Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Unreserved Wine Talk
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300: How Wine Fosters Creativity, Trust and Sociability with Edward Slingerland, Author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:44:24 | |
How does alcohol, especially wine, foster our creativity, trustingness, and sociability? What does the "beer before bread" hypothesis suggest about alcohol's role in the development of civilization? Should there be different minimum drinking ages for wine and beer versus spirits? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Edward Slingerland, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia and the author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What drew Edward to study the history of drunkenness? What does the "beer before bread" hypothesis suggest about how our desire to drink alcohol led to civilization? Why was ancient beer production so costly? What is the "Asian flushing syndrome" and why does Edward think it developed? Why does Edward consider the prefrontal cortex to be the enemy of creativity? How have we removed the inherent safety features of alcohol over thousands of years of evolution? Should there be different minimum drinking ages for wine/beer versus spirits? What makes wine the king of intoxicants? How does alcohol affect the prefrontal cortex? When does creativity peak relative to blood alcohol content?
Key Takeaways Edward observes that alcohol stimulates the pro-social chemicals in our body, like serotonin and endorphin, that make us feel expansive and kind of feel good about ourselves and more kindly disposed toward other people. One of the brain regions that it quiets is the prefrontal cortex. The traditional story is that alcohol is a result of an evolutionary or historical accident. But since then, archeologists believe that maybe the story was the other way around. The draw for hunter-gatherers to settle down and cultivate crops was not bread. It was beer. This is the so-called beer before bread hypothesis. Edward observes that once distilled liquors became available on a large scale, the dangers of alcohol in the super potent form became greater because it can overwhelm our system and you can go from being sober to being really dangerously drunk in 10 or 15 minutes. Edward doesn't think people should be allowed to drink distilled liquor until well into their 20s.
About Edward Slingerland Edward Slingerland is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, where he also holds appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Asian Studies. He is also Director of the Database of Religious History. Dr. Slingerland is the author of several academic monographs and edited volumes, a major translation of the Analects of Confucius, and approximately fifty book chapters, reviews, and articles in top academic journals in a wide range of fields.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/300. | |||
| 299: Beyond Eurocentric Wine and Food Pairings + Sonoma's Hidden Gems with Winemaker Theresa Heredia | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:43:02 | |
Why should you look beyond Eurocentric wine and food pairings? What's so special about making vineyard-designated wines? How can you get the most out of your next trip to Sonoma County? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with superstar winemaker Theresa Heredia who has worked for some of California's most prestigious wineries. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What's the difference between making vineyard-designated wines versus blends? What flavours and aromas are imparted by including ripened stems in the fermentation process? How many different types of soil are found in Sonoma County and how did this diversity develop? How do microclimates differ across the wine neighbourhoods of the Russian River Valley and what is their influence on the wine's characteristics? What makes Chardonnay more of a "survivor" grape compared to other varieties? What are some of the challenges that sustain the low level of diversity in the male-dominated wine industry? How has being a gay woman impacted Theresa's experience in the wine industry? What can wineries do to be more inclusive towards the LGBTQ community? What are Theresa's top tips for your next visit to Sonoma County and the Gary Farrell winery? What can you expect from Gary Farrell Wines Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir and Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir and how do they differ? Why should we expand beyond some of the traditional Eurocentric wine and food pairings?
Key Takeaways Eurocentric pairings don't account for cultural and socioeconomic differences. We have to flip a switch in our brains to think of different descriptors and different food pairings that are more relevant to people from different cultural backgrounds. Theresa loves making vineyard-designated wines because they each have unique characteristics. Some of them produce dark fruit, like Colberg and McDonald Mountain, versus an inland vineyard called the Middle Reach. Acid is there. It's a defining characteristic, but it's not quite as prominent as in those cooler climates. Theresa advises getting out to Sonoma County restaurants. She also says to avoid booking too many tastings, perhaps just two or three in a day. Choose a well-known winery and one that's off the beaten path.
About Theresa Heredia Theresa Heredia started her career at Saintsbury and has also worked at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Domaine de Montille in France. She became Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and achieved critical acclaim for her wines. At Gary Farrell, she developed strong relationships with some of the most prominent vineyards in California. She was twice nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and has received numerous other accolades.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/299. | |||
| 290: Ontario Wines, the Women Behind Them and at the Forefront with Jennifer Wilhelm | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:55:23 | |
What is agri-tourism and why did people begin to embrace the farming experience? Why don't Ontarians drink as much of our own wine as other provinces or countries? How did one woman lead the charge for biodynamic and organic wines in Canada? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Jennifer Wilhelm's terrific new book Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario's Grape & Wine Industry. Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of the full-bodied, buttery-rich Chloe Chardonnay. The latter restriction relates to the cross-border shipping of alcohol and all the fun that entails. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was it like for Debbie Zimmerman campaigning door-to-door in the 70s? What did Debbie Zimmerman learn from Canadian politician and activist Nellie McClung? How did Debbie Zimmerman's political and journalism careers help her negotiate between Ontario grape growers and wineries? How has Ann Sperling led the charge for biodynamic and organic wines in Canada? Why don't Ontarians drink as much of their own wine as other provinces? What were Barbara Leslie's contributions to the Ontario wine industry? What is agritourism and how did Nicolette Novak get people from the city to embrace it? How did Madame Andrée Bosc highlight the value of giving people context for the wines they are drinking? What were some of the challenges and lessons that Jennifer experienced writing her book during the pandemic? What does Jennifer love about the stories behind the Maenad Wine Company and Liebling Wines?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jennifer Wilhelm Jennifer Wilhelm has dedicated her career to Ontario's hospitality industry. She is a certified Sommelier, and holds credentials from WSET, Prud'homme, Hospitality Management, and Human Resources with a focus on training and development. She taught at Niagara College for 17 years and was named 2010 Ontario Wine Educator through the VQA Promoters Awards. She received a Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Award for her contributions to the Ontario wine industry.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/290. | |||
| 200: German-Speaking Wines and Biodynamic Winemaking with Valerie Kathawala | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:44:12 | |
Are you curious about German-speaking wines and which ones you should try? Why is biodynamic winemaking particularly important for viticulture? What's the real difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was it like to be a German translator at the UN in the time of the Iraq War? How did Valerie's interest in language - German in particular - develop? What was the catalyst for Valerie to start her wine journey? How did Valerie's lifelong love of storytelling and writing show up before her wine career? What made a writing trip to visit Rudi Tossen in the Mosel region of Germany the highlight of Valerie's wine career so far? What was the most painful mistake of Valerie's wine career so far? How does Valerie find the balance between connecting with people to get the story while asking the hard questions? What is biodynamic winemaking and why is it particularly important for viticulture? How do biodynamic practices offer some protection against climate change? What are some common misconceptions about biodynamics? Why is biodynamic farming an empowering tool for growers? Where did biodynamic viticulture come from? What are the characteristics of German-speaking wines? How do you know when you have a great story? What was Valerie surprised to learn about the natural wine scene in the Mosel? What's the difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine? Which German estate played an important role in the resistance movement during World War II? How did a labour scandal spotlight poor practices in the natural wine industry?
Key Takeaways I loved how she described German-speaking wines as sharing a certain mindset, tradition and values, grape varieties, winemaking approaches, geography, and climate. I agree with her that biodynamic winemaking provides an excellent framework for wine growers to keep vines in equilibrium to stay healthy. Her explanation of the differences between natural wine and biodynamic wine was insightful.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Valerie Kathawala Valerie Kathawala is a freelance journalist focused on the wines of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, with a particular interest in biodynamics. She's a lifelong student of German culture and language and has lived and worked in both Germany and Austria. She crossed over from translation and editorial work at the United Nations to writing about "German-speaking wines" and hasn't looked back since.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/200. | |||
| 199: Wine Temperatures and Tasting Tricks with Wines to Find Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:37:17 | |
Are you drinking your wine at the wrong temperature? Which wine gadgets will help you explore new wines without overindulging? Why should you breathe out through your nose after sipping wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Which dishes do Sandy and Michelle love to cook and which wines make great pairings? What are the sisters' all-time favourite wine and food pairings? Where are Sandy and Michelle's favourite places to enjoy a glass of wine? What makes the tasting experience of Kinero Cellars Alice Grenache Blanc particularly enjoyable? What's the flavour profile of Sperling Vineyards Pinto Gris? Which foods can you pair with Kinero Cellars Alice Grenache Blanc? Which wine gadgets are Sandy and Michelle's favourite? What controversial wine opinions do the sisters hold? What were the memorable smells from Sandy and Michelle's childhood? Which favourite childhood food would Sandy and Michelle now pair with wine? What are Sandy and Michelle's favourite wine books? How can you choose the right wine to gift? In a dream world, who would Sandy and Michelle want to share a bottle of wine with? Which red wine warning would Sandy and Michelle want to put on a downtown billboard? What are Sandy and Michelle's top tips for improving your wine enjoyment?
Key Takeaways I loved their tips on drinking wine at the right temperature and breathing out through your nose after you sip it for maximum pleasure. They also had some great suggestions for gadgets will help you explore new wines without overindulging. And I couldn't agree more that sparkling wine is the perfect wine for gifting as well as pairing with fries.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester The Wines To Find Podcast was created after the two hosts, sisters Sandy and Michelle, travelled together to France and Italy in 2019. Both sisters are wine enthusiasts that have tracked their wine purchases, palates and pairings for years. As a way to continue the thrill of their European trip and to document their wine journey, they created the Wines To Find Podcast with the goal of spending time together, further growing their palates, and sharing wine stories from guests. Wines To Find features two new wines tasted for the first time by the sisters & guests, who span the spectrum of the wine industry from winemakers, owners, growers, sommeliers, fellow enthusiasts and more.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/199. | |||
| 198: Horizontal and Vertical Tastings with Wines to Find Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester | 14 Sep 2022 | 00:31:51 | |
What's the single best thing you can do to improve your tasting skills? How can you discover some unusual but delicious food and wine pairings? How does music change the taste of wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights When did Sandy and Michelle discover their love of wine? How did a trip to European wine country inspire Sandy and Michelle to start the Wines To Find Podcast? How do the sisters use YouTube to give their audience added value? Where did the name "Wines To Find" come from? How do Sandy and Michelle choose new wines to try in each podcast episode? How does the Wines to Find scoring system work? Which online systems does Michelle use to find new wines and wineries she might like? Is there a grape style over which the sisters disagree? Who have been Sandy and Michelle's favourite Wines To Find guests so far? Can music affect our perception of wine?
