This episode features a conversation with the 2024 Champion of our "Unusual Suspects" Blind Tasting Competition that was hosted by the Oenophile Institute at the beginning of August in Atlanta, GA. This was the second annual session of this competition format where we have two rounds of blind tasting flights – 3 white wines followed by 3 red wines - and then the two highest scores from each round move on to a final round to crown a winner. The wines, however, are all just on the fringe or technically not typically testable in wine certification exams, so the wines can be from basically anywhere in the world. And this year, we had to have a second bonus final round because the top four competitors all scored so evenly on the first wine – but what happened in the "final final" round was truly impressive because our 2024 Champion, Joe Herrig, basically called that wine 100% correctly to walk away with the trophy and cash prize. On this episode, you’ll hear from our winner, Joe, as he breaks down his thought process and logic for each of his calls from the competition. Joe was first on this podcast in June of 2022 (Episode 78) and he is still the Director of Education for Georiga Crown Distribution Company. He has since earned his Diploma through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, so he now holds one of the highest honors in the world of wine education. You'll hear how he approached the process of identifying these wines and how he connects his palate skills to his theory knowledge. You can follow him @suburbanwino on Instagram.

Recorded August 25, 2024

Episode 134 not only features the first repeat guest for an episode of the show, but also, we very likely make podcast history for the number of wine bottles that were opened during a recording with our live audience in Atlanta. Sam Coturri of Winery Sixteen 600 in Sonoma, CA joined an incredible group of Atlanta wine, food, and media professionals to lead a wine tasting and open it up to an audience Q&A session at the end of the episode. Sam first joined as a guest on the show for Episode 7 of Season 5 – recorded in November 2021 – and it was the first unedited podcast in honor of the style of his own podcast, The Wine Makers Podcast. Sam is such a great friend, and he was visiting Atlanta this summer representing his Sixteen 600 wines that are now available in Georgia thanks to Empire Distributors. They were in town to host an innovative wine dinner in honor of Jerry Garcia’s birthday with a Grateful Dead themed menu and music pairings. You can follow @grapeswithaview and @sixteen600 on Instagram to learn more about Sam and his wines, and you can listen to @winemakerspod wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Recorded LIVE at The Vine Club in Atlanta on July 30. 2024 - thanks, Taylor! @thevineclubatl

This episode features Nicole Alvarez, the head Sommelier and Beverage Director at The Alden in Chamblee, GA. She has been working in restaurants since she was 16, but she also recently graduated with her college degree in Political Science last December. Her current focus is to expand the wine list at The Alden to meet the variety and range of the culinary program. Her role includes everything from buying, tasting, staff training, wine list inventory and maintenance, and wine pairings. We talk about her approach to designing wine pairings, her relationships with her wine reps, and how her family and her community continuously inspire her to chase after all her goals and dreams. She will also leave you with some insight on finding ways to relieve some of the stress of working in the service industry, and we may inspire you to drink more Champagne and Nebbiolo going into the spring season. When she is not hitting the wine grind, she says she is an avid gamer, a runner, and a crafter. You can visit www.thealdenrestaurant.com to make a reservation to check out Nicole's wine list and tasting menu pairings, and you can find @the_alden_atl on Instagram. Recorded March 16, 2024

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines⁠⁠⁠ - available for shipping to 11 states

Noble Wine Cellar is winemaker Jabe Hilson’s label devoted to the development of Southern wines. Together with his wife Barbara and a select number of growers, Noble Wine Cellar has developed a reputation for high quality wine produced exclusively from locally grown grapes in the Southeast. We talk a lot about their insight on the industry as a whole, but for the Hilsons, it’s all about having the right grape for the region. Their tasting room in downtown Clayton, GA just one hour north of Atlanta welcomes costumers to taste their wines while learning about what makes the region unique alongside other local Georgia products available for purchase. Even with the challenges the outline about 2020, the couple remains hopeful and is preparing for an expanded production in the coming years. You can follow @noble_wine_cellar on Instagram for all the latest updates.

Recorded Oct 11, 2020

This episode features Dwight Phyall, better known as "DAP", who lives in the D.C. area but is connected to the Atlanta wine community through friends of the Podcast. He is a Program Manager for a health tech company, OSCAR, in NYC full-time, but he is also a part-time Sommelier at V-NO Wine Bar & Shop in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland. We chat about how he balances these multiple interests, and he shares what first brought him into the wine world. He highlights how it was a combination of some noteworthy wines and influential people who inspired his current journey. With a genuine passion for the craft, he talks about how he is using an academic approach to explore the various aspects of wine that continue to motivate him to learn and discover. He is the founder of "Wine the Way You Like", a wine curation service launching in the Spring of 2021, and he is also currently studying to obtain his CSW and WSET Level 2 award. Follow him @thedapper_oenophile on Instagram to get all the latest updates on his wine adventures.

