau owner will come on the show?" "Let me check." "He would love it"

So then I though I'd best look up the guest (this was one hour before his arrival). OMG..this Zaya Younan is a formidable businessman with over 1200 patents, 5 hotels, three golf courses, a fine cigar company, and now 2 Chateaux in France. I was humbled; for him taking the time to drive to my studio to be on the podcast, shows serious humility....but maybe I shouldn't be so surprised. This is often a trait of successful people: Do what it takes.

Zaya Yonan's story is so cinematic, you'd think Spielberg had optioned it already—after all, how often do you meet someone who bought his ticket to America at age 13 by painting bicycles and hustled his way from Tehran's crowded streets to the boardrooms of General Motors, before helming a global luxury empire of vineyards, hotels, and world-class spirits? On this episode, you'll be invited deep into Zaya's personal odyssey, where survival, vision, and relentless drive transform childhood struggle into the highest echelons of success. You'll hear how a chance encounter with an American principal in Iran sparked the dream that shaped his life, how the hunger for opportunity forged discipline and resilience, and how an immigrant's appreciation for the nuances of culture, flavor, and ambition blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Layer by layer, the conversation uncorks everything from engineering breakthroughs at GM—where Zaya's after-hours tinkering changed the game—to his uncompromising standards in wine, cognac, and vodka; you'll discover why he believes terroir and tradition trump short-cuts and quick profits every single time. Along the way, you'll learn why luxury, for Zaya, is less about showmanship and more about a soulful, intellectual connection—whether you're savoring a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru or admiring a watch. Listeners will leave with more than stories: you'll gain rare insights into what makes a wine "talk," how French winemaking culture prioritizes complexity over convenience, and how food, heritage, and even adversity can fuel an entrepreneurial spirit. Most importantly, you'll reflect on how Zaya's tale of grit and gratitude reframes both the immigrant experience and the real reasons we chase—and cherish—luxury.

Try the wines here: www.frenchconnectionwinespirits.com.

#winepodcast #WineTalks #luxurybrands #ZayaYonan #PaulKalemkiarian #immigrantstory #luxurywine #Bordeaux #SaintEmilion #winemaking #entrepreneurship #successstory #cognac #wineeducation #wineinspiration #luxurylifestyle #wineindustry #podcastlife #wineconversation #storytelling

Investing Part Of Your Portfolio In Wine? Speak With Marc LeFleur First. He Gets It. Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Investing in wine might seem risky. Might seem like a horizon uncrossed. There is growing success rate in wine investments and it takes a trained and experience broker/agent to know where and when.

Marc Lefleur might be the only man who can make a conversation about asset classes as delicious as a glass of aged Barolo. In this episode, you'll travel from the sun-dappled slopes of Piemonte to the bustling banking circles of Geneva, all while unraveling the mysteries of wine investment with someone fluent in four languages and even more terroirs. You'll learn why not every cellar-worthy wine turns to gold, and why the idea that you can just "buy pallets of wine and hope that in ten years you'll sell them at a better price" is more myth than market truth. Marc demystifies the romantic shroud of Bordeaux, reveals the artisanal heart still beating in the hills of Barolo, and exposes how climate change is tipping the scales for Nebbiolo in ways that might surprise even the savviest collector. You'll come away with an insider's view of how global forces, tradition, and innovation intersect in the collectible wine market—and why terms like "scarcity" and "terroir" aren't just marketing buzzwords, but real factors with measurable impact on the future value of your cellar. Whether you're a collector flirting with investment-grade bottles or a curious sipper wondering what makes wine an "intellectual part of the meal," this conversation will give you the tools to separate perception from reality, and help you rethink what it means for a wine—and its drinker—to stand the test of time.

Wine Investment: Reality vs. Misconception

Not all wines appreciate over time: The idea you can buy any wine, store it, and expect profits is false—most wines won't increase in value after 10 years.
Investment-grade wines are rare: Only a very small percentage of wines are worth considering as investments; quality, pedigree, and rarity matter most.
Speculation vs. investing: Speculation is chasing quick financial gains, while true wine investment is a long-term horizon (10–20+ years).
Cycles and market timing: The wine market, like any other, is cyclical; there are favorable and less favorable periods for investment.

The Importance of Rarity & Scarcity

Perceived vs. actual scarcity: Even top Bordeaux first growths, like Mouton Rothschild or Margaux, produce large quantities (hundreds of thousands of bottles)—they're not as rare as people often think.
Burgundy & Piedmont (Piemonte) are where true scarcity lives: Top Burgundy and Barolo/Barbaresco producers may release just a few barrels (sometimes less than 5,000 bottles) from single sites.
Demand for top wines is shaped by volume, pedigree, and market cycles.