Key Takeaways I love their approach to learning about wine through vertical and horizontal tastings, whether that's picking maybe one grape, but it's grown in different countries, or perhaps go with one region. It's that side-by-side comparison that is so illustrative of the differences between wines. They share some interesting tips on how you discover some unusual but delicious food and wine pairings. I found their insights into how music can change the taste of wine fascinating.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester The Wines To Find Podcast was created after the two hosts, sisters Sandy and Michelle, travelled together to France and Italy in 2019. Both sisters are wine enthusiasts that have tracked their wine purchases, palates and pairings for years. As a way to continue the thrill of their European trip and to document their wine journey, they created the Wines To Find Podcast with the goal of spending time together, further growing their palates, and sharing wine stories from guests. Wines To Find features two new wines tasted for the first time by the sisters & guests, who span the spectrum of the wine industry from winemakers, owners, growers, sommeliers, fellow enthusiasts and more.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/198. | |||
| 197: Detecting Wine Aromas with Candy + Go South for Value with Lori Budd | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:41:20 | |
Which candy-based trick can you use to teach yourself new flavors and aromas? What makes discovering a bargain wine more exciting than luxury wine? What does the tip "go south" mean when it comes to hidden values in wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What makes finding an amazing bargain wine even more exciting than an expensive wine? Why you should consider going south on your search for a new great wine to try? How do food and wine elevate each other when paired well? Why do I prefer to pair food with wine versus the other way around? What is my favourite food and wine pairing? Which candy-based trick can you use to teach yourself new flavours and aromas? How can you pair wine and chocolate without ending in disaster? What makes technology and wine a perfect pairing? How do my website wine tools and mobile apps make choosing and pairing wine easy? Which luxury wine would I wish to have if I were stranded on a desert island? Why do I love podcasting? Lori's Opposites Game
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She's consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/197. | |||
| 196: Romantic Poets & Wine and Why Champagne on Ordinary Days with Lori Budd | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:39:26 | |
How does John Keats connect the romantic poets to wine? Why should you consider Champagne for other occasions outside of big celebrations? How do you handle the sting of rejection as an up-and-coming writer?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How does John Keats connect my studies of romantic poets with my career in wine? What unexpected beauty can you find in cemeteries across the world? Which enduring traits do I attribute to my years of Highland dancing? How did I find my way to wine? What makes wine such a great medium for building connections? Which wine memory stands out the most in my career so far? Why is my love for writing central in everything I do in my career? How do you handle the sting of rejection as an up-and-coming writer? What was it like to be awarded World's Best Wine Writer? Which unforgettable experiences did I have while researching Red, White, and Drunk All Over? Why is listening to audiobooks now my favourite way to "read"?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She's consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/196. | |||
| 195: Differences Between Aroma and Bouquet and California Pinot Noir with Kerith Overstreet | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:45:13 | |
What's the difference between aroma and bouquet in wine? How does "bright acidity" taste? Why does Pinot Noir from different regions in California taste dramatically different?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One listener in the U.S. will win a bottle of Bruliam's gorgeous Pinot Noir.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win the bottle. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights How do different areas in Sonoma and Monterey counties express themselves in Bruliam Pinot Noir? Which decisions can winemakers make to influence how a Pinot Noir ends up? Where is the Petaluma Gap AVA and how does the climate impact grapes? What does bright acidity mean for your tasting experience? How does the topography of the Mayacamas Mountain Range impact the weather pattern in surrounding grape-growing regions? Why is oxygenation desirable but oxidation to be avoided when it comes to winemaking? What's the difference between aromas and bouquet in wine? How does Kerith use humour to bring a human element to her wine writing? Which embarrassing encounter led to Kerith's sourcing her dream Santa Lucia Highlands fruit? What characteristics does Kerith look for when tasting wines? What's the tasting experience like with 2019 Torrey Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir? Which foods should you try with your next glass of Pinot Noir? How would you describe tasting 2018 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir? What's Kerith's favourite childhood scent memory? Which childhood favourite would Kerith pair with Champagne as an adult? What are Kerith's favourite wine book and wine gadget? Which wine world celebrities would Kerith love to share a glass of wine with?
Key Takeaways Kerith's distinction of the differences between aroma and bouquet in wine was helpful, especially that bouquet is anything beyond the grape varietal character. I liked her definition of how "bright acidity" tastes. She gave us a great overview of how and why Pinot Noir from different regions in California taste dramatically different.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Kerith Overstreet Kerith Overstreet is the winemaker at Bruliam Wines. When she was small, her dad used to say, "You can be whatever you want after medical school." So she did. After completing medical school (U. of Rochester), residency, and two fellowships (UCSD), she thought winemaking sounded more fun.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/195. | |||
| 194: Zinfandel Pairings, Magical AVAs and Yeast Secrets with Winemaker Kerith Overstreet | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:43:45 | |
Would you like to discover some weird but wonderful food pairings for zinfandel? How can American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) help you find new wines to love? How does yeast have a profound impact on wine's taste?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One listener in the U.S. will win a bottle of Bruliam's gorgeous Pinot Noir.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win the bottle. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights Who is Chewie the Marketing Collie? As a student of literature, who are Kerith's favourite authors? How did Kerith bring her love of the humanities into her medical studies? When did Kerith develop her passion for wine? How did Kerith realize she wanted to shift from being a medical doctor to a winemaker? Are there intersections between Kerith's science background and her approach as a winemaker? What lessons has winemaking taught Kerith when it comes to her Type A personality? How has the support of fellow winemakers impacted Kerith's journey? Why does Kerith love experimenting with yeast? What is the inoculation process in winemaking? What types of experiments does Kerith do in the winemaking process? How did the name "Bruliam" come about? What roles do Kerith and her husband, Brian, have at Bruliam? Which features of Rockpile make the biggest impact in their wines? Which creative route did Kerith take to getting access to Rockpile Zinfandel? Which delicious treat should you try dunked in a glass of Zinfandel? Which unusual but simple wine and food pairings should you try next? How do customers feature as the highlight of Kerith's career so far?
Key Takeaways I loved Kerith's pairing suggestions for zinfandel. They're on my list to try this week. She shares a great overview of how American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)can help us find the particular styles of wine we love. Kerith even manages to make yeast interesting as she lets us know its profound impact on wine's taste.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Kerith Overstreet Kerith Overstreet is the winemaker at Bruliam Wines. When she was small, her dad used to say, "You can be whatever you want after medical school." So she did. After completing medical school (U. of Rochester), residency, and two fellowships (UCSD), she thought winemaking sounded more fun.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/194. | |||
| 193: Iconic Wisconsin Cheeses, Wine & Beta Readers with Author Joy Ribar | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:47:31 | |
Why is Wisconsin the most famous state in the US for its cheeses and what do they produce? Which iconic, delicious Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What is a beta reader and why would you want to become one?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann Ribar's fabulous mystery books set in wine country.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy.. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights What's Frankie Champagne's favourite type of wine? Which surprising insights has Joy discovered in her wine research? Why should you consider Wisconsin for your next visit to wine country? How did Joy end up doing over 80 events online and in person to promote her Deep Lakes series? How big is the Wisconsin cheese industry and why are the number of dairy farms on the decline? Which iconic and innovative Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What are some of the fun celebrations you can participate in around Wisconsin during Dairy Month? What's a beta reader and why are they important? Why are beta readers still essential when you have a professional editor? What's behind the recent rise in reading and popularity of book clubs? Why are stories such a catalyst for deep conversation? Which aspects of my upcoming memoir did Joy connect with the most as a beta reader? What can beta readers do beyond reading?
Key Takeaways I had no idea just how much cheese Wisconsin produces and the range and variety of cheeses. Seven thousand dairy farms, wow. I love Joy's suggestions for which cheeses we should try from the state. I'd love to try the cave cheddar with its earthy notes and compare it to traditional British cheddar. I'd pair the cheeses with a firm cabernet or vintage port. I hope our beta reader discussion will encourage you to become one. Just let me know.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Joy Ann Ribar Joy Ann Ribar pens the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series at home in central Wisconsin. Joy's life history is a cocktail of careers, including news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and college writing instructor. Her hobbies include baking, exploring the outdoors, and wine research. Joy infuses this mixture into her main character, Frankie Champagne, adding a special blend of sass and humour. Her writing is inspired by Wisconsin's four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh..She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association. Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV, and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is currently working on the next mystery in the Deep Lakes Cozy series: Deep Dire Harvest, coming in 2022.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/193.
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| 192: Cozy Mysteries in Wine Country + Wisconsin Wines with Author Joy Ribar | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:41:48 | |
Would you like to hear about some fabulous mystery books that are set in wine country? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? Are you curious about Wisconsin wines? Why are the state's wine region a beautiful place to visit?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann Ribar's fabulous mystery books set in wine country.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy.. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights Why did Joy decide to start writing mystery novels after retiring from teaching? What have been the best and worst moments of Joy's writing career so far? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? How did community theatre lead to Joy's love for the wine world? What is a cozy mystery? Why are small towns the perfect setting for a cozy mystery? How did Agatha Christie pave the way for the next generation of women writers? How does Joy navigate the dark world of mystery writing research? What wine-themed murders might Joy include in her upcoming books? What is Joy's Deep Lakes cozy mystery series about? How does the lead character, Frankie Champagne's, winery evolve over the series? What's the climate like in Wisconsin? What are the key hallmarks of Wisconsin winemaking? Which innovative ways have winemakers found for dealing with troublesome starlings?