Recorded Oct 15, 2020

This episode features Tiffany Morris, an inspiring wine professional who recently moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Melbourne, Australia. Prior to moving, she was a Fine Wine Specialist at United Distributors with fifteen years experience in the industry and a deep appreciation for building relationships with her restaurant clients and on-premise colleagues. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine & Spirits, WSET3, and Certified through the Court of Sommeliers. While in Atlanta, Tiffany represented and focused on craft, boutique, and fine specialty brands from many regions globally.  Her team included 22 wine consultants who conducted weekly tastings with top sommeliers in the Southeast. They also hosted wine dinners and tasting events, undertook new brand procurement, and delivered focused producer & regional wine education. She has also spent time in several wine growing regions globally, including working harvest at the prestigious Opus One in the Napa Valley. We talk about what it's like to explore a new country's food and wine culture, and she describes how she is still finding ways to inspire customers to find excitement through constant discovery and wine experiences. Follow her @prettysweetmess on Instagram for captivating photography and thoughtful wine insights.

Recorded September 27, 2020

Kacey Ivey is a sales consultant for a national importer and distributor, and she always puts her clients' needs at the top of her priorities. She also values the supportive relationships with her colleagues as much as she values the producers of the wines she sells in her portfolio. We talk about some of the travel and educational experiences that have had the biggest impact on how she studies and speaks about wine. She also shares how she got her start in the wine industry after a brief career in engineering. In addition to studying and reading about wine, she practices yoga, loves to be outdoors, and travels the world. We discuss the utility of blind tasting skills and how she weaves that knowledge into her assessment of wine quality. In 2019, Kacey became the first female champion of the annual "Somm Smackdown" blind tasting competition, and she is currently in the middle of her WSET Diploma studies.  You can ask her for wine recommendations and travel tips by following @sweetkaceyjane on Instagram. 

Recorded September 27, 2020.

We are kicking off Season 3 with Stephen James of Uva Imports. After falling in love with nature out West, studying Ecology at the University of Georgia, and pursuing a musical career for 10 years, Stephen developed his passion for nature, art, and history surrounding the world of wine in New York while working at a French restaurant. A few years later, his musical career brought him back to Georgia where he started working in restaurants under mentorship of Chef Hugh Acheson. In 2015, James moved to Atlanta as the opening beverage director for Staplehouse where the focus was on pairing wine with food. Now at Uva Imports, the focus is on connecting small family producers; their history, geography, culture, and individual expression, with wine lovers around the U.S. We talk a lot about the parallels between wine and music, and his multiple career interests highlight the importance of always "listening" to whatever opportunities life brings your way. Part of his job now at a small import company is to make this vast, variegated world of wine more approachable to those getting started. He usually does this by comparing wine to music, often stating “wine does for your taste-buds what music does for your ears. Slow down and take some time to listen to your palate." You can learn more about Uva's tasting events and producers by following @uvaimportants on Instagram and checking out www.uvaimports.com. You can also find Stephen @ragazzi_perduti for additional wine adventures.

Recorded live on September 20, 2020.

Sommelier Joon Lim's wine journey started in college by picking up a wine book - and he still recommends that anyone interested in wine do the same. He brings a love for hospitality and education to his profession, but it wasn't until after transitioning from a job working in the coffee industry  that he cultivated his passion for studying wine. Gaining experience serving in restaurants furthered his appreciation for the craft, and he has since worked with some of Atlanta's most talented chefs. From Rathbun's to Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and now to his current role at Cherokee Town and Country Club, Joon has always enjoyed blending formal education with a thirst for exploration into his approach to helping customers discover new wines. He says he is constantly humbled by the world of wine - such an admirable mindset for a wine professional. He is looking forward to technology innovations for the sommelier profession as a form of resilience during and after the pandemic, and he encourages the industry to focus on shining a brighter light on our small domestic producers and regions. You can connect with him @joon.lim918 on Instagram to see photos of his unicorn wine discoveries and to follow along for all of his sommelier adventures.

This episode featuring Sommelier Chris McLloyd is both inspiring and entertaining - he has such a joyful approach to wine exploration. After first working in the music industry, he gained experience serving at restaurants and ultimately decided to pursue a career in wine. With a combination of both formal and informal wine studies, he transitioned to the wine retail space where he still continues to weave music and an appreciation for culture into his lifestyle as a connector within the Atlanta wine scene. He talks about what makes the Atlanta wine market so unique, and he shines a light on how tasting groups with fellow wine professionals have had an impact on helping to build his wine vocabulary. He also encourages people to partake in blind tasting to expand their palates and to deepen their understanding  of varietal nuances. Before we wrap up, we make predictions for the future of the wine industry during the pandemic, and he's optimistic about the role of wine bars and also excited about the amount of sommelier knowledge transferring to the retail space. You can connect with him on social media @thehiphopsomm to get the latest updates on all his upcoming projects and collaborations.

Recorded July 19, 2020

This episode featuring Sommelier Juan Cortés is one of a kind - it will give you a true look behind the wine into his incredible journey to becoming one of Atlanta's most talented wine professionals. Like a series of short stories, he will outline details of experiences that have shaped his perspective and work ethic from a very young age growing up in Colombia. Wine has always been woven into his life, but some of the things he has accomplished along the way will surprise you. After completing an internship at Noma in Cophenhagen, he returned to Atlanta to continue serving as a sommelier at Atlas as well as most recently influencing the wine selection at the Garden Room in Buckhead. He is also one of the founders of the Stanky Wine Pop-Up, which is designed to showcase natural wines and help people connect with local chefs in a whole new way. He gives "The Most Interesting Man in the World" a run for his money - a true storyteller with a unique appreciation for how wine interacts with all other aspects of life. You can follow him on Instagram @sommjuan and let him pick out wines for you at Savi Provisions on Roswell Road. In the Podcast thumbnail photo, he is wearing a facemask that he made out of Riedel microfiber typically used for polishing glassware. 

