Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Unreserved Wine Talk
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 362: What Surprises Did a Magical Dom Pérignon Champagne Tasting of 60 Rare Vintages Reveal? Elva Ramirez Shares Her Story in "Sparkling" | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:53:00 | |
How did a magical Dom Pérignon Champagne tasting of 60 rare vintages reveal the surprising depth and aging potential of sparkling Rosé? What surprising role did the British play in the discovery of sparkling wine? What makes the Porn Star Martini one of the most crowd-pleasing cocktails? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Elva Ramirez, author of the award-winning books "Sparkling" and "Zero Proof." You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Elva Ramirez's terrific book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any Occasion. 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 two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What happened when Elva accidentally triggered an alarm at Veuve Clicquot's private estate in France? How did her career as a Wall Street Journal reporter lead her into the world of cocktails and Champagne? How did years working in restaurants teach Elva to "speak bartender" and shape her storytelling style? What was it like attending an exclusive Dom Pérignon Rosé dinner featuring decades of rare vintages? What did that tasting reveal about how aged Rosé Champagne evolves and expresses itself over time? How does Elva's book, Sparkling, showcase the creativity of world-class bartenders and Champagne houses? What surprising history did she uncover about who truly discovered sparkling wine? Why did Champagne dominate New York's Gilded Age, when most of America's supply was consumed in just a few city blocks? How did bartenders in the 1800s turn Champagne into a cultural symbol of luxury and celebration? What are the stories behind Prince Albert Edward's "Prince of Wales" cocktail and Ernest Hemingway's "Death in the Afternoon"? How can you choose the right sparkling wine for cocktails? Why should Lambrusco be reconsidered as a serious, fruit-forward sparkling wine? Key Takeaways March 2016, Dom Pérignon was releasing a new Rosé vintage and threw a portfolio dinner serving every Dom Pérignon Rosé ever released. The aha moment for Elva was, up until about the mid-80s, it's still a fresh, sparkling rose that we know, but from the 80s, all of a sudden, the colour completely deepens, and all these Pinot characters just come out of it. The fact that it had aged so well surprised her. The Champagne region has been famous for wine for a very, very long time, and it's believed that people have been making wine there since before the Roman era but the English are actually credited with "discovering" sparkling wine. They figured out how to make the bubbles happen and that they liked it. The Porn Star Martini features vanilla vodka, passion-fruit purée and then separately, you're served a very cold shot of Champagne or sparkling wine. Instantly, it was a hit because the combination of vanilla and passionfruit, people get it right away. So this is like a cocktail and a shot. You can drink one and then drink the other, or you can take the shot and pour it in the glass.
About Elva Ramirez Elva Ramirez is an author, journalist and brand strategist. She is the author of "Sparkling" and "Zero Proof," which were both finalists for Best Cocktail Book at Tales of the Cocktail in their respective years. "Sparkling" is a finalist for IACP's 2025 Best Cookbook Awards. Elva holds an MBA from CUNY Baruch College and a Master's in journalism from Columbia University.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/362. | |||
| 361: How Can Carbon Offsetting Claims in the Wine Industry Be a Form of Greenwashing? | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:53:58 | |
How can carbon offsetting claims in the wine industry be a form of greenwashing? How does the natural fermentation process in winemaking create one of the most concentrated sources of CO₂ emissions in any industry? Can yeast selection and fermentation techniques make winemaking more sustainable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andrew Neather & Jane Masters. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Andrew Neather & Jane Masters' terrific new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable 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 two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How is the Familia Torres winery treating CO₂ as a resource instead of waste? How are yeast choices and co-inoculation helping winemakers reduce energy use? Why are some wineries implementing modern updates of old, low-tech winemaking techniques? How are importers and producers utilizing rail and sea transport to reduce their carbon footprint? What can the Nordic wine monopoly, Systembolaget, teach the rest of the world about sustainable practices? How does greenwashing appear in wine marketing, and why should consumers be wary of carbon offsetting claims? Which certifications and labels can wine lovers actually trust when choosing bottles? How does social sustainability, from fair wages to housing, shape the future of responsible winemaking? How do these issues of climate change and sustainability affect people's lives beyond the vineyards?
Key Takeaways How can carbon offsetting claims in the wine industry be a form of greenwashing? For a consumer, I would be suspicious of anyone who is using carbon offsetting to claim they're carbon neutral. The company will pay for trees to be planted, low-energy lightbulbs or stoves in the developing world. it's fine if it actually adds to capacity. The tree planting, it's highly questionable how much good it does. it's really better for a company to ask themselves, how can we reduce our carbon emissions? How does the natural fermentation process in winemaking create one of the most concentrated sources of CO₂ emissions in any industry? The yeast carries out the alcoholic fermentation. So as they do that, they're metabolizing the sugar, creating ethanol, which is alcohol, creating a load of heat and carbon dioxide. The thing about wine is that the emissions that come out of the top of a wine tank are the most concentrated CO2 emissions of any industry at all. Can yeast selection and fermentation techniques make winemaking more sustainable? Yeasts have been selected over years for certain traits, such as particular flavors, producing less compounds such as acetic acid, which we call volatile acidity. At the end of the day, sustainability also includes economic sustainability, so we need to maximize everything that we've grown in the field to get the best possible quality wine.
About Jane Masters and Andrew Neather Jane Masters became a Master of Wine in 1997 and was elected as Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine in September 2016. She is an independent wine consultant with over 30 years of experience and clients around the world as well as working with the Majestic Wine Grp in UK. She has also filmed several wine shows and written sections for Jancis Robinson's Oxford Companion to Wine and Wine Opus. Andrew Neather is a freelance British journalist. A former academic historian, environmental campaigner, political speechwriter and newspaper journalist, he was the London Evening Standard's wine critic, 2005-15. He now blogs weekly on wine and food at A View from my Table, writes a regular column for Tim Atkin MW's website, and has contributed to publications including The Independent, Harpers and Club Oenologique.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/361. | |||
| 352: The New Volcanic Wines of Sicily's Mount Etna with Ben Spencer | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:48:06 | |
How do elevation and slope influence the style of volcanic wines of Mount Etna? What can volcanic wine made on Mount Etna in Sicily teach us about life? How is Mount Etna's wine scene evolving? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Spencer, the award-winning author of The New Wines of Mount Etna. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Which aspects of Ben's first trip to Sicily in 2007 left a lasting impression? What stood out about Ben's first experience tasting Etna wine in Sicily? Which early experience exploring Etna's vineyards fundamentally changed Ben's understanding of the region and its wines? What do the wines of Etna show us about the relationship between winemaking and life? What are the biggest differences between winemaking in California and Etna, outside of terroir? What does the future look like for Etna wine? Are there limitations to the Etna DOC classification and what is the viable elevation range for vineyards? How do the wine characteristics vary between vines grown in different areas of the mountain? How do the periodic eruptions affect the soil in the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna? What was Ben's vision for the Etna Wine School and which programs are now available? How did Ben's poetry background influence his transition into wine writing? What can you expect from reading The New Wines of Mount Etna? What was the most surprising thing Ben discovered while writing The New Wines of Mount Etna? Why was researching the book particularly challenging for Ben?
Key Takeaways How do elevation and slope influence the style of volcanic wines of Mount Etna? At lower elevations, we're seeing more ripeness, earlier ripening, more boldness in the fruit. You see more opulent wines at lower elevations. Also, on the south slope, you're getting more development in the growing season because of the way the sun passes from the east along the south slope. The North Slope, we see a little bit more deflected light, especially in the shoulder seasons, so early spring and fall, and so you're getting more elegance. What can volcanic wine made on Mount Etna in Sicily teach us about life? To be patient, to watch, to listen, to learn from what's happening here, and to learn from everybody, because everybody has a different take on what's happening. Etna always moves outside of what we expect it to be. In the glass, we see a white wine, but all of a sudden there's white jasmine and orange flower together in the same field, and there's this juicy fruit and salinity and savory herbs and saltiness, and you get some repeated elements. How is Mount Etna's wine scene evolving? With Etna being at the beginning of a new wave of production, we are seeing a lot of people trying to define what that is, what Etna can be and will be. It'll be a study of the different elevations, of the different soil types, of the different districts where the wines are being made. But also Etna is a 10,000 foot tall cone. So there's a lot of different aspects to mountain wind, to sunlight, to the sea breezes, to old soils, young soils, and so there's a lot of things happening. So I think Etna will become a benchmark for variety, for exciting wines made from Carricante, the white grape variety here, and also Nerello mascalese, the red grape, which is made into sparkling wines, Rosés and red wines quite successfully.
About Benjamin Spencer Benjamin Spencer is the Director of Etna Wine School and the award-winning author of The New Wines of Mount Etna. In addition to holding a Diploma from the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Ben is a journalist, wine judge, and a professional winemaker with two decades of experience working with artisan and internationally traded wine brands in California and Italy.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/352. | |||
| 264: Beer versus Wine Tasting, Cicerones versus Sommeliers with Mandy Naglich, Author of How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:37:29 | |
What's the difference between tasting wine and beer when you want to identify specific aromas and flavours? What are some of the similarities and differences between a Cicerone or beer sommelier and a wine sommelier? How do retronasal aromas give you a different, deeper sense of the aromas of both beer and wine? In this Unreserved Wine Talk podcast episode, I'm chatting with author Mandy Naglich. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Mandy's new book, How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. 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 two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What are some of the similarities and differences between a Cicerone and a sommelier? What was it like to win a national homebrew competition? How did Mandy become interested in homebrewing? Should your sense of smell be tested as part of your annual physical? What does Mandy love about Pommery Pop Champagne? Why should you consider using a Champagne tulip glass instead of a flute? How does Allagash White bring together the beer and wine worlds? What causes beer to hold its head longer compared to other beverages? How does beer's head affect the tasting experience? What's Mandy's seven-step method for tasting beer? When should you cover your glass before swirling? How can you best utilize your retronasal smell pathway? What types of food would pair well with Allagash White versus Pommery Pop Champagne? How can a food pairing create a whole new flavour sensation? Why does speaking aloud help you to solidify your tasting knowledge? How can you challenge your perceptions of your taste? What's Mandy's favourite wine gadget? Why would Mandy love to share a bottle of wine with Oprah? What message would Mandy share with the world on a billboard in downtown Manhattan?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Mandy's explanation and demonstration of the differences between tasting wine and beer. I had assumed the process would be the same and was surprised to find that it's not. I also found her explanation of the similarities and differences between a Cicerone and a sommelier helpful. I didn't realize that the world of beer is so diverse (yes, my little wine-snob eyes have been opened) or that Cicerones are more involved in maintaining complex equipment than sommeliers. I fully support her focus on how retronasal aromas reintroduce you to the richer, deeper aromas of both beer and wine and enable you to discover something new when you're playing it backward as she says. I also agree about using a tulip glass rather than a traditional champagne flute to better swirl and smell the 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 Mandy Naglich Mandy Naglich is one of fewer than 100 Advanced Cicerones in the world, one of the highest certifications in beer expertise. She's also a Certified Cider Professional and has her WSET in spirits. Mandy's writing has been published in Vice, Taste of Home, Vine Pair, and Wine Enthusiast. She started her career in journalism at the Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/264. | |||
| 263: Tasting Bliss Points & Making Wines Memorable with Mandy Naglich, Author of How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:35:23 | |
You love to eat, but do you know how to taste? What is a bliss point when it comes to food or tasting? What makes our most memorable meals and wines delicious? How can you make sure to bring home the best experiences from a wine trip? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mandy Naglich who has just published How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Mandy's new book, How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What did Mandy learn about hospitality through your first wine-pairing experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Belgium? Why did Mandy write about Rick Bayless' blind tasting experience in her book? What made San Diego wine country so memorable for Mandy? How can you make sure to bring home the best experiences from a wine trip? Why did Mandy decide to write How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life? What was the most unusual insight Mandy gained while writing her book? Which feedback surprised Mandy the most from readers of her book? How can we judge the acidity of anything from a cup of tea and wine to a square of dark chocolate? Why does salt make foods taste less bitter? How do our tastebuds respond to food temperature? What might surprise you about your mouth's sensitivity to texture? What is a bliss point when it comes to food or tasting? How can you distinguish between pomme fruit and stone fruit? What are the hallmarks of different categories of aromas? Why would you not want to open an expensive bottle of wine while playing loud music?