Key Takeaways I loved learning about what differentiates a cozy mystery from other types of mysteries. Who knew there were so many sub-genres? I love that Joy's novels are set in wine country. I didn't know much about Wisconsin wines until I spoke to Joy. Now I'm curious to try them, and more so to visit such a beautiful state.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Joy Ann Ribar Joy Ann Ribar pens the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series at home in central Wisconsin. Joy's life history is a cocktail of careers, including news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and college writing instructor. Her hobbies include baking, exploring the outdoors, and wine research. Joy infuses this mixture into her main character, Frankie Champagne, adding a special blend of sass and humour. Her writing is inspired by Wisconsin's four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association. Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV, and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is currently working on the next mystery in the Deep Lakes Cozy series: Deep Dire Harvest, coming in 2022.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/192. | |||
| 191: Why Open That Special Bottle Tonight + Smell's Role in a Full Life with Jim Duane | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:33:47 | |
Why should you open that bottle of wine you've been saving? What makes Icewine such a difficult and expensive wine to produce? Why is the sense of smell such an important part of living a full life?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Where are the major wine regions in Canada? What makes Icewine such a tricky wine to produce? Why is there so little Canadian wine in the US? What's the response to US wine in Canada? How can you learn more about food and wine pairing with my free material? Which dishes pair well with California Grenache? What are the most common questions I get from wine newcomers? Why should you open that bottle of wine you've been saving? What are the most memorable aromas from my childhood?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/191. | |||
| 289: Celebrating Women in Wine with Jennifer Wilhelm & Andrea Brambila | 12 Jun 2024 | 01:04:49 | |
Are you curious about the untold stories of the legendary women who helped create the Ontario wine industry and who also shaped its future? Wine might lead people to work in the wine industry, but what sustains a lifetime career beyond that? Why don't we celebrate people while they're alive, but instead wait to express those heartfelt thoughts in a eulogy, post-mortem biography or other memorials? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Jennifer Wilhelm's terrific new book Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario's Grape & Wine Industry. Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of the full-bodied, buttery-rich Chloe Chardonnay. The latter restriction relates to the cross-border shipping of alcohol and all the fun that entails. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did two tables of broken wine glasses feature in Jennifer's most memorable wine moment? What was it like hosting a wine event during a hurricane? How are camaraderie and support an integral part of working in the wine industry? What was Jennifer's inspiration for writing Sharing a Glass? Why have women's stories been historically underrepresented? What was the most surprising insight that Jennifer discovered while writing Sharing a Glass? Why did Jennifer start the book by profiling Debi Pratt? What risk did Debi Pratt take in joining Inniskillin? Which creative strategies did Debi Pratt use to educate people and promote Ontario wine? How has Inniskillin honoured Debi Pratt's contributions? Who is Dr. Helen Fisher, and why did Jennifer want to feature her in the book? How did Donna Lailey's advocacy for new growing methods help to move the Ontario wine industry forward? Why was Donna Lailey named Niagara Grape King? Where did Jennifer's co-collaborator, Elena Galey-Pride, redirect her proceeds from the book? How did Dr. Linda Bramble overcome several obstacles to become a leader in the Canadian wine industry?
About Jennifer Wilhelm Jennifer Wilhelm has dedicated her career to Ontario's hospitality industry. She is a certified Sommelier, and holds credentials from WSET, Prud'homme, Hospitality Management, and Human Resources with a focus on training and development. She taught at Niagara College for 17 years and was named 2010 Ontario Wine Educator through the VQA Promoters Awards. She received a Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Award for her contributions to the Ontario wine industry.
Bonus Interview - Andrea Brambila How did Andrea realize she wanted to become a winemaker? Which type of glass does Andrea recommend with full-bodied Chardonnay? Why shouldn't you judge a wine based on the first sip? Which foods pair well with the Chloe Chardonnay?
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/289. | |||
| 190: Wine Stories, Food Pairings, and Canadian Wines with Inside Winemaking's Jim Duane | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:29:58 | |
What is it really like to be a wine industry insider? How can stories help you to learn? What makes Riesling one of the most food-friendly wines?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was my path from high-tech marketer to wine writer? How can you find out what it's really like to be on the inside of the wine industry? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? How can novices and experts benefit from my online food and wine pairing classes? Which types of food can you best pair with an off-dry Riesling? How can you use the food and wine matching tool on my website to plan your next wine-paired dinner? What do you need to know about Canadian wine?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/190. | |||
| 189: Cracking the DaVino Code with Wine Economist, Mike Veseth | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:36:21 | |
Did you know there's a triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now? Why do you need to master the DaVino Code? What makes some of the claims on "better for you" wines misleading?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What happened during "wine's lost decade"? Which main factors have contributed to the declining global wine market? What might surprise you about the brand behind White Claw Hard Seltzer? Which environmental and social factors have led to a triple crisis in the wine industry? How did Mike imagine the wine wars playing out in Wine Wars II? What's the story behind Bellissima by Christie Brinkley? What makes some of the claims on "better for you" wines misleading? Which lessons can wine producers learn from the deconstruction of the soul of milk? What's the tasting experience like for Bellissima wines? Why should you consider trying Creekside Cabernet Merlot? What is the DaVino code? How does the DaVino code keep out potential new wine buyers? What do you need to know about the battle between Martians and Wagnerians? Which wine would Mike love to be able to share with Mark Twain? Why is Mike a big advocate for drinking locally? Which wine would Mike want to be served at his funeral and why?
Key Takeaways Mike illuminates the triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now with great examples. I love his concept of the DaVino Code for better understanding wine. He makes a great point about why some of the claims on "better for you" wines are so misleading.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mike Veseth Mike Veseth is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. Veseth's writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was chosen a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It's Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing. Around the World in Eighty Wines was named one of the 100 best wine books of all time by BookAuthority.org.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/189. | |||
| 188: The 3 Biggest Forces Changing Your Wine Now with Mike Veseth, author of Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine | 06 Jul 2022 | 00:43:11 | |
Which three forces have shaped the evolution of the modern wine market more than any others? What is a wine economist? How have the wine industry and wine buyers evolved in the past 10 years? How does that impact the wines you drink?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What is a wine economist? How did a budget vacation start Mike on the path of becoming a wine economist? How do the three main forces outlined in Wine Wars shape global wine? How does the natural wine movement act as a push-back force in the industry? What is a terroirist? What fascinating new stories will you read about in Wine Wars II? Which wine buyer insights were uncovered through Project Genome and how did it impact the industry? Why is it a bad idea to paint all celebrity wine with a broad brush? Which wine brands have leaned heavily into their image and seen huge success? What did Mike learn about silk road terroirists in writing Wine Wars II? Why are there so many terroirists in the Republic of Georgia? Who is Chinese wine for? How has Chinese wine evolved and what impact did the pandemic have on domestic consumption?
Key Takeaways I found it interesting how globalization at one end of the spectrum and terrorists at the other end are having a profound impact on the style and type of wine we drink now. Mike gives us great insights into what a wine economist does. The wine industry and buyers changed so much in the past 10 years.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mike Veseth Mike Veseth is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. Veseth's writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was chosen a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It's Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing. Around the World in Eighty Wines was named one of the 100 best wine books of all time by BookAuthority.org.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/188. | |||
| 187: Oregon's Undiscovered White Wines & How Soil Changes Wine Taste with Eugenia Keegan | 29 Jun 2022 | 00:44:56 | |
How has Oregon white wine evolved since it was first produced? Which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style of wine? How do different types of soil express themselves in wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with entrepreneur and winemaker, Eugenia Keegan.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How has Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve driven the growth of Jackson Family Wines? What's the story behind Oregon's white wine evolution? What makes WillaKenzie Estate like a little piece of Burgundy? Which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style? How do the two main types of soil at WillaKenzie Estate express themselves in the wine? What's the tasting experience like for WillaKenzie Estate 2019 Pinot Noir? How does it compare to the Penner-Ash 2019 Pinot Noir? What does it mean for a wine to be full-bodied based on structure? Why do winemakers have to be careful not to over-manipulate? What's the ideal setting for drinking wine? How can you find the right balance of wine when it comes to your health? What's Eugenia's relaxed perspective on wine and food pairing? Which wine books are Eugenia's favourites? Which historical figures would Eugenia have loved to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways We hear so much about Oregon pinot noir, so I was fascinated with how Oregon white wine has evolved since it was first produced. Eugenia offers a great explanation of which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style of wine. I also enjoyed learning how different types of soil express themselves in wine. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Eugenia Keegan A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Eugenia Keegan is recognized for her excellence in the wine industry as both a winemaker and a business executive. Today, she serves as General Manager and Vice President of Oregon Winery Operations and Business Development for Jackson Family Wines (JFW), leading a portfolio of prestigious Pinot Noir houses such as Penner-Ash, WillaKenzie, and Gran Moraine.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/187. | |||
| 186: Oregon Wines, History and Future with Eugenia Keegan of Jackson Family Wines | 22 Jun 2022 | 00:35:37 | |
Are you curious about what makes Oregon unique from other wine regions? How could climate change impact winemaking? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Eugenia Keegan, a winemaker and pioneering legend in the wine industry.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was Eugenia's most memorable moment growing up on a farm? Why does Eugenia prefer to start her mornings in the vineyard? Which wine would Eugenia pair with some of her favourite childhood foods? Why did Eugenia leave her career in the film industry? Where did Eugenia's interest in wine come from? Why does Eugenia say we've been farming wrong for the last 100 years? What has been the best moment of Eugenia's wine career so far? What worries Eugenia most as a winemaker? Which aspect of her career does Eugenia love most? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry?
