Explore every episode of the podcast The Swirl Suite
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Travels with Dr. Nadeen White | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:38:51 | |
This week on the Swirl Suite, we welcome back travel expert, physician, and wine enthusiast Dr. Nadeen White, the dynamic force behind The Sophisticated Life and Culinary Travels. Nadeen joins us to share how her love of travel, culture, and cuisine fuels her storytelling, from sipping wine in South Africa to indulging in street food across Asia. https://drnadeenwhite.com/ https://www.instagram.com/culinarytravels_thesophislife/ The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| The Wines of California with Elaine Chukan Brown | 13 Jul 2025 | 00:42:14 | |
In this episode of the Swirl Suite, we welcome Elaine Chukan Brownwriter, speaker, educator, and the creative force behind the Wine, Library series. Known for their poetic storytelling and deep-rooted respect for land and people, Elaine shares the journey behind the debut volume, The Wines of California. We dive into the richness of Californias wine regions beyond the headlines, exploring the growers, the climate, the cultural threads, and the complex histories that shape the glass. From Mendocino to Santa Barbara, this episode is an invitation to look at wine not just as a beverage, but as a living archive of community, geography, and intention. https://www.instagram.com/hawk_wakawaka/ The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Join our Patreon to watch the full episode! https://www.patreon.com/posts/wines-of-with-133657113?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Janet Cam on Fine Dining, Wine, & Restaurant Evolution | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:45:20 | |
Janet Cam is best known as the founder and co-proprietor of LePavillon restaurant, thefirst nouvelle cuisine restaurant in America, honored with The Wine Spectators GrandAward. She was the Managing Director of the legendary Lutce in New Yorkorchestrating the renovation and revival of the iconic French restaurant. She is includedin Whos Who in Americas Restaurants. Janet Cam provides consulting services torestaurant and hospitality businesses through a collaborative process to build profitableventures from the ground up and redevelops existing businesses into fresh, competitiveoperations with a focus on wine and beverage programs. Janet currently serves on the Smithsonian National Museum of American Historys Kitchen Cabinet, an advisory board made up of leaders in food scholarship and culinary history to help the museum shape and expand its research, collections, programs, and exhibitions related to food and beverage history. She is a former judge for the James Beard Foundation Awards and a longstanding member of Les Dames dEscoffier (Washington, DC, Los Angeles and New York). Janet has mentored hospitality students on their Capstone Projects for Georgetown University and University of Maryland relating to Chinese restaurants. Conducting wine tastings for public and private clients, restaurants, as well as the Hill Center in Washington, DC she seamlessly pairs food and wine with a specialty in European wines and Asian food. WSET II with Distinction. In country studies for wine and food of (Burgundy, Loire, Champagne, Mosel, Rhine, Kamptal, Piemonte, Spain). In country focus on cuisines of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Bangkok.Janet has been invited to create the first wine program for the University of Marylandto launch in 2025. Watch the full episode on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/paving-way-janet-125293066?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Auction Lot 288 w Nadine Nettmann | 31 Jul 2022 | 00:54:02 | |
Nadine Nettmann is the Director of Creative Development at SOMM TV, a certified sommelier, and author of the award-nominated Sommelier Mystery Series. When shes not producing films including Auction Lot 288 and the upcoming film The Judgment of Paris, shes exploring new podcasts, researching history, and seeing how far she can pop Nadine Nettmann is the Director of Creative Development at SOMM TV, a certified sommelier, and author of the award-nominated Sommelier Mystery Series. When shes not producing films including Auction Lot 288 and the upcoming film The Judgment of Paris, shes exploring new podcasts, researching history, and seeing how far she can pop Champagne corks. | |||
| Auction Lot 288 w Jason Wise | 19 Jul 2022 | 00:56:32 | |
Jason Wise is the director of the SOMM film series, The Delicacy, and the Hollywood film: Wait for Your Laugh. With the success of the SOMM Series, Wise launched SOMM TV, a streaming service dedicated to wine, food, and travel. Named one of the 40 Most Influential people in the world of beverages by Wine Enthusiast, Wise also created and directed the James Beard nominated SOMM TV original series Sparklers, the first wine and cooking competition show. You can hear Jason weekly as the host of the SOMM TV Podcast. | |||
| Wine 101 w Keith Beavers | 11 Jul 2022 | 01:16:33 | |
Former owner of a wine bar and restaurant in New York City, Keith Beavers is self-taught in wine through over two decades of experience in the wine industry. Keith is an esteemed Wine Educator and the Tastings Director at VinePair, the largest drinks publication in the U.S. Keith is the producer and host of VinePairs popular "Wine 101" podcast. He is also the producer of VinePairs "Cocktail College" and "Going Out with Jake Cornell" podcasts. | |||
| Shoe Crazy Wine | 07 Jul 2022 | 00:52:52 | |
Gwen Hurt is the founder of Shoe Crazy Wine. Prior to launching Shoe Crazy Wine, Gwen was an executive for a Fortune 300 Tech Company based in Asia. In 2013 hardship struck. Gwen was downsized by the company in which she had spent 15 plus years and two days later was in a car accident. During physical therapy and rehabilitation, Gwen made the decision to not succumb to her circumstances. It was then, with her daughter Brittny she made the decision to go into the wine business. When a name was needed for her wines, Brittny had the idea to name it something Gwen loved which was shoes. And in 2014, her two passions melded to become The Shoe Crazy Wine Company. | |||
| The Wine Pair Podcast | 30 Jun 2022 | 00:50:49 | |