#WineInvesting

#FineWine

#WineCollection

#WineTalksPodcast

#MarcLefleur

#BordeauxWine

#PiedmontWines

#WineEducation

Make The Best That Represents New Zealand. Meet Josh Hammond of Tiraki WInes. Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

When you hear a New Zealand accent, what do you try and do? I try to figure is it Aussi or English? Maybe South African. Regardless of where you land with this interpretation, you always settle into a nice comfort zone with New Zealanders. There is a certain warmth and instant camaraderie. Tiraki wines are new to the United States and it was an honor to sit with Josh and hear his plans.

On today's episode of Wine Talks, I sat down with Josh Hammond of Teraki Wines, who's redefining what it means to build a family wine brand with global reach. We dove into the challenges of launching in the US market, how sustainable and organic farming are at the heart of New Zealand wine, and why authentic storytelling and quality are key to standing out in a crowded industry. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship and the future of wine, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

✅ Ever wondered how a Kiwi winemaker broke into 32 countries—including China and the U.S.—in just 5 years? ✅ Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Josh Hammond of Taraki Wines on the latest "Wine Talks" for an insider's look at the hustle behind global wine sales, sustainability, and family legacy. ✅ From farming sheep in New Zealand to launching a premium wine brand during lockdown, discover what it takes to stand out in the world's toughest markets. ✅ Find out why making truly great wine is only half the battle—and why the human connection is what really matters. Listen now for the full story! 🍷

#WineTalksPodcast

#NewZealandWine

#MarlboroughSauvignonBlanc

#WineIndustry

#SustainableWine

#FamilyWinery

#WineSales

#WinePairing

The Man. Steven Spurrier. No Longer With Us, But His "Judgement of Paris" Has Changed Wine Forever.. May 30, 2025

Show notes

I had the distcint honor to know Melvin Masters; responsible for some iconic imported brands of wine that you would see everywhere. Unfortunately, we lost him a year or two ago and I has saddened me ever since.

As a friend, he would reach out to his A-list of friends to encourage them to come on the podcast. Literally, just weeks before Steven Spurrier, yes, the one and the same of the famed Steven Spurrier, came on the show. I was humbled and honored.

Stephen Spurrier was never one to swirl around the status quo—he preferred to shake the bottle and see what poured out. In this captivating episode of Wine Talks, you will gain a front-row seat to the origins and aftermath of the iconic 1976 Judgment of Paris, as told by the man who orchestrated it all. Spurrier, ever the adventurer, recounts his youthful, risk-taking days in France with a mischievous twinkle, transforming a Parisian wine shop into an international hub and launching L'Academie du Vin, all before single-handedly upending the world's assumptions about French supremacy in wine. Listeners will peel back the layers on his unlikely journey: from London's wine trade to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, onto the gilded streets of Paris—where, armed with little more than entrepreneurial zest and a deep love for French culture, he made his mark. You will eavesdrop on the serendipitous conversations, chance encounters, and contrarian choices that led to the famous blind tasting; witness the cultural tremors it sent through both California and France; and learn the lasting impact it had, not just on wine markets, but on how the world approaches tasting and educating itself about wine. Along the way, Spurrier's stories will reveal why he believed communication, trust, and story are the true soul of a great bottle, why the legacy of the Judgment of Paris is less about winners or losers and more about opening doors for unknown regions everywhere, and what he thinks about today's wine trends, from natural wines to screw caps and beyond. Prepare to uncork more than just the tale of a contest—you'll understand what it takes to change an industry and kindle a global love affair with wine, one bold decision at a time.

✅ Ever wondered how a single tasting changed the world of wine forever? ✅ Hear the inside story of the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris—the day California wines stunned the French—told by the man who organized it himself. ✅ On this can't-miss episode of Wine Talks, host Paul K sits down with Stephen Spurrier for a revealing dive into wine history, risk-taking, and what really matters in your glass. ✅ Don't miss the episode that uncorks the secrets behind modern wine, why storytelling trumps scoring, and how your next bottle could make history. Listen now and become part of the conversation! 🍷

