Wine Talks with Paul K.

Latest Episodes:

Meet Justine Belle. They are setting the "winery" structure on its ear and can very well change the concept of a winery forever. Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

This is one driven and intelligent individual. Fighting through racism, sexism, and bureaucracy. Justine has prevailed in creating a new organizational pro forma for the wine business. This is no easy task and is faced with unknowns. Having vast experience in hospitality (currently the Maitre d'hôtel at Comodo in Gramercy Park), Justine took to the supplier side of our business but in a completely unconventional way. Using a cooperative plan to form their company, they have potentially created an inclusive business model that could be duplicated worldwide. Probably too hard to explain in the text, but tune in and listen to their passion and groundbreaking ideas.

Meet the Wine Wally, translated…"The Wine Idiot"...that is what he calls it. Hear why. Wine Blogger Liam D'Arcy spells it out. Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

A man after my own heart. I had to ask…what is a "Wine Wally?" His response.."Basically, wine idiot" That made me laugh. Liam takes a unique approach to speaking on wine and is very straightforward about his goals. Teach his wine lessons live; meaning, he lets his followers in on his journey through the wine world. I love this idea. For instance, he goes to the supermarket and buys three wines of the same grape from three different price ranges; tastes them and reports on them. We had some good laughs but some frank conversation too.

Adversity and perseverance frame her life. Meet Monique Soltani. Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

Monique Soltani is an award-winning journalist, TV News anchor, Mother, Wife, Host of Wine Oh T.V., and much more. She has accomplished so much and has been on a journey with her successful show, Wine Oh T.V. But in the midst of shooting a wine episode she got word of her husband's illness; she dropped everything to be by his side, and eventually, she had to say goodbye to her beloved. But in the face of this adversity, she prevailed. She had taken some time off and focused on raising her twin daughters, found her voice again, and picked up where she left off with her career. She is not only a businesswoman, but she is a mother and a successful one at that. I hope you can enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed talking with Monique.

Follow your passion says Paige Comrie. She did and became a serious wine influencer. Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Wine influencers are a thing. They are passionate about wine and know how to tell stories. Paige Comrie is a classic example. She learned of the "lifestyle" of wine and it was "Katie bar the door". With both guns drawn, Paige set out to share her passion for wine through photography in Napa Valley. Originally for no charge, she began re-imagining the social presence of Napa wineries. Thus a career was born. Now she not only handles social networking and photography for wineries and her own blog, but she has also created an online class on how to become a wine influencer (yes, you can become a wine influencer.) Have a listen, you will be inspired and intrigued.

2nd Growth Bordeaux? Yes, Please. Meet Xavier Sanchez of Pichon Baron Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Wine is about the story; the place, the history, and the people who created it. Meet Xavier Sanchez of Chateau Pichon Baron. The classification of 1855 put the Pichon Longueville as a second-growth wine in the famed district of Pauillac. Other notables in the same district are Lafite Rothschild and Chateau La Tour….heard enough.

Xavier brings a fresh but educated outlook on wine, Bordeaux, and what it takes to maintain authority in the Bordeaux sector.

Enjoy this conversation as it takes twists and turns.

Non-GMO distilled spirits, who knew? Meet Mark and Kristen Anderson, from the largest American distiller of non-GMO spirits. Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

Distilled spirits are an amazingly tough market. It never ceases to amaze me how the segment can absorb another premium spirit. But this premium spirit is un unique; it is non-GMO. Wine Talks recently had the guest of a GMO probiotic that helps reduce the symptoms of a hangover…now on the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Mark Anderson who created the largest source of non-GMO rum and vodka. His passion is evident when he delves into the sources of his spirits and the logistical path he and his wife have created. Hang on to your hats, you are about to be educated.

She is a force to be reckoned with in the wine industry, meet Tonya Pitts! Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Meeting Tonya Pitts is like discovering your new favorite wine. Our conversation was captivating, rich, and full of depth and character! She is a role model to many within the wine industry and the perfect example of an excellent sommelier who goes above and beyond to bring outstanding wines to the list she curates and the customers she guides. She currently is the wine director at One Market in San Francisco, 2022 Wine Enthusiast Winner for best Sommelier/Wine Director, an advocate for women and POC, LGTBQ+ in wine, a wine judge, writer, and much much more. She is a force to be reckoned with!

Learn more about Tonya by visiting her website: https://www.tonyapitts.com/

The family sold the famed Cheval Blanc? Now what? Meet Timothée Hebrard of Chateau Trianon to find out. Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

The difference between old-world and new-world wineries is embedded in the story of Chateau Trianon. The Hebrard family was deeply tied to the famed Cheval Blanc in Saint Emillion but was forced to sell under certain legal ties to the property. This is real Bordeaux history.

Dominque Hebrard searched for the perfect replacement for his love of wine and through discreet connections, uncovered Chateau Trianon. What is so special? This is the property that Louis the XIV called "refuge privé" (private refuge) as it was an homage to Castle Versailles.

Timothée Hebrard is next in line and takes his role seriously as the heir apparent to what is a historical property in the premium district of Saint Emilion.

The wines were incredibly coaxing and with a few more vintages under their belt, these wines will be exquisite.

Education, practical experience and passion drives Dr. Lee. Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

A.P.W.A.S.I. stands for the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute...an institute began by Dr. Clinton Lee to give access to all who seek education in our industry.

He is articulate and passionate about what a proper glass of wine brings to the table. Dr. Lee takes a holistic approach to not only what is in the glass, but what it takes to enhance the service and hospitality of the wine and spirits experience.

We had a completely wonderful conversation and could have spoken for another hour, however, we did agree to reconvene to discuss a show featuring the two of us with special guests.

This show will create many new thoughts and questions for your next glass of wine.

Cheers.

The absolutely intoxicating Lia Poveda of Glenelly Estate in South Africa Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Once in awhile a guest comes to the studio that takes over the show. Lia is one of those guests. Knowledgeable, fun, engaging and intriguing would be a few adjectives I would use to describe our conversation.

And the wines were great too! lol. The Glenelly Estate is producing amazing Bordeaux style wines...butwait, they also produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; which is perfectly fine for Lia, she was raised in Burgundy, France.

The history of South African wines is intriguing and the history of the proprietor of Glenelly, May de Lencquesaing, is nothing short of Bordeaux royalty.

Have a listen to this fascinating story.