Key Takeaways I found Mandy's explanation of the difference between eating and tasting fascinating, as well as her discussion about the bliss point and how individual it is. Her tips on how to make the most of your experiences in wine country were helpful. I agree with her that your environment really affects your enjoyment of whatever you're drinking. It's the 360 degrees of flavour and contributes to our most memorable meals. It was interesting how losing your sense of sight can obscure what you're tasting.
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 Mandy Naglich Mandy Naglich is one of fewer than 100 Advanced Cicerones in the world, one of the highest certifications in beer expertise. She's also a Certified Cider Professional and has her WSET in spirits. Mandy's writing has been published in Vice, Taste of Home, Vine Pair, and Wine Enthusiast. She started her career in journalism at the Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/263. | |||
| 262: Sonoma Wines + the Dangers of Drinking for a Living with Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa of the Wine Road Podcast & Jeff Sammut of Canada Now | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:35:00 | |
How did I come up with the wine pairings mentioned throughout Wine Witch on Fire? Why is wine marketed so differently to men versus women? What can you do to support your mental health in an era where you have to be online? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa on the Wine Road Podcast and Jeff Sammut on Canada Now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Could an online pile-on like I experienced in 2012 happen today? What can you do to support your mental health in an era where you have to be online? Why did I use real people's names in my memoir? How did I come up with the wine pairings mentioned throughout Wine Witch on Fire? Why is wine marketed so differently to men versus women? How do I manage the different aspects of an online-based career? Which Sonoma wineries must you visit on your next trip? Which wine pairs best with catharsis? What was it like when I realized my husband of 20 years wanted a divorce? Looking back, were there signs that I missed? How did I communicate with my son about the difficult situation that was my divorce? Why did feeling alone lead me to reexamine my whole life? Why is it important to me that we have more conversations about overdrinking? How did I manage to curb my overdrinking after the year from hell? What is it about podcasting that makes it great for connecting with people?
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 The Wine Road Podcast and Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience regarding, food, wine, events, and travel in and around Northern Sonoma County. Dubbed the Click and Clack of Wine—their snappy banter and laugh filled show provides insider tips on wine tasting and advice for listeners planning everything from a day trip to a two week stay in Wine Country. Marcy Gordon is a freelance wine and travel writer. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including Wine Enthusiast, Forbes Travel Guide, Sonoma Discoveries, and The San Francisco Chronicle. In 2017 she was awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. Her blog Come for the Wine was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Wine Blogs in 2015. Beth Costa is the Executive Director of the Wine Road. Beth has been at the helm of Wine Road for the past 17 years. Prior that she managed the tasting rooms for Kendall-Jackson Winery. Beth has lived in Sonoma County for the past 30 years and loves to get out and explore – rivers, redwoods and the ocean are big draws!
About Canada Now and Jeff Sammut Canada Now shares the stories that matter to Canadians, going beyond the headlines to shine a spotlight on the cities, towns and people that motivate and inspire us each and every day. Host Jeff Sammut goes coast to coast across the country talking to Canadians about Canadians and the stories that affect us all, big and small.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/262. | |||
| 261: Mood & Wine Pairings + British Columbia's Best Wine Regions with Luke Whittall, Author of 50 Must-Try Wines from BC and Ontario | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:39:36 | |
Why should you consider mood and experience when pairing wines? What is a lustful wine? What do you need to know about British Columbia's wine regions? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and host of The Sipsters Wine Podcast, Luke Whittall. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Luke's new book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What makes the Golden Mile Bench so special? Which wineries on the Golden Mile Bench should not be missed? Why should you consider mood and experience when pairing wines? What is a lustful wine? Why does Luke describe Vancouver Island as the Italy of BC? Which labels should you look for from Vancouver Island? What makes the red wines of the Similkameen Valley unique? What do you need to know about the other BC wine regions including Fraser Valley, Gulf islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Shuswap, and Thompson Valley? What does BC need to do in order to thrive as a wine region for the next five to ten years? How do Luke's The Sipster's Pocket Guides differ from other wine guides?
Key Takeaways I love that Luke likes to pair wines to moods rather than simply food. I think our emotional state and occasion are often far better predictors of a great match than whether your asparagus was oven-roasted or steamed. I especially like his description of a lustful wine. Luke continues to share surprising insights about British Columbia's wine regions and wines. I'm intrigued with the way Golden Mile Bench wines retain their acidity and structure, and am motivated to visit that area again. I enjoyed his notion that there are times when you can tell that the wine really likes you.
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 Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. His most recent book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines follows up on the success of The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/261. | |||
| 260: BC's Wild Diversity, Deep Lake Effect and Promising Future with Luke Whittall, Author of 50 Must-Try Wines in BC and Ontario | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:45:16 | |
What are five things that will surprise you about the wine regions and wines of British Columbia? What are some top tips to help you get the most from your visit to BC? Which challenges does this west coast wine industry face going forward? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and host of The Sipsters Wine Podcast, Luke Whittall. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Luke's new book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was Luke's inspiration for writing Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia's Wine History? Why did John Schreiner choose Luke to help him write the sixth edition of his Okanagan Wine Tour Guide? Why are authentic stories important for a winery and how can impact their success? How does the wine industry in British Columbia compare to Ontario? What are some of the geographical limitations of wine production BC? Why is the growth of the BC wine industry slowing? How is climate change changing the profile of the wine industry? How has the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires impacted British Columbia? What's the difference between a smoky flavour in wine versus smoke taint? How do the production levels of BC and Ontario compare? What makes up the unique climate of the BC wine regions? What might surprise you about the Okanagan region? What are Luke's top travel tips for visiting the Okanagan?
Key Takeaways There were so many fascinating nuggets about BC that Luke shared, from the profound influence of the lake to how embers from wildfires were able to traverse across it. The range of wine styles and grapes is both a blessing in its diversity and experimentation and a curse in the optimization that still needs to happen as BC matures as a wine region. Luke's tips for visiting the region were helpful, particularly breaking up your journey into a few days and several wineries that have restaurants.
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 Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. His most recent book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines follows up on the success of The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/260. | |||
| 259: Proactive Wine Farming and Wine Tourism with Anna Brittain of Napa Green | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:33:08 | |
How can we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry? What is proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine? Does wine tourism have a positive or negative impact on the environment? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sustainability expert Anna Brittain. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why is good soil health foundational to vineyards, both from the wine and sustainability perspectives? What is proactive farming? How can the wine industry increase its emphasis on social justice and diversity and inclusion? Why do climate action and regenerative agriculture make the ultimate umbrella for sustainability efforts in the wine industry? What is the environmental impact of wine tourism? What can we do as consumers to advocate for or induce change in the wine industry? Are there commonalities between different wine regions and the climate challenges they face? What is Domaine Carneros doing differently as a dedicated sustainability leader? What does Anna love about Domaine Carneros Taittinger and what foods would it be best paired with? Which breakfast foods could you pair with the classic St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon? Why does Anna believe we need to focus on improving quality and sustainable practices in the wine industry rather than expanding? What are Anna's favourite childhood foods to pair with wine? What is Anna's favourite wine book? Why would Anna love to share a glass of wine with Brené Brown? Why is it crucial to take action on climate change in the here and now?
Key Takeaways Anna has some concrete steps for how we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry. Every bit helps, and the need is urgent. We all have purchasing power - we vote with our dollars, and they send strong signals to the industry to advocate for change. I found her concept of proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine fascinating. She also has an interesting take on wine tourism's impact on the environment.
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 Anna Brittain Anna Brittain has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent over 12 years facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with expertise in communications and certification standards.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/259. | |||
| 258: Why Sustainable Winegrowing Matters with Anna Brittain of Napa Green | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:43:31 | |
Which aspect of winemaking has the greatest impact on the environment? Are you curious about the difference between sustainable and organic winemaking? What are the six pillars of sustainable winegrowing leadership? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sustainability expert Anna Brittain. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How did Anna realize she wanted to dedicate her career to environmental work? What drives Anna to work in climate action and sustainability within the wine industry? What does it mean to be voted as "the most intriguing environmentalist"? How did the global pandemic contribute to the worst moment in Anna's wine career? What was the impact of COVID-19 on consumer investment in sustainability and climate action? What was it like to put together the first climate and wine symposium? Is wine production bad for the environment? What does it mean for the wine industry to be a leader in soil-to-bottle sustainability? What are the biggest misconceptions about sustainability? Why did Anna create the six pillars of sustainable winegrowing leadership? How can you distinguish between sustainability, organic, and biodynamic practices? Why are there so many different organic certifications in the US? How can vineyards optimize irrigation systems and water use? What does it take to start dry farming? How can energy efficiency potentially produce cost savings for vineyards? What do wineries need to think about when it comes to waste management and supply chain emissions? Is it irresponsible for wineries to continue to use extremely heavy-weight bottles?
Key Takeaways Anna provides an excellent global view of wine's impact on the environment rather than just focusing narrowly or organic winemaking or sustainability. She gave us a clear definition on the differences between sustainable and organic winemaking. I think most people might assume that wine made organically is also farmed sustainably, but that's not always the case. She also presents clear and compelling facts such as that 40-50% of the emissions from a winery operation come from packaging and distribution alone.
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 Anna Brittain Anna Brittain has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent over 12 years facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with expertise in communications and certification standards.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/258. | |||
| 257: How Much is Too Much Wine, Old Rosé and Hard-Won Wisdom with the Women of Ill Repute, Wendy Mesley & Maureen Holloway | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:38:19 | |
What might surprise you about Rosé wine? Is being a supertaster an advantage in the wine industry? Do you feel you're drinking too much wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Wendy Mesley and Maureen Holloway for their podcast, Women of Ill Repute. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why didn't I apologize after being called out for using other people's reviews on my website? How does the herd mentality bring out the worst in people online? What is it about the wine industry that continues to feed into the deeply-rooted sexism? How does wine marketing perpetuate stereotypes and negatively impact women? What does it mean to be a super taster? How do I review so many bottles of wine? Why is it important for a wine reviewer to expectorate? What is it about artichokes that makes them hard to pair with alcohol? What might surprise you about Rosé wine? What are the five aspects of tasting wine? How has the vocabulary of wine evolved over time? What can you do to develop your smell vocabulary?
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 Women of Ill Repute Women of Ill Repute is a compliment. And not just for women! Wendy Mesley and Maureen Holloway have left CBC and CHFI to chat with sassy women about sex, family, politics, and media. Lots of secrets and no room for shame. Is it journalism or comedy? It's both. Smart talk with tv and radio stars, comedians, authors, lawyers, politicos, restaurant icons and more. All of them brave, fierce and funny.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/257.