The Wine Pair Podcast is a weekly podcast co-hosted by husband and wife team Joe and Carmela Mele. Our goal is to help the everyday wine drinker discover wines that are worth their time and money, so each week, we taste and review three reasonably priced and easy to find wines. Our reviews are honest, easy to understand, and usually pretty funny. Along the way we also interview folks in the wine industry, talk about wine etiquette and advice, give pointers on wine pairings, and tease Joe about, well, lots of stuff.Joe and Carmela leverage their backgrounds - both as teachers, Joe as a former professional musician, and Carmela as a professional baker - along with their lifelong love of food and wine in each episode. Both Joe and Carmela have Masters in Teaching and taught high school and elementary school respectively for several years in the Seattle area. Joe was also a singer in the a capella group The Coats, and Carmela runs and owns her own bakery in Seattle called BabyCakes. Their passions, along with podcasting, are their three children and their extended Italian American families. | |||
| Travel Tips w Joni Rials | 23 Jun 2022 | 01:17:09 | |
A super wine enthusiast, a curious world traveler as well as an ICU RN, Joni Rials founded Seek and Sip Travel with the belief that wine shouldnt be intimidating and travel should be accessible to everyone. After experiencing the connection between wine culture and travel, she began traveling and studying different regions and global destinations known for excellence in wine and spirits production. She slowly built Seek and Sip Travel. | |||
| The Wine Shutter Chelsea Erica Smith | 16 Jun 2022 | 00:37:10 | |
Chelsea grew up in a small town outside of Portland, Oregon, then ventured to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue life, liberty, and old school country music. She finds purpose in growing and establishing meaningful communities, educating and speaking on freelancing & entrepreneurship, as well as writing- both with her keyboard and with her guitar. | |||
| Summer Spritzers w/Jordan Salcito | 09 Jun 2022 | 00:47:38 | |
Jordan Salcito has been curious about wine since learning her grandfather made it in his basement and fell head over heels for it since her first harvest in Burgundy in 2006. She began her career in New York as hostess at wd~50 before becoming a prep cook at DANIEL, sommelier and manager at Eleven Madison Park, then eventually Wine & Beverage Director for David Chang's Momofuku restaurants. After investing over a decade working her way through several facets of the wine and restaurant industries, Jordan founded RAMONA, an organic Italian wine spritz. She continues to work harvests each year at world-renowned wineries across the globe, from Burgundy and Tuscany to Patagonia and California. | |||
| Meet The Swirl Suite | 03 Jun 2022 | 00:34:15 | |
The Swirl Suite cast is re-introduced to new listeners. Listen to our feature from Snippets of The Wine Pair Podcast and a vintage epiode with guest Reggie Soloman. - The full Wine Pair Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fBxfssRXhW2byrGFnJEu2?si=59c2ebf4fe114f36. | |||
| Ken of Unwine101 | 12 May 2022 | 00:47:44 | |
I'm Ken Pettus. I reside & work in New York City as a consultant for the biggest wine portfolio in the world. I'm aWSET certified wine & spirits educator and enthusiast. I've been in the wine & spirits industry for over a decadenow. I'm a product of my Jamaican+ Black American parents. My experiences as a Black man in the wineindustry has its share of stories. My journey in wine started living in Europe, being exposed and captivated by wine culture. After moving back to NY, I began building my foundation of knowledge in one of the biggest wine stores in Queens, NY, tastingevery red, white & rose wine on a daily basis to develop my palate as much as possible. I managed a multimillion dollar internet wine selling e-commerce business growing from shipping just 5 cases the first week to 100 cases a day in just 2 years. During Covid, I was fortunate to partner with a few wine enthusiasts and professionals and hosted Sunday Wine Club on Clubhouse. It became the biggest wine and spirits room on Clubhouse, where enthusiasts, wine makers, or just the curious customers could all interact. Whether it was wine knowledge or people who wanted to learn more about the industry & and hear about experiences, Every Sunday you never knew who would pop in. Rob Mondavi, Donae Burston, and other winemakers and professionals would give access into their business, their backgrounds and their insight into the future of wine. https://www.instagram.com/kenplush/?hl=en Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Exploring Wine, Food, and Travel with Tish Around Town | 20 Mar 2025 | 01:02:43 | |
In this episode of the Swirl Suite Podcast, we welcome Tish Around Town, a dynamic travel and wine enthusiast who curates unforgettable experiences centered around wine, food, and culture. From hosting immersive wine events to leading global travel adventures, Tish shares her journey, insights, and tips for those looking to explore the world through a flavorful lens.https://tisharoundtown.com/ Join our Patreon to watch the full episode:https://www.patreon.com/posts/exploring-wine-124768351?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Wine Organizationshttps://theveraisonproject.com/https://www.wineunify.org/https://www.therootsfund.org/https://winetrailsandwanderlust.com/2024/10/25/welcome-to-the-oneoverse/https://www.instagram.com/womenofwinedc/?hl=enhttps://www.batonnageforum.com/ The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Chiaretto w Tanisha | 05 May 2022 | 00:39:57 | |
We are back with a new episode! Tanisha gives an informative recap of her press trip to Chiaretto. Chiarettos area is in the province of Verona, Romeo and Juliets town, halfway between Milan and Venice, in Northern Italy. "Chiaretto is a truly Italian ros wine". Chiaretto di Bardolino The Italian Dry Ros #discoverchiaretto #chiarettopink IG:@chiaretto_di_bardolino Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Flackback w Black Bean Soup w Rae Mathis | 28 Apr 2022 | 01:42:22 | |
On this flashback episode with Rae Mathis, we go after dark. It's an entertaining episode, full of random questions. Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Flashback to Drew Baker | 22 Apr 2022 | 00:51:39 | |
At the age of 22, Drew planted the first 7,600 grape vines on his family's farm. His dream was to grow great American wines in Maryland. Today he pours his energy and passion into forging a new image for Maryland wine.Each year he travels the world studying his craft and honing his skills. Drew believes the rolling hills of Maryland offer just the right mix of elevation, sun, breeze, and rocky soils to grow grapes fit for remarkable wines. https://www.instagram.com/drewhbaker/ https://www.oldwestminster.com/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Jennifer Croll | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:47:32 | |
