Wine Talks with Paul K.

Latest Episodes:

What it is like to be a legacy winemaker. Meet Trevor Durling of Beaulieu Vineyards. Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

There are few wineries in California history with the legacy of Beaulieu Vineyards. Just the sheer amount of time the winery has survived (including prohibition) and the lineage of serious and infamous winemakers, makes this story a multi episode of Wine Talks.

Trevor During sat with us to take us through the history of Andre Tchelistcheff (the literal father of California wine) and Beaulieu Vineyards, his own plight and legacy to step in as a steward of the land and wine.

At one point we speak about the long and storied history of the winery which includes being one of the first "women in wine" stories...really quite remarkable.

This episode is brought to you by Total Wine

We touch on some sensitive but philosophical subjects to dig a bit deeper. Have a listen.

Valle de Uco is the Napa Valley of Argentina. Stories are real. Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Argentina is considered new world when describing where it fits in the history of wine. The question is....is New World versus Old World a matter of character or oprigin? I think it is a combination of both. Los Noques is a family story of wine and I was intrigued by the passion and desire to let the world know about what pedigree of wines can be created in the Valle de Uco. It is unique in it's position against the Andes and the elevation from where the grapes draw their character. Hear the story here!

The stories are crazy good. Meet the Wine Merchant of Beverly Hills; Mr. Dennis Overstreet Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Ever industry needs is leaders...the mythical legends that inspire us to do better, to keep your head down and persevere. Dennis Overstreet is that man and I had the chance to set up the studio in his store in Beverly Hills. Sitting amongst the greatest wines in the world, we laughed, gafawed and got serious about wine.

In the early days of California wine, the path was uncertain and the risks were high (still are for that matter). Dennis Overstreet had a vision and pusued it relentlessly. Not only did he become the Merchant of Beverly Hills as the name of his store, he also became the legend that one might associate with the monikor "The Merchant of Beverly Hills."

You will learn amzaing backstories and history.

Have a listen.

Real talk, real wine, real Washington. Meet John Bookwalter. Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

It is very often you hear about an American family 10 generations into their contribution to society/ Certainly, you hear of such geneology in Europe; namesake wineries handed down through the generations.

In this case, it is 10 generations of farmers. Going back to the 1800's, John Bookwalter can tell you of the players and stories that landed him in Washington state's Columbia Valley making wine.

The history is rare and the wines are great; the old 1-2. Wine is about the story and the stories are thick and real.

The definition of success is as varied as there personalities to define it. Certainly, you could say that the best selling wines are a success, afterall they make lots of money but as you know, some of these best sellers are hideous wines. So, if you change your sights on what success is in the wine business, I think you will find that this type of success os satisfying and hoenst; the wines are honest and th philosophy is honest.

Enjoy this wonderful conversation.

Food and wine writer and recipe creator...meet Emily Saladino. Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Such a bright light in the world of wine and food; and she can create recipes out of thin air.

Emily Saladino has made her way around both the world of culinary arts and wine to create give herself a comprehensive understanding of the marriage between the two. The conversation was so interesting, we never even got to discuss wine and food pairing...seems like it would have been a natural.

There were too many philosophical approachs to wine and food to attack, we never got to the practical points of pairing food and wine. You will however, here she answers to some challenging questions that range from the complexity of food versus wine to what do we do to promote the consumption of "honest" wine.

It is intriguing to hear from people in the fight; the fight to expose Americans to good wine and proper food.

I think you will be charmed.

Big picture view of the liquor and wine business with Tim Moore, VP of Wine for RNDC. Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

It is contended that Prohibition was not really repealled...it was just broken into 50 pieces. Navigating this and becoming the 2nd largest distributor of wine, beer and liquor is a formidable task Meet Tim Moore, he is the VP of wine of RNDC (formerly Youngs Market). Listen on how Youngs, as a family owned business, grew to be the 2nd largest player by joining forces with RNDC.

We discuss the RTD (ready to drink) marketplace for both cocktails and wine, the landscpe of trying to start your own brand and the changing trends in adult beverage consumerism. Folks, this is big picture, a deviation from some of the winemaker conversations we usually have.

I think you will find Tim's opinions insightful and thoughtful...but at the same time, realistic.

Have a listen.

Paul K

Premium canned wine is the idea. Meet the woman who took it on. Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

These days, you cannot miss the canned aisle in your favorite grocery store. It seems to be taking over more real estate of the wine aisle each month. The category is rather cluttered with competitors..that didn't seem to daunt Jessica Hershfield. Jumping in with two feet, Jessica spent time researching the market, making a couple of mistakes but eventually launching her brand of 250ml canned wines.

But the proposition is unique. What she found missing in the space was vintaged, appelated canned wines; wines of reasonable distinction among the crowded shelves. She is sending them direct to the consumer and has landed the larges distributor in the country (Southern Glazer). Wait until you hear that story.

You will find her charming and articulate.

Cheers.

A rounded view is needed, Vahe has it. Meet Vahe Keushgarian. Jul 09, 2023

Show notes

Wine Talks has has some amazing guests in each of the various disciplines of the wine trade. A few years ago, Vahe was on the show as we mulled over some of the pertinenant issues of the day. This second podcast years later is that much more interesing.

Since our first episode together, so much has changed in the Armenian wine world; a proliferation of new wineries, the addition of European and American know how, real technolgy and added appelations; Vahe is up to speed on all of it.

We met at the graciuosness of the Civilnet studio group (civilnet.am) in their podcast studio and could have spoken for hours. Not only on the Armenian wine trade, but also on the headwinds and motivations to be in this business.

As he slowly hands the gavel to his daughter Aimee, Vahe reveals his own ambitions and aspirations to grow.

Have a listen.

Women in wine. Meet one of the most experienced and driven. Meet Mariam Saghatelyan. Jul 01, 2023

Show notes

After we recorded this episode of Wine Talks, Mariam entered and won the very first Sommelier event ever held in Armenia. Congratulations.

The fact they even had a sanctioned event such as this in Armenia will tell you how far the Armenian wine culture has progressed.

In this episode, you will hear from one passionate individual who saw a need and was willing to take a risk to find out if it even really existed. Ten years later and with a total of 1500 sku's in her store, I think we can safely say "yes" there was a need.

Her tasting room, wine shop and Fromagerie was the first in Yerevan and continues to attract both wine intellects and wine novices to explore the burgeoning wine industry in Armenia.

With an impressive collection of French and Italian wines to compliment her exhaustive ensemble of Armenian wine, there is something for everyone. While there, I took part in my nephews networking event that I was privledged to help select the wines.

Have a listen to a woman in wine is a big way.

It's a war out there; WarRoom Cellars knows it. Hear from founder Andrew Nelson Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

Taking on the gib boys is a war. And even just the idea seems a bit crazy, but WarRoom Cellars was founded on just that principal. How do we get under the skin of the big boys?

One idea is to meet the consumer of wine where they live; meaning each of us is on a wine journey and each of us needs to try to get to the next level. Enter the story behind WarRoom Cellars...crafting wines to meet each of us where our current palate is with wine.

WarRoom creates wines for the novice as well as the enthusiast and by searching for the iconic brands, absorbing them and then elevating those wine, WarRoom has become a quintessential negociante.

They own no vineyards and no winery, but have complete control over the final product. Whether they buy grapes to crush or buy the wines already fermented, they are in control of the quality and the consistency.

Hear their story here.

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