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| 256: How to Spot a Fake Wine and Defining Wine Authenticity with Rebecca Gibb | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:38:17 | |
How can you avoid buying a fake bottle of wine? What makes a wine truly authentic? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and why did it ultimately unravel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rebecca Gibb, author of Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Rebecca Gibb's book, Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What caused the wine scandal in the 1980s, which devastated the Austrian wine scene? How did the Austrian wine industry turn around its image and recover? What was the story behind the famous Thomas Jefferson wine fraud scandal? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes and why did it ultimately unravel? What makes a wine truly authentic? How is modern technology being used to detect fraud? Why is Don & Petie Kladstrup's book, Wine and War, one of Rebecca's favourites? What is it about food and wine pairing that Rebecca doesn't like? Which famous person would Rebecca love to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways Rebecca shared some great tips on how we can avoid buying a fake bottle of wine. I found her larger discussion of what makes a wine truly authentic fascinating. The story of Rudy Kurniawan and his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars sounds like the script of a movie or Netflix special.
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 Rebecca Gibb Rebecca Gibb is an editor for the online wine publication Vinous, covering the wines of New Zealand and the Loire Valley. In addition, she owns a wine and spirit jigsaw business, Puzzle Cru. Rebecca is one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bollinger Medal in recognition of her superb tasting ability.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/256. | |||
| 255: Wine Crime & Con Artists with Rebecca Gibb, Author of Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:39:27 | |
Are you curious about the greatest con artists in the world of wine? What creative but illegal ingredients have been added to wine to cut costs and boost profits? What is it about tales of crime and greed that draw us in? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rebecca Gibb, author of Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Rebecca Gibb's book, Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was it like to represent Great Britain as an athlete at the age of 19? Where did Rebecca's interest in the cello come from? Why has Rebecca decided to donate a portion of her book's royalties to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Why did Rebecca decide to write about the riots in Champagne in 1911? What is it about tales of crime and greed that draw us in? What's the meaning of the MICE acronym used to describe the motivations behind committing fraud? How have coercion and ego played a role in wine fraud over the years? Do you have to be a wine person to appreciate Rebecca's book, Vintage Crime? What was the most popular method of wine fraud in Ancient Rome? Which unusual methods did vintners try in an effort to restore vineyards after the phylloxera epidemic in the late 1800s? How did it come to be that there was more Champagne being sold than produced during World War I?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed Rebecca's stories about the greatest con artists in the world of wine. I think we all love a juicy story about people trying to get one over on others. Call it whatever the wine version is of schadenfreude. I agree that part of what helps con artists get away with what they do is that people don't want to admit they have been duped. That's pride and human nature. I was intrigued by the creative but illegal ingredients that have been added to wine to cut costs and boost profits. There's a fine line between what's adulteration and what isn't.
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 Rebecca Gibb Rebecca Gibb is an editor for the online wine publication Vinous, covering the wines of New Zealand and the Loire Valley. In addition, she owns a wine and spirit jigsaw business, Puzzle Cru. Rebecca is one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bollinger Medal in recognition of her superb tasting ability.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/255. | |||
| 351: Why can't we taste sweetness in sparkling wine and mistake black and white pepper aromas? | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:54:12 | |
Why can't we smell sweetness in sparkling wine? How much of what we "taste" in wine is influenced by its appearance and our expectations? What makes copper both a savior and a threat to viticulture? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge, author of the terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sunny Hodge's terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to 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 two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why is it important to look beyond wine characteristics and consider? How does The Cynic's Guide to Wine aim to challenge the way we talk about wine? Can fossilized oysters in vineyard soil really impart marine characteristics on the wine? Why should food and wine lovers know the story of Fitz Haber? What makes copper both a savior and a threat to viticulture? Why should we move away from the focus on wine flavours and instead use descriptors of what it truly offers? Where does the buttery flavour in wine come from? How does cork taint affect wine as well as our sense of smell and perception? Why do vines grown in cooler temperatures have more black pepper notes? How much of what we "taste" in wine is influenced by its appearance and our expectations? Why can't we smell sweetness in wine? Could sniffing slower change which aromas you detect in a wine? Why are humans more sensitive to bitter tastes versus sweet? How does adding ice to whiskey open up its aromas?
Key Takeaways The little CO₂ bubbles in sparkling wine dissolve in your saliva and form a physical barrier between certain molecules hitting your tongue and your ability to taste certain things. Sweetness, is the first thing that'll get blocked out. So, if you have a sparkling wine that has some sweetness, as your saliva builds up with bubbles, you won't perceive it. We in wine extrapolate a little bit and think, "It's a white wine," so I may psychosomatically associate it with white peppery things, rather than a red wine, which might be black pepper. It's actually the same sesquiterpene, called rotundone. We just trick ourselves into perceiving it one way rather than the other. This happens a lot in wine. Copper is naturally antimicrobial and antifungal, which is why we use it in plumbing, hospitals, and as touchpads on doors. Fungal pests like downy and powdery mildew, which affect vines. We spray vines with copper base concoctions to prevent that fungus building up, which will destroy our harvests. But it's not just the heavy metal, but it when it rains, it'll hit your soils and affect earthworms and all of the things that we know to be really good for the soils, naturally. We stop our soil's ability to just look after itself. We haven't found a unified way to overcome downy and powdery mildew without the use of copper.
About Sunny Hodge Sunny Hodge is the sole founder of Diogenes the Dog and aspen & meursault; two multi award-winning wine bars associated with challenging the status quo of wine. He is in the process of developing a wine qualification, The Science of Wine Course. His book "The Cynic's Guide to Wine" delves into the science behind wine from soil upwards into our perception of taste and flavour to dispel wine myths using science. He is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. He is an International wine judge for IWSC awards, was recently shortlisted for the LWF Buyers Awards 2025 for both 'On-Trade Multiple Venue Wine Buyer' and 'Sustainable Wine Buyer of the Year'. Hodge is also a commentator and wine writer for the likes of Waitrose Food Magazine, Evening Standard, The Times, The Guardian, Food FM and Monocle Radio and ITV's Love Your Weekend.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/351. | |||
| 254: New Australian Wines & Regions + Grenache's Resurgence with Jane Lopes, Author of How to Drink Australian | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:41:57 | |
Are you curious about new Australian wine styles and regions? Why is Grenache experiencing a resurgence in Australia right now? What was the most devastating part of several Court of Master Sommelier scandals? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sommelier and author Jane Lopes. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Jane Lopes' books. One of you will win Vignette: Stories Of Life And Wine In 100 Bottles, and another will win How To Drink Australian. To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What's it like to experience the journey of becoming a Master Sommelier? Do we need more outlets for education in the wine industry? What was it like being a woman experiencing the unfair and sexist consequences of several Master Sommelier scandals? How would the industry benefit from more transparency and an overhaul of the Court of Master Sommeliers certification process? How is How To Drink Australian different from other books about Australian wine? What was the motivation behind writing How To Drink Australian? What are some of the unique characteristics of Australian wine and wine regions? Why is Grenache experiencing a resurgence in Australia right now? What's the tasting experience like for Ngeringa 2018 Summit Vineyard Chardonnay and Bird on a Wire 2015 Syrah? Why should you try a wider range of Australian wine?
Key Takeaways I loved Jane's fresh take on new Australian wine styles and regions. I knew that Australia has plenty of warm regions and a number of cool areas, but I didn't realize it also has some of the coldest wine regions in the world. Jane has put Australian grenache on my radar. I love this grape and wine from the Rhone and am keen to do more side-by-side comparison tastings with those from Australia. The Court of Master Sommelier exam scandal had a pretty devastating impact on candidates like Jane, who had studied for years and invested thousands of dollars to prepare for it only to have that hard-earned recognition taken away. Coupled with Master Sommelier sexual harassment scandal, I hope that serious reforms are underway with the organization.
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 Jane Lopes Jane Lopes is a Nashville-based sommelier, author, and importer. In 2020, Jane and her husband Jonathan Ross co-founded their own Australian wine imports company: Legend. Jane's second book, How to Drink Australian (co-authored with her husband), was published in 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/254. | |||
| 253: An Emotional Guide to Wine + How to Get a Solid Wine Education with Jane Lopes | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:47:40 | |
Which physical aspects of working in a restaurant might surprise you? Why is it hard to get a good wine education? How can an emotional guide to wine deepen your pleasure in it? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sommelier and author, Jane Lopes. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Jane Lopes' books. One of you will win Vignette: Stories Of Life And Wine In 100 Bottles, and another will win How To Drink Australian. To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why did Jane decide to study Renaissance literature at the University of Chicago? How did Jane transition from academia to the wine industry? What were the sensory and social aspects of wine that initially attracted Jane? Why is it hard to get a good wine education? Which physical aspects of working in a restaurant might surprise you? How did Jane incorporate creative wine pairings and experimentation in her time as wine director? What was the inspiration for the name of Jane's first book, Vignette? Why did Jane include resources for alcohol use disorder in her book? What was the most surprising insight that Jane discovered while writing Vignette? Why did Jane agree to be a part of Esquire's television series Uncorked, despite her anxiety? What happened to Jane before her advanced sommelier exam?
Key Takeaways Working in a restaurant is incredibly grueling both physically and emotionally. Thos in it are prime to excessive drinking and that's why the hospitality industry, which includes both restaurants and wineries, has the highest rate of substance abuse among any profession. Jane makes some excellent points about why it's hard to get a good wine education, both in terms of cost and the variety of wines you need to taste, especially if you want to make it your profession. I love her approach in her first book as an emotional guide to wine to deepen your pleasure in it.
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 Jane Lopes Jane Lopes is a Nashville-based sommelier, author, and importer. In September of 2019, Jane finally put her University of Chicago literature degree to good use in publishing her first book, a personal and educational guide to wine called Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles. In 2020, Jane and her husband Jonathan Ross co-founded their own Australian wine imports company: Legend. Jane's second book, How to Drink Australian (co-authored with her husband), will publish in September 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/253. | |||
| 252: Taboo Wine Topics: The Alcoholic Buzz of Wine + Shaming Sweet Wines with Calla Bischoff & Kara Ferreira | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:37:40 | |
Why does it seem taboo to talk about the intoxicating effects of wine? What's prompting so much wine shaming of those who enjoy easy-drinking commercial wines that have residual sugar, and why do these wines play an important role in the wine market? How can memoirs have more emotional impact than biographies, and what's the difference between the two? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Calla Bischoff and Kara Ferreira on their Boozy Biddies Talk Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why did I dedicate Wine Witch on Fire to my mother? What makes memoirs often more emotionally impactful than biographies? Why is it taboo to talk about the intoxicating effects of wine? What is it about wine that feeds into the perception of sophistication and elegance compared to other alcoholic beverages? How can you integrate the intellectual aspect of wine with the buzz? Why do I believe commercial wines serve an important role in the industry? How did I decide which wines to include in Wine Witch on Fire? What are some of the challenges still being faced by women and people of color in the 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 Calla Bischoff and Kara Ferreira Calla Bischoff is an east coast kid at heart who has made her way out west where she worked as a wine supplier for seven years. She's pivoted in the industry, now focusing on selling corks and oak barrels to distilleries around North America, but is physically incapable of staying away from wine even if her sales focus on the harder stuff. Kara Ferreira is still an East Coast kid – despite being born in California – who grew up drinking Italian wine at home with her Italian family (which, thanks to Ancestry.com, we now know is only about 6% Italian). She also took a course on Italian wine while studying abroad, so naturally this makes her an expert. Together they created Boozy Biddies Talk Wine, a fun and irreverent exploration of wine for people who love drinking it and want to know just a bit more about it.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/252. | |||
| 251: Pinot Noir, the Nervous Breakdown Grape + Navigating Bad Life Vintages with the Boozy Biddies | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:34:47 | |
How do bad vintages in life help us to thrive? Why is Pinot Noir the grape that teeters on the edge of a nervous breakdown? How can moderation help to preserve our passion for wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Calla Bischoff and Kara Ferreira on their Boozy Biddies Talk Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What makes Wine Witch on Fire different from my first two books? How do bad vintages in life help us to thrive? Why is Pinot Noir my favourite grape? How did the process of writing my memoir help me to heal and connect with others? Has the wine industry changed in recent years when it comes to women and people of colour? Why was it important to me to openly share my mental health struggles? Are there parallels between my experiences in the tech and wine industries? How can moderation help to preserve your passion for wine? What types of moderation tips will you find in Wine Witch on Fire? What do wine professionals need to be aware of when it comes to drinking on the job? Why is it tricky for many women in the wine industry to navigate professional social situations? What is it like to go up against stereotypes while trying to build your career in the wine industry? How has misogyny been threaded throughout wine writing? Which surprising Rosé food pairing is my guilty pleasure?