Jennifer Croll is the author of six books on fashion, culture, and cocktails: Dressed to Swill (2022), Art Boozel (2021), Free the Tipple (2018), Bad Girls of Fashion (2016), Bad Boys of Fashion (2019), and Fashion That Changed the World (2014). During the daytime,shes the editorial director at nonfiction publisher Greystone Books. You can follow her on Twitter @jencroll. Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| IKIMI DUBOSE-WOODSON | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:06:37 | |
Find what you love and let it kill you. is the famous quote wrapped around a global knife tattooed on Ikimis back. Destined to be a lawyer to help her Brooklyn community, Ikimi ended up in Culinary school by accident. Securing her first job at the World Trade Center Marriott as a silver polisher, was a humbling and knowledgeable experience. Ikimi attended Johnson & Wales University, and after graduation utilized her time traveling the world studying culture through food. Upon her return to the states, she was the youngest & first woman to complete the Marriott & Ritz Carlton management training program. Her career led her to lead culinary and management teams at sports organizations, restaurant groups, and prestigious educational institutions. After leading the culinary team on Capitol Hill, through the largest sustainable food initiative, Ikimi rediscovered her passion to mentor the next generation. In August 2017, in conjunction with Lifeworks Restaurant Group she designed, and opened LEO MKT, a food hall in Washington, DC, focusing on cuisines around the world. Ikimi co-founded The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for communities of color throughout the wine industry in 2020 alongside Carlton McCoy and Tahiirah Habibi. She runs the organization as Executive Director and has overseen the 100+ scholarships they have awarded and the massive fundraising effort. Known for her ability to create managers, lead large teams, encourage growth of women, and minorities in the business, she hasnt stopped yet. Chef, restaurateur, writer, nonprofit executive, and inspiration. When there is no room for me at the table, I usually stand on the table. https://www.instagram.com/rootsfund/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Ames Morison of Medlock Ames | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:39:48 | |
Ames Morison is the founding partner of Medlock Ames Winery. A Virginia native, Ames graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in Ancient History before working as a teacher in New York. He spent three years in the Peace Corps in Guatemala which solidified his desire to be a vocal supporter of organic farming, where he applies diversified agricultural practices to create a balanced and sustainable environment in the vineyards. Light-touch techniques are also healthier options for the vineyard crew that Ames oversees. Ames planted most of the 50-acre vineyard site as well as supervised the winery's construction that was completed in time for the 2003 vintage. To prepare to grow grapes and make wines from Bell Mountain, Ames worked in enological and production capacities at several Napa and Sonoma wineries as well as studied viticulture and enology at the University of California at Davis. Having over 20 years of experience of growing grapes at Bell Mountain, Ames looks to the future and the next 20 years of what wines will grow best there. In 2021 and after 19 years as Winemaker, Ames Morison shifted his focus to Medlock Ames' strategic sustainability goals and being an outspoken educator to mitigate climate change. With the preservation of the land and respect for the environment at the heart of Medlock Ames values, Ames focuses on implementing the winerys five-year plan to set a new standard of environmental sustainability through regenerative organic farming, water conservation, fire prevention, community development, and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. When Ames is not walking the vineyard, he can be found spending time outdoors with his son, Ulysses. https://www.medlockames.com/ https://www.instagram.com/medlockames/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Mailynh Phan of RD Winery | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:38:30 | |
Mailynh(pronounced my-LIN)Phanis the CEO of RD Winery, which takes a more inclusive approach to the Napa Valley wine experience. The winery is the first Vietnamese-owned winery in Napa and was founded with a vision to solely export wine to Vietnam. But in 2020,Mailynhled RD Winerys entry into the U.S. market and opened the Vietnamese-inspired tasting room in the summer of 2020. As an outlier in the industry,Mailynhenvisioned a place where anyone curious about Napa wine would feel welcome to experience it and be able to afford it. She leads RD Winery through a community-focused approach, to offer experiences and events where people can delight in a refreshingly different wine country experience. Mailynhhas an MBA from UC Berkeleys Haas School of Business and a degree in psychology from Vassar College. Vote for Tanisha! https://winetravelawards.com/nominee/tanisha-townsend/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire ? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Jennifer of JC Select | 16 Mar 2022 | 01:28:39 | |
JC Select Wines Curated Wine Selections, Events & Concierge Services for the Modern Wine Enthusiast. "Once a Civil Engineer, Jennifer "stumbled" into the wine industry during her move from Canada to California.She started out on the broker/distributor side of the business over 10 years ago, co-founded a brokerage, always passionate about the lesser-known, fantastic wineries & their stories.In 2019, she launched her passion project Great Pour Decisions, a lifestyle and wine accessories brand, all while working towards creating her ultimate dream business. Jenn successfully launched that dream and founded JC Select Wines to bring her favourite wines directly into the hands of those in search of the great gems out there. " "JC Select Wines allows me to elevate my client's experience with wine by both sharing a wine's story and then providing direct access to the wines that I'm passionate about. "Like wanting to live better lives and eat better food, we also want to drink better wines. Wines made by people whose heart and soul are inside every bottle. I care about every bottle that I open and about every winery that my choice supports. JC Select Wines exists because I'm not alone in caring about the wines I support." https://www.jcselectwines.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jcselectwines/ https://www.cava.wine/en/origin-cava/labelling/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Eric Depradine of Zydeco Meadery | 09 Mar 2022 | 01:02:32 | |