Recorded July 17, 2020

Sarah Pierre, an Atlanta native, has been the owner of 3 Parks Wine Shop in Atlanta's Glenwood Park neighborhood since 2013. She moved into the wine world from restaurants and brings her expertise in hospitality and service to her wine shop. She laughs as she recalls the mixed emotions from that first day opening the doors and welcoming customers, but she also reflects fondly on how much their hard work has paid off over the years to build relationships and memories with clients. Her perspective on what makes the Atlanta market so unique is to be admired - she says there's an underestimated amount of knowledge and buying power here in the Southeast and she's excited about where we are heading. The shop's multiple wine club program recently earned national recognition in being named one of "America's 50 Best Wine Retailers" by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and they've been helping people continue their wine exploration safely during COVID-19 by offering online shopping and curbside pickup options. Sarah talks about her enriching wine travels, her welcoming approach to wine education, and her enthusiasm for connecting with people through wine. For her latest news and updates, you can visit www.3parkswine.com and follow @3parkswine and @sarahpierre1 on Instagram.

#ATLwinescene

Recorded June 29, 2020

This episode features Whitney Blue, wine educator of @winewithwhitney and sales rep for Prime Wine and Spirits based in Atlanta, GA. We talk about her experiences working in retail, restaurants, and distribution and how she continues to be drawn into the story aspect of the wine industry. She recalls taking a wine class during her senior year of college in Florida and how that sparked a deeper interest in expanding her wine education. Now, in her current sales role, she thrives off building strong relationships with her clients and customers as well as learning from her mentors in the Atlanta wine community. Her tastings, events, and wine pairing dinners allow for making connections with people who share her passion for wine. We talk about how she also effectively utilizes social media as an important tool for having authentic, meaningful conversations woven into her stories of wine exploration. I can't wait to see the impact of her scholarship program and to hear more about her upcoming collaborations with other ATL wine professionals. Follow her on Instagram for all the latest updates! 

Recorded June 21, 2020

This episode features Adam Venable, a Sales Consultant for Winebow based in Atlanta, GA. His family is from Columbus, GA, and he got into wine through working in restaurants (Houston’s, Two Urban Licks, Empire State South, The Spence) starting around 18 years old, with help from his father who had an interest and small collection of wines. We discuss the value of sales incentives while working in these types of roles, and you’ll hear about several trips that he’s been able to take based on his sales success in both restaurants and now in distribution. He mentions that visiting wineries for the first time and even working a harvest out in Napa Valley in 2011 only made him want to learn more about the industry - the realization that it involves a lot of hard work definitely didn’t scare him away from pursuing this career in wine. This is the first podcast episode, though, where there is a major *plot twist* because throughout the whole time that Adam has been developing his passion for wine, he’s also been writing and releasing his own music and touring across the country and working with some pretty high profile mentors, like Chuck D from Public Enemy. He even got to perform at Red Rocks in Colorado opening for Wu-Tang Clan and Big Boi from OutKast the same week he was onboarded at Winebow. He says that his goals for the future are to continue to merge his loves of wine and music, and he may even be performing in Seattle at a national Winebow event later in the summer of 2024. We make some serious podcast history with a live performance of his song about Barolo at the end of the episode. You can follow @mcobeah on Instagram to follow his wine and music adventures.

Recorded February 24, 2024

This episode features Ahry Ko, the Corporate Beverage Director for Savi Provisions based in Atlanta, GA. She first moved to Atlanta for college at Emory University with her eyes set on attending law school, but she decided to pursue her passion for wine and has already established herself as a talented sommelier in the southeast market. We talk about all the ways she weaves her approach for academic studies into her approach for wine education and what it was like to attend her first Atlanta tasting group with other wine professionals when she was just 21 years old. We share a mutual love for all things Burgundy, and we discover that we share a philosophy about making any moment the "right moment" for Champagne. She speaks 6 languages and brings a global perspective to the wine industry with a deep appreciation for terroir. You can follow her @its_kobo on Instagram.

Recorded June 7, 2020

Certified Sommelier Pepe Fundora grew up in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and his passion for helping people discover new wines lies at the core of all his work. His family owns and operates an Italian restaurant in Alpharetta, GA called Casa Nuova that is extremely connected to the local community. They are known not only for their incredible food and wine program, but also for their generous outreach and fundraising efforts for their local community organizations. Pepe tells me about his time studying engineering at Georgia Tech followed by recounting his wine journey with experiences like working harvests in Napa Valley and Italy where he connected deeply with the farming and engineering aspects of viticulture. We also chat about the Atlanta wine community and what it makes it so unique. Visit www.casanuovarestaurant.com for information about the restaurant, and you can follow Pepe's wine adventures @pepeasomm and @cork.and.glass on Instagram.