The Passion For Armenian Wine. Meet Armen Ghazikhanian May 27, 2025

Show notes

Armen Ghazikhanian didn't so much dive into the wine business as wander in with curiosity, a keen palate, and a spreadsheet in his back pocket. You'll come away from this episode with more than just a newfound respect for Armenian wine; you'll discover how a career in finance can lead to the art of curating bottles that carry centuries of culture and a whisper of volcanic terroir. Armen reveals how his passion-driven side gig, Cork and Bottle, was forged as much by personal connections and boots on the ground in remote Armenian villages as by business school savviness—only to discover that the wine industry plays by its own rules entirely. Along the way, you'll learn about the surprising renaissance of Armenian winemaking after the Soviet era, why indigenous grape varieties like areni and voskehat are turning the heads of wine judges and sommeliers, and what happens when you take a risk importing unknown bottles to the US, hoping they don't just satisfy your friends but spark conversation in wine shops and restaurants across California. Through anecdotes of smuggling bottles, weathering the red tape of international logistics, and winning unexpected gold at wine competitions, Armen shares what it means to balance romanticism and reality in the wine trade. Hosts and listeners alike will come away with a deeper appreciation for how wine isn't just a drink, but a powerful carrier of memory, tradition, and entrepreneurial risk—all told with Armen's self-effacing humor and Paul's insider understanding of the business. And if you've ever wondered whether a grape from the South Caucasus can go toe-to-toe with a California cab, this episode might just send you to the nearest shop asking for a bottle of "Areni"—even if you're not quite sure how to pronounce it.

#WineTalksPodcast

#ArmenianWine

#CorkAndBottle

#WineImporter

#WineCulture

#PassionToProfession

#IndigenousGrapes

#WineBusiness

Wine Takes You Places. That Is The Point. Hear From Pauline Wlodarzyck of Chateau Giscours May 22, 2025

Show notes

When last in Bordeaux, I spent some time with Veronique Sanders-Van Beek, the Director of Chateau Haut Bailly. And as a result, she offered an internship to one of my favorite interns who graced the Wine of the Month Club. The young girl arrives shortly in Bordeaux to start her journey.

I learned from Mdm. Veronique that her husband, Alexander Van Beek, is the Director of Chateau Giscours, a third growth of the famed 1855 Classification. When I heard that Pauline was in town to share the wines...I took the call immediately.

Pauline Wlodarzyck might just be the only person who can make stopping time—if only for a minute—as easy as popping open a bottle of Bordeaux. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll discover how Pauline, export manager of the storied Château Giscours in Margaux, sees wine as a passport for both the palate and the mind—a way to travel to Bordeaux, Italy, or even back to your grandmother's kitchen table. You'll get an insider's guide to the new frontiers of wine, exploring what it means to savor an emotional moment, whether you're uncorking a celebration-worthy champagne or a third-growth vintage with 450 years of roots in its soil. Pauline and host Paul Kalemkiarian delve deep into the challenge of sharing wine's magic in a distracted, technology-driven world, and debate if there's such a thing as a bad vintage at all. Listeners are treated to tales of precision in the vineyard, from "sequential harvests" to the surprising role sheep and family play in sustainable winemaking. They examine how modern innovation in Bordeaux isn't just about new gadgets but about understanding the very DNA of the land and respecting biodiversity—a far cry from the bag-in-box revolution. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just a curious drinker, you'll hear firsthand how the philosophy behind every bottle—from grape to glass—shapes not just the wine, but the moment you share it. Pour a glass for this one: you'll come away not just knowing how to taste, but how to remember, connect, and celebrate wine as both a witness to history and a companion in life.

✅ Ever wondered how opening a bottle of wine can transport you across the world—and back in time? ✅ Pauline Wlodarzyck joins host Paul Kalemkiarian on "Wine Talks" to reveal how every sip is a journey of emotion, history, and unforgettable flavor. ✅ From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the heart of Southern California, explore how wine is more than just a drink—it's a story waiting to be told, shaped by tradition, terroir, and a touch of innovation. ✅ Tune in now and discover why your next glass can spark memories, connect you to the land, and introduce you to new adventures in taste. Cheers to meaningful moments! 🍷✨ #WineTalks #WineJourney

#WineTalksPodcast #BordeauxWine #ChateauGiscourt #WineTasting #WineEducation #WineAndEmotions #BiodiversityInWine #FrenchWine

So You Want To Create A Ready To Drink Cocktail. Have A Listen To Rob and Leslie Levy. May 20, 2025

Show notes

I have known the Levys for years. I've known them as restauranteurs and gracious people. They fell in to the restaurant business and it was sink of swim; swim they did, creating an iconic establishment in heart of Southern California. From the restaurant came what one would consider the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley...a craft cocktail lounge. No one had heard of such falderall out of downtown Los Angeles, a craft cocktail bar...the idea.

Well, it turns out to be a brilliant idea and the bar 1886 became a destination in itself for lovers of hand made, exotic cocktails.