Eric Depradine is from Boston, Massachusetts.He is a 2006 and 2008 graduate of UL-Lafayette in history and chemistry.He's worked for various municipal governments in Louisiana and Missouri regulating federal and local wastewater laws.He is also a 2021 graduate of Highland Community College's enology certificate program.Finally, he is proud the owner of Zydeco Meadery, one of four minority-owned alcohol manufacturers in Kansas. https://www.zydecomeadery.net/ https://www.vesta-usa.org/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Po'ing Up w Lizz & Iman | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:48:14 | |
Lizz Rene (she/her) is a Black woman entrepreneur, innovator, and disruptor. The daughter of immigrants, Lizz is a proud first-generation college graduate and proud Black alumna of the University of Georgia. She has dedicated her work full-time to dismantling oppressive systems and amplifying Black stories. With retail partnerships with Busboys & Poets (DMV), Nubian Hueman (DC & Baltimore) and Happy Cork (Brooklyn, NY), Lizz presents PO UP! Card Game an unapologetic drinking game that translates college experiences through nostalgia. Lizz has grown PO UP! Card Games social media presence by garnering more than 3 million views on TikTok alone. She is a founding member of The Gathering Spot (DC) and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. https://www.instagram.com/poupcards/ Coupon codeSWIRLSUITEfor 15% off our cards:https://poupcards.com/discount/SWIRLSUITE Iman @imansakeena is a Wine Content Creator and former graduate from Kendall College Culinary Art school level one sommelier program, WSET 2 and currently a WSET 3 student at the American Wine School in Chicago, IL.She also is the founder of @blackvinesmatter where she highlights people of African descent in the wine industry.She is on a mission to add flavor to the wine industry and to shake up the norm! https://www.instagram.com/imansakeena/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Justin Trabue of Ward Four Wines | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:50:46 | |
DC native Justin Trabue of Ward Four Wines joins us for an incredible conversation about her journey as a new winemaker. We dive into how she's preparing for harvest, navigating challenges in the industry, and the potential impact of tariffs. This is a must-watch for wine lovers and industry insiders alike! https://www.wardfourwines.com/ Join our Patreon to watch the full episode now! https://www.patreon.com/posts/justin-trabue-of-124228825?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link The Winemakers Playbook Event https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winemakers-playbook-harvesting-financial-business-strategies-tickets-1250300736159?aff=oddtdtcreator The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Ray Sholes of The Royal Vines | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:46:20 | |
Ray Sholes is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has a discerning palate and is a passionate wine lover. He is known not only for his incredible tasting abilities and vast knowledge but also for his friendly, relaxed and professional approach to wine education. Growing up in Compton, California Ray admits, I come from a world where an education in fine wines, sake, craft brews, and spirits did not exist. His fascination for wine took off after graduation from Johnson & Wales University where he earned his Bachelor of Food Service Management. His thirst for wine has taken him across the globe to vineyards where he learned and improved his skills beyond textbooks. Ray is a beverage judge, speaker, and educator. He has spent over 15 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry where he has wine list creation, cocktail and spirit program development, dynamic staff training and restaurant management under his belt. When he isnt hosting tasting events, he works as the Sommelier for Michaels Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District, of Miami. Ray Sholes is also the Founder and Content Creator for The Black-Owned Wine Review series on YouTube producing content that promotes, amplifies, and perpetuates Black-Owned wine brands! Follow Ray: https://www.instagram.com/theroyalvines/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Black Winestory Month www.instagram.com/burgerandwines/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Brenae Royal | 16 Feb 2022 | 01:04:13 | |
A former 4-H kid, Royal oversees 575 acres, of which about 250 are planted to prime Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grapes at the iconicMonte Rosso Vineyard. She studied crops and horticulture science at Cal State Chico and then worked as an intern atGallo, where she was promoted to vineyard manager in 2015. Home to some of the oldest-producing grapevines in California, Monte Rosso has an almost mythical reputation among winemakers who love its brilliant acidity and distinct notes of spice. Royal patrols it all with her black Labrador, Violet Mae, and is an active advocate for improving involvement and advancement of Black people in agriculture and winemaking. https://www.instagram.com/_cabrenae/ Wine Growing Glossary: Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Black Winestory Month www.instagram.com/burgerandwines/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Terrence and Brandon of Michael Lavelle | 08 Feb 2022 | 01:04:52 | |