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 Calla Bischoff and Kara Ferreira Calla Bischoff is an east coast kid at heart who has made her way out west where she worked as a wine supplier for seven years. She's pivoted in the industry, now focusing on selling corks and oak barrels to distilleries around North America, but is physically incapable of staying away from wine even if her sales focus on the harder stuff. Kara Ferreira is still an East Coast kid – despite being born in California – who grew up drinking Italian wine at home with her Italian family (which, thanks to Ancestry.com, we now know is only about 6% Italian). She also took a course on Italian wine while studying abroad, so naturally this makes her an expert. Together they created Boozy Biddies Talk Wine, a fun and irreverent exploration of wine for people who love drinking it and want to know just a bit more about it.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/251. | |||
| 250: The Secrets of Barbaresco, Barolo and Mourvedre with Andy James, Author of Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvedre | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:38:25 | |
Why is Bandol the only appellation to lead with Mourvèdre? What would surprise you about the northern Italian grape and wine Barbaresco? What would it be like to spend half a day picking grapes in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andy James, author of Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Andy James' terrific new book, Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why is Bandol the only appellation to lead with Mourvèdre? What are Andy's favourite pairings for Mourvèdre Rosé? What was it like to spend half a day picking in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard? Who are some of the famous past residents of Bandol? What did Andy learn from interviewing famous Italian winemaker Angelo Gaja? How have Barbaresco and Barolo wines changed over the decades? What can you expect from Domaine Le Galantin Bandol Rosé? Why does Andy like Lehmann's Synergie and RIEDEL's Winewings glasses? What's the tasting experience like for G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera? How can you pair G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera with food? What controversial take does Andy have on decanting? Which fascinating book can you read to learn about the history of Burgundy? Why is a thermometer Andy's favourite wine gadget? Which English writer would Andy love to share a bottle of breakfast Champagne with?
Key Takeaways Andy's explanation of why Bandol is the only wine region to lead with Mourvèdre was fascinating. As he said, there's a salinity and freshness in the wines, good Mourvedre has to see the sea. I enjoyed his description of the northern Italian grape and wine Barbaresco and the changes it's experiencing. He painted a terrific picture of what it's like to spend a day picking grapes in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard.
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 Andy James Andrew James is a Canadian who received a doctorate in 20th century English literature from Ulster University. He is currently a professor in the School of Commerce at Meiji University in Tokyo. He is the author of a monograph on Kingsley Amis and numerous essays on literature, biography and literary theory, but he is also a wine lover.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/250. | |||
| 249: Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre with Author Dr. Andy James | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:37:11 | |
How does Mourvèdre taste different from other southern French grapes that also produce full-bodied red wines? Did you know that Mourvèdre can age for up to 40 years but has stages where it shuts down completely? What would a 20-year-old Rosé taste like? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andy James, author of Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Andy James' terrific new book, Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was it that drew Andy to make the move to Japan? Why did Andy write books about Kingsley Amis and Graham Greene? Why might you enjoy visiting the southern French town of Bandol for your next wine holiday? What inspired Andy to write about Bandol wines? What's the format of Andy's latest book, Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre, and how does it differ from previous books about Bandol wines? What's it like to taste a 20-year-old Rosé? Do Rosés have good aging capacity? How much of the Bandol wine industry is attributed to Rosé production? What surprising results came out of a blind tasting of €3 and €23 Bandol wines? Which characteristics can you expect from the Mourvèdre grape in its youth? What changes will you notice as Mourvèdre ages? Why should you take the cork out of your Mourvèdre a day or two before drinking?
Key Takeaways Andy gave a great description of how Mourvèdre tastes different from other full-bodied southern French red wines. I understand why it also often needs a blending partner. I found it interesting that Mourvèdre can age for up to 40 years but has stages where it shuts down completely. I'm also going to try his suggestion of removing the cork for a day or two next time I open a bottle to see if it makes a difference. I would have never thought a 20-year-old Rosé would even be drinkable let alone have some interesting taste components and contrasts.
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 Andy James Andrew James is a Canadian who received a doctorate in 20th century English literature from Ulster University. He is currently a professor in the School of Commerce at Meiji University in Tokyo. He is the author of a monograph on Kingsley Amis and numerous essays on literature, biography and literary theory, but he is also a wine lover.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/249. | |||
| 248: Austrian Grüner Veltliner's Versatility & the Magic of Minerality with Terry Theise | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:43:49 | |
Is minerality a taste, a texture, or something else when it comes to wine? Why is Austrian Gruner Veltliner more versatile than Riesling? How do you find a great grower Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Terry Theise, a much-respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Terry Theise's terrific book, Reading Between the Vines. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What do people misunderstand about Riesling? Which questions can you ask retailers to better explore the world of Riesling? What are some of the best and worst Riesling pairings that Terry has had? How can you best pair Riesling with food? Why was it difficult to change people's opinion of Austrian wine? What is it about German and Austrian wines that keeps them from being on top of the wine world? Why does Terry say Sauvignon Blanc can sometimes be described as vulgar? What makes grower Champagnes different? What prompted Terry to write his first book, Reading Between The Wines? Why did Terry want to make the case for What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking in his second book?
Key Takeaways I agree with Terry that minerality is an incredibly useful metaphor to refer to a wine's texture and something more. Riesling is one of the greatest and most fundamental wines when it comes to minerality. I love Terry's description of petrichor, the smell of pent-up, super-charged air just before a thunderstorm. It makes wines smell and taste super vivid. Austrian Gruner Veltliner is more flexible than Riesling when it comes to food pairings. It's such a lovely, undervalued wine worth exploring. Great grower Champagne is also worth seeking out, though far more of a challenge as these producers are so small and scattered throughout the region. I love Terry's phrase that wine is an important glide path into the world of beauty.
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 Terry Theise Terry Theise is a much-respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. He has published two bestselling books—Reading Between the Wines and What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking: In Praise of the Sublime. His articles have appeared in The World of Fine Wine and other magazines. Terry has also won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, Wine & Spirits Man of the Year Award and Food and Wine magazine's Importer of the Year Award.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/248. | |||
| 247: Soul-Searching German Riesling with Terry Theise, Author of What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:40:44 | |
Are you curious about the soul-searching nature of German Riesling? Why is Riesling the best wine for tasters to train themselves to improve their skills? Why shouldn't you approach a new glass of wine with anticipation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Terry Theise, a much-respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Terry Theise's terrific book, Reading Between the Vines. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why is it important to find a passion outside of your work? What are some of Terry's most memorable moments from his childhood years in India? When did Terry rediscover his passion for beautiful writing? What is the relationship between wine and language? How did Riesling become Terry's North Star? Why is Riesling the best way for an amateur wine taster to train themself? How does Terry differentiate between petrichor and minerality? What does it mean to "arrive at the rim of wine without expectations"? How does the dynamic interaction between taster and wine enhance the experience? Why does Terry say that wine keeps him humble? What kind of mistakes are often made in wine tasting? What are some of the tricks of the trade for guessing how long a wine will last?
Key Takeaways Terry's passion for German Riesling reignites my own: it is both under-valued and sublime He makes some excellent points on why Riesling is the best wine for tasters to train themselves to improve their skills. He makes a wise point that those of us who are passionate about our work need to have other things for which we have an equal passion to maintain balance. I like his mindset when approaching a new glass of wine without anticipation or expectations to allow room for surprise and delight. If only we did that with people, too.
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 Terry Theise Terry Theise is a much respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. He has published two bestselling books—Reading Between the Wines and What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking: In Praise of the Sublime. His articles have appeared in The World of Fine Wine and other magazines. Terry has also won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, Wine & Spirits Man of the Year Award and Food and Wine magazine's Importer of the Year Award.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/247. | |||
| 246: What is a Wine Witch and Why Use it in a Book Title? I Share Why on The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:47:14 | |
Which Canadian wine regions should you add to your must-try and must-visit lists? What makes some of the wine designations and certifications problematic? Why do stories about witches run through my new book Wine Witch on Fire? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone, hosts of The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why do I identify with the witch theme in Wine Witch on Fire? What was the inciting incident that kicked off the worst year of my life? Looking back, would I have handled the situation differently? Was it difficult for me to write this book and why bother? Why did I choose to approach my writing with an entertaining, conversational style? How did I work wine writing into Wine Witch on Fire, with it being a memoir? Which Canadian wine regions should you add to your must-try and must-visit lists? What was it like to lose my sense of smell and why is it so powerful? Why are some of the wine designations and certifications problematic? What are some of the things I do to remain intentional about how much I'm drinking? Who can benefit from the Wine Witch on Fire Book Club Guide?
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 Mark Lenzi & Kim Simone Kim Simone is passionate about wine and making it accessible, engaging, and fun. With a career of almost two decades in the wine business she most recently was the Corporate Sommelier for the Legal Sea Foods restaurant group where she assisted Master of Wine Sandy Block curate the wine lists for multiple restaurant concepts and developed educational materials for their staff. Her winding career path has included a stint selling wine wholesale for Ruby Wines, hosting an AIRBNB Experience focusing on the beverage culture of Colonial Boston, and teaching at Boston University. Mark Lenzi is the owner of Franklin Liquors and founder of The Franklin Wine Club. Mark is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits (CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School, Mark holds several designations as a French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild, Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association, Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS*) by The Wine Scholar Guild. Kim and Mark currently co-host the radio program and podcast The Wonderful World of Wine.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/246. | |||
| 245: New South African Wines and Pinotage Misconceptions with Dr. Winnie Bowman | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:42:11 | |
Are you curious about new South African wine styles and regions to try? What do most people misunderstand about Pinotage wine? Is it really necessary to spit when doing a wine tasting? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with international wine and spirit judge Dr. Winnie Bowman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How can you distinguish between competition medal values and avoid misleading wine labels? What was it like for Winnie to teach hotel students who were reluctant to spit during wine tasting? Which aspects of the South African wine industry would probably surprise you? How did certain wine regions in South Africa transform their reputations and become highly sought-after? Where did some of the misconceptions around Pinotage originate and what are the facts? What does Winnie love about Creation Glenn's Chardonnay and what can you expect when tasting? Why should South Africa be on your must-visit list of wine regions?
Key Takeaways I loved listening to Winnie talk about new South African wine styles and regions to try as well as the fact that the country gets so many sunshine hours for ripening and deepening flavour. I appreciated her background on the Pinotage grape and that it's not the robust wine that many people assume it is, and can be quite elegant. Her story about the fellow judge not spitting was delightful.