Key Takeaways She really illustrates how Oregon is unique from other wine regions in its climate, geography, history and wine focus. Eugenia gets at the heart of how climate change may impact winemaking and wine styles. I love her take on what we can learn from younger generations in the wine industry.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Eugenia Keegan A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Eugenia is recognized for her excellence in the wine industry as both a winemaker and a business executive. Today, she serves as General Manager and Vice President of Oregon Winery Operations and Business Development for Jackson Family Wines (JFW), leading a portfolio of prestigious Pinot Noir houses such as Penner-Ash, WillaKenzie, and Gran Moraine. Her path to Oregon may not have been conventional, but it's certainly been remarkable. Along the way, Eugenia built a reputation for her keen business sense, advocacy, and dedication to mentorship and community. Eugenia Keegan joined Jackson Family Wines (JFW) in 2013 to head up the company's fast-growing Oregon portfolio. As General Manager, Keegan oversees JFW's holdings in the Willamette Valley: Gran Moraine, Zena Crown, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and Willakenzie Estate wineries. She also supervises Willamette Valley winemaking for Sonoma-based Siduri and La Crema. Actively civic-minded, Keegan is the chair emerita of the board of directors of the Oregon Wine Board, and serves on the boards of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, the Chemeketa Wine Advisory Committee, and the Linfield Wine Education Advisory Council.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/186. | |||
| The Shape and Sound of Taste with Nell McShane Wulfhart | 16 Jun 2022 | 00:53:17 | |
How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat, and which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What's the difference between taste and flavour? How do supertasters experience taste and flavour differently from others? What impact does our knowledge of a specific wine have on the tasting experience? What simple strategy can we use to improve our dinner party guests' experience? Why does Nell recommend adding a squeeze of limes or lemons to food or water? Why do ice cream companies add certain scents inside their packaging? What effect does loud music or noise have on your sense of taste? Should you serve your best wine first or last at a dinner party? Why should you consider serving two wines at the same time? How can you help guests to feel more comfortable at a gathering? How can you use lighting throughout a party to influence guests' experiences? What fun activity can you try with wine tasting and different types of music? Why does music have a bigger impact on complex beverages like coffee and wine? How can you use your music playlist to complement your menu? Why do our palate and preferences change when we're on a plane? Can we hear the difference between various types of beverages just from the sound of the pour? Why are white wine glasses better than flutes for drinking bubbly? How does the shape of the table in a restaurant affect our dining experience? What should you consider when selecting a glass for a particular beverage? How do the shape and texture of food affect how satisfied you feel? What's the relationship between weight and perception of quality? Which wine bottle characteristics make the most impact on wine buyers? How do health claims on food and wine packaging influence our perception? How is scent marketing being used outside of the food and beverage industry?
About Nell McShane Wulfhart Nell McShane Wulfhart is a journalist from Philadelphia, currently based in Uruguay. She's a former New York Times columnist and frequent contributor. Nell also writes for Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and T Magazine, to name just a few of many.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/podcast/the-shape-and-sound-of-taste-with-nell-mcshane-wulfhart/. | |||
| 185: Inventive Food & Wine Pairing and Buying Tips with Guy Bower of The Good Life Show | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:32:23 | |
What exactly makes the sense of smell so evocative? How can you play with food and wine pairing to discover new flavours? What can you do to de-risk your exploration of new wines?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Guy Bower, host of The Good Life podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights When did I discover my appreciation for wine? What makes the senses of smell and taste so evocative? Why do I love feeling like an enthusiastic amateur when it comes to wine? How has the wine world changed and why am I an unwavering advocate of making it feel more accessible? If I could only have one wine, what would it be? Which shabby-chic food and wine pairing should you try next? Which weird wine pairing surprised me with how good it is? How can you play with food and wine pairing? What can you do to de-risk your exploration of new wines?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Guy Bower & The Good Life The Good Life podcast is hosted by Guy Bower. Guy is a retired Air Force fighter pilot and recently retired Airbus A300 Captain for FedEx. Throughout his career in the military, which involved many years living and travelling in Europe, he has been a dedicated food and wine enthusiast and home chef. Associated with the radio program, Guy regularly attends major national wine events, seminars and tastings as an enthusiast, participant and judge. He has authored many articles on the enjoyment of Food, Wine and the "Good Life" – and is called on often to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with wine appreciation classes, wait-staff training, and educational tastings and seminars. Guy is a Level-1 Sommelier and teaches several wine appreciation classes at Wichita State University each semester. The Good Life radio program began in Miami in 1988, on WKAT 1360AM. In 1990, a military move to Kansas brought The Good Life to the Midwest. The program has been on KNSS 1330/98.7 – Saturdays, since the fall of 1991. The Good Life allows Guy to share his enjoyment of food, wine and travel from the "everyman" perspective. The emphasis is on wine and food enjoyment without snobbery. The program consists of live interviews with chefs, cookbook authors, winemakers and anyone involved with food, wine and the Good Life. In 1992, Guy was instrumental in starting the Wichita Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food. He was the Chairman of the Chapter for the first 3 years and has served three other non-consecutive terms as chair. He was actively involved in starting the Midwest Winefest and the Midwest Beerfest here in Wichita.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/185. | |||
| 184: Prosecco's Success Story (and Snob Disdain) with Stevie Kim of Vinitaly | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:33:18 | |
How did Prosecco lead the way for many people discovering Italian wines, and then why did it get so much hate? How can "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" help you as a wine lover? Is food or wine the main protagonist of most meals?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What's the best way for you to find Italian wines you might love? Why does Prosecco get so much hate from wine snobs? What are the different types of Prosecco available now? Why are Etna DOC wines so popular right now? Where did the "Jumbo Shrimp" name come from? How does Stevie's brand "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" help wine lovers? What is Stevie's controversial perspective on food and wine pairing? How would Stevie pair her favourite childhood food with wine? What's Stevie's top tip for wine lovers?
Key Takeaways The story of Prosecco's success in helping many people discover Italian wines, and then its plunge into ridicule by snobs has so many parallels in the wine world (think Chardonnay and Merlot) and beyond (think of certain movie stars and singers). Fortunately, there's incredible value in this sparkling wine and it will persist, or you could say my love for it will go on and on. I love the concept of "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" to help wine lovers understand Italian wines. Despite Stevie making a strong case for food being the main protagonist of the meal, I remain a wine-first kinda gal just like I buy the earrings, then the outfit.
About Stevie Kim Stevie Kim was born in Korea and raised in the United States. Today, she lives in Verona, Italy. She attended the New York University – Leonard N. Stern School of Business. After settling in Italy, she obtained an MBA at Bocconi University, School of Economics and Management. Later, she achieved a postgraduate specialization in Wealth Management at the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School. Stevie is currently studying for her WSET Diploma, from the Weinakademie Österreich in Rust, Austria. As Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Stevie Kim has launched and now coordinates a series of new initiatives connected to the Vinitaly brand. As a Professional Wine Groupie, Stevie is always seeking innovative ways to communicate Italian wine – with a strong creative emphasis on social media and educational platforms. In 2017, Stevie produced the Italian Wine Podcast, the first podcast in English dedicated exclusively to Italian wine and its personalities. She also carries out various editorial projects, one of the latest being The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine and The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to International Grape Varieties in Italy. The books are reference guides, designed to simplify the complex world of Italian wine. Last year, Stevie started her On The Road Edition travels to wineries and regions across Italy, airing every week on the Mamma Jumbo Shrimp YouTube channel.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/184. | |||
| 183: Italian Wines and Wine Competitions with Vinitaly's Stevie Kim | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:35:43 | |
How can you learn more about the diverse regions and styles of Italian wine? What's the difference in impact between wine competitions and critic scores? And how do they influence the wines you buy and drink?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How did Stevie end up living in Verona, Italy? Which rosé wine piqued Stevie's interest in diving into Italian wines? What was the inspiration for creating Vinitaly? How did Stevie adapt her business during the pandemic? What is Vinitaly? Who is Vinitaly geared towards and what kind of experience should you expect? What is OperaWine? How do wine competitions compare to wine scoring by critics? What makes the OperaWine rating process so selective? How does the individualistic nature of Italians show up in Italian wine? Why are Italian wines sometimes confusing for consumers to navigate?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated with her points on the differences in impact between wine competitions and critic scores. The range and diversity of Italian regions and wine styles can seem overwhelming. I love Stevie's approach to making them accessible and memorable. I've added several more obscure Italian wines to my list to try next.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Stevie Kim As Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Stevie Kim has launched and now coordinates a series of new initiatives connected to the Vinitaly brand. As a Professional Wine Groupie, Stevie is always seeking innovative ways to communicate Italian wine – with a strong creative emphasis on social media and educational platforms. In 2017, Stevie produced the Italian Wine Podcast, the first podcast in English dedicated exclusively to Italian wine and its personalities. Now in its fourth year of regular broadcasts, the show published its 770th episode on January 31, 2022. She also carries out various editorial projects, one of the latest being The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine and The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to International Grape Varieties in Italy. The books are reference guides, designed to simplify the complex world of Italian wine. Last year, Stevie started her On The Road Edition travels to wineries and regions across Italy, airing every week on the Mamma Jumbo Shrimp YouTube channel.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/183. | |||
| 182: Cabernet Franc, California's Paso Robles & High Acidity Wines with Lori Budd | 25 May 2022 | 00:43:45 | |
Are you curious about why Cabernet Franc should have just as much respect from you as a wine lover, if not more than Cabernet Sauvignon? What makes wines from California's Paso Robles region unique? Why is it easy to fall in love with wines that have high acidity?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What does it mean to be an alternating proprietorship winery versus a crush pad? What was the inspiration behind the name Dracaena? Why did Lori and her husband choose Paso Robles for their winery? What is the geography of Paso Robles like? Which pleasant surprises did Lori find after starting the winery? Which unexpected difficulties came up when Lori and Michael started Dracaena? Why are Lori and Michael so passionate about Cabernet Franc and why did Lori start Cab Franc Day? How is Cab Franc Day celebrated around the world? What taste differences will you notice between a cool climate and a warm climate Cabernet Franc? Why did Lori and Michael choose Chenin Blanc as one of Dracaena's flagship wines? Why is it easy to fall in love with high-acid wines? Which wines would Lori pair with her favourite childhood dish, ravioli? What are the most difficult food and wine pairings Lori has encountered? What's Lori's favourite wine gadget?