With a decade of building intrapreneurship teams at Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and LinkedIn, Terrence is an analytical strategist with a focus on emerging trends and culture. Terrence oversees the execution of current and future visions of Michael Lavelle as he traverses between worlds of strategy, creative and operations to execute each objective at the highest standard. Born and raised in Chicago, Terrence holds a BA in Economics from Howard University in Washington, DC. Passionately curious for connecting the dots, shifting culture is what led him into the spirits/wine business. Hes currently enrolled at Napa Valley Wine Academy for Sommelier certification. With a firm understanding that ideas are only as good as their execution, Brandon brings his knowledge of operational systems to ensure Michael Lavelle is logistically sound. Over the past decade, Brandon has achieved operational excellence for the nation's leading brands, including Grubhub, Toast, and the Washington Nationals. Born and raised in Chicago, Brandon holds a BS in Leisure Studies from Howard University in Washington, DC and is currently enrolled at Napa Valley Wine Academy for Sommelier certification. Through his entrepreneurial experience in the DC hospitality scene it became clear that spirits are pivotal in building relationships and connecting communities. Follow Micahel Lavelle: https://www.instagram.com/sipmichaellavelle/ https://sipmichaellavelle.com/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Black Winestory Month www.instagram.com/burgerandwines/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Sparklers of SOMM TV | 03 Feb 2022 | 01:02:10 | |
SOMM TV brings together five of the top wine connoisseurs, along with other culinary professionals, in SPARKLERS, a high-stakes, high-pressure competition show based on cooking and pairing great sparkling wine from around the world. The 13-episode food & wine competition show premiered Tuesday, November 23rd and continues until a champion is crowned on Tuesday, February 8th. SPARKLERS features a diverse cast of food and wine professionals who are changing the culinary world. While the show has guest judges, the main challenges are decided by the five contestants themselves, pitting friends against each other as they make tough decisions to create one of the most unique food shows youve ever seen and the first ever cooking and wine pairing competition show. The shows talented cast of food and wine professionals include Maryam Ahmed, hospitality entrepreneur at Maryam & Company in Napa, Claire Coppi, Wine Director at Sushi Note restaurant in Los Angeles, Matthew Kaner, renown sommelier and restaurateur in Los Angeles, George Walker III, National Brand Ambassador/Winery Operations at Wade Cellars in Napa, and Meghan Zobeck, Winemaker at Burgess Cellars in Napa. https://watch.sommtv.com/sparklers Watch this episode live on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5DWXGYADJg Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Black Winestory Month www.instagram.com/burgerandwines/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Nova Cadamatre MW | 01 Feb 2022 | 00:58:09 | |
A winemaker with a wide and diverse background, Cadamatre started in wine on the East Coast as a winemaking apprentice with Stargazers Vineyard in 2003. After graduating from Cornell University in 2006 with a Bachelors in Viticulture, Nova moved to California. During her time in California, she worked with fruit from all over the state eventually settling in Napa and focusing on Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties from some of the top vineyards in the area including To Kalon, Vine Hill Ranch, MacDonald, Detert, and Hyde Vineyard. In 2015, she started her brand Trestle Thirty One in the Finger Lakes of NY. In 2020 added Snowshell Vineyards for Naked Wines and in 2022 will be launching Fiadh Ruadh, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap AVA in Napa. She currently goes back and forth between Napa and the Finger Lakes to manage both her CA projects and her projects in NY. In 2017, Nova was the first female winemaker in the US to achieve the title of Master of Wine. She has been named to Wine Enthusiasts Top 40 under 40 list and has numerous 90+ scoring wines to her credit from both coasts. Follow Nova: https://www.instagram.com/nova_cadamatre_mw/ https://www.instagram.com/trestle_31/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Black Winestory Month https://www.instagram.com/burgerandwines/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Alicia Ortiz | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:27:59 | |
Growing up on the Space Coast of Florida, Alicia Ortiz began her career at Kennedy Space Center as a Public Affairs intern and quickly developed her skillset in brand strategy, media relations, and social responsibility. Ultimately taking her first full-time job out of college with MORI Associates, another NASA contractor based in Maryland, she connected with Blake Hershey in 2019, who told her about his idea for Sippd. Resonating with Sippds mission to create a more inclusive wine experience for younger, less-experienced wine drinkers while using the platform to support social causes in a digital format - she knew she had to be a part of the project. Today, Alicia is the Head of Marketing at Sippd - the personal wine recommender and online marketplace that combines artificial intelligence and wine to help consumers find and order wines that match their unique taste profile. Follow Alicia and Sippd: https://www.instagram.com/aliciasips/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/drinksippd/?hl=en Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Alex Jankowski | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:37:41 | |
AlexJankowskihas been the Marketing Manager for Wagner Vineyards, located in New York's Finger Lakes wine region, since December 2019 and also serves as the Marketing Chair for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Prior to this, he was an editor and journalist for publications in Massachusetts, California, Alaska, Connecticut, and New Jersey. He is a native of Buffalo, NY, and glad to be back closer to home, telling the stories of the hard work and ingenuityneeded to craft world-class wines in upstate New York. He recently was awarded the 2021 Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance Outstanding Customer Service Award for these efforts. Follow Alex and Wagner: https://www.instagram.com/alexjankflx/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/wagnervineyards/?hl=en ?Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Sarah C Rhodes-Troxell of Galen Glen | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:34:06 | |