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 Dr. Winnie Bowman Dr. Winnie Bowman is a physiotherapist, biomedical scientist and holds a PhD in Education, specializing in Didactics. She is an international wine and spirit judge as well as a Cape Master. Winnie writes about wine, teaches, presents corporate tastings and appears regularly on radio and television wine shows.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/245. | |||
| 350: Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? Sunny Hodge offers a Cynic's Guide to Wine | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:52:43 | |
Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? What gives Champagne and traditional method wines their signature bready flavor and creamy texture? How has natural wine sparked deeper conversations about how we farm and produce food and drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sunny Hodge's terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to 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 two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What is the deeper meaning behind the name of Sunny's London wine bar, aspen & meursault? How did Sunny's early love of rollerskating shape his experiences growing up? What lessons did Sunny's mother impart that still impact his worldview today? How did Sunny's engineering background influence his approach to learning about wine? Can we really smell metals and minerals? Why was Sunny skeptical about the influence of soil on wine? What surprised Sunny about our technical insights into wine? How did Sunny find the balance between sharing the complex science behind wine and making it interesting to the average wine lover? Why does Sunny believe we should be applying cynicism to the world of wine? How do natural wines cause us to challenge the food and drink we bring to the table? What does "funky" mean in the context of natural wines? How does Sunny source unusual wines for his wine bars? What is humus, and how does it influence wine character? How do plants absorb nutrients from soil?
Key Takeaways We can smell some geological materials like salt and some minerals, but most minerals and metals we're unable to smell and taste. And those metals that we feel that we can smell and taste, that's actually a tertiary influence of our oils reacting with those metals.Technically, metal and most other minerals except for salt, don't have smell or taste. Yeast autolysis is the process that gives champagnes and traditional method wines their bready, yeasty, autolytic flavor. Autolysis is when a yeast thinks it's gonna die and it's pretty stressed. So as alcohol levels pick up, and your yeast knows it's going to pass away soon, its enzymes will switch on to a different mode, and this is autolysis mode. They'll start eating away at the cell membrane of the yeast, and eventually they'll make little puncture holes, and all of the insides of the yeast will end up in the liquid. So that self-detonation of yeast in stressful environments is what gives the physical texture to your wine. That's why autolytic wines have that texture and it gives you those yeasty, bready flavors. Natural wine makes us question how we farm and how we produce all food and drink, not just wine. Wine is one that we can talk about and have a real discourse without it getting too boring. And with natural wine, those bigger topics are, how do we farm? What are the pros and cons of how we farm now, and how are we making our food and drink?
About Sunny Hodge Sunny Hodge is the sole founder of Diogenes the Dog and aspen & meursault; two multi award-winning wine bars associated with challenging the status quo of wine. He is in the process of developing a wine qualification, The Science of Wine Course. His book "The Cynic's Guide to Wine" delves into the science behind wine from soil upwards into our perception of taste and flavour to dispel wine myths using science. He is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. He is an International wine judge for IWSC awards, was recently shortlisted for the LWF Buyers Awards 2025 for both 'On-Trade Multiple Venue Wine Buyer' and 'Sustainable Wine Buyer of the Year'. Hodge is also a commentator and wine writer for the likes of Waitrose Food Magazine, Evening Standard, The Times, The Guardian, Food FM and Monocle Radio and ITV's Love Your Weekend.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/350. | |||
| 244: Should You Buy Wines Based on Competition Medals? Dr. Winnie Bowman, Cape Wine Master, Has Thoughts | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:43:49 | |
What is a Cape Wine Master? Should you buy wines based on medals won from competitions? What does the future of wine recommendations look like? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with international wine and spirit judge, Dr. Winnie Bowman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why did Winnie transition out of her previous careers and into the wine industry? What is a Cape Wine Master, and how is it different from a Master of Wine? How costly is it to become a Cape Wine Master? What are some of Winnie's earliest memories of wine? Which types of sweet wines is South Africa known for? What are some challenges faced by women working to make a name for themselves in the wine industry? How did a vertical tasting in Rome feature in Winnie's best moment of her wine career so far? How did Super Tuscan winemakers defy traditional wine regulations and come out on top? What interesting notes did Winnie notice in tasting 50 years of Sassicaia wines? How does tasting technique help you avoid palate fatigue? What have been some of the most interesting wine competitions to judge? Which hard-to-find grapes has Winnie encountered while judging wine competitions? How do wine competitions and the medals they award impact consumer decisions?
Key Takeaways I was interested to learn what a Cape Wine Master is and how that differs from Master of Wine. Winnie also had some great insights into whether we should buy wines based on medals won from competitions and how those competitions themselves are run. I loved her story about tasting through 50 years of the cult Tuscan wine Sassicaia and that 1950s vintage still had power and grace - it wasn't tired.
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 Dr. Winnie Bowman Dr. Winnie Bowman is a physiotherapist, biomedical scientist and holds a PhD in Education, specializing in Didactics. She is an international wine and spirit judge as well as a Cape Master. Winnie writes about wine, teaches, presents corporate tastings and appears regularly on radio and television wine shows.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/244. | |||
| 243: Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) Give Good Wine & Food Pairing Tips? Dina Blikshteyn Shares Surprising Insights | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:33:06 | |
How can you use AI to get wine and food pairing advice? Will using AI make wine styles and flavours less diverse? Will AI replace wine writers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dina Blikshteyn, a lawyer who specializes in how artificial intelligence and machine learning is changing the wine world. Note: Our discussion is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice and is for informational purposes only. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Is there a risk that using AI tools will make wine taste more uniform? How can AI-enabled machines help to vineyards to go organic? What's involved in making AI models more accurate in wine analysis? How can AI be utilized to identify anomalies and potential fraud in the wine industry? Can AI make appropriate wine and food pairing recommendations? What are the copyright implications of AI-generated content? Is there a role for AI in the world of wine critics? How can trade secrets be used to protect AI models, specifically around wine recommendations? How will AI be used in tasting rooms of the future?
Key Takeaways I was interested to learn about the ways AI can give wine and food pairing tips, but I am immensely relieved that AI won't be replacing me any time soon. Used the right way, AI won't make wine styles and flavours less diverse. Rather it should expand them if the tool is used to make wine better. I was fascinated with her description of how AI is being used to grow grapes and all aspects of the process. It'll be interesting to see if drones become a common sight over the vineyards… maybe they'll invent one to chase away annoying tourists - just the pesky ones, of course.
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 Dina Blikshteyn Dina Blikshteyn is a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in the New York law office of Haynes Boone. Dina focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing, cyber security, web applications, algorithms, multimedia and video streaming, among other technologies. She is also a co-chair of the artificial intelligence practice at the firm. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Dina developed high-frequency trading systems that traded financial instruments on domestic and international exchanges.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/243. | |||
| 242: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Change the Wines Your Drink with Dina Blikshteyn | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:32:49 | |
Are you curious how artificial intelligence will change the wines you drink? What's the difference between AI-based technology and existing automated machines? Will AI eventually replace most people working in the vineyard? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dina Blikshteyn, a lawyer who specializes in how artificial intelligence and machine learning is changing the wine world. Note: Our discussion is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice and is for informational purposes only. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was Dina's first memory of drinking wine as a poor college student? What's the difference between automation and artificial intelligence? How is AI improving grape growing and winemaking systems? What's the difference between newer AI-enabled machines and existing automated farming machines? Which types of technology are used with AI in the wine industry? Is there a risk of AI replacing human intervention in vineyards? Who owns the data associated with machine learning, and what are the risks with data privacy? What are the legal implications around the fair use of data obtained from the internet for AI training?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated to learn how artificial intelligence will change the wines you drink. AI can determine whether the grapes are getting enough water in the growing stage and other factors to optimize ripeness and avoid disease. That, in turn, will make for better quality wine related to those factors. Dina's clarification of the difference between AI-based technology and existing automated machines was helpful. AI is a subset of automation that involves training models on data. It eventually makes new decisions and outputs, whereas traditional automation sticks to the rules you set for it. I'm glad to hear that AI will not eventually replace most people working in the vineyard. Dina makes a great analogy that when the calculator was invented, we still needed to know how to do math. It's the same thing with AI; it's just a tool.
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 Dina Blikshteyn Dina Blikshteyn is a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in the New York law office of Haynes Boone. Dina focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing, cyber security, web applications, algorithms, multimedia and video streaming, among other technologies. She is also a co-chair of the artificial intelligence practice at the firm. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Dina developed high-frequency trading systems that traded financial instruments on domestic and international exchanges.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/242.
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| 241: Why I Don't Review Bad Wines with Luke Whittall of the Sipster's Wine Podcast | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:38:00 | |
Why do I not review bad wines? What's the difference between sexist, sexy and sensual writing, whether it's in wine tasting notes or beyond? What are the big differences between wine reviews and articles, and what value does each form give to readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Luke Whittall, host of The Sipster's Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What's the difference between sexist, sexy and sensual writing? Why does getting divorced often force us to reevaluate all facets of our lives? How is the general style of wine writing changing, and what's behind the shift? Why is it essential to be intentional about making space for new voices in the wine world? How has hosting the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast helped me to grow as a writer? What do I love most about podcasting? What does it look like to get to know someone before rushing to judgment on social media? Why don't I review bad 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 Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. HIs most recent book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 2 (Touchwood Editions 2023) follows up on the success of volume 1 of The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing. It features more of the most amazing wines ever produced in British Columbia. His first book, Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia's Wine History was published in 2019 and he co-authored the 6th edition of The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide with John Schreiner in 2020.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/241. | |||
| 240: Online Mobbing, Dark Humour and Change in the Wine Industry with Luke Whittall of the Sipster's Wine Podcast | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:25:29 | |
How do you deal with the mob mentality of social media when it's a part of your work? How can you find the humour in the dark moments of life? What has changed in the past ten years in the wine industry when it comes to inequality and discrimination? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Luke Whittall, host of The Sipster's Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What makes Wine Witch on Fire closer to fiction than nonfiction, despite being a memoir? Which series of events in 2012 ended up as the worst vintage of my life? What was it about that initial incident in 2012 that caused the issue to escalate so much? What are some of the challenges of working on social media and balancing your personal values? Does social media encourage a mob mentality? What has changed in awareness and the responses to harassment on social media in the past 10 years? Has my writing changed as a result of my experiences? How am I able to inject humour into the darkest moments of my life?
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 Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. HIs most recent book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 2 (Touchwood Editions 2023) follows up on the success of volume 1 of The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing. It features more of the most amazing wines ever produced in British Columbia. His first book, Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia's Wine History was published in 2019 and he co-authored the 6th edition of The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide with John Schreiner in 2020.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/240. | |||
| 239: Wild Yeast and Wine Temperature's Impact on Wine Taste with Carolyn Hurst of Westcott Vineyards | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:40:02 | |
How do wild yeasts help to bring out unique qualities in wine? What's involved in farming and making wine sustainably? How does changing the temperature of your wine impact the tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker Carolyn Hurst. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of one of Carolyn's fabulous wines. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How do Canadian shipping regulations impact winemakers? What can wine lovers do to help with changing overly-restrictive policies? Which types of wine can you get from Westcott Vineyards? Why does Carolyn prefer using wild yeast to ferment Westcott wines? What is it about Lilias Ahearn Massey that inspired Carolyn to name a wine after her? Who is the inspiration behind Westcott's Violette wine? What's involved in farming and making wine sustainably? How did Westcott make their wines vegan and vegetarian-friendly? Which unpopular wine opinion does Carolyn hold? Why would Carolyn want to share a bottle of wine with a stoic? Which fun wine tip can you try this week?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated to hear how wild yeasts help to bring out unique qualities in wine and what's involved in farming and making wine sustainably. I agree with Carolyn about how profoundly changing the temperature of wine impacts the tasting experience. I also agree that liquor monopolies and licensing based on prohibition-era legislation are preventing Canadian winemakers from being able to legally ship their wines across the country. That needs to change, especially for an industry where each producer is so small that they often don't produce enough to fulfill large liquor store chain orders and so they depend on direct orders from customers.