Key Takeaways I'm so glad Lori highlighted Cabernet Franc as it's such an under-valued, but terrific wine. We all need to show it a little more respect. I'm looking forward to visiting California's Paso Robles region after listening to Lori describe the wines, the land and the people. I've always considered myself an acid head when it comes to wine: acidity gives wine its vibrancy and life. It also makes it so much more food friendly. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She's consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/182. | |||
| 288: Heroic Italian Wines & the Future of Italy's Wines with Marc Millon | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:47:19 | |
What is a heroic wine? Which emerging trends will shape the taste of Italian wine in the next decade? How has Italian art and architecture directly influenced its wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Marc Millon's terrific new book Italy in a Wineglass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What made Marchesi Antinori the wine producer who's made the biggest impact on wine today? How did a wine of the lowest classification revolutionize Italian winemaking in the 1970s? How did Venetian merchants influence wine production standards in Italy? What impact did the royal fascination with Barolo have on its global perception? What defines a heroic wine? How did World War II reshape Italian vineyard landscapes? Why do the cultural practices surrounding wine in Italy enhance wine tourism more than in neighbouring countries? What is the link between art and wine? What might surprise you about the mafia's influence on the Italian wine industry? Which emerging trends in Italian wine will shape the next decade? How has climate change affected the English wine industry? What does Marc love about Lympstone Manor Estate Isabeau Rosé 2023? What makes San Felice Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione a great example of Chianti's evolution? Why would Marc choose Pliny the Elder to share a bottle of wine with? What's Marc's top wine tip to make us more wine-savvy?
Key Takeaways What is a heroic wine? Which emerging trends will shape the taste of Italian wine in the next decade? How has Italian art and architecture directly influenced its wines?
About Marc Millon Marc Millon is a food, wine and travel writer and communicator and the author of numerous books as well as magazine articles published on both sides of the Atlantic. Marc has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about food, wine and travel for more than 40 years.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/288. | |||
| 181: Bordeaux Wines, Politics and Wine, Monastrell & Spanish Food Pairings with Lori Budd of Exploring the Glass | 18 May 2022 | 00:39:37 | |
What is it like to participate in the coveted en premiere tasting of the new vintage of Bordeaux wines in France while they're still in the barrels aging? Which Spanish foods should you pair with the fabulous red wine Monastrell? How does politics influence wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd who graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program. She and her husband own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She's also the host of the podcast called Exploring the Glass.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Who are the Rothschilds and what is their association with banking and wine? What was it like to attend the Rothschild family's ballet competition as their guest? What was Lori's experience as a participant in an en premiere tasting in Bordeaux? How does the tasting experience differ for wines that are ready to drink versus still in the barrel? How is Portugal's turbulent history reflected in its wine? What type of wine did Lori taste from the ungrafted vines of the Jumilla region in Spain? How are Jumilla winemakers adapting their styles to meet the changing taste of Monastrell consumers? Which Spanish foods should you try alongside Monastrell? What does Lori love about Spain and Spanish wines? What was Lori's early career like, first as a microbiologist and then as an adventure educator? How did Lori first fall in love with wine? What was the journey like from wine lover to winemaker?
Key Takeaways I loved Lori's story about attending the en premiere tasting of the new vintage in Bordeaux while it's still in the barrels aging. It sounds exciting, terrifying and eye-opening. Lori had some terrific Spanish dishes to pair with the luscious Spanish red wine, Monastrell. I found Lori's insights on how politics has influenced wine fascinating. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She's consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/181.
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| 180: Extreme Winemaking, Ontario Wine Gems, Canada's Regions & Grapes | 11 May 2022 | 00:44:58 | |
Why is icewine considered extreme winemaking, and what are some weird, but wonderful food pairings for this elixir? Which Canadian wine regions should you visit next? What unusual things can you do at Ontario wineries?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What are the major wine regions in Canada? How does Ontario's weather impact the types of wine that are produced? What are the most important characteristics of Canadian Icewine? Which types of food pair best with Icewine? How does the late harvest time for Icewine present additional difficulties for winemakers? What are some of the main attractions of the Ontario wine regions and sub-regions? How do the Niagara River and Lake Ontario affect the climate in the sub-region around them? Which innovative and environmentally-friendly methods are the winemakers at Featherstone Estate Winery using to protect their vines? What are the top grape varieties grown in Ontario? Where do I think Canadian wine and wineries will go in the future? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/180. | |||
| 179: Finding Bargain Wines and Regions with Janina Doyle of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat | 04 May 2022 | 00:52:32 | |
Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? Which underpriced wines for their quality should you try next? How can you successfully navigate the walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did a trip to Italy introduce me to the wonderful world of wine? What does a typical day look like for me? What's it like to be live on TV on Canada's biggest morning show, The Social and CTV News? Where will you be taken and what will you learn in my first book, Red, White, And Drunk All Over? Why do I believe that you are the reason I've been able to get great access when writing my books and in my other wine endeavours? Which discovery did I make about finding incredible wine value in my second book, Unquenchable? Which bargain wines should you try next? Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? What has been the most beautiful moment of my wine career so far? What strategies can you use as a consumer to navigate the overwhelming walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine? What's our favourite type of wine glass? How can you go beyond the basic red wine and cheese pairings? Which perfect wine pairings can you try with these famous books?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/179. | |||
| 178: Pandemic's Positive Impact on Wine + Buying Wine Online with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling | 27 Apr 2022 | 00:42:56 | |
How has the pandemic positively impacted the wine industry? Why is the percentage of women buying online rising faster than men? How do consumers benefit when wine producers have access to more and better data?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Which interesting trends have been identified when it comes to Gen Z drinking habits? What can wine brands do to engage younger generations? Which positive trends stood out in the DTC report? How did the pandemic impact online DTC sales? Has the lifting of lockdown restrictions negatively impacted online DTC sales? Why should consumers be excited about the growth of the online side of the wine industry? What are the implications of the DTC report for the Canadian wine scene? How did Canadian wineries quickly adapt to the new environment of the pandemic? What would be the benefits of opening the borders to shipping wine across provinces in Canada? How does having more data and more granularity benefit everyone from wine consumers to producers? Why are more women purchasing wine online than men? What are Andrea & Cathy's ideal settings for having a glass of wine? Which controversial wine opinions do Cathy & Andrea have? Which childhood foods would be fun to pair with wine today? What was Andrea's worst food and wine pairing? Which great historical figures would Cathy & Andrea love to share a bottle of wine with? What message would Andrea & Cathay share if they could put up their own billboard downtown in a big city? Which wine would Cathy & Andrea want to be served at their funerals?
Key Takeaways At least there were some upsides to the pandemic on the wine industry in terms of moving it forward with selling online and tightening direct connections between those who make wine and those who drink it. I found it fascinating that the percentage of women buying online is rising faster than men. It makes sense though given women still buy most household items. Getting granular on the data means getting more personal with consumers in terms of their experience in buying the wine whether that's in person at the winery or online.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers. Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/178. | |||
| 177: Ground-Breaking Report for Making, Buying & Selling Wine with Cathy Huyghe & Andrea Smalling | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:39:08 | |
How have major events like the pandemic and the wildfires affected the way we buy wine online? Do younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, have different criteria for buying wine? What impact does storytelling have on wine sales?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What did Andrea's previous career with Proctor & Gamble involve? Why did Andrea decide to move into a career in the wine industry? What was the realization Andrea had about wine being an agricultural business? How did Cathy fall in love with wine and wine writing? Why does Cathy consider herself primarily an issues writer? What's the mission behind A Balanced Glass? Which key advice does Cathy wish she could tell her younger self, early on in her wine career? What do we mean by DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) wine sales? How does WineDirect serve wineries? Why was the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report created? What was the founding mission of Enolytics? What type of data was analyzed for the DTC Impact Report? How did the report track the impact of the California wildfires on the wine industry? What did the DTC Impact Report show about the impact of those wildfires? Why is the story behind the wine important to younger drinkers? Did the report reveal any insights about wine and gender?
Key Takeaways I found it fascinating to learn how the pandemic, the wildfires and other major events have changed the way we buy wine online. It's interesting that younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, really want that in-person experience when buying wine. I would have assumed they'd be all about online only. We're back to storytelling, whether it's wine or books, it has a profound impact on sales and connection. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers. Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/177. | |||
| 176: Australian Wine Pairings, Tips and Trends with James Atkinson of Drinks Adventures | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:32:47 | |
Are you curious about the Australian wine scene and the latest trends and changes? How about tips on buying terrific Australian wines? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings you should try?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Are there any parallel trends in the beer and wine industries? Is natural wine gaining popularity in Australia? What is James' controversial take on natural wine? What changes and trends have emerged recently in the Australian wine scene? How has Australian Chardonnay evolved and improved over the years? Which wine regions should you try for Australian cool-climate Chardonnay? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings? What are the biggest challenges facing the Australian wine industry? Which must-see site should you visit on a trip to Champagne? What did James love about his trip to Alsace? Which foods should you try on a visit to Alsace? Which wines does James like to pair with pizza? What barbecue and wine pairing surprised James? What's James' favourite wine book? Why is winesave James' favourite wine gadget? Which vintage wine would James want to be served at his funeral? Which common red wine mistake can we easily avoid?