Interested in science from youth with a natural proclivity for mixing unusual concoctions (like perfumed toothpaste), Sarah eventually received a degree in Chemistry. Her professional career was focused on pharmaceutical packaging components for injectable drugs. But it was trips to Germany, and wine from Hawaii via husband Galens best friend, that collided to inspire Sarah and Galen to leave corporate jobs and acquire the Troxell family double century farm. Sarahs winemaking mentor, serendipitously also from Germany, Volker Schneider, helped her refine the winerys style while strengthening her wine chemistry repertoire. Sarah and Volker collaborated onAcidity Management in Must and Wine: the first exhaustive treatment of the subject in print and the definitive guide to arguably the most delicate operation in the development of a fine wine. NY wine critic Lenn Thompson recently described Sarah: If she were making wine on the West Coast (or even in a place like New York or Virginia) youd know her name. But, because she and Galen are 90 miles north of Philadelphia in rural Andreas, PA, she flies very much under the radar for all but the most intrepid regional wine geeks. Galen Glen is twenty-seven years young and Sarah is proud to be entrusted each harvest with translating the story of the growing season and land into wine. When not farming wine, Sarah enjoys drinking wine of course, cooking with Galen as head chef and Sarah as his sous-chef, and encouraging their three grown children to pursue their aspirations. https://www.instagram.com/galenglenwine/?hl=en https://www.galenglen.com/index.html Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Jermaine Stone | 13 Jan 2022 | 01:11:23 | |
Bronx native, Jermaine Stone, spent his life entrenched in Hip Hop but found an interest in fine wine while packing boxes in the shipping department for Zachys Wine Auction. He later grew to create their global logistics presence while honing his skills as an auctioneer. In 2013 he became one of the founding Directors and Auctioneers for the auction department of LA retail giant Wallys. Throughout his 17-year career, Jermaine has worked with various clients across all facets of the wine industry, developing his skills in business operations, marketing, brand partnerships, and content creation. Today Jermaine is head of Cru Luv Selections; A New York based creative agency dedicated to blending his knowledge of wine and hip hop culture. Follow Jermaine: https://www.instagram.com/realwolfofwine/?hl=en https://wineandhiphop.com/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| After Dark 2021 w Rae | 15 Dec 2021 | 01:21:22 | |
We close out 2021 with one of our favs. Rae Mathis. The topics range from holiday gifts to red flags. The entire episode is live on our YouTube Channel. Here are a few of the black businesses we mention:
Follow Rae: https://www.instagram.com/vermillionpearl/?hl=en Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| A Conversation about DEI with Ikimi Dubose Woodson of The Roots Fund | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:50:44 | |
In this powerful and timely episode of Swirl Suite, we sit down with Ikimi Dubose Woodson, co-founder and executive director of The Roots Fund, to have a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the wine industry. With increasing backlash and companies pulling back on DEI initiatives, we ask the tough question Is DEI dead? Ikimi shares how these shifts are directly impacting The Roots Fund and the vital work they do to support and uplift BIPOC talent in wine. We also dig into how the broader wine industry is responding (or failing to respond) to the changing tides, and what this all means for the future of equitable access and representation in wine. This is an unfiltered discussion about accountability, real change, and what happens when companies use DEI as a buzzword instead of a commitment. The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Mixology & Murder w Kierra Sondereker | 08 Dec 2021 | 00:55:51 | |
IntroducingMixology and Murder: Cocktails Inspired by Infamous Serial Killers, Cold Cases, Cults, and Other Disturbing True Crime StoriesbyKierraSondereker a new full-color book that adds a twist of true crime to 60 classic cocktails. Accompanied by tales of serial killers, cold cases, cults, and more, youll find page-after-page of alarmingly appealing drink recipes. https://www.amazon.com/Mixology-Murder-Cocktails-Inspired-Disturbing-ebook/dp/B08VJLH81Y Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Donae Burston | 18 Nov 2021 | 00:46:51 | |
Donae Burston is a luxury wine & spirits leader with over 15 years of industry experience. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Donae achieved a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University in 1998. He concurrently completed a second degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech before he began his career in the information technology sector, initially consulting on Healthcare Systems. In 2003, Donae entered the alcohol industry, working on the promotional side of several iconic brands in the U.S, before joining the luxury group LVMH. During his 10+ years with the company, he worked across brands such as Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Moet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka, and Hennessy Cognac. While with LVMH, in 2011, Donae created the first-ever luxury champagne bar in a sports arena at American Airlines Arena during the Miami Heat's championship run. In 2016, Donae became the Regional Director of the Southeast U.S, Caribbean, and Latin America regions of Armand de Brignac Champagne. He was responsible for the brand's commercial and marketing goals in each territory. Throughout his career, Donae found that, in general, the wine industry was not embracing the multicultural consumer. He wanted to create a quality product inspired by his zest for life and travel that homed in on catering to the margin that had been overlooked, particularly when it came to ros. With a commitment to creating an authentic and exceptional St. Tropez ros, in the summer of 2019, La Fte du Ros - a brand that speaks to all demographics - was born. The name "La Fte" translates to "the ros party," one that everyone is invited. Since its debut, the company has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold programs such as All Abroad that send underserved & underrepresented youth on unique travel experiences. In June 2020, Burston announced the $2 of from every bottle sold via its website through August 2020 would be donated to organizations that fight every day for racial justice and create opportunities for people of color in the wine & spirits industry. A total of $25,000 was raised and donated to The Roots Fund and other foundations. Donae splits his time between Miami and Atlanta, where he lives with his fiance and their 3-year-old son, Noah. Follow Donae: https://www.instagram.com/thurstonburstoniii/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/lafeterose/?hl=en https://shop.lafeterose.com/collections/all Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Alexandra Schrecengost of Culture With Us | 10 Nov 2021 | 00:48:16 | |