Recorded May 31, 2020

#makingwineaccessible

Perrine Prieur grew up in France just a few miles from Chablis on her family's farm. Her connection to nature and vineyards started at a very young age, and her passion for food and wine continued to grow while studying culinary arts and hospitality. Upon graduating from Le Castel sommelier school, she moved to London to work in Michelin 3 star restaurant La Gavroche. Her wine career eventually took her to Atlanta in 2006 where she found her calling to open a boutique wine shop reflecting her vision to create a meeting place for the community where people could come to learn, connect, and enjoy. We chat about her upbringing and her philosophies on which she has built the shop, and she shares her insights about what makes the Atlanta wine scene so special. Visit www.perrineswine.com to shop online, learn about upcoming events., and sign up for their e-newsletter. You can also follow @perrineswine on Instagram.

Recorded May 17, 2020

This episode features Katie Melchior, a French-speaking blogger and educator based in New York City, who is quickly becoming a leading voice in the digital wine world. She has a wealth of knowledge in French culture and is using her unique online platform to educate and inspire both wine novices and professionals to explore the deep connection between language and place. Using her additional experience in digital advertising and social media, she has established her own brand through blogging and creating educational pronunciation videos as well as connecting with other wine professionals around the world. We talk about her early study abroad experiences and how they have impacted her wine knowledge as well as how living in NYC has fostered a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded food and wine professionals. Check out her blog posts at www.frenchwinetutor.com and follow her on Instagram @frenchwinetutor where you can send her your own French pronunciation requests - santé!

Recorded May 10, 2020

This episode explores a slightly different aspect of the wine industry through the media lens of journalist and freelance lifestyle writer, Lia Picard. She is based in Atlanta and reports on food, spirits, travel, decor, and more for a wide variety of online and print publications such as The Washington Post, CNN Travel, Bon Appétit, Playboy, Zagat, Eater, and Atlanta Magazine. Some of her recent work has highlighted the Atlanta wine industry in national outlets, such as Wine Enthusiast, and we've discovered a mutual interest for showcasing the people who are shaping the Atlanta wine scene. We discuss how she is always striving to make connections with local chefs, farmers, and beverage pioneers to uncover the unique stories that feature a personal aspect behind the craft. She also talks about the process of pitching wine stories to the media, her strategies for finding inspiration, and the import concept of intention. For a full list of her published articles, check out her portfolio on www.liapicard.com and follow @liapicard for her food and beverage adventures on Instagram.

Recorded May 2, 2020

Sommelier Janeen Jason is one of the welcoming faces you see whenever you shop for wine at VinoTeca in the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta, but she's also a talented blind taster and a dedicated mentor for other young wine professionals. More than just a retail store, VinoTeca is also a venue for educational events and tastings that are designed to welcome everyone interested in taking their wine knowledge to the next level. Janeen talks about making the transition from restaurants to retail and how she continues to connect with fellow wine professionals through her own tasting groups and studies. Their shop focuses on celebrating wines from small producers who prioritize their farming practices and also aims to provide quality at all price points. You can find out more about their inventory at www.shopvinoteca.com and you can see how they collaborate to support other local businesses and charitable causes by following them on Instagram @shopvinoteca.

Recorded April 28, 2020

This episode takes us virtually to Chattanooga, TN for a visit with Mariano and Angelia Cebrián of Panoram Imports to talk about their portfolio of wines from Argentina. This husband-wife duo met in Georgia during college, but their import business brings Mariano's Argentine culture to the Southeast wine market through their connections with small, quality producers in Mendoza and Salta that they hand-pick for the best quality and value. Their wines come from high altitude vineyards and unique regions in proximity to the Andes Mountains. We chat about their asado catering business and their group travel excursions as well as their new empanada delivery service created in the time of social distancing. You can visit www.panoramimports.com for information about their wines and event services, and you can check out their @panoramimports Instagram page to travel along with them on future vineyard tours.

Salud!

Recorded April 26, 2020 

This international episode features Adeline Borra, a chef and wine instructor living in Beaune, France. She is creating unique wine and food experiences at her home in Burgundy as part of "Terroirs by Adeline" and is welcoming food and wine lovers from around the world for events and classes. She grew up in France with a distinguished family history in the wine business, but she also attended culinary school in Italy and has trained alongside Michelin-starred Chefs from around the world. So, what makes her an honorary part of the Atlanta wine industry? From 2006, for more than 10 years, she lived in Atlanta sharing her passion for food & wine as a private chef, a cooking instructor, and a contributor for Atlanta Magazine. Her roots still run deep among clients and friends in both France and Georgia, and she welcomes any ATL wine travelers to reach out when planning a trip to Burgundy. Visit www.terroirsbyadeline.com for details about her custom experiences, and follow her adventures @terroirsbyadeline on Instagram.

"it always comes back to Burgundy...."