Key Takeaways His descriptions of Australian wines made me not only want to revisit the wine styles but also go back to Australia itself. It's such a magical place. James makes some important points about cool-climate Australian wines and how elegant and balanced they are, to the point where they can easily be confused with Burgundian wines, especially when it comes to Chardonnay. I loved his iconic Australian food and wine pairing suggestions and can't wait to try them.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/176. | |||
| 175: Wine Sommeliers v Beer Cicerones and Tasting Techniques with Drinks Adventures' James Atkinson | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:29:22 | |
What's the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone? Which glass is best for properly appreciating great beer? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did James land the opportunity to host wine royalty, Jancis Robinson, at his house? What aspects of James' interview with Jancis Robinson stood out the most? How did James create an opportunity to interview a childhood idol on his podcast? How has rockstar winemaker Maynard James Keenan been influenced by Australian wine? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region? When did James know he wanted to be a professional drinks writer? What were the most difficult aspects of James' pre-drinks writing career? Which aspect of James' early career would he change if he had the chance? What are the differences between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier (cicerone)? How long can you keep beer before it goes bad? What's the process like to become a Certified Cicerone? Which type of glass is best to properly appreciate the nuances of your beer? What's James' favourite beer and food pairing?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed learning about the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone. Even though I'm not a beer drinker, it's good to know which glass is best for appreciating great beer. That tip will be handy for my partner Miles who loves local, craft beer. Arizona is an interesting up-and-coming wine region. I would not have thought viticulture would be possible in such a warm region. I look forward to trying the wines someday.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB26262
About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/175.
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| 174: Retronasal Smell in Tasting Wine and Virtual Brands with Jim Duane of Inside Winemaking Podcast | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:44:18 | |
How can tuning into the retronasal aspect of smell take your wine tasting skill to the next level? What makes the sense of smell so fascinating? What does it mean to be a virtual wine brand? What do grapes & M&Ms have in common?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim's Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE. Highlights What's the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What's it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What's unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim's inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags' Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim's biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed hearing about what winemaker wannabes and everyday wine drinkers can learn from Jim's podcast. Even if you don't want to become a winemaker, understanding the process can deepen your appreciation of what you're drinking. The retronasal sense of smell is a game-changer when it comes to detecting specific aromas in wine. It's a subset, of course, within the fascinating world of smell that we'll continue to explore on this podcast in future episodes. Jim's comparison of grapes with M&Ms was helpful in understanding texture and ripeness. I also was interested in Jim's explanation of virtual wine brands. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/174. | |||
| 173: What Being a Winemaker is Really Like with Inside Winemaking's Jim Duane | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:36:52 | |
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a winemaker and wondered what it takes? What's it like to work a wine harvest without power? What makes Riesling the most difficult grape to ferment?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim's Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE. Highlights What's the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What's it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What's unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim's inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags' Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim's biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard?
Key Takeaways Jim gives us a taste for what it's like being a winemaker, but his podcast and courses will help you take a deep dive if you're so inclined. His story about working a harvest without power was incredible. Pure grit and determination. And I guess that's how they did it in the old days every year. Hard to imagine. I'm fascinated with all aspects of Riesling as it's so diverse in style and food pairings, but Jim really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to make. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/173. | |||
| 172: Wine Supertasters, Food Pairings and Canadian Palates with XChateau's Robert Vernick & Peter Yeung | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:49:01 | |
What does it mean to be a supertaster? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Do Canadians have different wine preferences compared to drinkers in other regions? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way to get into the world of wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did I get started in my wine career? What motivated me to go from wine enthusiast to wine writer? What does it mean to be a supertaster? How do I manage my time between all my wine endeavours from books, to TV appearances, to the podcast? Would wine experts benefit from my wine and food pairing course? Why are "day in the life" stories often a better way to learn? What features do wine lovers around the world enjoy with my mobile wine apps? Are American wines well received in Canada? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Is there a distinguishable Canadian palate when it comes to wine? Which Canadian wines should you try next, outside of the icewine category? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way for beginners to ease into the world of wine? What's unique about Tim Hanni's perspective on food and wine? How has my business and my focus within it changed over the years? Why are wine scores helpful despite lacking nuance? What value is shared with subscribers through my newsletter? Why is visiting vineyards one of my favourite ways to learn about wine? What's the best way to learn more about Canadian wines?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is a wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/172. | |||
| 287: Italy in a Wine Glass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines with Marc Millon | 29 May 2024 | 01:12:37 | |
Which almost-forgotten grape Italian varieties deserve more recognition? What might surprise you about the stories and wines from Campania? What makes wine such a great narrative vehicle throughout history? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Marc Millon's terrific new book Italy in a Wineglass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was it like spending summers running up and down Mexican pyramids as a child? How has Marc been influenced by his Korean heritage? What does Marc remember most vividly about moving to England at 19? What was it like being a writer and travelling the wine regions of multiple countries pre-internet? Why was Marc motivated to write his latest book, Italy in a Wineglass? What makes Italy in a Wineglass so different from other books about Italian wine? How did the Italian pride in history and story stand out to Marc while researching the book? What has been the most interesting feedback on the book so far? Why did the stories from Campania surprise Marc the most? What makes wine such a great narrative vehicle throughout history? Which almost-forgotten grape varieties deserve more recognition? How does the Ancient Greek symposium compare to modern Italian social wine-drinking customs? Which wine story in the book is most reflective of Italian culture?
About Marc Millon Marc Millon is a food, wine and travel writer and communicator and the author of numerous books as well as magazine articles published on both sides of the Atlantic. Marc has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about food, wine and travel for more than 40 years.
Bonus Interview - Bianca Marais Why did I write "Wine Witch on Fire," and how did I know when it was the right time? What was the inciting incident that kicked off my no good, very terrible year? How did my story and experiences with misogyny resonate with other women in various industries? How do you balance telling your truth in a memoir and concerns about potential legal repercussions down the line? Who was responsible for paying for the expensive legal reviews and edits of my manuscript? Why did I choose the theme of witches as the connecting thread throughout my memoir? How did I weave in references to deepen the witch metaphor throughout Wine Witch on Fire?
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/287. | |||
| 171: Chilean Wine in the Driest Place on Earth & England's Storied Wine History with Janina Doyle | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:43:22 | |
Are you curious about British wines and their history that dates back to King Henry VIII? How is wine made in the driest place on Earth and where is that exactly? Are stemless wine glasses better than traditional stemware?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How are English wines connected to King Henry VIII and the Domesday Book? Which wine makes a great pairing with classic English fish and chips? What English wine brands should you look for on North American shelves? How do you use Coravin wine preservation systems? What does Janina love about Hush Heath Estate Balfour Luke's Pinot Noir? What are suitcase clones and where do they show up in the wine world? Which hallmarks should be present in a good quality Pinot Noir? Can you pair Pinot Noir with fish or chicken? What critical tip should you keep in mind when choosing a corkscrew? How can you open your wine like a professional? How did the Pais grape variety end up in Chile? What's the tasting profile of Ventisquero País Moscatel like? Why shouldn't you chill an oaked wine? How is viticulture possible in the driest desert on Earth? What features should you look for in a good wine glass? Why does Janina prefer stemless wine glasses? Which wine would Janina now pair with her favourite birthday cake from childhood? Which person outside of the wine world would Janina most want to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways British wines have a fascinating history dating back to King Henry VIII. Now that was a man who enjoyed his food and drink. It was interesting to hear how wine is made in the driest place on Earth in Chile. I look forward to trying some of those wines. The debate about stemless wine glasses versus traditional stemware continues.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/171. | |||
| 170: English Sparkling Wine, Magical Blends & Harvest Secrets with Janina Doyle | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:41:49 | |
What's it really like to work at a winery during the harvest? What is the magic behind blended wines versus single grape or varietal wines? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What's it really like to work at a Chilean winery during the harvest? Why does Janina find it so fascinating to participate in the winemaking process? How did Janina nearly lose an eye while in a winery experimentation room? What hidden danger lies in bottles of bubbly? What's it like to blend Malbec wines in Argentina? What makes Bodega Catena Zapata a must-visit winery for every wine lover? What made Janina's trip with her father to Rioja, Spain one of her most memorable wine experiences? Which experiences should you try when visiting Rioja? Why did Janina's first trade wine tasting end in disaster? What's the difference between English and British wine? What do you need to know about English wine? Which English wine does Janina recommend for you to try if you're new to the category? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne? What sort of tasting profile would you experience with Bacchus grapes? What is the "Nyetimber Effect"?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed Janina's stories about what it's really like to work at a winery during the harvest. As she mentioned, many people think winemaking is so glamorous and they have no idea how dirty it is and how many accidents happen and how hard it is. I call it fancied up farming. She made some great points about blended wines, including the fact that Malbec, though it's a single variety, is often a blended wine. Janina shared some great insights into the differences and similarities between English sparkling wine and Champagne. I was surprised to hear that the English wine industry has grown by 70% in the last five years.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/170. | |||
| 169: Santa Maria BBQ & Wines + Can You Earn a Living as a Wine Writer? | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:33:31 | |
Why is Santa Maria BBQ different from other types and which wines pair well with it? What does it take to earn a living as a full-time wine writer? Why does grammar really matter? Why is passion not enough?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jaime Lewis, a fabulous food and wine writer, journalism professor and host of her own podcast, CONSUMED.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights How can you become a full-time wine writer? What does it look like to focus on your strengths? Which unrealistically high standards are placed on wine writers? Why does Jaime distinctly separate her writing from her journalism? What are Jaime's top tips for improving your writing? What makes Santa Maria-style barbecue unique? Why is Santa Maria-style barbecue important to California's history? How did the Santa Maria Club get its start? Why has Pinot Noir become a popular accompaniment to Santa Maria barbecue? Which wine would Jaime pair with her childhood favourite dish? What's Jaime's favourite wine gadget? Which quick trick can you use to aerate a bottle of wine? What are Jaime's favourite wine books?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Jaime's description of how Santa Maria BBQ is different from other types, from the various cuts of meat to preparation and cooking, as well as, of course, the wines that pair well with it. She gives a realistic picture of what it takes to earn a living as a full-time wine writer. Gotta love that phrase, marry up. I love that she's a grammar nerd like me and my mother and her mother. For me, a dangling participle is as disturbing as pouring wine into a dirty glass. Just don't do it.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/169. | |||
| 168: Wine's Buzz, Italy's Food Culture and Audrey Hepburn's Influence with Jaime Lewis | 16 Feb 2022 | 00:34:39 | |
Why does a lot of writing about wine ignore the alcoholic buzz? How did Audrey Hepburn kick start our guest's relationship with wine? What effect can pregnancy have on your palate?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist and podcaster, Jaime Lewis.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights How did visions of Audrey Hepburn kick start Jaime's relationship with wine? When did Jaime start writing about wine? Why do wine connoisseurs often avoid talking about the buzz? Why is Jaime transitioning away from wine writing? What effect did pregnancy have on Jaime's palate? What was the inspiration for Jaime's podcast, CONSUMED? Which New Zealand wine left Jaime shocked and inspired? What makes working in a New Zealand tasting room so different from one in the US? Why is it so complicated to navigate the wine world as a woman?