CEO of curated virtual events company VirtualWithUs&CultureWithUs,withmore than 15+ years of experience in wine, spirits and luxury hospitality communications.Alexandra is the Founder of Virtual With Us, curated virtual experiences and Culture With Us, the missing link between hybrid, remote and in-person employees with offerings for unique corporate gifting and bespoke hybrid experiences for corporations. A WSET level 3 certified wine professional and longtimefinewine and spiritscommunicationsspecialist,Alexlaunched Virtual With Us when she saw her husband and his colleagues' need for nurturing and building professional relationships.VirtualWithUsis the only virtual events business that's focused on high quality interactive experiences and ultimately relationship building in the workplace--for socialization and interactionwithcolleagues, so no one feels like they are in a silo. Giving voice to diversity and inclusion are at the center of Culture With Us, especially in thedigital medium which will be the backbone for vibrant workplaceculturesand inclusion in the future--whether it be hybrid virtual onboarding first day meet & greets, office tours, retreats/off-sites and corporate gifting. Alexandra is currently studying for the WSET Diploma, and holds a Masters of Public and Organizational Relations from Montclair State University. She serves on the beverage committee for The James Beard Foundation on and on the board of Self Help Africa.Alexlives in New Jerseywithher husband and their identical twin boys. Follow Alex and Culture with Us: https://www.instagram.com/alexschrec/?hl=en https://culturewithus.com/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Arden & Margaux of Argaux | 03 Nov 2021 | 00:24:23 | |
Arden Montgomery and Margaux Reaume are the founders of Argaux, the all-women operated and owned online wine shop and educational platform. Argaux brings a modern, accessible approach to shopping for and learning about wines through experience-based kits and sommelier-guided tastings for everyone from beginners to more experienced wine connoisseurs.Arden and Margaux received their Level I and II certifications and launched Argaux in 2015. With a team of all-female, Certified and Advanced, Level III sommeliers and French Wine Scholars (through the Court of Master Sommeliers and The Wine + Spirits Education Trust), Argaux curates an ever-rotating selection of small production, family-owned, and responsibly farmed wines from around the world. https://argaux.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_argaux_/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Amanda of Shitty Wine Memes | 28 Oct 2021 | 00:41:31 | |
Shitty Wine Memes is aFlorida-based brandthat brightens the day of an audience connected to wine. From those just starting out to deep into their wine career, theres something for everyone.Shitty Wine Memes merchandise is fashionable, fun, and a great gift for that wine nerd in your life! And $1 per pin sold is donated to The Roots Fund. Check out daily wine humor content onInstagram@shittywinememesand theonline shop! Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Jeryl Cole of Off the Rox | 13 Oct 2021 | 00:50:51 | |
Jeryl Cole of@offtheroxjoins the Swirl Suite this week. Maryland natives, Jeryl & Ty Cole desired a high-end wine and beer shop so they built one in their own neighborhood on the East Side of#Baltimore. https://www.instagram.com/offtherox/?hl=en https://shop.offtheroxwine.com/ Collaboration Box www.vinemeupdc.com/shop-1/p/beadsnbutterbox Books and Bottles The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Michael Evans | 06 Oct 2021 | 00:22:22 | |
Michael Evans founded The Vines in 2005 in Mendoza, Argentina, which is now expanding to 12 regions around the world. There are currently 17 founding members of The Vines global membership club, in addition to 240 making wine in Mendoza. For background, fifteen years ago Michael went to Argentina from Los Angeles for what he thought would be a three-week vacation. He fell in love with the people and the place that is Mendoza and decided to embark on this adventure of creating Argentinas greatest wines. After a chance introduction to Pablo Gimenez Riili during that visit to Mendoza, Michael and Pablo began an endeavor together to provide the highest quality wine experience to Mendoza travelers and help those who love wine to make their own. The result was The Vines of Mendoza. With Pablo, Michael raised money from friends and family and purchased 650 acres of land in the Uco Valley, and created The Vines of Mendozas one-of-a-kind Private Vineyards. They've since sold vines to more than 185 owners from around the globe, and the property has expanded to 1,500 acres. http://www.vinesofmendoza.com/private_vineyard/en/index.html Collaboration Box https://www.vinemeupdc.com/shop-1/p/beadsnbutterbox Books and Bottles https://fb.watch/8tow8Qx-dE/ The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Monique Bell | 29 Sep 2021 | 00:55:40 | |
Monique Bell, professor of marketing at Fresno State, researches the intersections of business and culture. Her recent work has explored survey data of Black wine entrepreneurs in an industry lacking diversity. In fact, Black-owned wineries account for less than 1 percent of all U.S. wineries. The Terroir Noir: 2020 Study of Black Wine Entrepreneurs survey respondents answered multiple questions related to their motivations for wine entrepreneurship, experiences with racism and other challenges, perceptions of the wine industrys inclusion efforts, business strategies and practices, and the impacts of COVID-19. https://www.moniquebell.com/wine https://www.instagram.com/thewynebelle/?hl=en https://uncorkedandcultured.com/ The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Restaurateur Tamy Rofe | 22 Sep 2021 | 00:48:57 | |
Tamy Rofeis the sommelier, beverage director and partner of longstandingColonia Verdein Forte Green,Disco Tacosin Williamsburg andComparticatering in NYC. To share some background Tamy entered into the world of restaurants when she and her husband Felip Donnelly (burnt out from their decade-long advertising jobs) started hosting intimate, weekly supper clubs,Thursday at Worth Street,in their apartment in 2010. The supper club led to their first restaurantComodoin Soho in 2012, and their secondColonia Verdein 2014. Around the timeComodoopened, Tamybecame a certified sommelier (also just 6 months after giving birth to her first child). Now, Tamy oversees all wine selections for James Beard award-nominated Latin American restaurantColonia Verdein Fort Greene, the newly openedDisco Tacosin Williamsburg, and the duo's popular catering company, Comparti. As a sommelier, Tamy prioritizes approachable, fun and unexpected natural wines that draw in the community and create conversation. She is a firm believer in offering extensive selections of wines by the glass, so guests can easily explore new wines and have a bit of fun with their pairings. She'd be happy to speak to a number of topics, like why it's important to be mindful of how you speak about wine, not take your pairings too seriously, be open minded to new winemakers, and so much more. The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Restaurateur Aldo Z | 15 Sep 2021 | 00:45:07 | |