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 Carolyn Hurst Carolyn Hurst is president of Westcott Vineyards in Niagara, Ontario, which she founded with her husband Grant Westcott in 2006. Since 2017, she has been the Chair of the Board at Ontario Craft Wineries, representing more than 100 wineries in the province. Previously, she has been the president of three successful technology companies. She also has significant experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry earlier on in her career. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/239. | |||
| 238: Old Vines, Land Stewardship and the Future of Ontario Wine with Carolyn Hurst, Westcott Vineyards | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:41:01 | |
Why is it a good idea for winemakers to invest in old vines? What does it mean to be a good steward of the land? What unique challenges does the Ontario wine industry face in the next five years? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker Carolyn Hurst. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of one of Carolyn's fabulous wines. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Which entrepreneurial game did Carolyn love to play as a child? How did summer school in France change Carolyn's life? What made Carolyn want to get involved in the wine business? Which special moment was the most memorable for Carolyn in her wine career so far? Why is it a good idea to invest in old vines? How does Carolyn's motivation to be a good steward of the land inform her business decisions? What is the Niagara Escarpment, and how does its unique features influence its wine? Why does limestone soil impart a specific taste to wines? What's holding Ontario wines back from increasing local market share? Which basic facts should you be aware of when it comes to the Ontario wine industry? Which challenges are being faced by Ontario wineries, and what is needed to achieve economic sustainability? Key Takeaways Carolyn's explanation of why old vines are precious and important to the quality of the wine makes a solid case for winemakers to invest in them. I like how Carolyn describes being a good steward of the land for the next generation and making that a big part of her consciousness in terms of how she operates. I was intrigued by Carolyn's description of the unique challenges the Ontario wine industry faces in the next five years and was surprised at both its economic impact and that the wines still aren't well represented on many wine lists.
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 Carolyn Hurst Carolyn Hurst is president of Westcott Vineyards in Niagara, Ontario, which she founded with her husband Grant Westcott in 2006. Since 2017, she has been the Chair of the Board at Ontario Craft Wineries, representing more than 100 wineries in the province. Previously, she has been the president of three successful technology companies. She also has significant experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry earlier on in her career. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/238.
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| 237: New Vision for Beautiful Vineyards and Regenerative Viticulture with Mark Gudgel | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:39:46 | |
What does regenerative viticulture mean? How do healthy vineyards today look dramatically different from those five years ago? How did the Wine Olympics make the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mark Gudgel. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Mark's new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris Put California Wine on the Map. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did the Wine Olympics make the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable? What did the people of Napa do to preserve the beauty of the valley? What does regenerative viticulture mean? How is climate change impacting the California wine industry? What surprised Mark the most when researching the book? What needs to change to improve the terribly low levels of diversity in the wine industry? Which aspects of The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries would Mark change in a new edition? What's Mark's greatest satisfaction having written this book? Where's the ideal place to have a glass of wine with friends and why? Why does Mark describe the 2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling as the perfect Riesling? What did Mark love about Christopher McDougall's Born to Run? Which controversial wine opinion does Mark feel strongly about? What does Mark want you to know about Oakville, Napa Valley?
Key Takeaways Mark's definition of regenerative viticulture was helpful. I especially like his observation that the new vision for a beautiful vineyard is rows of well-maintained grapevines with a tremendous diversity of life living within it. I agree with him that if we resign ourselves to merely sustaining where we are, we have resigned ourselves to a long, slow death. I enjoyed his story about how the Wine Olympics made the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable. It's also undeniable that the wine industry has a long way to go, with only four African-American Master Sommeliers, and only 10% of Master Sommeliers being women.
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 Mark Gudgel Dr. Mark Gudgel is an eighteen-year veteran of teaching high school English and presently serves as assistant professor of education at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha. His book, The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris put California wine on the map, focuses on the wine industry and issues that surround it, and was released from History Press in May of 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/237. | |||
| 236: The Paris Tasting that Changed the Fate of California Wines with Mark Gudgel, Author of The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:40:58 | |
Are you curious about the most important historic tasting that put California wines on the map? What unique challenges did pioneer winemakers face in California? What would surprise you about how the California wine industry developed? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mark Gudgel. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Mark's new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris Put California Wine on the Map. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights When did Mark realize he wanted to write about wine? How did Mark develop his professional interest and expertise in genocide education? What has been the worst moment of Mark's writing career so far and what did he learn from it? Which moments have created the best memories in Mark's writing career? What's the significance of the "Judgement of Paris" and why was Mark drawn to the story? What will you learn in Mark's new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries? Who were some of the early pioneers of Napa Valley wineries? How were the Judgement of Paris reenactments done? What are aged California wines like? What are some of the inaccuracies in the movie Bottle Shock? Why was Robert Mondavi instrumental in transforming the California wine industry?
Key Takeaways I didn't realize how pivotal the 1976 Paris tasting was not only for California wines but also for other New World wines around the globe. With Mark's explanation, I can see how its ramifications spread. What was so amazing was that these wines were tasted blind. No one knew the identity of the wines, and they were judged by French experts. It was the French experts saying California at the top. It was fascinating to hear about the unique challenges pioneer winemakers faced in California. It's a wonder that they persevered in the face of such huge obstacles. I also enjoyed hearing about the surprising way the California wine industry developed.
About Mark Gudgel Dr. Mark Gudgel is an eighteen-year veteran of teaching high school English and presently serves as assistant professor of education at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha. After honeymooning in Wine Country, Mark and his wife, Sonja, began a wine blog and soon after he was recruited as a regular correspondent for American Winery Guide. From there, Gudgel went on to write for Food & Spirits, Dine, Edible Omaha, and numerous other publications. His book, The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris put California wine on the map, focuses on the wine industry and issues that surround it, and was released from History Press in May of 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/236. | |||
| 235: Technology Will Transform Tasting Rooms of the Future with Jessica Kogan | 31 May 2023 | 00:45:52 | |
How can wineries use technology to better connect with customers online? What can you expect from the tasting rooms of the future? What matters most when you taste wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jessica Kogan, a digital brand marketing executive who has successfully launched brands such as Gucci, Prada, Charles Schwab, Cameron Hughes, and now Vintage Wine Estates. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a special bottle of wine from one of the wineries in Jessica Kogan's portfolio. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What's unique about the way Cameron Hughes wines are made? What was the most satisfying part of launching Cameron Hughes Wine online? Why does Jessica particularly love connecting directly with her customers? How is wine significant to social settings and special moments? How did Jessica's experience with the president of Vintage Wine Estates empower her as a woman leader? Which technology can help to connect tasting room employees with customers online? How have virtual tastings become a big part of the winery experience since COVID-19? What can you expect from a virtual tasting experience? What's Jessica's vision of the tasting room of the future? What makes Cherry Pie Pinot Noir an excellent wine-tasting experience? Which dishes would pair well with Baillie-Grohman Gewürztraminer? What is it about Winemaker's Cut Muscat Canelli that brings renewal and hope to mind? What does Jessica love about Cameron Hughes Lot 894 | 2020 Columbia Valley Merlot? Which bottle of wine would Jessica love to be able to share with Ruth Bader Ginsberg?
Key Takeaways Jessica is so visionary in how she sees wineries using technology to better connect with customers online rather than making the experience less personal. I also enjoyed her insights into how tasting rooms of the future will change to better tailor the in-person experience for visitors. And she's absolutely right that what matters most when you taste wine is whether or not it suits your 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. Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jessica Kogan Jessica Kogan is a brand marketing and digital transformation executive with a seriously successful track record of launching CPG brands and DTC businesses that scale. As the Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Vintage Wine Estates (NASDAQ: VWE) her role is to drive the VWE digital transformation roadmap, unifying DTC, eGrocery and Supply Chain enabling customer satisfaction and employee empowerment. Most recently as the Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Jessica led DTC division growth from $30 million to $100 million in less than 3 years.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/235. | |||
| 349: Why is Languedoc a Popular Choice for Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Winemaking? | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:49:22 | |
How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? What makes a "bon moment" and why is it worth taking seriously? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman's terrific new book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was Steve's favourite aperitif discovery in France? How did a funny mispronunciation lead to an embarrassing introduction? How did stuffed cuttlefish challenge Steve's ideas about strong flavours and aromas in food? How does the historical connection between wine and work show up in French culture today? Why has the Languedoc remained in the shadow of Bordeaux and Burgundy, despite having the largest vineyard area in the world? What surprised Steve the most about the process of blending wine? Why does the latitude of a vineyard matter when learning about tasting wine? How can you have the best experience while visiting the Languedoc?
Key Takeaways How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? You start thinking about the unfolding year as not months and days, but as seasons, and you look forward to the next season. And you participate fully, and then you let that season be done, and don't mourn it, because you know it's going to come around again. It forces you to be present in the moment, because it's not like, if I just wait long enough, things are going to get better. What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? In wine country, wine is not just a pleasant accompaniment to life; it literally forms everything. The vines themselves actually form the landscape and just becomes a part of everything. It's work, it's what creates revenue that the village can survive, but then it's also something that you have with almost every meal. Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? It's still an affordable place to buy a hectare of vines, and so young winemakers can come in and they can afford to experiment with organic, natural or biodynamic winemaking. A lot of the chemicals to avoid spoilage - the Languedoc naturally doesn't have much of that. What makes a "bon moment" and why is it worth taking seriously? It's translated as a good moment, but in France, it has all kinds of other connotations. I think everybody who's listening will recognize one of those moments where you're sitting with people that you care about, where there's good wine and there's good food. That's the centerpiece, that's the excuse to be together. But then the moment unfolds into something greater than itself.
About Steve Hoffman Steve Hoffman is a Minnesota tax preparer and food writer. His writing has won multiple national awards, including the 2019 James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. He has been published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune, among other publications. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly and entitled puggle, and roughly 80,000 honeybees.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/349. | |||
| 234: Wine and Fashion Share Aspirational Marketing and Self-Identification with Jessica Kogan of Vintage Wine Estates | 24 May 2023 | 00:42:52 | |
How will new technology affect the way you buy and learn about wine in the future? What does it take to launch a winery into the digital space? Which aspects of the fashion industry could the wine industry benefit from emulating? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jessica Kogan, a digital brand marketing executive who has successfully launched brands such as Gucci, Prada, Charles Schwab, Cameron Hughes, and now Vintage Wine Estates. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a special bottle of wine from one of the wineries in Jessica Kogan's portfolio. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What drew Jess to a career in the fashion industry? What were the challenges of bringing a fashion brand online in the early days of the internet? Are there similarities between the fashion and wine industries? How does the wine industry tap into our aspirations and fantasies? What are the major differences between the fashion and wine industries? Why does the wine industry need to do a better job of delivering wine to customers? Why is it important to have transparent ingredient labeling for wine? How did Jess get into the world of 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 Jessica Kogan Jessica Kogan is a brand marketing and digital transformation executive with a seriously successful track record of launching CPG brands and DTC businesses that scale. As the Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Vintage Wine Estates (NASDAQ: VWE) her role is to drive the VWE digital transformation roadmap, unifying DTC, eGrocery and Supply Chain enabling customer satisfaction and employee empowerment. Most recently as the Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Jessica led DTC division growth from $30 million to $100 million in less than 3 years.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/234. | |||
| 233: Best Wine & Food Pairing Tips + California Wines with Chuck Cramer | 17 May 2023 | 00:37:04 | |
Which California wine should be at the top of your must-try list? Which simple tips can you use to identify successful food and wine pairings? What should you know before starting a podcast? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chuck Cramer, host of On The Road With Mr CA Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why did I start the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast? What was the motivation behind Chuck creating On The Road With Mr CA Wine? Why was time the biggest challenge in producing my podcast? How do you keep content fresh over hundreds of episodes? What are my favourite wine tips? How can you use the butter/lemon test to help with food and wine pairing? What's the weirdest successful food pairing I've had with Rosé How can food alter your perception of a wine's taste? What makes asparagus and artichoke difficult to pair with wine? What do you need to know about the Canadian wine industry? Which Canadian wines should be on your must-try list? Are California wines popular in Canada? How has my perception of California wines changed over the past 10 years? Why is Paso Robles at the top of my list of California wine regions to visit? What's the best-value California wine I've tasted recently? What advice would I give to someone thinking of starting a podcast? As a child, what did I want to be when I grew up? If I could have any celebrity guest on my podcast, who would it be? If money's no object, which bottle of California wine would I open with dinner tonight?