Key Takeaways I like Jaime's reality take on why the buzz of alcohol in wine is often not mentioned in a lot of wine writing. I, too, wish there was more acknowledgement of wine's full-bodied sensory experience. I enjoyed her stories about Italian wine and food culture, with a nod to Audrey Hepburn. I'm fascinated with the impact pregnancy has on your palate, along with other physical and mental changes from depression to other diseases. It's all so connected. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/168. | |||
| 167: Marketing Wine to Women + The Power of Storytelling | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:34:50 | |
How did my love of stories as a child bring me to the world of publishing and podcasting? What is the problem with the way some wines are marketed toward women? Why am I so insanely passionate about the message I share in my upcoming memoir?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy on their excellent podcast called Served Up.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did my love of stories bring me to the world of podcasting? How did I go from writing for magazines to publishing my first book? What wine-insider stories will you read about in Red, White & Drunk All Over and Unquenchable? How did great white sharks end up featuring in one of my adventures with a winemaker? What was it like travelling to vineyards around the world with my young son? What are some of my favourite wine-adjacent memories with my son? What have I learned about myself while building my career in the wine industry? How is my upcoming memoir different from my previous books? Why is there a gap in wine marketing when it comes to women? What progress is the wine world making in being more inclusive for women? How can we as women help to move the industry forward? Why am I so passionate about the messages I share in my upcoming memoir? Why is it important for us to show the real and vulnerable aspects of our journeys?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Served Up Served Up, hosted by Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy, is a podcast for beverage professionals to advance their skills, customer experiences, and work environments. Bridget Albert is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits National Director of Education Beam Suntory and an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. Julie Milroy is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of On-Premise and an innovative change leader, sales & marketing executive, career coach, educator and podcast co-host.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/167. | |||
| 166: How Humor & High Tech Help Wine with Served Up Podcast's Julie Milroy & Bridget Albert | 02 Feb 2022 | 00:35:09 | |
What makes high tech a great complement to wine? How does humour help when you're learning about wine? Why is the personal aspect of wine becoming so important?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy on their excellent podcast called Served Up.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights
How did I wind up in the non-traditional career of wine writing? Which behind-the-schenes stories of the wine world can you explore in my first book, Red, White & Drunk All Over? Has the pandemic changed the wine world and the hospitality industry at large? What makes high tech a perfect complement to wine? Why is messaging and storytelling so important in the world of wine? How are stories becoming more powerful than brand names? How can you elevate your home dining experience with wine? Why does the sensory experience of wine help us to connect and make memories? How can you build your confidence with wine when you're just starting out? How does my wine and food pairing course help you to build your wine skills while you're having fun? Why have I doubled down on food and wine pairing? How can you have fun with wine on special occasions? Which shocking snack and wine pairing do I especially enjoy? How does humour help when you're learning about wine?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Served Up
Served Up, hosted by Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy, is a podcast for beverage professionals to advance their skills, customer experiences, and work environments. Bridget Albert is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits National Director of Education Beam Suntory and an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. She has designed beverage programs and produced trainings for top national accounts that include the Hilton Worldwide Resorts Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Crystal Cruise Line. Bridget is also the co-author of "Market Fresh Mixology" and "Life, Love, Happiness & Cocktails." Julie Milroy is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of On-Premise and an innovative change leader, sales & marketing executive, career coach, educator and podcast co-host. She has over 15 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, spanning various roles in Sales, Human Resources, Marketing, and Commercial Strategy. Julie uses her diverse experiential background to create impact and results that are customer centric and collaborative. As a proud Korean American, Julie is passionate about supporting the AAPI & marginalized communities and empowering women in their career journey.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/166. | |||
| 165: Volcanic Soils, Old Vines and Italian Wine Diversity with Wine Spectator Columnist Robert Camuto | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:36:44 | |
What does drinking Italian mean today? How has globalization impacted the Italian wine you drink? Do volcanic soils really make a wine taste different?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights
How does Emidio Pepe bring the past of southern Italy into the future? How is the way of life different in the Mezzogiorno? Why is lunch such an important part of the day in Italy? Which fascinating winemakers did Robert dine with at one of his most memorable Italian meals? Why does Robert love Aglianico wine? How was star winemaker Elena Fucci inspired to become a first-generation winemaker? Do volcanic wines live up to the hype? What impact does volcanic activity have on terroir and ultimately wine? Are there distinct tasting notes common among volcanic wines? What makes Fiano wine special? What was it like to meet the renowned winemaker, Sabino Loffredo? What does drinking Italian mean today? Key Takeaways
Robert's insights into how globalization impacted the Italian wine we drink were fascinating, including his example of how the granddaughter of sharecroppers is able to communicate with other wine lovers around the globe to sell her traditional wines and she no longer has to sell just to the local cooperative. That ability to go global while you're still a small producer adds to the diversity of the Italian wines we drink today. I loved his example of drinking a different Italian wine every night of the year without repeating yourself, such is the range of grapes and styles in the country. I agree with his take on how volcanic soils influence the taste of wine: it's more about drainage than anything else, although a new eruption every century or so certainly changes the landscape and the soils, literally. Old vines have a more profound impact on a wine's taste, wherever they grow, in volcanic or other soils around the world.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Robert Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy's southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). As an American in Europe, Camuto has written for some of the world's best-known publications on food and wine culture and since 2008 he has worked as a contributing editor for Wine Spectator. In addition to serving as a key features writer responsible for many WS cover stories, Camuto writes a twice-monthly column for winespectator.com, called Robert Camuto Meets….which, like all his work, focuses on the human and cultural sides of wine. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism, Camuto worked as a news reporter, features editor and founding weekly newspaper publisher in Texas before moving to France in 2001. In 2015, he and his wife moved to their current home in Verona, Italy. In the Old World, he gravitated to wine as a way of exploring more than flavours—as a way to understand local histories, politics, agriculture, traditions and tastes told through colourful characters.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/165. | |||
| 164: Southern Italy's Wine, Food & Flavour in Robert Camuto's South of Somewhere Book | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:37:47 | |
Are you curious about the hidden wine gems in southern Italy? Who are the colourful characters and winemakers who create them? What are the sumptuous flavours of the region and how well do they pair with wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
Highlights What was the inspiration behind Robert's decision to become a writer? What was Robert's worst moment in his writing career? What does Robert love most about travelling around Europe? Which celebrity wines are worth trying? Why did Robert choose the title "South of Somewhere"? How is Italy's makeup different from other countries? What are some key facts to know about Southern Italy? What was the lethal "Methanol Scandal" about? Why does the south of Italy have more varieties of indigenous grapes? When did Robert fall in love with the Mediterranean? How has technology helped bring out the complexity that we find in modern wine? Which interesting Trebbiano innovation is Giampaolo Tabarrini responsible for?
Key Takeaways I loved listening to Robert describe the vivid flavours and people of southern Italy. It makes me want to return there. In my second book, Unquenchable, I devote one chapter to Sicily and talk about how the active volcano Mount Etna influences both the wines and mindsets of the island. I highly recommend you visit this magical place, as well as drink the wines here. I'm drawn to stories about specific people, and Robert has many of them. I think the specific tells more about the universal than generalizations do. His mouth-watering descriptions of the food there make me yearn to taste them, if only in my own kitchen for now.
About Robert Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy's southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010).