Born in Belgium but raised in both his homeland and Italy,AldoZaninotto spent much of his time growing up at his fathers Italianrestaurant in the heart of Brussels. It wasthere, that his love for the restaurant industry took off.After graduating with honors from one of the top hospitality schools in Europe,CERIA, Zaninotto hadthe opportunity to learn and work in some of the best restaurants in Brussels.In 1988, he landed inNew York City where he continued to expand his resumeworking in some of thebest fine dining spots in the city like San Domenico and Le Perigord. From New York he moved toLos Angeles, holding various positions in fine dining restaurants includingLOrangerie, La Toque, Fleur de Vin,Celestino and Patina. Later, Zaninottosettledin Chicago after accepting the general manager position of Carlucci, aLincoln Parkinstitution at the time. In 1994, he opened Savarin in River North with legendary ChefJohn Hogan, and then DitkasRestaurant in 1995 before deciding to focus on another side of the business thatis very near and dear to his heart: wine. For the next 12 years Zaninotto travelled throughout America and Europe, building relationships within the worlds winemaking elite. Eventually, he became the import manager for many of Italys famed wineries and helped bring these labels to restaurants and stores throughout the states and Canada.After working as a full-time wine seller and representingsome of the best wineries fromPiemonte, Zaninotto wanted to bring his love of this particular region of Italy to the Logan Square community. In 2014 he opened his first restaurant, Osteria Langhe, a cozy, wine-focused eatery dedicated entirely to the traditions and flavors of Piemonte.After six successful years and garnering several noteworthy accolades for Osteria Langheas one of best Italian restaurants in Chicago as well as the US, Zaninotto wanted to introduce his love for another part of Italy, theneighborhood of Testaccio in Rome, and opened his second restaurant of the same name in 2020. Testaccio, also located in Logan Square, is a lively and welcoming dining spot and wine bar showcasing authentic Roman dishes and Italian staples in a casual setting. Zaninotto also acts as wine director for both restaurants, bringing only the highest quality and value-driven wines to his establishments. Aldo's Restaurants: https://www.osterialanghe.com/https://www.testacciochicago.com/ Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_NoireSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Rosé Revolution | 01 Mar 2025 | 00:33:30 | |
In this special episode of the Swirl Suite, Tanisha sits down with the brilliant minds behind Ros Revolution, authors Rasmus Emborg and Jens Honor. Together, they explore how ros has evolved from a seasonal afterthought to a global phenomenon with cultural influence far beyond the bottle. From Provence to pool parties, this conversation uncorks the history, innovation, and passion fueling the pink wine movement.https://www.amazon.com/Ros%C3%A9-Revolution-Rasmus-Emborg/dp/1623716624 The Swirl Suite Podcast Email: SwirlSuite@gmail.com Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ Social Media POD @SwirlSuite Sarita @VineMeUp Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub Glynis @Vino_Noire Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass | |||
| Antonio Galloni | 26 Aug 2021 | 00:56:11 | |
Antonio Galloni, born in Caracas/Venezuela, studied in the USA and went to Italy at the turn of the millennium, where he published the first English-language magazine on Italian wine: the Piedmont Report. In a short time he earned a high respect at Italian wineries. He held tailor-made seminars and events, including the highly acclaimed "Festa del Barolo". So he cameRobert Parkerto his attention and made him his Italy specialist and until 2013 even editor-in-chief of "The Wine Advocate". Since May 2013, after his resignation as editor-in-chief, Galloni's wine ratings have been published under his trademark "Vinous" on the Internet, where he can find a "modern-day wine platform" in which the readers are involved in the communication. AlsoAntonio Galloniuses the 100-point system. Follow Antonio: https://www.instagram.com/antoniogalloni/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/vinousmedia/?hl=en Sarita's Activity Book: Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Maiah Johnson Dunn | 18 Aug 2021 | 00:48:48 | |
Maiah Johnson Dunn is an accidental activist based in Upstate New York. She is the founder and host of Chasing Grapeness, a wine pairing dinner series focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in the wine industry. Alongside highlighting DEI, Maiah believes in telling heart-forward stories through her writing, speaking, and consulting, which she can now proudly call her full-time job. The Boston native recently made Rochester her home, where she lives with her husband, dog, and two cats. Follow Maiah: https://www.instagram.com/thisismaiah/?hl=en https://www.maiah.com/ Sarita's Activity Book: Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||
| Fetzer Gewurztraminer | 11 Aug 2021 | 00:31:50 | |
When it comes to the wine aisle,Fetzerdelivers delicious, quality wines that lead with an uncommon conscience, meeting the groundswell of demand for sustainable brands. Its also widely available in 50 states at your neighborhood supermarket or wine shop for under $10. Fetzerhas only NOW (after 50+ years!) started talking about their sustainability efforts with afresh new packagethat actually tells consumers about their accomplishments on the bottle:
Find Fetzer: https://www.instagram.com/fetzerwine/ Sarita's Activity Book: Follow The Swirl Suite: Sarita @VineMeUp Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass Leslie @Vino301 Glynis @Vino_Noire Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/SwirlSuite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. | |||