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 Chuck Cramer Chuck Cramer is a 4th generation Los Angeleno, living in London for the past 22 years. In addition to hosting a wine podcast dedicated to CA wine, On The Road With Mr CA Wine, Chuck is the director of European sales & marketing for Terlato Wines, managing a gorgeous portfolio of CA wines across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He's also the proud dad of two beautiful women, plays tennis four times a week and bleeds Dodger Blue!
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/233. | |||
| 232: Wine Marketing that Encourages Overdrinking + Sexism in Wine Tasting Tasting Notes | 10 May 2023 | 00:42:45 | |
How does slick wine marketing encourage us to drink too much? Has anything really changed in the wine industry in the last ten years since the incidents in the book took place? How is sexism still embedded in wine tasting notes today? What would I advise young women and men entering the wine business today? I'll be sharing those stories and more in this special episode of my podcast. My new memoir Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much just launched yesterday, May 9th in Canada. It will launch in the US and around the world June 6th, and it's also available for pre-order now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why was it particularly difficult to face the challenges of divorce and defamation as the caregiver of a teenage son and an elderly mother? While this book deals with serious issues, there's lots of humour. How do you strike a balance between the two? Do you approach things differently now than before? Has anything really changed in the wine industry since that time? What would you say to young women and men who want to enter the wine business? What does that world without misogyny or sexism look like? Can you share an example of how sexism is embedded in wine tasting notes? What's the difference between sexist, sexy, and sensual writing? In the book, your partner calls you "princess," and another writer calls you "sweetheart." Are you bothered by these? Throughout your memoir, you describe the slick marketing that encourages women to drink too much. Can you elaborate on this? Why include stories of women behind wine labels? You're a supertaster. What does that mean? If you could be a wine, which one would it be? What was your most interesting wine experience? Which wines do you enjoy drinking on your own time these days? What does terroir mean to you? What is a guilty pleasure when it comes to pairing wine and food? What's in your wine guide for book clubs, wine groups and individual readers, and where can we get it? How can we find out more about the $397 Bonus Bundle with pre-orders and where to buy the book? Are there any book launch events coming up? For those who may be going through difficult times themselves, what advice do you have? What's next for you?
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
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/232. | |||
| 231: Dark Side of the Wine World + Tips for Moderate Drinking | 03 May 2023 | 00:46:25 | |
How did I first fall in love with wine? Do I feel more exposed now for having written this third book? What are my best tips for moderate drinking? I'll be sharing those stories and more in this special episode of my podcast as we get closer to the May 9th launch of my new memoir Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Join me for my Toronto Launch Party Save your spot now for this invite-only book launch event and tasting. Treat yourself to a private book launch party and wine tasting in Toronto on Wednesday, May 10th at 6 p.m.! * Enjoy access to the (very) swanky private club, Clio, in downtown Toronto Tickets are on sale here for ONE WEEK ONLY, so get yours today before they sell out! Save your seat here: https://trk.cp20.com/click/365b-2oeeqm-cirtts-6q8qco5/ Please share this event with friends, family, and colleagues who might also be interested in attending the Toronto launch or tasting events in these other cities.
Highlights What is the book about? How did you come up with the title? How did you approach this narrative? Who is the book dedicated to? At what age did you start writing? When did you fall in love with wine? What's the story behind your worst hangover? What was your inspiration to start writing about wine? Where do you write? Who is one of your favourite authors? What was the inciting incident for this story? What was the inspiration for this book? Why write this book now? Was it difficult to write this book? Do you feel more exposed for having written this memoir? Was it difficult to write with such openness and vulnerability? How have you moderated your alcohol consumption? What are some of the reader stories that have moved you deeply? What do you expect readers to take away from this book? How has writing this memoir changed you? What's in your wine guide for book clubs, wine groups and individual readers, and where can we get it? How can we find out more about the $397 Bonus Bundle with pre-orders and where to buy the book? Are there any book launch events coming up?
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
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/231. | |||
| 230: Behind-the-Scenes of the Wine Industry + Slick Wine Marketing with Chuck Cramer | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:31:08 | |
What's it like to work as a sommelier in a five-diamond French restaurant? How do you make the jump from writing magazine columns to becoming a regular guest on radio and television shows? How does it feel to write a book about the most difficult moments in your life? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chuck Cramer, host of On The Road With Mr CA Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Was there one wild moment that got Natalie hooked on the world of wine? How did I go from working in the tech industry to becoming a full-time wine writer? What was the path from writing magazine columns to the multi-faceted brand today? Why does my approach to writing help my books to stand out from other wine books? What was it like working for one night as a sommelier in a Five Diamond French restaurant? What surprised Natalie the most about California wines? How is my upcoming memoir different from my previous books? Why did I decide to write such a different book the third time around? What was my highest high and lowest low while writing Wine Witch on Fire?
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 Chuck Cramer Chuck Cramer is a 4th generation Los Angeleno, living in London for the past 22 years. In addition to hosting a wine podcast dedicated to CA wine, On The Road With Mr CA Wine, Chuck is the director of European sales & marketing for Terlato Wines, managing a gorgeous portfolio of CA wines across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He's also the proud dad of two beautiful women, plays tennis four times a week and bleeds Dodger Blue!
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/230. | |||
| 229: Toasting Etiquette + How Instagram & TikTok Have Changed Wine Education with Dr. Clinton Lee author of Master the Art of Manners | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:43:26 | |
Did you know that there's a polite way and a rude way to clink wine glasses when toasting in some cultures? Are you curious about great pairings for truffles or caviar? Why have Instagram and TikTok exploded in popularity as a way to learn about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Clinton Lee, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What's the most common misconception about wine etiquette? Is there a "right" way to toast with wine? Which particular wine customs would you observe in different cultures around the world? How have globalization and technology impacted the world of etiquette and manners? Why does Dr. Lee view his content as a bridge between people? Which videos have elicited the biggest responses from Dr. Lee's audience? Why does Dr. Lee swirl his wine eight times before tasting? Which aspects of Vinoscenti Vineyards Alla Famiglia make it particularly interesting? How can you pair Gewürztraminer with food? What can you expect from the tasting experience of Kacaba Vineyards Susan's Sauvignon Blanc and Bocale Montefalco Rosso? What do you need to know about pairing wine with truffles and caviar? Why does shellfish clash with red wine? Which philosophers would Dr. Lee want to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways I found it fascinating that there's a polite way and a rude way to clink wine glasses when toasting in some cultures. Also, in certain places, it's bad manners to pour your own wine. I enjoyed hearing Dr. Lee's pairings for truffles and caviar. It's amazing how Instagram and TikTok have exploded in popularity as a way to learn about 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 Dr. Clinton Lee Clinton Lee is the Executive Director at Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute, a WSET Diploma Graduate & Wine Educator & Speaker. He is the author of Master the Art of Manners, which will be published later this year. He is an internationally recognized intercultural etiquette expert, wine and spirit educator and judge. Dr. Lee has been featured in the media around the world and is recognized as a social media influencer with over two million followers on several platforms. He is also the host of the Wine Buzz podcast.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/229. | |||
| 228: Wine Etiquette in Different Cultures and at Festivals with Dr. Clinton Lee | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:37:49 | |
How can wine help you to broaden your understanding of different cultures? Which stark differences in culture and decorum will you see in various wine regions? What's the right way, etiquette-wise, to receive your tasting sample at a wine festival or show? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Clinton Lee, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What will wine lovers find fascinating about Mendoza, Argentina? How did Dr. Lee communicate with Argentinian winemakers with no languages in common? What was it like to participate in a blindfolded wine tasting in China? What made Dr. Lee's visit to Ducasse au Château de Versailles heartwarming? How was the art of decorum on perfect display at a Vinitaly tasting in Verona, Italy? What's the right protocol to observe when receiving a pour at a tasting? When did Dr. Lee develop his interest in wine and culture? How did Dr. Lee become an expert in manners and culture? What influences can you see across cultures? How can you become more culturally aware?
Key Takeaways I wholeheartedly agree with him that wine helps you to broaden your understanding of different cultures. It reminds me of when I was a highland dancer as a child and traveled to different countries with my mother. We experienced the culture more deeply than would most tourists as we got to know families who lived there and often stayed with them. He makes several interesting points that there are stark differences in culture and decorum in various wine regions. I also agree with him that it's good etiquette and sound practice to slide away to the side after you receive your wine sample at a festival or show to allow others to get theirs. It's always tempting to stay and chat with those pouring the wine, and that's fine if no one is behind you, but rarely is that the case.
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 Dr. Clinton Lee Clinton Lee is the Executive Director at Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute, a WSET Diploma Graduate & Wine Educator & Speaker. He is the author of Master the Art of Manners, which will be published later this year. He is an internationally recognized intercultural etiquette expert, wine and spirit educator and judge. Dr. Lee has been featured in the media around the world and is recognized as a social media influencer with over two million followers on several platforms. He is also the host of the Wine Buzz podcast.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/228. | |||
| 227: Diversity in the Wine Industry + Vermentino Food Pairings with Sommelier Tonya Pitts | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:37:05 | |
Why is Vermentino such a great wine to pair with food, and which dishes pair best with it? What are the markers and nuances in wine that are tied to a specific place? How is the wine industry changing when it comes to diversity, and what still needs to be done? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sommelier of the Year, Tonya Pitts. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why is mentoring so important to Tonya and which organizations is she involved with? How is the wine industry changing when it comes to diversity? Why did Tonya create Women in Wine? How can each of us help to move the wine industry forward with diversity and inclusion? What makes Château de Chamirey Mercurey Blanc so refreshing? Why does Tonya especially love Vermentino? Which types of wine pair best with food? How do zesty whites stimulate the tastebuds? Which controversial opinion does Tonya have about terroir and tasting? Which unexpected red wine pairings pleasantly surprised Tonya?
Key Takeaways I have so much respect for Tonya's leadership in the wine industry on so many dimensions from diversity to mentorship. She walks her talk. It's surprising that women still comprise only 20% of winemakers in the industry. Tonya has some great suggestions on how the industry needs to continue its efforts for inclusion. I can't wait to try Tonya's suggested pairings for Vermentino, my mouth is already watering thinking of this zesty white Italian 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 Tonya Pitts Tonya Pitts is the Sommelier and Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and she has been crowned 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Sommelier of the Year. Tonya has been a notable mogul within the wine industry for over 30 years. Outside of her Wine Enthusiast recognition, she was recently inducted into the Hall of Femmes (an award that requires being nominated by other women), awarded membership for Les Dames D'Escouffier, added to the advisory board of Women in Wine's Leadership Symposium, and has become an integral contributor to Wine Unify.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/227. | |||
| 226: Navigating Big Restaurant Wine Lists + Sommelier's Key Role with Tonya Pitts | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:43:47 | |
Are you curious about what it takes to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America's best restaurants? Why is wine so powerful in creating memories? What is the most important role of the sommelier? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sommelier of the Year, Tonya Pitts. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How did art play a major role in Tonya's life growing up? Why is wine so powerful in creating memories? What motivated Tonya to switch from pursuing a career in law to becoming a sommelier? What was Tonya's introduction to working in restaurants? Why is smell such a significant part of Tonya's tasting process? What's in Tonya's mental wine Rolodex? What was it like to taste a 1900 Rothschild? How did a tasting of the 1976 Chateau Lafite compare to the 1900 Rothschild? What makes older wines so special? What does it take to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America's best restaurants? Why is it even more powerful to visit the place wine comes from? How did Italy win Tonya's heart? What does Tonya love about the service aspect of being a sommelier?