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/164. | |||
| 163: Travel Tips for Austria & Washington Wine Regions with Interpreting Wine's Lawrence Francis | 12 Jan 2022 | 00:42:46 | |
What's the smartest strategy you've never heard when it comes to visiting any wine region? More specifically, what's the best way to explore the wineries of Washington state or Burgenland in Austria? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What are the essential six stories about wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
Highlights Where would you find Burgenland in Austria? How does Burgenland's most well-known wine, Blaufränkisch, compare to other well-known reds? What are Lawrence's favourite food pairings for Blaufränkisch? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What does aged Grüner Veltliner taste like? How are Lawrence's best tips for planning a wine trip to Austria? Why is Lawrence excited about Austrian wine? Why does Washington state have diverse terroirs? How do the different soil types in Washington lend themselves to diverse wine styles? What are the wines of Washington's Red Mountain AVA like? Which Washington Syrah was Lawrence's most surprising wine ever? Why did Lawrence develop the six wine stories concept? How do the six stories fit into the bigger marketing picture for wine brands? Key Takeaways I love the strategy of starting a wine trip in a base city and talking to sommeliers and restaurant owners about which wineries you should visit. You also get to taste the wines and determine which houses make the styles you like. I agree with Lawrence about the dazzling array of complexity and flavour in Grüner Veltliner, one of the most undervalued white wines in the world and one of the most food-friendly. I liked Lawrence's essential six stories about wine, and especially how wine is not a spectator sport. You gotta get in there! About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He's been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he's now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/163. | |||
| 162: Sherry, Rioja, Cava and Other Spanish Wine Gems with Interpreting Wine's Lawrence Francis | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:40:06 | |
Why is Sherry one of the most complex wines on the planet and also one of the most misunderstood? What's it like to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 Highlights What was the inspiration behind Lawrence's at-home podcast studio? How did Lawrence find his way from psychology to the wine industry? What is Hemingway's connection to the wines of Spain? What's it like to visit Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, where Cava is aged in caves under the city? What are some of the unique and interesting aspects of Cava and its production? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions? What makes the Copa Jerez International Competition of Gastronomy and Sherry Pairing so exciting? Which sherry and food pairing was most memorable for Lawrence? Why does sherry pair so well with food? Why should producers share more about grapes and terroir when talking about sherry? What makes sherry so complex? How do the alcohol levels in sherry compare to Port? What was the goal behind creating sherry cocktails? Why does Lawrence think we should be paying more attention to Madrid wines? How are the younger generations of Rioja winemakers changing the landscape? Key Takeaways Lawrence reminds us that sherry is one of the most complex, delicious wines on the planet, with its range from dry to sweet, and the myriad of nutty flavours and colours it creates. That also makes it so food-friendly, from tapas to seafood. It would be magical to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged. I enjoyed how he gave us an underground tour of the city of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in our minds. I can just imagine millions of resting bottles in those quiet caves. I found it helpful how he differentiated Prosecco, Cava and Champagne in terms of food pairing and occasion.
About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He's been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he's now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/162. | |||
| 286: Mixing Business and Pleasure; Authenticity and Forgery in Art and Wine with Bianca Bosker | 22 May 2024 | 00:40:29 | |
How are innovators making art and wine more engaging and accessible? What is it about the art and wine worlds that makes business and pleasure often one and the same? Is authenticity in art important? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Bianca Bosker. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Bianca Bosker's terrific new book Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Are the art and wine worlds still ruled by gatekeepers? How are innovators bringing in new voices and making art and wine more engaging and accessible? What's the role of the social grapevine in the art and wine industries? Why is mentorship a critical aspect of moving up the ladder in these industries? What is it about the art and wine worlds that makes business and pleasure often one and the same? What are some creative ways to develop your taste and understanding of art and wine? Is authenticity in art important? How do forgeries and fakes impact the art world? What can the art and wine worlds learn from each other? Why was it important to Bianca to be in the action in the art world when writing Get in the Picture? Which wines would Bianca pair with iconic artists and artwork? Why would Joan Didion be Bianca's ideal companion for sharing a bottle of wine?
Key Takeaways Bianca says, "With art and wine, some people say there are no rules, you can engage with it any way you want." She found that advice really frustrating. She thinks that it is important to give people the tools to think for themselves to engage with art or with wine on their own terms. Bianca observes that mixing business and pleasure is part of getting ahead in these different worlds, but it can be unfair for up-and-coming artists. It's hard to spend all of your time bopping around openings and networking. With art, the idea of a forgery is actually a relatively recent invention, Bianca notes. We haven't always cared what was original and what was a forgery or what was a fake.
About Bianca Bosker Bianca Bosker is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See and Cork Dork. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, she has also written for publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Her work has been recognized with awards from the New York Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, and more, and has been included in The Best American Travel Writing.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/286. | |||
| 161: Tech is Transforming Wine with the Wine School Dropout's Tanisha Townsend | 29 Dec 2021 | 00:47:19 | |
What makes wine and technology such a perfect pairing? Why should you try online wine classes? How is technology empowering wine consumers?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Tanisha Townsend on her podcast, Wine School Dropout.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights How did I go from high tech to wine writing? Why do I find the pairing of wine and tech to be fascinating? What has changed about wine and the internet since my first article was published 20 years ago? Why are food and wine pairing classes so popular? What are some of the unexpected benefits of online wine courses? Which new creative intersections of wine and tech am I excited about How is technology empowering wine consumers? What advantages are there to using my mobile wine app? Why do I love podcasting? What makes a great podcast guest interview? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? Where do the concepts for my books start from? Which wine do I love to pair with my favourite snack?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Tanisha Townsend Tanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine.
Credit Wine School Dropout Music is by Makaih beats
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/161. | |||
| 160: Longshot Wines Bet Big on Market Launch with Winemaker Beth Liston | 22 Dec 2021 | 00:45:14 | |
Are you curious about how a wine brand breaks through in a new market? Why is the wine category one of the most difficult to offer a great price/quality ratio? What unique challenges do women winemakers face in the industry?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Beth Liston, a rebel winemaker from California who's just launched a new wine called Longshot.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights How did Beth's interest in restoring vintage cars get started? When did Beth realize she wanted to become a winemaker? Which valuable lessons did Beth learn from working a harvest in South Australia? What's the most exciting aspect of being a winemaker? What does it mean to find your voice as a winemaker? What was the concept behind the creation of Longshot/Dark Horse wine? Why is it particularly difficult to maximize wine's price-quality ratio? How do the techniques used in making Longshot/Dark Horse help them to stand out in their category? What has Beth learned from her experimentation with blending grapes? How does Beth translate inspiration from trends in cocktails and beer into winemaking? What are the biggest trends currently dominating the drink industry? How can you identify thiols when tasting wine? What tasting experience can you expect from Longshot/Dark Horse Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? Which food pairings should you try with Longshot/Dark Horse Pinot Noir? What's the most rewarding aspect of being a winemaker? How does Beth navigate the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field?
Key Takeaways My MBA brain loves the back story of how a new wine brand breaks into a new market. So many factors are at play from the product itself and packaging to getting consumers to try the wine and building loyalty through repeat purchases. The wine category is one of the most difficult to offer a great price/quality ratio given the vagaries of weather from year to year. As Beth notes, it's an agricultural product, unlike say breakfast cereal where you can control production. It's also capital intensive, from having to age wine so you're tying up your cash flow, to the substantial investment in equipment, from presses to bottling lines. And finally, I admire her approach to building credibility in the industry as a woman and as a winemaker, regardless of gender. It takes perseverance, a love of change and adaptability and a willingness to get down in the trenches, or should we say the cellar, and learn the job from the ground up.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Beth Liston Beth Liston discovered her interest in wine while growing up on California's Central Coast. During college, she worked in a local tasting room, developing a fascination for both the art and science that goes into making great wines.
Beth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. After graduating, she completed graduate work in oenology and worked in wine sales in Austin, Texas before setting her sights on winemaking.
With more than a decade of harvests behind her, Beth has acquired diverse winemaking experiences from the Limestone Coast of South Australia to Napa Valley.
She's now the Director of Winemaking for Dark Horse wines in Modesto, in California's Central Valley. Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their two sons, relaxing with yoga and travelling to explore new cultures through food and wine. She joins us now from Modesto, California.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/160. | |||
| 159: Cosmo's Sex & the City, Champagne, Whisky Women in Mallory O'Meara's Girly Drinks | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:40:22 | |
How did the Cosmopolitan become an iconic cocktail on the TV show Sex and the City? Did you know an illegal shipment of Champagne revolutionized the entire industry? Which women are responsible for America's increase in scotch and bourbon consumption after Prohibition?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Mallory O'Meara, the author of the just-published Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did the Cosmopolitan become the signature drink of Sex and the City? Which next-level Cosmo should you try for your next cocktail? What's the connection between Carrie Bradshaw and the oversized wine glasses we now see everywhere on TV? What's the strong female history behind the drinks we now think of as categorically masculine? How did Bessie Williamson and Margie Samuels revolutionize the scotch, whiskey and bourbon markets in America after Prohibition? What role did Veuve Clicquot's kitchen play in transforming the way Champagne is made? How did Veuve Clicquot and Louise Pommery completely change the Champagne market? Which drink does Mallory prefer while writing? Why is a daiquiri Mallory's favourite cocktail? What are Mallory's least favourite drinks? How did Mallory first get into wine? What impact does Mallory hope Girly Drinks will have? How has book and author culture adapted to Covid? What's the last great book Mallory read? Whose interesting story got left on the cutting room floor?
My Tips for Navigating Wine During the Holiday Season How should you think about which wines to pair with Christmas dinner? Which wines will make great additions to your cocktail party? How can you pick the right wines for every gifting occasion?
Key Takeaways I loved the story behind how the Cosmopolitan became an iconic cocktail on the TV show Sex and the City, especially since I loved that show when it first came out and am now gobbling up every episode of the new reboot. There are so many parallels in other industries: you may not be able to afford the multi-thousand dollar Versace outfit on the runway, but maybe you can buy the perfume. The Cosmo was and is an aspirational drink for many women and some men and non-binaries too. Veuve Clicquot is a classic kick-ass woman's story, from getting through the Napoleonic blockades to selling her jewelry to fund the business. I loved hearing about swash-buckling women responsible for America's increase in scotch and bourbon consumption after Prohibition.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mallory O'Meara Mallory is an award-winning and best-selling author and historian. She lives with her two cats in the mountains near Los Angeles, where she is at work on her next nonfiction book. Bourbon is her drink of choice.
Her first book, The Lady From The Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick, is a Los Angeles Times bestseller. It won the 2019 SCIBA Award for Biography, the Rondo 2019 Book of the Year and was nominated for the Hugo and Locus awards. Her second book, Girly Drinks: A Feminist History of Women and Alcohol, was just released.
Every week, Mallory hosts the literary podcast Reading Glasses alongside filmmaker and writer Brea Grant. The show is hosted by Maximum Fun and focuses on book culture and reader life.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/159. | |||