Enter the RTD market. I mean, they enter the RTD market. At the time of the success of 1886, the Levys brainstormed a premium, in the bottle, cocktail. Focusing on the classics and nothing but the best ingredients, Knox and Dobson was born.

Rob and Leslie Levy never intended to become restaurateurs, much less champions of craft cocktails in a bottle—but as you'll discover, some of the best ideas come when you're busy doing something else. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll find out how a couple just trying to buy a Pasadena apartment building accidentally inherited an iconic restaurant, survived the baptism-by-fire of the food business, and spun that hard-earned wisdom into revolutionizing the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail world with Knox & Dobson. You'll hear tales of kitchen crises, the quirky genius of naming a brand after a childhood Chicago street corner, and what it really means to translate the heart of a five-minute, hand-crafted drink into a shelf-stable bottle that still surprises—and delights—even the most jaded bartender. Paul and the Levys dig into the gritty, exhilarating reality behind building something new: wrangling with distillers for barrels, battling the sneaky complexities of upscaling classic recipes, and learning the hard way that shelf space is gold and distributors want more than just a good story. Along the way, you'll pick up rare insight into why most canned cocktails are disappointments, the secret advantages of a deep purple apothecary bottle, and the surprisingly emotional connection people make when you pour—literally and figuratively—your passion into a public tasting. Whether you're dreaming of your own food and beverage business, fascinated by the science and soul of the perfect martini, or just want to know whether you could actually run a bar without losing your hair, this is the episode that will pull back the velvet curtain on both the chaos and the romance of bringing real cocktails to a thirsty world.

✅ Ever wonder how a legendary restaurant sparks a craft cocktail revolution?

✅ Rob & Leslie Levy share their wild journey from owning Pasadena's iconic Raymond restaurant to launching their own high-end ready-to-drink cocktail brand—on the latest episode of Wine Talks with Paul Kalemkiarian.

✅ Hear how a real estate deal gone sideways led to 18 years in hospitality, and later, to breaking new ground in the premium RTD (Ready-To-Drink) cocktail market with Knox & Dobson.

✅ Takeaway: Want to know how to turn setbacks and industry surprises into flavorful success? Tune in for lessons on innovation, grit, and the secret to a perfect bottled Manhattan. You'll never look at your next cocktail the same way! 🍸✨

Listen now to Wine Talks!

#ReadyToDrinkCocktails

#CraftCocktails

#DrinkEntrepreneurs

#KnoxAndDobson

#RestaurantStories

#BottledCocktails

#BarInnovation

#WineTalksPodcast

Family Philosophy Plays In The South Of Francee. Gerard Bertrand Credits His Father For The Passion. May 17, 2025

Show notes

I am halfway through Gerard Bertrands new book: "Multidimensional Wine" and realize it is a must read for wine professionals and novices alike..get it here:

https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/multidimensional-wine

Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bringing the wines from the South of France to the notice of the wine world. He farms biodynamicaly but keeps his ear to the ground as to what the market place is asking for. I was fortunate enough to catch him with a spare 40 minutes before he was on-stage exposing the virtues of his families heritage.

In this episode of "Wine Talks," host Paul K sits down with renowned French winemaker Gerard Bertrand to explore the philosophy, cultural significance, and future of wine. Bertrand shares insightful stories about growing up in the family wine business and the vital lessons he learned from his father, emphasizing wine as a multi-generational pursuit fueled by passion and patience. The conversation delves into the unique relationship between wine, terroir, and vintage—with Bertrand arguing that good winemaking is about capturing the "footprint of the vintage" and channeling the land's unique character into every bottle.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on biodynamic farming, which has dramatically increased soil vitality at Bertrand's wineries and, in his view, has the potential to lead agriculture toward greater biodiversity and planetary health. The pair also reflect on wine's profound connection to spirituality and cultural identity, exploring how wine brings people together in a shared experience like no other beverage can.

Finally, the episode touches on the challenges and opportunities for wine in a changing world, from shifting generational tastes to the power of storytelling and experiential marketing. Bertrand concludes with optimism, viewing wine as an enduring conduit for connection, culture, and even diplomacy.

One particularly memorable anecdote from Bertrand is his explanation of how biodynamic farming changed the life in his vineyards. He shares a study showing that conventional farming fosters about 1,000 links between microorganisms and bacteria in soil, but biodynamic farming boosts this number to an astonishing 47,000. This, combined with observing new life forms like armadillos returning to the vineyard, affirmed for Bertrand that his approach was truly revitalizing nature. He jokes that while he owns sophisticated books on biodynamics—like Rudolf Steiner's—he still finds them hard to understand completely, but he follows the principles because he sees the results in the harmony and vitality of his soil and vines.