Key Takeaways I found Tonya's insights into what it takes to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America's best restaurants fascinating. She also shares some great behind-the-scenes observations on the role of the sommelier. My favourite part is when she talks lyrically about how she's transitioned from the artist's canvas to using a plate of food and wine to tell a story and paint a picture for someone. I also think she's bang on when she says, "Wine takes you on a journey, you can go anywhere in the world, with a bottle of wine. The reason I still do what I do, and why it means so much to me, is that I can actually smell a glass, it transports me right back to that time and place when I originally had that bottle of wine. It's amazing."
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 Tonya Pitts Tonya Pitts is the Sommelier and Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and she has been crowned 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Sommelier of the Year. Tonya has been a notable mogul within the wine industry for over 30 years. Outside of her Wine Enthusiast recognition, she was recently inducted into the Hall of Femmes (an award that requires being nominated by other women), awarded membership for Les Dames D'Escouffier, added to the advisory board of Women in Wine's Leadership Symposium, and has become an integral contributor to Wine Unify.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/226. | |||
| 225: Pinot Noir's Heartbreaking Beauty and Moderation Tips with Wines to Find | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:55:25 | |
Which aspects of the Beamsville Bench make it particularly suited for growing grapes for wine? Why is Pinot Noir called the heartbreak grape? What are some ways for wine professionals and wine lovers to moderate their consumption? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed 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 What makes podcasting such a powerful medium? Which aspects of the Beamsville Bench make it particularly suited for growing grapes for wine? What does Thirty Bench Small Lot Pinot Noir taste like and which food pairings work well? How does Trader Joe's Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir stack up as a $10 wine? Why is Pinot Noir my heartbreak grape? How did my taste in wine evolve over the years? How does climate impact the acidity of grapes? What will you learn in my free wine and food pairing class? How can you pair foods with wine according to the texture? What intrigued Sandy about the Oregon Wine Company's Rascal Pinot Noir label? How could all wine lovers benefit if wine labels had ingredient/nutrition labels? What are the benefits of QR codes on wine labels? What can you expect from Oregon Wine Company's Rascal Pinot Noir? What do you need to consider when tasting multiple wines? How did I use a "do the thing" approach when writing my first two wine books? Which simple tip can you use to find excellent wine at bargain prices? What can you expect from my upcoming memoir centered on the worst vintage of my life? How is wine marketed differently to men versus women? Why is it important to me to take a closer look at my consumption and participation in the negative aspects of wine culture?
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/225. | |||
| 348: What's It Like Moving Your Family Thousands of Miles to Live in the Wine Region of Languedoc, France? Steve Hoffman Shares Stories | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:50:18 | |
How can you create a life you don't need a vacation from? What can we learn from the French about slowing down, savoring meals, and making conversation the heart of gatherings? What's it like living in the "other southern France"? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman's terrific new book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What do tax preparation and writing have in common? What inspired Steve to write about the Languedoc, which he refers to as the other Southern France? What were the major hurdles to getting A Season for That published? How did Steve shift from an article to a book mindset? What helped Steve find the balance between writing beautifully and the need to move the story forward? What important lessons did Steve learn from his editor, respected cookbook author Francis Lam? What was it like to move across the world with two young children? Are there insights about French parenting and family life that Steve continues to apply? How did Steve choose the specific village he wanted to live in? How do vulnerability and curiosity help with cultural immersion?
Key Takeaways Steve says that we're often sold the idea that our lives are boring and that we need relief from our lives. He believes in leading a life that doesn't require evacuation. That your life itself, if you are careful about it and a little bit intentional about it, can be the thing that you want to dive into every day. Steve mentions Thanksgiving as one of the very few occasions where he and his family commit to slowing down and making conversation around the table, and a great meal. There was something about the French willingness to let conversation be the point and a way of passing time that was really refreshing. Steve settled in 2012 as a family for an extended fall semester in the Languedoc region, which he refers to as the other southern France, because it is, to some extent, the poor cousin of what most people think of as southern France, primarily Provence and the Côte d'Azur, the Riviera, which was extensively touristed and a lot of money got brought into that region. Peter Mayle, Princess Grace, and F. Scott Fitzgerald made it a wealthy playground. Languedoc is the portion of Mediterranean France to the west of the Rhone. So the Rhone divides the country in two, east of the Rhone is Provence, and the Riviera west of the Rhone is Languedoc and eventually Roussillon. He had the kinds of experiences he had because they weren't in the grips of a tourist haven.
About Steve Hoffman Steve Hoffman is a Minnesota tax preparer and food writer. His writing has won multiple national awards, including the 2019 James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. He has been published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune, among other publications. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly and entitled puggle, and roughly 80,000 honeybees.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/348. | |||
| 224: Synthetic Wine, Alcohol-Free Wine and Sabering Champagne with Dragonvine's Steven Laine | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:34:22 | |
Can you imagine a world where there's only synthetic wine? And what is synthetic wine anyway? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steven Laine, award-winning restaurateur, hotelier, and author. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Can you imagine a world where there's only synthetic wine? What can you expect from Steven's upcoming books, Jupiter's Blood and The Somm? How did Steven end up working at two fantastic wineries during the pandemic? Which surprising insights did Steven learn from working the harvest? Why is a vineyard the ideal setting for enjoying a glass of wine? What is it about Torres Natureo Syrah that makes it a great non-alcoholic option? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting profile of wine? What makes English sparkling wine a great alternative to Champagne? Why should you add Quails' Gate Estate Winery Dry Riesling to your "wines to try" list? Which unpopular wine belief does Steven hold? Which wine would Steven pair with his childhood favourite, lasagna? What are some of Steven's favourite wine books? Which writers would Steven like to share a bottle of wine with? Why has travelling been a boon to Steven's writing? What wine message would Steven put on a billboard? Which wine would Steven want to be served at his funeral, and why? Why does Steven believe it's important to drink what you enjoy drinking? What's on the horizon for Steven's writing?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed more nightmare scenarios from Steven this week. I can't imagine a world where there's only synthetic wine. Wine is both art and science, but it's also natural and an extension of the earth. His insights into how removing alcohol impacts the tasting experience were interesting. I have to agree, given the sheer labour intensity of producing wine, much of it is underpriced.
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 Steven Laine Kirkus Reviews called Steven Laine's first wine thriller, Root Cause, "An entertaining, wine-soaked mystery." The Washington Post wrote; "If Michael Pollan and Dan Brown sat down over a bottle of Barolo and brainstormed a novel based on the neuroses of the natural wine movement, they might have come up with something like Root Cause." As an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier, Steven has travelled the world working in luxury hotels such as The Ritz, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Pan Pacific. He developed his passion for wine as a Sommelier and Beverage Director in London, England. Since then, he has visited hundreds of wineries around the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/224. | |||
| 223: Thriller Novel Asks: "Can You Imagine a World Without Wine?" with Steven Laine, author of Root Cause | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:29:28 | |
Can you imagine a world without wine? How did an author create a new genre of wine thriller based on a winemaker's worst nightmare? What if the root louse phylloxera that destroyed most of the European vineyards in the 1850s returned but was even more destructive? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steven Laine, award-winning restaurateur, hotelier, and author. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What about the experience of travelling that motivated Steven to live in nine different countries? How did Steven become involved in the wine industry? Where did Steven's inspiration to write thrillers come from? How did the root louse Grape phylloxera impact European vineyards in the 1800s? Which surprising facts did Steven learn about phylloxera while researching Root Cause? What's the best moment of Steven's writing career so far? Do beta readers play a role in Steven's writing process? What can you expect from Steven's book Root Cause? Who are Steven's favourite mystery writers? Why are stuck fermentations a winemaker's worst nightmare? Why does Steven love to read widely? What was the inspiration for Steven's second book, Dragon Vine?
Key Takeaways The premise of Steven's novel, can you imagine a world without wine, hooked me from the beginning. I can't imagine erasing all those great times I've shared with friends and family over a glass or two, let alone not doing the work I love in this field. I love how he takes a winemaker's worst nightmare and up the ante by having the root louse phylloxera come back as even more destructive. This doesn't seem to be an impossibility with today's climate change as well as the mutation of viruses that spread around the world quickly. I enjoyed Steven's insights into how travel changed his perspective. I think each trip, each location brings out a different piece of us.
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 Steven Laine Kirkus Reviews called Steven Laine's first wine thriller, Root Cause, "An entertaining, wine-soaked mystery." The Washington Post wrote; "If Michael Pollan and Dan Brown sat down over a bottle of Barolo and brainstormed a novel based on the neuroses of the natural wine movement, they might have come up with something like Root Cause." As an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier, Steven has travelled the world working in luxury hotels such as The Ritz, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Pan Pacific. He developed his passion for wine as a Sommelier and Beverage Director in London, England. Since then, he has visited hundreds of wineries around the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/223. | |||
| 222: Wine and Religion + Santa Ynez Valley with Adam McHugh | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:36:24 | |
What did John the Baptist, Dom Perignon and Saint Vincent have in common when it comes to wine? What makes the vineyard of Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy so fascinating? Why should you consider visiting the wine region Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara County? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam McHugh, author of Blood from Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a personally signed copy of Adam McHugh's terrific book, Blood from Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. 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 choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why do French and American oak impart different notes? Historically, why were more Catholics than Protestants involved in winemaking? What makes the 100+ acres of Clos de Vougeot so interesting? Why was the wine négociant system created? Which major contributions did the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon make to the wine world? How did John the Baptist become the patron saint of cellar masters? What's Adam's take on the ongoing debate between geologists and sommeliers? Why should you consider visiting the wine region Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara County? What are Adam's top tips for getting the most out of a visit to Santa Ynez? What was Adam's hope in writing Blood From Stone? Which unpopular wine belief does Adam hold? What's Adam's favourite wine book? Why is the Coravin Adam's favourite wine gadget? Which disastrous Shiraz wine pairing did Adam serve at a dinner party? What's the best way to pair a very tannic wine with food? Which Julia Child recipe is at the heart of Adam's current favourite food and wine pairing? How has John Steinbeck inspired Adam as a writer? What coffee message would Adam put on a billboard? What can you expect from Adam's book Blood From A Stone?
Key Takeaways I loved how Adam wove in the stories of John the Baptist, Dom Perignon and Saint Vincent as they relate to wine. I agree with him that wine can be a spiritual thing apart from its religious associations. Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy is such a storied vineyard. I'm glad he included it in his book. The Santa Ynez wine region in Santa Barbara County is on my radar to visit next. It's incredible that over 80% of the wines from Santa Ynez are made by family-owned wineries that make less than 10,000 cases yearly.
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 Adam McHugh Adam McHugh is a wine tour guide, sommelier, and Certified Specialist of Wine. He is the author of The Listening Life and Introverts in the Church and a regular contributor to Edible Santa Barbara & Wine Country. He lives in California's Santa Ynez Valley.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/222. | |||