Recorded April 24, 2020

Sean Omar is the founder and owner of The Wine Guide in Atlanta, GA. He brings his passion for wine culture and world travels to his business of curating wine orders for his clients, hosting in-home tastings, and building partnerships with local wine shops. He studied abroad in Argentina and Spain during college, and he continues to weave his knowledge from those experiences into his wine education and services. Check out www.thewineguideatl.com and don't hesitate to send him a DM on Instagram @thewineguideatl

#stayhome 

Recorded April 19, 2020

Clarke Anderson is a talented sommelier serving as beverage manager for Ford Fry’s restaurants, such as King + Duke, St. Cecilia, and No. 246 in Decatur. He has a wealth of experience working in restaurants and traveling for wine, and he capitalizes on his passion for hospitality and wine education in his current role. We chatted about how he got started in his wine career by picking up a book at a yard sale and how his journey has led him to becoming a mentor for other aspiring wine professionals as a founding member of the Southeastern Sommelier Society. You can catch him on instagram at @clarkeanderson and also follow @sommsouth for education opportunities - www.sommsouth.org

This episode features Norie Chinea, the Southeast Regional Manager for Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Norie is considered a specialist in the Champagne category, but she has more than 15 years of marketing and sales experience in the wine & spirits industry. Originally from Puerto Rico, her passion for wine has led her to earn certifications from the International Wine Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers. In pursuing her real-world experience for French wines, she worked with winemakers at various wineries she represented in Alsace, Nantes, Montpellier, Bordeaux and most recently in Reims, where she had the opportunity to work with some of the top Champagne producers of our time. Now, as a Regional Manager for "LP", Norie is responsible for growing the brand’s business in her territory. She manages all commercial sales activities including customer and distributor relationships, marketing program execution and local brand activations. You can follow her adventures at @noriechinea on Instagram, and you can also follow @champagnelaurentperrier. Recorded January 24, 2024

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard:⁠⁠ https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines⁠⁠ - available for shipping to your door in 11 states

Eric Miller is the son of Bob and Jane Miller, the owners of Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland, GA. He is the General Manager of the winery business, and he shared a lot of interesting insight about winery management when I visited the family's home on the North Georgia property for an afternoon chat. We talked about the past, present, and future of Georgia wine. You can find him in the tasting room when you visit for a tour, and he also plays live music with his dad at the winery on the weekends. Check out their upcoming events to plan your visit at www.yonahmountainvineyards.com and follow them @yonahmountainvineyards on social media. 

Recorded June 2019

Bob and Jane Miller are the owners of Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland, GA. I sat down with them for a chat in their beautiful North Georgia home to learn about how they started their vineyard and what makes them unique. When they bought the property, they didn't even plan on planting a vineyard - but now they are putting Georgia wine country on the map with their California-style varietals and gorgeous event facilities. You can learn more about their tours and tastings to plan your visit at www.yonahmountainvineyards.com and follow them @yonahmountainvineyards on social media.

Recorded June 2019

Nancy Waldeck is a chef, cookbook author, public speaker, and wine specialist. She leads and delivers more than 100 events and classes per year in Atlanta and beyond. Calling herself a "Healthy Chef Partyologist" and serving as an Emory University certified health coach, she thrives at the intersection of health, food, and wine. She is sharing her knowledge with students and clients, and she loves to help people build confidence in their ability to pair food with wine. You can find more about her services and travel adventures at www.tasteandsavor.com or follow @chefnancy on Instagram. 

Recorded May 2019

Dana Gurela is the owner of Deep Roots Wine Market and Tasting Room located in historic downtown Roswell, GA. She is a California Wine Appellation Specialist and has passed her WSET Level 2 exam. Her shop hosts special events and workshops that allow people to explore all that California has to offer right in the heart of Georgia. With experience working out in the Bay Area, she is bringing her passion for supporting these California producers and former colleagues to her customers through fun and educational wine experiences. Check out their events calendar at www.deeprootswine.com and follow their wine adventures on social @deeprootswinemkt

 Recorded May 2019

Travis Green is the winemaker at Atlanta's City Winery. He is a huge supporter of the Georgia wine industry, and he is making many wines from Georgia-grown grapes right in the heart of an urban environment. Born and raised in the North Georgia mountains, he is bringing his enthusiasm and terrior-driven expertise to his winemaking with appreciation for what Georgia is able to produce. Learn more about City Winery Atlanta at www.citywinery.com/atlanta and stop in next time you're in town to sip some fantastic Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc. 

Recorded April 2019

Faielle Stocco is Partner and Bar Manager of East Atlanta Village's Banshee, but she is no stranger to the ATL food and beverage scene. With a true passion for all things wine, she is in charge of designing the restaurant's selection with an eye for both quality and variety. She gained experience working for several restaurants in Atlanta before diving into this business, and it's exciting to see the energy that she continues to bring to the industry. You can find out more about Banshee online at www.banshee-atl.com and follow them on social @banshee_eav. 

Recorded April 2019

Tyler Barnes is the co-founder of Accent Cellars located two minutes from downtown Dahlonega, GA. He and his brother-in-law are sourcing grapes from farms in Georgia, California, and Texas to craft their wines that they sell from their tasting room. He is enthusiastic about the future of North Georgia's wine country, and he brings a contagious energy to the industry. You can learn more about their winemaker dinners and events online at www.accentcellars.com and follow them @accentcellars on Instagram. 