#WineTalks #GerardBertrand #BiodynamicWine #WinePhilosophy #SustainableWine #SouthOfFranceWines #WineCulture #WinemakingJourney

From IT To Wine. Garry And Joanne Brooks Could Not Shake The Dream Of A Winery May 16, 2025

Show notes

Gary Brooks doesn't just make wine—he turns the whole idea of winemaking on its head and brings it back down to earth, reminding us that, after all, it's just "rotting fruit." But don't be fooled by the humility. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll discover how a man raised in Annapolis, guided by a career that veered from the Navy to IT management, ended up chasing Pinot Noir dreams in California's Petaluma Gap. As Paul Kalemkiarian digs in, you'll learn how Gary navigated the split between wine academia and hands-on "cellar rat" labor, why starting Brooks Note Winery took more grit and capital than sanity, and what it's like to pour your soul—and your bottles—out of the back of your truck just to make ends meet. Gary shares candid stories about the hard business realities behind artisan winemaking, how texture and mouthfeel outshine flavor notes in the true art of blending, and why he thinks the grandest moments in wine come down to honest connections, not pedigreed grapes. You'll come away with a new appreciation for the world of small-batch winemakers—their struggles to sell every bottle DTC, the tactical parties in living rooms far from California, and the ever-present quest to avoid pretentiousness in a trade often accused of it. Above all, you'll grasp why a genuinely great wine experience is often about memory, friendship, and the joy of pure discovery, not just what's in the glass.

✅ Wine: Just rotting fruit… or the ultimate art form? ✅ Hear Garry Brooks and host Paul Kalemkiarian tear down wine's pretensions while sharing the REAL journey from the cellar to your glass. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, dive into stories of risk, resilience, and why Pinot Noir is the grape that changed everything for Brooks Note Winery. ✅ You'll never look at a bottle the same way again—tune in and discover why wine's magic goes way beyond what's in your glass.

#WineTalksPodcast

#BrooksNoteWinery

#PetalumaGap

#WinemakingJourney

#PinotNoirLove

#WineLessPretentious

#DTCSuccess

#WineAndStory

Robert Foye Has Worked All Across This Globe. Amazing Trek And Landed With The Love Of Wine May 13, 2025

Show notes

On a podcast with Emilie Steckenborn of LVMH China, she insisted that I meet with Robert Foye to discuss a podcast appearance. She insisted.

After 2 minutes on a call with Robert, I moved from chatting to scheduling. Despite conversations on the web about how the trade should be more innovative and rethink, Robert feels you need experience to move forward. How can you innovate without knowing the pitfalls of what came before?

With Robert Foye, it is about leadership and adaptability. Hear it here.

Robert Foye doesn't just bridge the world between Coca-Cola and Cabernet—he's crossed it, mapped it, and poured a glass for the rest of us. If you think multinational beverage leadership and the romance of wine are oil and water, Foye's the proof that sometimes, opposites blend perfectly. In this illuminating episode of Wine Talks, listeners embark on a journey through the tumultuous cycles and fascinating nuances of the wine business, as told by a leader who's helmed both Accolade Wines and Treasury Wine Estates. You'll learn why wine endures as a cultural ambassador, even as trends and consumption habits shift; how the COVID-19 pandemic didn't just pause the industry but rewrote its rules (and reawakened dormant talents at both the kitchen table and the boardroom). Foye deftly uncorks the challenges of marketing wine in today's saturated landscape—offering a rare look at what works, and what falls flat, on the shelf and online. He'll walk you through what sets wine apart from other consumer packaged goods, exploring the rich stories and personal connections that make sharing a bottle an experience unlike any other. Whether he's recounting tales of adapting wine language for the next generation, weighing in on the role of private equity investments, or describing the unexpected kinship between a seasoned wine executive and the humble "second cheapest bottle," Foye brings an insider's wit and worldliness to every anecdote. You'll come away not just with a deeper understanding of today's wine market, but with a renewed sense of why, through its ups and downs, wine persists—linking land, language, and laughter with each pour. This conversation will leave you thirsty, not just for your next glass, but for the stories behind every label.

✅ Ever wonder why wine is so much more than just a drink? ✅ Dive into the art, business, and soul behind every bottle with host Paul Kalemkiarian and guest Robert Foye. ✅ From global industry shakeups to the magic of sharing a special glass, this episode of Wine Talks uncorks what makes wine irresistible—and why its story is far from over. ✅ Whether you're a wine lover or business buff, you'll leave with a new appreciation (and craving for the next pour). Listen now and sip on some real insights!