Recorded March 2019

A familiar and friendly face of the Atlanta wine scene, Tim Willard is the Eastern Regional Sales Manager for Charlotte-based importer, European Cellars. He is a passionate wine educator who also has experience working in the high-end restaurant industry. He has completed the Advanced Sommelier course through the Court of Master Sommeliers and loves to use his wine knowledge as a way to meet new people and build connections. You can follow him on Instagram at @twillard06 to stay up to date on any of his tastings or events. 

Recorded February 2019

Bringing a new portfolio to Atlanta's wine scene, Emmanuel Faure was born and raised in the Rhône Valley of Southern France. He began working in restaurants as a teenager with many talented chefs before discovering a career in wine. After spending time as a sommelier in Los Angeles, he moved his family to Georgia where he has now started his own wine distribution company, One On Wine. Find out more about the wines of One on Wine at www.oneonwine.com and follow Emmanuel's posts at @manu_one_on_wine on Instagram. 

Recorded February 2019

Melissa Davis, formerly the beverage director at Staplehouse, was named Atlanta's 2018 "Rising Star Sommelier" by Star Chefs. She was born in Oklahoma but has been an Atlanta resident for many years and got her start by working in tea, coffee, and food service before moving into wine. Having been involved with the beverage programs at many of Atlanta's fine dining restaurants, she loves to focus on providing an educational experience for her guests and tries to build off-the-beaten-path wine lists. She is now overseeing the efforts to open Hazel Jane's Wine Bar & Coffee in the Old Fourth Ward near the Atlanta Beltline under management of Birmingham-based Revelator Coffee. You can follow them online at @hazeljanesatl on Instagram.

Recorded February 2019

This episode features Braxton Parr, the Supervising Video Producer at Wine Enthusiast. He manages the Wine Enthusiast video department and leads digital media strategy, so he plays a key role in filming, editing, and directing content that is published across Wine Enthusiast platforms. We talk about how his wine education has impacted his ability to generate content ideas, and we also talk about his creative process and what inspires him these days in the world of wine-related video production. Hailing from the greater area of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Parr grew up influenced by video and music production throughout his entire life. He has produced content for companies including Nike, Fiverr, TV One, and more. Prior to Wine Enthusiast, he held an esteemed role in directing political content for The White House and government officials. His primary career goal is to upligft and inspire others to pursue their dreams with whatever creative medium they see fit. Outside of his video production passion, Parr is a huge foodie with a love for tasting wine and creating cocktail recipes. You can follow @wineenthusast to see his featured work, and you can connect with him @braxtonzparr to see the content he is creating for his personal brand.

Recorded January 25, 2024

⁠⁠⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE⁠⁠⁠

For a slightly different perspective on wine in the Southeast, I caught up with Mara Davis, a leading voice for Atlanta's food and dining scene. She is a radio personality, a brand ambassador, and a co-host for Atlanta Eats. She is well-known for her insight on Atlanta's restaurants and has hosted events for Taste of Atlanta among many other emcee appearances. We chatted about food trends and bad hashtags on a Sunday evening while lounging with our pets. You can find her @maradavis on Twitter and @maradavis2000 on instagram. 

Recorded January 2019

Larissa Dubose is a wine educator and founder of The Lotus & The Vines. She is creating approachable content for all levels of wine drinkers with more than 8 years in the wine & spirits industry. She brings her savvy wine skills and marketing experience to her role as the On-Premise Manager here in Georgia for two luxury California-based wineries. You can find her online by following @lotusvinewine and checking out www.thelotusandthevines.com

 Recorded January 2019

Tamara Vrooman Lucas, a resident of Atlanta, founded The Commonwealth Collective to showcase the best of Virginia wine with a range of products and focused marketing in Georgia. Her parents own Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Virginia, and she has created a way for people in the Southeast to experience a variety of high end Virginia wines. 

Recorded January 2019

Manj deSilva is a familiar face in the Atlanta wine industry, and he has lots of valuable insight to share. Currently a Regional Sales Representative for a Slovenian wine import company, he has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the wine industry including wine retail management. Follow his adventures on Instagram: @decatur_wine_poet 

Recorded January 2019

I went live on the road with Billie Harris, Vinologist and Founder of The Vino Van, LLC. We chat about all things wine and how she is shaping the wine scene here in Atlanta. You can find out more about her tours to North Georgia Wine Country at www.thevinovan.com and follow her on social media at @thevinovanllc. 

Recorded November 2018

This episode features Jane Lopes, an accomplished wine professional who was born in Napa, California and graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Renaissance literature and a love for food, wine, and spirits. After college, Jane began to pick up shifts at nationally acclaimed cocktail bar, The Violet Hour, and in August of 2011, Jane moved to Nashville to be the opening beverage director at The Catbird Seat. In 2013, Jane worked as a sommelier at Eleven Madison Park in NY, where she was part of the team that got the restaurant to number one on the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best List. In 2017, she was recruited to run the beverage program at Attica, widely considered Australia's best restaurant. In September of 2018, Jane passed the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, becoming the only woman in Australia to do so. Her first book, an educational and personal guide to the world of wine, was published in September of 2019. In 2020, Jane returned to the United States to start her own wine imports company with her husband, Jonathan Ross. Their newest book, How To Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book, offers insights on all aspects of Australian wine, including inside scoops, pressing concerns and current events in each region. We talk about why she feels so passionate about these wines, and she shares what excites her about being in the wine industry right now. You can follow @janeymaxine and @auswinelegends on Instagram, and you can visit www.janelopes.com to learn more about her work and www.legendaustraliacom to learn more about her import portfolio.

Recorded December 18, 2023

⁠⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE⁠⁠

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard:⁠⁠ https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines⁠⁠

This episode features Dannielle Thomas, a wine sales and events professional and a WSET L3 candidate currently working at Dom Beijos wine shop in Atlanta, GA. Prior to wine, for over a decade, Danielle was working in the human rights and humanitarian sector with a focus on women's health, social and political power, and child advocacy, so we talk about how her wine journey now intertwines and overlaps with these types of interests.

Dannielle discovered her love of wine while living abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, where she learned to speak Portuguese and Kriolu. Dannielle eventually spent years traveling through West and East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe working with national and grassroots organizations and leaders. One of her main goals is to support people in wine education through accessible language and learning environments, so her work in wine typically highlights the connection between people, the land, their stories, and that’s exactly the energy she brings to the wine shop but also to her wine and charcuterie company that adds the perfect amount of flair to client events and gatherings. She is also the secretary of the Hue Society's Atlanta chapter and a Roots Fund Scholar, so you’ll hear about her own personal wine education goals in this episode as well. Hopefully we inspire you to explore a few more Portuguese wines with our mutual enthusiasm for that country and its wine culture. In her non-wine working hours, she is the COO for a Liberatory research and evaluation firm specializing in supporting local and national organizations to utilize data and narrative to move the needle on social justice issues, organizational change, and equity. She is also the co-founder of MAMA Fund, one of the largest mutual aid networks in the US Southeast, and sits on multiple nonprofit boards that center well-being and community care. Dannielle loves spending time in Portugal and Spain and has curated trips and events for donors for various causes, including creating and managing a Global Gender Justice conference that allowed her to create her first bespoke wine trips for advocates and funders throughout Costantia and Stellenbosch, South Africa.

While her life is filled with wine, food, travel, and community-building, her grounding is in her advocacy, love of sci-fi books and film, and with her family especially her curious and bright 5-year-old child. You can follow @dazzlingdestinia and @giw_getintowine for her insights on Instagram. Recorded December 3, 2023 ⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE⁠

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard:⁠ https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines⁠ - now shipping to 11 states!

This episode features Francis Coligado, the Beverage Director for Nooshe Jan Group which currently consists of both locations of Del Bar and Bibi. Francis has worked in the service industry for close to 17 years and bartended for 15 of those years while obtaining a business degree from GCSU and a law degree from Florida Coastal Law School in Jacksonville, FL. He worked at Rumi’s Kitchen when he moved to Atlanta, and that is where he met Fares, the owner/CEO of Nooshe Jan Group. After leaving Rumi’s in 2018, he worked at Cooks & Soldiers before joining the team to open Del Bar in 2020. We talk about the aspects of management that he really enjoys and how he is continuously learning new skills every day while also fostering creativity among his team and prioritizing not only physical health but also mental wellbeing. They recently received recognition in Atlanta’s first Michelin Guide, so we explore how this might impact the beverage program scene here in Atlanta going forward. And while known widely and nationally recognized for their cocktail program, I have always been impressed by their wine list, so it was fun to talk with Francis about his process for designing a menu that complements and highlights their Persian dishes and such a wide variety of herbs and spices. We speak a similar language when it comes to flavors, textures, and the concept of balance. A cocktail specialist’s palate is trained to notice nuances in similar ways to those of us who study wine, so I loved hearing Francis tell me how be approaches making cocktail recommendations to someone who typically drinks wine. You can follow @delbaratl and @foligado23 on social media to learn more about his work.

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Recorded November 27, 2023

⁠TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE

This episode features an in-person conversation with winemaker Pepe Raventós recorded live in Atlanta, GA. He is the 21st generation of the family to work the same land since 1497 in Spain, and Pepe is passionate about the world of wine and viticulture. Raventós i Blanc, his family’s winery, was actually the very first appointment I booked for my itinerary when I visited Spain in September - I wanted to better understand Spanish sparkling wine, and Pepe’s family offers a point of reference known around the world. We start by discussing his family’s history, but it leads us into a discussion about his experiences being part of the family business for the past 20 years and how he is envisioning an innovative future as well as pursuing his newest project that has a clear respect for sustainability, organic agriculture, the recovery of abandoned vineyards, and the protection of biodiversity called Can Sumoi. Thank you to Steeven Meir of Bon Vin Selections for bringing these wines to Atlanta and for making this interview possible. You can follow @cansumoi and @raventosiblanc on Instagram to learn more about Pepe's wines and winemaking practices.

Recorded October 22, 2023

(transcript coming soon)

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard:⁠ https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines⁠. Check out the 2023 ⁠Holiday Offering⁠ - now shipping to 11 states!

This episode features Eric S. Crane, the Director of Training for Empire Distributors, Inc. He’s been active in booze education for the last 20 years, and he says he fills his days learning and talking about fermented and distilled things. You’ll hear great ideas and a lot of wise advice as we discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from the current scope of wine education to his favorite concert and wine pairings. In his spare time he writes fan fiction about his dogs, watches stupid movies, cuts his own hair, and listens to music. And he drinks a lot of Riesling because he says he's basic like that. You can follow him @chauneuf on social media. Recorded October 18, 2023 ⁠TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard: https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines. Check out the 2023 Holiday Offering - now shipping to 11 states!

This episode features Lindsey Fragalle, a wine consultant and retail sales specialist who has worked in the wine industry for almost seven years. She started her wine journey while living for a brief time in California where she worked at two wineries in the Bay Area. Since moving back to Atlanta in early 2019, she has worked at a small, local wine shop in Brookhaven, GA called Brookhaven Wines. In this role, she helps all types of consumers pick out wines, she teaches educational classes, and she leads private tastings on and off-site. You'll hear why Lindsey loves bringing people together through wine and why she focuses on making wine more approachable to everyone, no matter their skill level or budget-- she truly believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy good wine. We geek out about her recent work trip to Germany, and we talk about how her time living in California has impacted her ability to speak about wines in the shop. We also recap a recent trip to Burgundy where she visited a former podcast guest’s cellars in the heart of Beaune. You can follow @sommbody_to_love and @brookhavenwines on Instagram to learn more about her adventures and the upcoming events at the shop.

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Recorded October 8, 2023

TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE

This episode features Shauna Rosenblum who joined Ridge Vineyards in 2022 as their Lytton Springs Winemaker. She oversees all winemaking at the Lytton Springs facility in Healdsburg, CA, and she brings a lifetime of winemaking experience with her to Ridge. Her father, Kent Rosenblum, of Rosenblum Cellars, introduced his winemaking passion to Shauna at an early age. Kent taught her to read brix on a refractometer at the age of three, she started working on the bottling line at the age of twelve, and by the age of sixteen, she attended blending sessions with the winemaking team. Always enamored with fine art, Shauna received a scholarship to California College of Arts and Crafts, then pursued her Master’s Degree at San Francisco Art Institute. During her ceramics studies, she took chemistry classes where she noticed that the process for creating glaze compositions was the exact same process as blending wine. This led her to the epiphany that winemaking was art. She completed the UC Davis Master’s Wine Executive Program and in 2008, Rosenblum joined Rock Wall Wine Company as Winemaker. Her lifelong wine training coupled with her philosophy of winemaking as fine art led her to seek out treasured old-vine field blend sites and esoteric varieties like tannat, teroldego and ciliegiolo. She directed a portfolio of over fifty grape contracts around California and oversaw all aspects of production on every lot of wine from crush to bottling. During her 14-year tenure at Rock Wall Wine Company, she rose to the rank of President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors. We talk about what it’s been like to like to step into her role as part of the Ridge legacy since 2022, and we open a very special bottle on air together that she sent to Atlanta that hadn't been released yet representing her first vintage in this lead role. You can visit www.ridgewine.com to leard more about Ridge and Shauna's work, and you can follow @ridgevineyards on Instagram.

Recorded July 22, 2024

This episode features Steffini Bethea, owner of Purple Corkscrew Wine Shop and Tasting Room located in Avondale Estates. Steffini is a wife and mother of two who back 2012 saw a need for a shop that sold carefully chosen, high quality wines within Atlanta. In addition to her WSET wine certification, she also holds a degree in Biology from the University of Houston which has served as a backbone to her studies in viticulture. Her most important role at Purple Corkscrew is that of Chief Curator of wines serving as the purveyor of small, boutique, award-winning wines. Her expertise has attracted winemakers from all corners of the globe to visit the shop, and Steffini is also well-traveled for wine both domestically and internationally. Alongside other wine aficionados, she has explored regions such as Rhone Valley, various regions in Spain, Walla Walla Valley in Washington, and small vineyards in Oregon. She has also volunteered at harvest in efforts to expand her knowledge of the winemaking process. She believes it is key to know where the grapes come from and how they are pressed and fermented to make the magic that she sells in every bottle. You can follow @purplecorkscrewwine on social media and check out www.purplsecorkscrew.com for all information about their tastings and events.

Recorded September 19, 2023

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This episode is generously sponsored by Diane Carpenter and Ross Knoll Vineyard: https://www.dianecarpenter.org/wines

TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE

This episode features Jordan Smelt, the wine director and co-owner of Lucian Books & Wine in Buckhead, Atlanta. Originally from Tampa, Jordan has called Atlanta home for over two decades and during that time has worked at some of the best restaurants in the city, including Cakes & Ale, Holeman & Finch, and Restaurant Eugene. He also served as the General Manager of Rive Gauche Wine Co., a wine distribution company that launched in 2019. Jordan operates Lucian with his wife Katie Barringer, and they live in Buckhead with their three pets, Maxwell, Phoebe, and Ms. P. He talks about how the concept came to be and what inspired them to combine these two passions. He also speaks to how he felt those first couple days of opening as well as what excites him about the future of the Atlanta wine industry. We discuss his process for building the Lucian wine list that releases every two months, and it sounds like the November/December list is going to be extra special this year. You can follow @lucianbooksandwine on social media and sign up for their newsletter or book a reservation by visiting www.lucianbooksandwine.com.

Recorded August 21, 2023

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TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE