Everyday Wine with Kris Levy: Recent Episodes

Kris Levy

Everyday Wine with Kris Levy is your chance to get unfiltered access to up-and-coming winemakers, sommeliers, and celebrities alike in the world of wine. Tune in every week to grow your fascination and understanding of wine, while hearing stories from people who have turned their passion for wine into their life pursuits. Get an inside look at different aspects of the complicated and often misunderstood world of wine, and become a wine hero to your friends, family, and community. If you're ready to understand more about what's going on inside your glass, then this show is for you!

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In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Margaux Alvarez,Owner and Founder of Celeste by MA Fitness App & the G.O.A.T. wine.

She is a small Business Owner, Winemaker, Competitive Athlete (7xCF Games, American Ninja Warrior, Titan Games, Tactical Games) and Fitness Coach.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 13:38] Margaux Alvarez on How Wine and Fitness Connect

  • Margaux talks about her journey into wine and how it connects with fitness
  • Margaux talks about the process of starting a business and licensing requirements for doing business in Utah
  • Margaux shares her story of falling in love with wine and the agricultural process behind it

[13:39 – 26:40] Wine and Fitness: Balance is Key for CrossFit Games Competitor

  • She has a personal philosophy of balance and how it is important to enjoy life's experiences, both in fitness and wine
  • She has learned through her finished journey that if it's all or nothing mentality, it won't serve you the best
  • She advocates for balance in her life by drinking wine every once in a while or every day, depending on her mood

[23:50 – 32:48] Five Unique Wine Labels That Tell Stories

  • The five wines featured on the label are all unique and special in their own way, with different stories and messages that resonate with people
  • The goal of the brand is to promote wine as a lifestyle choice, not just a drink for special occasions, and to connect with people on a personal level by telling their stories and sharing wine tastings

[32:49 – 42:05] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and conver t more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine: The Diablo Paso
  • Favorite go-to pairings
  • 11 Yuran Wine with chicken saute
  • Cheer Sun with spicy tacos
  • Wine Resource
  • The Court of Masterson book
  • Talking with Friends

Connect with Margaux

Website: www.margauxalvarez.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me throughInstagram,Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through thislink and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join ourFacebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's aligning myself with someone who has a good, strong record in terms of what she's been doing as a winemaker as well.” - Margaux Alvarez

“We're gonna go to different periods in life. Just like with agriculture, you know, you gotta chill the ground. We're gonna introduce the nutrients back into the soil. We as individuals and humans also change and also have some sort of pivot in our life, and it's important to at least understand and take a step back to reflect on that.” - Margaux Alvarez

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In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Michael Juergens, founder of the Bhutan Wine Company.

He is a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he runs the Winery Solutions practice, overseeing the portfolio of services the firm provides to wineries. He is also a certified specialist in wine, a certified sommelier, and a Stage 2 candidate to become the 58th American to qualify as a Master of Wine. Michael has written a number of books on wine, and runs the wildly popular Drinking & Knowing Things wine blog. He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in this magical Himalayan country. He owns the award winning SoCal Rum company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any silver rum (95 points). Michael is also a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. Michael plays the drums in a punk rock band, and spends his free time running adventure races in exotic locations around the world, building.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 10:15] Getting into the Winery Program

  • The importance of two professional certification tracks
  • Michael shares how he started wanting to learn more about winery
  • How he convinces his firm to start a winery business, and be in charge

[10:16 – 23:49] Starting Side Projects on Winery

  • Starting as a small sommelier
  • Deciding to write wine novels
  • Michael shares his experience on Bhutan and their wine culture

[23:50 – 35:40] Lessons Learned During Winery Business

  • The Importance of the story of your wine business to resonate with you and your values
  • Differentiating winery as business, art or as an assignment as the spectrum
  • Aligning story against demographic as a scale with economic viability

[35:41 – 44:12] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine: Burgundy
  • Favorite go-to pairings
    • Vintage champagne with steak
    • Sauternes with caviar
  • Wine Resource
    • Drinking
    • Knowing things

Connect with Michael

Website: http://www.bhutanwine.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you can grow the best guava in the world, you should be able to grow some pretty damn interesting grapes for wine.” - Michael Juergens

“You've either got to be on the, we're selling a product to make a product to sell. Or we're trying to do something interesting. I think the people in the middle of that are gonna be less successful than the people on the outside.” - Michael Juergens

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In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Mike Sinor, Founding Winemaker of Ancient Peaks Winery.

Raised in Visalia, California, Mike attended college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where he financed his education by working at several local wineries— an experience that ignited his career in winemaking. As Ancient Peaks’ founding winemaker, Mike was an integral force in the establishment of the winery. He came in as one of the Central Coast’s highest-rated winemakers and immediately reinforced that reputation with Ancient Peaks’ 2006 Zinfandel (93 points, Wine Spectator) and many wines thereafter. Today, Mike continues to direct the quality and style of Ancient Peaks wines, and he maintains a guiding hand in the winery’s estate Margarita Vineyard.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 09:45] Falling in Love with Winemaking

  • Mike shares his wine origin story
  • Not growing up with classic food or wine and ended up working for six small brand wineries
  • How El Paso de Robles is a great place to be about wine - still the Wild West

[09:46 – 23:05] The Backstory of Ancient Peaks Winery

  • The birth of Ancient Peaks Winery - at the right place and the right time
  • Building connections to invite opportunities in the wine industry
  • Mike explains the realities of the grower and winemaker processes

[23:06 – 28:26] Work Hard and Have an Open Mind

  • Mike talks about their wines
  • Dealing with extremes - adapting and overcoming
  • Do not make excuses and dedicate yourself to your passion

[28:27 – 33:37] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Tri-tip with salsa and Ancient Peaks’ Renegade
  • Wine Resource
    • Internet
    • YouTube
    • Podcasts

Connect with Mike

Website: https://ancientpeaks.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I knew where I was going. I knew I wanted to work for a great winemaker… I went to Cal Poly to be an educator… You know, I think education is a great part of life.” - Mike Sinor

“Understand what it takes, details to make great wine, to grow wine… It takes years to get the reputation, to get the contacts, and the network, you know?... It's a grind, and it really is a grind.” - Mike Sinor

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are joined by Michael Speakman!

Michael Speakman bought Westerly Wines five years ago and has not looked back. From crafting high-quality Pinot Noir to big Cabernets, Westerly Wines capitalizes on everything Santa Barbara offers. Let’s dive into his story!

[00:31 - 07:27] Veteran-Owned Wineries Supporting Veterans

  • Michael Speakman, owner, and winemaker of Westerly Wines and 13 Stripes Winery is a veteran and retired Navy seal.
  • Mike has been working in the wine industry for five years and is passionate about supporting veteran initiatives.

[07:27 - 15:36] Winemaker creates unique wines for charity

  • Westerly has been around for 25 years Mike and his wife are the fourth owners.
  • The difference between inferior and superior wine and a high-quality farming
  • Wine can be used for many purposes, such as raising money or promoting awareness for a cause.

[15:37 - 21:22] Releasing A Patriot Wine Called 13 Stripes

  • Mike started 13 Stripes Winery in 2020, In January of 2022, he received a phone call from folds of honor asking if he would donate wine to an upcoming golf event He agreed and donated two cases of wine
  • In May of that year, he was contacted by folds of honor again, this time to donate wine for an event in California.
  • Since then, he's donated wine to Folds of Honor events in multiple states.
  • He recommends documentaries and working with a winemaker who knows verbiage about winemaking

[21:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite go-to-wine
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Favorite go-to pairing
  • Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Hamburgers and Red Blend
  • Wine Resource
  • Books
  • And Documentaries

Connect with Mike Speakman

Instagram:@westerlywines

Website: westerlywines.com and 13stripeswinery.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me throughInstagram,Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through thislink and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join ourFacebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I knew that wine was fermented and put in the barrel, but. It's very intriguing. The complexity of how the wine is made and the different aspects of taking it from the field and putting it into a bottle are pretty cool. and then when it makes it to the shelf and you get positive feedback, there's nothing better than that.” - Mike Speakman

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Erik Chapman! Erik has extensive experience in distilled spirits and fermented beverages, spanning multiple tiers of the industry from production and design to policy and compliance. In his current role, Erik manages production and packaging — and is helping to usher in the next chapter of NEFT. He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands while maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients and final vodka, and unique custom packaging.

He joins NEFT from the craft world having worked as a distiller and brewer as well as a consultant for wineries and cideries. With over 15 years in the industry, he has created hundreds of unique and successful formulas for a range of brands including core SKUs and white-label options for major retailers such as Trader Joe’s and Kroger.

He currently resides in his native Pacific Northwest with his family. He enjoys playing around with the beverage recipes — distilling and cocktails — in his free time.

Let’s dive into his story

00:32 - 07:36] Eric Chapman on NEFTT Vodka and the Future of Craft Spirits

  • Erik Chapman is the Chief Operating Officer of NEFT Vodka.
  • He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands, maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients, and developing unique custom packaging.
  • Chapman started his career in beverage alcohol on the on-premise side, owning and operating a craft cocktail bar in Seattle.
  • He then sold the business after he started distilling and brewing.
  • Erik add that He was distilling and brewing for Capitol Hill's Brewery & Distillery.

[07:36 - 15:00] Sustainable Vodka Made with Local and Mineral-Rich Ingredients

  • That process starts with agriculture that process starts with a grain that is typically considered a peasant grain rye.
  • Rye is different in Europe than it is in the US, and Erik has worked with both
  • There are different grades of rye, and some can be used to make vodka.
  • Erik likes sourcing things from dry-farmed. Here in the US that is called Salmon Safe certified.
  • Organic farming doesn't make a huge difference to me on the land, but it does create better sustainability for workers and the community.

[15:00 - 23:04] Neft Vodka Becomes Trending Beverage in Kansas City

  • It has been selling well in Europe and India but struggles to find a foothold in the United States.
  • NEFT is trading up, encouraging customers to trade up from lower - quality vodka options.

[23:05 - 31:22] NEFT Spirits: Just, You Know, That Craft Spirit in There

  • The Company is positioned as a premium spirit with a craft spirit feel, focusing on quality ingredients and filtration to produce a smooth, flavorful drink.
  • NEFT produces a variety of spirits, including neutral ethanol burn vodka and gin.
  • For those interested in learning more about spirits, NEFT recommends looking for local resources or taking classes offered by American Distilling Institute.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Cocktail
  • It's seasonal - especially now that it’s raining Erik loves, Apple Brandy.
  • Favorite go-to pairing
  • Duck a l’Orange and Gin Cocktails
  • Wine Resource
  • American Distilling Institute (ADI)
  • Distilled Spirits Council the United States

Connect with Erik Chapman

Website: www.neftvodka.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me throughInstagram,Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through thislink and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join ourFacebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s a misconception that all vodka can be made from whatever and taste the same. It's, it's wildly untrue. Just like anything else in the world, any other beverage, alcohol, your base grain affects your output, your final product” - Erik Chapman

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Mara Smith!

Mara is a former attorney, corporate strategist, and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. She started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. Mara searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste, and aroma that appealed to her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. Mara's goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, it was also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry. Women are a part of every aspect of Inspiro Tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara's mission is to inspire and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys through financial support and mentoring.

[00:01 - 15:41] Mara’s Journey and Goals, Bringing Empowerment to Women

  • Mara’s goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, but also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry.
  • Women are a part of every aspect of Spirit tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves.
  • As a female founder, Mara's Mission is to inspire and support other women
  • The challenges of starting a tequila company, include finding distilleries and finding a master distiller.
  • The unique flavor profile of Inspiro Blanco tequila is rested in oak barrels and aged for a minimum of 30 days.

[15:41 - 23:06] A Fresh Look from A Design Perspective from Labels to Bottle designs

  • The name Inspiro came about after hemming and hawing the moment it came to her she knew she wanted to name it that way
  • The brand story is just her story and wasn't developed by a team
  • There are three customer groups: distributors, retailers, and end-users
  • Getting started can be overwhelming, so it's important to do research and have a plan
  • You have to be strategic when entering new markets and one market at a time"

[23:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Spirit or Cocktail
    • Tequila Soda
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Sushi & Tequila
    • Chips and Guacamole
  • Tequila Resource
    • Tequilamatchmaker.com
    • Tequila Aficionado Podcast

Connect with Mara Smith

Instagram:@inspirotequila
Facebook: www.facebook.com/inspirotequila
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/inspiro-tequila
Pinterest: www.pinterest.ph/inspirotequila

Or visit their website at https://inspirotequila.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's just about trying to help other women, as they get started. So we provide grants and mentoring and that’s the part that is really fun for me.” - Mara Smith

“I really wanted something, even from the bottle design. It's super sleek and sophisticated. It looks very different than a standard tequila bottle." - Mara Smith

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Jack Espy!

Jack Espy. Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Santa Barbara, Jack currently splits his time between Nashville and NYC. He has a real estate finance background, but amidst a global pandemic, a few too many homemade quarantine cocktails became sticky - literally! - situation.

He came out of quarantine with an idea inspired by many nights concocting honey-based drinks for “Hive,” and embarked on a new career as the founder of Spirited Hive. Sparked by a desire to not return to the world of finance, Jack poured his energy and life savings into creating a new line of canned cocktails, all sweetened with a bit of honey.

Let’s dive into his story!

[00:33 - 07:33] Spirited Hive Founder Shares Tips for Crafting Unique Spirits

  • Spirited Hive was created as a way to use higher-quality spirits and organic sweeteners, and Jack differentiated his brand by focusing on friends and creating drinks for friends.
  • Spirited Hive currently offers vodka, cranberry lime, ginger tequila, watermelon, blueberry lemon, and grapefruit ginger.

[07:33 - 15:28] Hive Spirits Makes a Mark in Nashville

  • Hive uses high-quality spirits, honey, and other ingredients to create unique cocktails.
  • The brand has faced challenges in getting its products into stores due to the competitive nature of the industry.
  • To overcome these challenges, Hive has developed strong relationships with retailers.

[15:29 - 22:20] Spirited Hive's top seller

  • The natural soccer club is a brand that specializes in creating and selling alcoholic drinks inspired by soccer.
  • The first product released was a vodka infused with cranberry, lime, honey, and natural flavor.
  • Since then, the company has released other alcoholic drinks including tequila ginger, bourbon ginger, and honeydew ginger.
  • All products are 7% alcohol by volume.

[22:20 - 29:09] Hive Craft Cocktails: Nashville's Best-Kept Secret

  • Hive Craft Cocktails come in four flavors: bourbon, rosemary, gin, and vodka.
  • The Nashville market was targeted because people there are already familiar with high-quality spirits and are willing to spend more money on them.
  • Be sure to have a good brand story and target a demographic that is interested in your product.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Cocktail
    • Mexican Meal
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Merlot and Rib-eye
  • Wine Resource
    • Can Cocktails
    • Reserve Bar

Connect with Jack Espy

Instagram: @spiritedhive

Website: www.spiritedhive.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

"I always go back to the sense that this drink and this whole brand was built with friends and for friends." - Jack Espy

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today let me introduce you to Jesse and Aaron Inman, Owners and Winemakers at Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Jesse Inman had what one might euphemistically refer to as humble beginnings. After wandering around California and Europe in search of inspiration outside of art and drinking, he joined August Briggs Winery in 2006. After nearly 16 years of making wine for several different brands, including a few of his own.

Aaron Inman was introduced to Sonoma County when he visited his winemaker uncle in Calistoga, Napa Valley. During his visits, he realized he would move to Santa Rosa and attend the Junior College there during his teenage years.He became passionate about winemaking and considered pursuing an enology degree at UC Davis or Fresno State. Instead, he enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Jesse and Aaron have decided to make great wines with an emphasis on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. In other words, making wine less intimidating while providing a product that people can support is the driving force behind Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Let’s dive into their wine story!

[00:01 – 7:22] Opening Segment

  • Aaron and Jesse shares their wine origin story
  • Catching the winemaking bug and starting a winemaking company

[7:23– 17:13] The Origins of Lucky Rock Wine Co.

  • Creating a specialized brand that caters to high-end wine enthusiasts
  • Rebranding the business to reflect what personal mission and goals
  • Knowing why you are different and what make you unique

[17:14 – 40:18] Our Wines Show Our Uniqueness

  • Maintaining quantity of sales without sacrificing the quality of the wine
  • Discovering vineyards that are the gems in the rough
  • Customers might feel more connected to what they're buying if they know the vineyard and wine's history
  • Wine is supposed to make people happy as they drink it
  • Be clear in your marketing and message so customers understand why they should buy your product

[40:19 – 42:59] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
  • Sauvignon blanc
  • Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay
  • Favorite go-to pairing
  • Gumbo with a good Pinot
  • Napa with steak and ribeye
  • Wine Resource
  • Wine Seminars
  • Self learning through wine magazines and other resources

Connect with Jesse and Aaron

Instagram: @luckyrockwineco, @messybob

Youtube: Lucky Rock Wine Lounge

Website: https://luckyrockwineco.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me throughInstagram,Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through thislink and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join ourFacebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“My advice to people is make sure you know why you're different.” - Aaron Inman

“It's not supposed to be the most sophisticated wine in the world. it's meant to make people happy while they're enjoying it.” - Jesse Inman

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Kris Levy is speaking with Leto Cellars’ co-founder and operator Lisa Warner about her wine marketing and sales career. Warner has over three decades of experience in the wine industry, working for self-producers as well as Leto Cellars, which she and her husband Brad founded in 2008. While not every aspect of their business is perfect, Warner and her team are still working toward creating a unique wine experience that will attract their ideal customers.

[00:34 - 08:35] Opening Segment

  • Lisa Warner is a co-founder of Leto Cellars and has been in the wine industry for over 30 years.
  • She started out as an administrative assistant at Robert Mondavi Winery and then switched to marketing and sales.
  • In 2008, she and her husband Brad launched Leto Cellars, a self-produced wine brand.
  • In 2012, they rebranded the company.

[08:37 - 17:15] Lisa Shares Tips for Selling Wine

  • Lisa took a wine entrepreneurship program at Sonoma State.
  • Lisa learned to create customers, she needed to first be their friend.
  • Lisa started working in a cellar for a few years to learn more about wine production and how to sell it.

[17:15 - 35:16] Lisa Discusses Sourcing

  • The winery's core values are that they don't grow grapes, but they want to buy grapes from small, independent growers and support other families in the valley that mirror their values.
  • They source grapes from Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and Lodi, California.
  • They are open to sourcing wine from outside of Napa because of where they are located in the industrial park.

[35:16 - 37:31] Closing Segment

  • Tasting Round with Lisa

Connect with Lisa:

Instagram: @letocellars

Website: letocellars.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this with your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

" I think a lot of people take for granted ... how long it takes to make a bottle of wine" - Kris Levy

" You can make wine all day, but then you have to figure out how you're gonna sell it." - Lisa Warner

"The dream is still alive. It's just going to be more focused going forward." - Lisa Warner

View Details

Eric Flanagan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Russian River Partners, as well as owner/founder and proprietor for Flanagan Wines. In this episode, Eric shares his experience on how he grew his wine business.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 16:40] Opening Segment

  • Leaving a career in finance to make a winery business
  • Eric compares small wineries with horse racing
  • Growing by putting out more money
  • The Key is to Not Make Any Mistakes

[16:41 – 27:09] Buying and Selling Vineyards with Wine Investment Groups

  • This is going to be a really good deal!
  • How to Create Productive Vineyards
  • Bringing in People to the Plan

[27:10 – 42:35] Quality Vineyards and Wineries

  • Eric is lucky with his friends who have contributed to his business growth
  • Building an exclusive use of grapes
  • Evan compares wine to real estate
  • Know your vineyard and create relationships

[42:36 – 51:04] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Eric takes on the rapid-fire questions with a twist

Connect with Eric

Website: flanaganwines.com

Email: eric@flanaganwines.com

Instagram: instagram.com/flanaganwines

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you’re in touch with a lot of people, you get pretty wired in with what is really going on.” – Eric Flanagan

“If you have the thing that is the best of the best, the demand for that is very solid and stable.” – Eric Flanagan

“Building a wine brand is very hard.” – Eric Flanagan

View Details

Following a two-year term as the 40th PGA President, Paul K. Levy was named PGA Honorary President at the 2018 PGA Annual Meeting. Previously, he also served two-year terms each as PGA Vice President and PGA Secretary.

As PGA President, Levy was influential in the decision to relocate the PGA Headquarters to Frisco, Texas, and spearheaded growing the employment consultant arm of PGA of America‘s Career Services and executive search. The $550 million PGA Frisco development will bring 26 PGA of America championships, approximately 150 jobs and a new Northern Texas PGA Section Headquarters.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 06:45] Opening Segment

  • Let’s welcome my dad, Paul Levy, to the show!
  • How Paul got into golf, food, and beverage
  • Holistic Golf and Country Club Experience
  • Paul’s Wine Origin Story

[06:46 – 14:03] Golf, Wine, and a Shared Passion between Father and Son

  • How to Sell Wine at a Club
  • Finding talent for the food and beverage team
  • Educating the staff and members of a country club on wine

[14:04 – 21:13] Professional Advice for Country Clubs

  • A piece of advice for the new country clubs
  • Wine training and tasting country club staff
  • The Need for Great Managers in the Golf Industry

[21:14 – 25:43] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
    • Cabernet
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Cabernet and charcuterie
  • Wine Resource
    • The internet
    • Club Manager Association of America

Connect with Paul

Email: paul@kkandw.com

Website: https://kkandw.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Golf courses have to always keep in mind that every part of food and beverage is part of the experience.” – Paul Levy

“At the end of the day, the golf industry is really in need of top-of-the-line general managers.” – Paul Levy

View Details

Jane Khoury obtained her Bachelors of Science in Viticulture and Enology from the renowned University of California, Davis. She continued on to earn her Masters of Business Administration in Wine Business from Sonoma State University. Jane not stopping there, went on to critique her craft and acquire experience by working under masterful California winemakers. Her aspirations led her overseas to learn beside legendary French winemakers in the French wine regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Jane continues to push the winemaking boundaries and regenerative agriculture while also being an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse.

Let’s dive into her wine story!

[00:01 – 12:12] Opening Segment

  • Born and raised in the vineyard in Minnesota County
  • Jane tells her story of leaving UC Davies for wine
  • What Brings Minnesota County Apart: Every type of grape grows here!
  • Jane Khoury, Registered Nurse and Winemaker

[12:13 – 30:31] Breaking down Biodynamic, Organic, and Sustainable Wines

  • It takes a lot of balance and coordination as a winemaker and registered nurse at the same time
  • Jane’s father started Elkfield Wines in the 1990s by creating sacrificial wine
  • Continuing the sustainable practice of Elkfield and adding biodynamic and organic ways
  • Biodynamic is its own ecosystem
  • Making Wine that is Healthy for You
  • Elkfield Wine’s 2022 Plans

[30:32 – 34:58] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
    • Solstice
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Duck and Pinot
  • Wine Resource
    • Travelling to other countries

Connect with Jane

Twitter and Instagram:@elkfieldwines

Website: www.elkfieldwines.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you’re doing you’re passionate about it doesn’t really seem like another job.” – Jane Khoury

“Not all wine is healthy for you.” – Jane Khoury

View Details

Albert Dahan is currently seizing the beverage market with a totally unique brand of off dry rosé

wines, crafted from an old family recipe.

Before Maison Marcel, Albert caught the entrepreneurial bug with his first company, American College USA. It was a stylish venture looking to revamp bulky sports jackets for a fashionable crowd. The brand was featured in every major fashion and lifestyle magazine, and Bradley

Cooper even accepted an MTV Movie Award in his favorite American College bomber.

Soon though, the success of American College USA catapulted him into life as a CEO. Now between New York and Paris, Albert is focused on brand management, product development, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 09:56] Opening Segment

  • Albert’s Wine and Company Origin Story
    • Originally, from the music industry before exploring the world of wine
    • Passion has always been the leading force in everything he has started

[09:57 – 17:16] Blending Wines, Notes, and Aromas

  • How Albert Applied His Past Lessons to His Own Company
    • The Power of Marketing: Product First
    • Persistence, the most important characteristic you need as an entrepreneur
  • What’s Missing with Wine Profiles

[17:17 – 32:43] Tastings of Wine

  • Rosé in the Summer
  • Albert took 2 years to find his perfect winemaker
  • The Wine World is Tough

[32:44 – 35:08] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
    • Château Cheval Blanc
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Chocolate cake
  • Wine Resource
    • VinePair
    • WineFolio

Connect with Albert

Instagram: @drinkmarcel

Website: www.drinkmarcel.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“If the product is good enough and if you’re persistent, then the rest will follow.” – Albert Dahan

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Chuck McKahn, Owner and Winemaker at McKahn Family Cellars

Chuck is a small town kid from Ripon in California's Central Valley. He caught the wine bug very early at the age of 15 (supervised by his parents of course!) and after high school made his way to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Wine and Viticulture program. In 2011 Chuck moved to the Napa Valley to work for Phillip Titus at Chappellet and has since moved onto winemaker posts at William Harrison and various smaller wine brands. Chuck's family and he started McKahn Family Cellars in 2014 where he was fortunate enough to craft Rhone varietal wines, a personal passion of Chuck's. Chuck and his wife Brittany live in Napa and their favorite hobby is drinking Champagne.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 10:11] Opening Segment

  • Chuck shares his wine origin story
  • Choosing Cal Poly because of its proximity to the beach, studying wine, and identifying his wine career path

[10:12 – 16:49] McKahn Family Cellar’s Humble Beginnings

  • Chuck’s Biggest Takeaway from Chappellet
    • Know what you’re doing and know what you don’t know in a vineyard
    • Blending Must-Knows
  • Talking about wine more deeply and sharing the knowledge through starting McKahn Family Cellars

[16:50 – 37:06] Building a Family Business while Crafting Rhone Varietals in Napa Valley

  • Wine Evolutions at McKahn Family Cellars
  • A Unique Charcuterie Aroma in Chuck’s Rhône WineVarieties
  • The biggest challenge is because they are Rhône WineVarieties!
  • Chuck talks about their wines

[37:07 – 42:59] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
    • Sparkling wine
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Desert wine and something salty
    • Sparkling wine and oysters
  • Wine Resource
    • The Wine Bible
    • The Story of Wine

Connect with Chuck

Instagram: @mckahnfamilycellars, @chuck.mckahn.wine

Website: mckahnfamilycellars.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Knowing what you’re doing and knowing what you don’t know in a vineyard are so important.” - Chuck McKahn

“It takes time to be successful in the wine industry.” - Chuck McKahn

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Paul Ahvenainen of Korbel Champagne Cellars.

Paul began his career at Korbel Champagne Cellars in 1985, shortly after his graduation from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Enology, and two years of experience working as a distiller for a subsidiary of French Cognac producer Remy Martin. Having gained extensive experience working in Korbel’s laboratory, cellar, grower relations, and as an Assistant Winemaker, as well as teaching wine chemistry at Sonoma State University, Paul was promoted to the position of Winemaker prior to the 1996 harvest.

He has been essential to the growth, production and consistent quality that has earned Korbel recognition and numerous gold medals throughout the years. He credits his successful tenure to having the opportunity of working with a talented, creative, and quality-oriented team, all working together to produce the winery’s great products.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 07:41] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • The cool parts of the wine industry that caught Paul’s interest
  • What Not to Do in the Wine Industry
  • Brandy is just distilled wine

[07:42 – 16:41] Korbel Champagne Cellars

  • Korbel was not really about wine
  • Paul tells the story of Korbel
  • Korbel’s struggles with their first wines

[16:42 – 35:15] The California Fruit, Korbel Wines

  • The Champagne Wine Market
  • Korbel changes every time for the better
  • High Quality that is Affordable: The Wine for All
  • The Secret to Korbel’s wines and champagnes

[35:16 – 40:18] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Paul plays the Tasting Round

Connect with Paul at https://www.korbel.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine is agriculture.” - Paul Ahvenainen

View Details

Mike Veseth (pronounced VEE-seth) is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. His writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised.

In this episode, let’s get nerdy and talk about micro and macroeconomics in wine!

[00:01 – 07:18] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Wine comes from places and has stories!
  • How Mike became a wine economist

[07:19 – 16:36] The Professor and the Blogger

  • Mike Veseth versus Michael Veseth
  • What’s in Mike’s blog?
  • Writing Wine Wars in 2011
  • Leaving a mark through The Wine Triple Crisis

[16:37 – 22:53] The Wine Triple Crisis

  • The Environmental Crisis
  • The Economic Crisis
  • The Wine Identity Crisis

[22:54 – 29:57] How Wineries in the 21st Century Stay on Top of Wine Economics

  • Listen to the podcast
  • Follow the literature in the wine industry
  • Go to com
  • Read The Wine Economist Blog

[29:58 - 34:40] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite Wine
    • Riesling and Pinot
    • Portugal Red Blend
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Riesling and cheeses
  • Wine Resource
    • Contacts List

Connect with Mike TheWineEconomist.com and don’t forget to grab your very own Wine Wars II!

Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin: @MikeVeseth

Facebook: @TheWineEconomist and @MikeVeseth

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Globalization can make a wine, a brand, and a country. But, it can also hurt you and destroy you. It works both ways.” - Mike Veseth

“No one has to buy wine at all. No one definitely has to buy your wine. There are so many other choices so you need to give people the reason. You have to create the opportunity.” - Mike Veseth

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce to you, Simone Popov.

Simone Popov is a fascinating wine enthusiast who had an unconventional path into the wine industry. After working in various hospitality roles, Simone decided to pursue a wine business-specific MBA from Sonoma State. You definitely don’t want to miss out on Simone's fascinating story and his educational path that reflects his love for wine.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 06:47] Opening Segment

  • Simone is on his first podcast!
  • Simone shares his unconventional path to wine
  • Barrel Tasting by the Wine Road in the Sonoma County Wine Association

[06:48- 20:17] Wine MBA and WSET Diploma

  • Simone talks about his experience studying at Sonoma state
  • The beautiful and nitty-gritty side of wine
  • Why wine stories are not sold well
  • Check out Simone’s blog, The [Wine] Dispatch
  • Simone’s wine jobs after getting an education

[20:18 – 33:31] A Wine Education Recipe for Success

  • Tasting Rooms and Hospitality Flips
  • Simone’s Biggest Struggle and Failure in His Career
  • 2022 Journey to Becoming a Jack of All Trades

[33:32 - 39:52] The Tasting Round

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite go-to wine after a long day
    • Something crisp, something bright, something acidic with a lot of lifts
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Champagne and sashimi
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • I'll Drink to That! Wine Talk
    • XChateau Wine Podcast

Connect with Simone at https://b2w.wine and LinkedIn

Grab your copy of Seven Days on The Wine Road Memoir

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I want to be able to convey a fun and interesting story that revolves around wine and really be able to bring people into the world of wine and wine culture” - Simone Popov

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you, Montana Rae.

Montana founded The Wine Ship to bring educational, engaging, and entertaining experiences to wine lovers in Colorado and beyond. She began her career in wine behind the bar and transitioned into distribution for ten years. Now, she's back to connecting with consumers through events, classes, and a brand new wine club!

Let’s dive into her wine story!

[00:01 - 08:42] Opening Segment

  • Montana shares where her love for wine started
  • From a sales rep to a Director of Marketing

[12:42 - 17:17] The Wine Ship: A Creative and Interactive Way to Learn About Wine

  • What the Wine Ship is all about
    • a hybrid between entertainment and education
  • How Montana stays on top of everything
    • create a system and structure for easier task delegation

[17:19 - 22:52] How to Improve Your Wine Knowledge

  • Montana’s wine style: Sustainable growing
  • Find out one’s wine preference based on what they eat
  • Get a deeper understanding of wines through education and exposure

[22:53 - 34:08] A Systematic Way to Grow

  • Her biggest challenge as a business owner
    • Finding balance
    • Moving at a faster pace
  • Montana's advice to individuals looking to make a name for themselves in the bottle or distribution industry
  • Have a plan then work on the plan
    • Have a marketing calendar
    • Have a program that allows conversation around your brand
  • What the trends are in 2022
    • Less brand loyalty
    • A major change in the three-tier system operation

[34:09 - 36:34] The Tasting Round

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite go-to wine after a long day
    • Beaujolais
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Champagne and potato chips
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • People

Connect with Montana at https://www.thewineship.com/club and follow her on @thewineship and @montana.rae.sommelier

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I think some people will get hung up on having to have to get the brick and mortar before you you start the business or you know, they think they have in their mind. It has to be this but there are just so many ways to you just gotta start iterating start going and start doing something. And everything else will kind of fall into place.” - Kris Levy

“You can change your whole relationship with wine” - Montana Rae“I think for a lot of folks, they don't really know as much of what's out there simply because people like me and you, we taste a lot more wine than the average consumer because we're in the business. So that's another part of it is like exposure to the stuff.” - Montana Rae

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Ben Mesa, a headhunter that loves great wine!

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - ] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Ben Mesa comes on the show as a consumer!
  • How Ben got started with wine
  • The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in Wine Regions
  • Virginia is on the map!

[08:23 - 18:20] Bordeaux is Every Wine Lover's Dream

  • Ben's Wine Travels
  • A Champagne-filled France Trip
  • How Ben fell in love with Bordeaux
  • The Culture and Atmosphere of Bordeaux

[18:21 - 29:59] Wine Investing Know-Hows

  • Have the conversation with the winemaker
  • Wine as an investment
  • Wine storage matters
  • Protips for Wine Investors

[30:00 - 36:55] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp.
  • Favorite Wine
  • Bordeaux
  • Favorite Go-To Pairing
  • Red wine and steak
  • Wine Resource
  • Instagram
  • Talking with sommeliers

Connect with Ben

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Decentralized Careers Podcast

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“One of the things that I like to try to do is like, figure out what grape grows really good in that region. And that one grape is a good test that by the winemaker so perfect” - Ben Mesa

"Good quality wine from a good quality winemaker is an investment.” - Ben Mesa

"Walk away from a bad light and go learn a story about a bottle of wine." - Ben Mesa

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Adrian Tamblin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wine Routes, a Sonoma County-based company focused on delivering highly integrated modern solutions for the wine industry. In this role, he is committed to bringing technology, engagement, discovery, and wine lovers together. His insatiable love of wine, travel, and adventure, coupled with his entrepreneurial background lead him to assemble a team of developers and content producers to help wineries better connect with consumers.

Prior to committing full time to Wine Routes, Adrian spent 10 years as Director of Operations and Partner at Directoryofschools.com, a leading online portal that matched students with education programs suiting their interests at over 1,600 universities throughout the United States. His innate understanding of matching students with schools helped him conceptualize Wine Routes’ core service – helping users curate personalized experiences based on a winery’s wines, reviews and amenities.

[00:01 - 05:00] Opening Segment

  • Adrian brings technology, engagement, discovery and wine lovers together
  • Adrian introduces his company, Wine Routes
  • Wine Routes: A Database for Consumers and Wineries

[05:01 - 16:34] Wine Road: A Directory of Sonoma County's Direct Consumer Producers

  • Bridging the gap between consumers and wineries
  • How cyclists discover the different wineries in Sonoma
  • Standardizing Winery Websites
  • Experience wine tours via appointment
  • Google Analytics for Wineries: Insightful tools to increase traffic
  • Wine industry gets a game-changer through QR codes

[16:35 - 28:10] Planning Your Perfect Visit to Wine Country

  • A dynamic website that allows you to sell wine without being present at an event
  • How to Plan the Perfect Wine Trip
  • Why wineries are promoting education over tours
  • How Adrian and his team powered through COVID for his business

[28:11 - 32:26] The Tasting Round

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite go-to wine after a long day
  • Pinot Noir
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
  • Polenta and Chardonnay
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
  • The Wine Bible
  • The Barefoot Spirit
  • Cork Dork
  • Odyssey Wine Academy

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

"To plan a good itinerary, don't overdo it." - Adrian Tamblin

The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand
The Wine Bible
Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Eric and Riley of Flanagan Wines.

Flanagan Wines was born out of Eric’s love for wine. He visited wine-growing regions around the world from New Zealand to Greece and was fascinated by how the same grape variety produced different wines in different locations. This led to an interest in great vineyard sites and a focus on the soils and the climate that made each unique. In 1999, he chose to act on his interest by purchasing 40 acres on the heights of Bennett Mountain and planting their first vineyard. He now produces wines from several of the most highly regarded vineyard sites in Sonoma County.

Flanagan Wines is becoming known for making great wines from the best vineyards in Sonoma County.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 08:42] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guestS for this episode, Eric and Riley
  • Eric and Riley talk about how they started in the wine business and the strategies that made the business grow

[08:43 - 17:18] Things to Consider When Starting a Winery

  • Riley on making wines intentional
    • Making Rosé using the Saignee method
  • How you could sell the wine
    • Their wines are known for being varietally correct
    • Right location
    • Start making the best wine then focus on the marketing plan
  • What factors influenced their approach to the wine industry?
    • Make the best wine at the most suitable vineyard site and farming
    • Take good care of the customers
    • Owning a vineyard is pure hard work. It’s not as glamorous as it looks but the farmers ensure customers get the best experience

[17:19 - 24:38] Wine Business Is Not for Everyone

  • How to maintain work-life balance
    • Be the best and make friends with the people n the industry
    • Enjoy the events and the responsibilities that come with it
  • Eric and Riley’s advice if you’d like to start your own wine business
    • Decide what you want to do and don’t change that
    • You are your brand
    • Have your cashflow ready and be prepared for the risks

[24:39 - 33:30] The Tasting Round

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Favorite go-to wine after a long day
    • Pilsner or Sauvignon Blanc
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Riley: Oysters and Sauvignon Blanc, popcorn with Manchego and Chardonnay
    • Eric: mature triple cream with VNA, Cabernet with gouda
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • People
    • Working with different vineyard management

Connect with Eric and Riley at https://flanaganwines.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Always respect your customers and take great care of them.” - Eric“The best part about being in this industry is you get to actually hang out with people and connect with them and become a part of their lives and meet amazing people. And we have awesome customers. But it's a two-way street and you have people bringing you into the best parts of their lives. You have to show up and be real. And it requires a certain sense of vulnerability, I think, to create real friendships with people. And it took a while for me to understand that that was okay. You know, a lot of jobs where it's actually about making friends.” - Riley“There's nothing really a creative to the brand, except that I love the freaking wine.” - Eric

“If people start by buying bulk juice and slapping a label on it, and coming up with cute marketing ideas, that's different. But that's not about wine. That's not about making a wine you love or believe in, that's about making a product that isn't good, but that makes you money. And if you were going to do that, I would say you might as well do it in a different field with better margins. You know, like, if you just want to do that, then go to a different if you don't care about wine, then you don't need to be in the wine business. It's not the best business to be in anyway. So if you're going to be in it, make sure that you're in it because you really love wine and you love the idea of making great wines and you care about that. And then that will sustain you through the dark days, hopefully.” - Eric

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While the history of most wine producers is established in the years after they begin, Delgadillo Cellars started with a 30-year history in the Napa Valley under its belt. 30 years working the vineyards of Napa Valley. 21 years in winemaking. Winemaker Ignacio Delgadillo, Sr., started in the wine industry in 1975 at Freemark Abbey, eventually becoming cellar master during the days when Freemark produced one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon releases in the Napa Valley (and that is saying something). Along the way, he has consulted as a private vineyard contractor and established a successful custom wood packaging business.

After all those years in the vineyards and in the winery, Ignacio and his son, Ignacio Delgadillo Jr., found the opportunity to create their own label in 2001, and Delgadillo Cellars was born. With Ignacio senior’s extensive knowledge of the vineyards of Napa Valley, he and his family selected a small vineyard along Mill Creek in the northwest part of the valley. The Cabernet vines in Mill Creek Vineyard were planted between 1971 and 1976. Spur pruned, ladder trained, and completely dry-farmed, the fruit from these vines is concentrated, complex, and elegant. Delgadillo Cellars farms the site, allowing them to hand tend the fruit from bud break to bottling. Each Delgadillo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon release spends several years in French oak and has been bottle aged for three years in ideal cellar conditions before release. Delgadillo Cellars wines are truly a family affair, steeped in the traditions of Napa Valley wine growing.

[00:01 - 08:02] Opening Segment

  • Ignacio recalls his experience of growing up in wine country, learning about the industry and the different aspects of it from a young age had a big impact on his later career choices
  • Wine is a very labor-intensive industry with many benefits (such as therapeutic work), but there are also challenges (such as long hours and competition);

[08:03 - 19:01] Get to Know Delgadillo Cellars

  • Ignacio tells the story of how Delgadillo Cellars came to be
  • It wasn't easy starting a wine business when he was just a high school student
  • Starting a wine business is a big investment, but if it fails, it's not really that big of a risk

[19:02 - 24:35] Whites and Reds

  • Get to know the different varieties of wines offered by Delgadillo Cellars and how they are made
  • Ignacio shares his thoughts on their wine, specifically the red blend they produce.

[24:36 - 48:19] Closing Segment

  • What goes with this wine? Ignacio mixes and matches their wines with the best food the pair to
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that can be paired with meals that have complex flavors.
  • Ignacio enters the Tasting Round

Connect with Ignacio through info@dcellars.com and Delgadillo Cellars.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes

"Being in the booze industry is really a party every day." - Ignacio Delgadillo

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Rebekah Wineburg.

Rebekah’s passion for winemaking began when at the age of 16 she visited Napa Valley vineyards with her parents. The discussions from their visit left such a lasting impression that she went on to pursue a dual degree in chemistry and biology at Macalester College with the dream of becoming a winemaker. Committing wholeheartedly to her dream, she enrolled in the winemaking program at the University of California, Davis, where she earned her master’s degree in viticulture and enology. After completing her MS with a thesis on the effects of winemaking techniques on the phenolic composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, she abandoned the lab and went headfirst into a series of harvests in Italy, Oregon, and New Zealand before settling down in Napa Valley where she has worked and continued to learn winemaking at exceptional producers, such as Staglin Family, Rudd Estate and Buccella Wines before joining the Quintessa team in 2015.

Let’s dive into her wine story!

[00:01 - 13:32] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Rebekah tells the story of how she became interested in wine and decided to study it in Italy
  • Quintessa was a dream to Rebekah until she was introduced and hired to work there

[13:33 - 23:57] Growing a Brand from the Ground Up while Developing a Top Tier Winemaking Program

  • Rebekah started Post and Vine because he was fascinated by the vineyards and wanted to learn more about winemaking herself
  • Wine should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dining situation or table setting
  • Sourcing food can be a challenge, but with experience and a good relationship with the farmer, it becomes easier.
  • Organic farming is better for the environment and that biodynamics is a philosophy that guides the relationship between the farmer and their land.

[23:58 - 37:03] Old Vines and New Wines

  • Old vines are the privileged terroir and you don't have to do operations or force things to happen to make great wine
  • Some trends to watch out for in making wine in Napa Valley include climate change, increasing demand, and the growth of digital marketing

[37:04 - 41:11] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers like yourself, master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Rebekah plays the tasting round

Connect with Rebekah

Website: https://www.postandvine.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/postandvinewines

instagram.com/rebekahwineburg

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“My philosophy is the same in every wine I make. It's just the expression of the wines are different because the vineyards are different.” - Rebekah Wineburg

“Most of the biodynamic practices are not about the grapevine or not about the grapes at all. It's about soil health.” - Rebekah Wineburg

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Kyle Williams of Savor and Swirl.

Chef Kyle Williams has over 22 years of experience in the culinary industry, working in restaurants all over the world – from 2 Michelin starred Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef restaurants in Italy, to private resorts in Hawaii, large hotels, small café’s to opening and working in restaurants in NYC for a few of the best 3 starred New York Times celebrity chefs (Todd English, David Burke, and Daniel Boulud) in the world.

Kyle has a passion for creating delicious and beautiful dishes. With an ever-growing love of the process of vineyard management & the wine making process and all it encompasses, pairing wine with delectable food is where he comes alive to his passion!

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 04:36] Opening Segment

  • This week’s special! I introduce our guest for this episode, Chef Kyle Williams
  • Kyle shares with us his passion for food and how his career came to be

[04:37 – 13:00] From Buffalo Wild Wings to Three Michelin Star Restaurants

  • Kyle’s journey from culinary to school to three Michelin Star Restaurants
  • A More Creative Outlet: Food and Wine Pop-Up
  • Lessons learned from Italy’s restaurant industry
  • Making Food and Wine is All About Quality Ingredients
  • Kyle on TV!

[13:01 – 25:03] Serving Wine and Food with Passion

  • Savor and Swirl, Creative and Fun
  • Casual, self-driven meals to your doorsteps
  • Travelling to serve love: How Kyle chooses his menu
  • Know why Kyle thinks everyone can make wine
  • Let’s talk about wine! Reach out to us and see you on May 20th in Kansas.

[25:04 – 29:36] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers like yourself, master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Kyle plays the Tasting Round

Connect with Kyle through

Email: hannah@savorandswirl.com

Website: https://savorandswirl.com/about-us/

Instagram: @savorandswirl, @savorathomekc, @savortogo, @kylewilliams923

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s really about pleasing the guest and exceeding their expectations with food, wine, service, and ambiance.” – Kyle Williams

“Never despise the small beginnings. The best things in the world started small.” – Kyle Williams

View Details

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Chris Morisoli of Morisoli Vineyard

Chris Morisoli is the Vineyard Manager at Morisoli Vineyard. Chris also serves in the California National Guard and is a member of the Rutherford Dusk Society.

Chris is also becoming a first-time vintner this year with Morisoli Vineyard's first release of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon which will be coming out soon.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 09:17] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Chris takes us on a trip to memory lane on how his family got into the wine business
  • Chris’ journey and transition to wine

[09:18 - 15:02] It Starts in the Vineyard

  • Wine relationships that keep the business going
  • How relationships and vineyards create great wines
  • Know the place to find any wine you want

[15:03 - 28:35] Another Perspective on Wine

  • Chris talks about an underappreciated blend that’s on another level
  • Wine latitude and longitude
  • Creating a more classic Napa Cabernet
  • The future of vineyards and wineries in 2022 is history
  • Continuing to celebrate wine creation

[28:36 - 38:07] Closing Segment

  • Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers like yourself, master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at kris@krislevy.com with the subject Wine Business Bootcamp
  • Chris plays the Tasting Round

Connect with Chris through chris@morisolivineyard.com and Instagram. You can also visit their website https://morisolivineyard.com/.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Drinking is history for me. These are old vines and something you can be a part of. Wine is so experiential, just being here and being able to taste it and walk through the vineyard is so cool.” - Chris Morisoli

View Details

Today, let me introduce you to Alpha Omega Winery's Winemaker Matt Brain.

Matt Brain is the winemaker for Alpha Omega Winery, whose mission is to create artisanal wines drawing on Old World vineyard handcrafted practices and emphasize unique terroir-driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology.

Matt also runs the Vineyard Team podcast, talking about sustainability in the world of wine.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 05:13] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode, Matt Brain
  • How Matt transitioned from Hockey to Wines
  • Matt tells the story of how he got into wines through his soon-to-be father-in-law

[05:14 - 16:48] Crafting a Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Program

  • Programming improvements and portfolio evolutions of Alpha Omega Winery
    • Making wines stand out on their own in every step of the winemaking process
  • Let’s talk about single vineyards in Napa
    • Different sites, elevations, and soil types all contribute different things to the grape

[16:49 - 24:38] The Barrel Fermentation Program

  • The most interesting things about time and wine
    • What you have to know about The Barrel Fermentation Program
  • Sustainability is all about the long picture
    • Check out the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast

[24:39 - 28:01] The Tasting Round

  • Favorite Wine
    • Chardonnay
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Red wine and Italian
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • People

Connect with Matt

https://www.vineyardteam.org/about/staff/matt-brain/

Instagram: @aowinery

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine is all about exploration. It's about learning about new flavors and new styles and trying something new. And I think that's what makes wine so special.”

“Sustainability is all about the long picture.”

View Details

Today, let me introduce you to Barrett Spiegel of Alpha Omega Wines.

Barrett Spiegel is a Virtual Ambassador at Alpha Omega Winery, a premier Napa Valley winery whose mission is to create artisanal wines drawing on Old World vineyard handcrafted practices and emphasizes unique terroir-driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 10:00] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode, Barrett Spiegel
  • Barrett tells the story of how he got into wines, signed up for level 1 wine classes, and how got into his current career
  • An overview of Alpha Omega Winery and how shifted to the virtual market during the pandemic

[10:01 - 19:00] Understanding the Napa Luxury Wine Experience

  • The difference between virtual versus in-person wine-tasting worlds
  • How excellent customer service has put Barrett under the spotlight
  • The Secret to Why Napa is Special
  • Exploring the Best Wine that You Can Have

[19:01 - 36:24] Wine You Won’t Get Scared Purchasing

  • The Power of Relationships in Wine
  • Barrett talks about the different wines offered by Alpha Omega Winery
  • The Boutique Wine World versus The Grocery Store
  • Alpha Omega Winery’s open-top barrel fermentation process
  • The Future of Alpha Omega Winery in 2022

[36:25 - 43:09] The Tasting Round

  • Favorite Wine
    • Chardonnay, Chablis, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Favorite Place to Travel to
    • Spain
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Bone-in ribeye and Chardonnay
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • People
    • GuildSomm

Connect with Barrett

Website: aowinery.com

Instagram: instagram.com/barrettsuniverse

Instagram: instagram.com/aowinery

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine doesn't choose a side. Wine brings people together and the relationship aspect of understanding that is that everybody that comes in to taste with me like this is a crucial experience right now.” - Barrett Spiegel

“I think the game is changing completely right now, and everybody wants to come to Napa.” - Barrett Spiegel

“I think the pandemic just kind of fast-forwarded this concept of going virtual in the wine world by a few years, but it's here to stay. And we're still rocking and rolling with it.” - Barrett Spiegel

View Details

Welcome to Kris Levy's Everyday Wine Aficionado! In this podcast series, Kris will be featuring amazing wines from different wine regions including Napa Valley. He'll be speaking with some of the people behind these wines, getting their insights and experiences on how they make their wines. Along the way, he'll also have some great interviews with other wine lovers who are passionate about what they drink. So sit back, relax and enjoy a whole bunch of interesting wine talk!

[00:01 - 00:33] Opening Segment

[00:34 - 07:04] Future Plans for the show

  • Wineries in Napa Valley
  • Different HBAs in Napa Valley and their unique flavor profiles
  • Future guests
    • Rebekah Wineburg of Quintessa
    • Barret Spiegel and Matt Brain of Alpha Omega Winery
    • Eric and Riley Flanagan from Flanagan Wines

[07:05 - 08:57] Closing Segment

  • Take your wine business to the next level! Connect with me through the links below.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

View Details

Today, let me introduce you to Michael Kelly.

Michael Kelly was born and raised in California. He started out his higher education in Forestry in Northern Calif, switched to Psychology and Philosophy, then went off to Switzerland for college. Upon returning, he spent three years in Chicago focused on philosophy and theology. Michael returned to California and ended up in high-tech management. He has worked in various semiconductor companies focused on memory chips, microprocessors, and ASICs. He has also worked at three startups and was a member of the Executive Management team and designated SEC officer. Michael has always been interested in wine, tennis, and golf as pastime activities while traveling the globe as worldwide VP of Sales and Marketing.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 05:03] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode, Michael Kelly
  • Traveling the world and falling in love with wine after retirement

[05:04 - 15:28] Developing a Second Career in Wine

  • Judging Wines by Wine Tasting
    • The Dump Bucket is Your Friend
    • It’s all cognitive!
  • Reasons to Buy and Collect Wine
    • A Cabernet Franc showcase

[15:29 - 25:51] Wine Collecting for Multi-Billionaires

  • Michael recalls his experience collecting wines for a billionaire
  • A Trip to Japan and Advising Three-Star Michelin Restaurants on Wine Lists
  • How to Keep Yourself from Buying Wine Like Crazy
  • A piece of advice for aspiring wine writers

[25:52 - 29:39] The Tasting Round

  • Favorite Wine
    • Something red and bold
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Steak
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • Winemakers

Connect with Michael by emailing him by visiting California Wines and Wineries.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you're sipping on wine and you're swirling it around your mouth, it's all cognitive.” - Michael Kelly

“Don’t buy wine like crazy!” - Michael Kelly

“Wine is like life. You never have the answers.” - Michael Kelly

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Today, let me introduce you to Jennifer Carruthers of JC Select Wines.

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 where she co-founded a brokerage. Jennifer is passionate about the lesser-known, fantastic wineries & their stories. So in 2019, she launched a passion project, Great Pour Decisions®, a lifestyle and wine accessories brand, followed by her dream business, JC Select Wines® a couple of months later. Jennifer founded JC Select Wines to bring her favorite wines directly into the hands of those in search of the great gems out there.

Let’s dive into her wine story!

[00:01 - 11:50] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • How Jennifer got attracted to wine early on the consumption side
  • The turning point from consumption to business
  • An introduction to JC Select Wines

[11:51 - 20:50] Becoming a Wine Concierge

  • Secrets of a Wine Concierge
  • Make Wine Approachable to Anyone
  • How Jennifer chooses her wines and adds them to her portfolio
  • Jennifer shares her experience with people who are unsure about their wines

[20:51 - 35:48] The Case of Wine for You

  • The coming together of wines, stories, sellers, and people
  • Jennifer’s biggest struggle with wine
  • Finding the balance between supporting your friends’ wine business your own preferences
  • Want to become a wine concierge? Jennifer lets us in her secret to success!

[35:49 - 40:24] The Tasting Round

  • Favorite Wine
    • Talisman Adastra Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Champagne and fried chicken
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • People in the wine industry

Connect with Jennifer on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Or you can visit their website!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Resources Mentioned

  • Sideways

Tweetable Quotes:

“I appreciated the culture of wine and how it brought family and people together.” - Jennifer Carruthers

“Make your wine look more expensive than it even is.” - Jennifer Carruthers

“Wine doesn't give you headaches. Bad wine gives you headaches.” - Jennifer Carruthers

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Today let me introduce you to Meghan Vergara of M Rosé.

Owner and operator Meghan Vergara is a certified Sommelier with over 15 years of experience working in world-class culinary and wine markets such as New York City and Napa Valley. During her extensive Sommelier training and tenure at some of the nation’s top restaurants, she learned from the very best industry professionals, winemakers, and successful business owners how to create a wine experience like no other.

Meghan has dedicated her career to the pursuit of excellence in wine knowledge. She believes in sharing the joy, beauty, and craftsmanship of good wine and making it simpler to understand and take part in confidently whether you own a large restaurant or are sharing a delicious glass amongst friends.

Meghan is also a vintner for her newest wine, M Rosé which is an intentionally made Rosé of Pinot Noir from the Bacigalupi Vineyard in Russian River Valley expressing a beautiful sense of place and the joy of a life in wine!"

Let’s dive into her wine story!

[00:01 - 06:25] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Meghan shares the story of how she got into the wine business
  • Meghan’s unconventional career is a winding road

[06:26 - 16:18] Make the Opportunity Come to Fruition

  • Secure a great vineyard
  • Speak things out
  • Remember the art
  • Put your name out there and reach your desired revenue
  • Be prepared and be hands-on

[16:19 - 25:36] Learning How to Become a First Time Vintner

  • Meghan takes us along with her in her Rosé making step-by-step
  • The balance, the texture, the harmony in the wine
  • Meghan’s plans for her second year in the wine business

[25:36 - 31:18] The Tasting Round

  • Meghan’s favorite wine at the end of the day and go-to pairing
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • Wine Folly
    • The Culinary Institute of America
    • Napa Valley Vintners

Connect with Meghan through Instagram (@mvinorose, @mvino1), M Vino Rosé, Smith Devereux, and Veritas Consultant!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Don't miss your opportunity to tell a story. Don't miss your opportunity to bloom.” - Meghan Vergara

“If people want to become vintners, make friends and make good contacts.” - Meghan Vergara

View Details

Today let me introduce you to Rebecca Gilbert of CRŪ Winery and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management.

Rebecca Gilbert is CRŪ Winery’s Marketing Director. Rebecca has been living, working and playing in wine country for the past 15 years. Attending college in Sonoma County, she quickly fell in love with the area and pursued a career in wine marketing. She started her wine career at Jackson Family wines and during her tenure worked on their portfolio of luxury brands including Stonestreet, Matanzas Creek, and La Crema before spending time at Rodney Strong as Brand Manager and Senior Brand Manager at The Family Coppola.

Valley Farm Management president and CEO, Jason, is the second-generation grape grower in the Smith family. Like any son who loves to go to work with his dad, Jason grew up on the farm and was always excited to help. He did just about every job in the vineyard – from pulling weeds and fixing trellises, to driving tractors and changing oil. Over the years, besides realizing a true passion for sustainable vineyard farming, Jason developed into a visionary businessman and natural leader.

Let’s dive into their wine story!

[00:01 - 14:00] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guests for this episode
  • Rebecca and Jason share their CRŪ Winery story
  • A quick history class about Monterey County with Jason
  • How Rebecca and Jason got into wine and winemaking

[14:01 - 24:14] Wine: Paradoxically Romantic

  • What makes wine paradoxical and romantic
  • CRŪ is deeply rooted in friends and family and offers great opportunities, even the underrepresented
  • Jason tackles the relationship between vineyards and wineries

[24:15 - 38:41] Climbing to New Heights of Pinot Noir

  • A Year at the Vineyard and Winery
  • Rebecca talks about wine algorithms
  • Flavor profiles out of your wine glasses
  • You’ve got 2 choices: Drink the wine now or let it age more
  • What are clones and how do we use them?

[38:42 - 45:24] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • Pinot Noir
  • Favorite Go-to Pairing
    • Like Snack Charcuterie and Pinot Noir
    • Albarino and goat cheese
    • Pinot Noir and ribeye steak
  • Wine and Vineyard Resources
    • Wine Folly
    • Santa Lucia Highlands

Connect with Rebecca through Instagram, Facebook, and CRŪ Winery

Reach Jason through Valley Farm Management

Special Offer!

10% off and free shipping on purchases of 4 bottles or more with code PODCAST

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“One of the great things about St. Lucia is that you can drink the wine, but you can also hold on to it for a few years because just going to get even better.” - Rebecca Gilbert

“That's the beauty of wine. Every vintage is going to be different at the same time you're making something for a consumer that's expecting something unique.” - Jason Smith

“With us solely grape growers, our success is when the wineries are successful.”

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Let’s take some time off wine and talk charcuterie! Today let me introduce you to Kansas City Charcutier Lena Jones. Lena is the owner and creator of Graze & Gather KC, a charcuterie company based in the Kansas City area.

Let’s dive into her charcuterie story!

[00:01 - 03:59] Opening Segment

  • Let’s get to know, Lena Jones!
  • How Lena got into the world of charcuteries

[04:00 - 11:10] Unlocking Charcuterie

  • What to Put in Your Charcuterie Board
    • Mix in a variety of flavorful meats and cheeses
    • Get the best ingredients from the best places
  • How to Arrange Your Board to Stand Out

[11:11 - 18:53] The Perfect Bite

  • What You Have to Know About Charcuterie Boards
  • Unconventional Ingredients Lena has tried
  • Lena’s favorite cheese, meat, dips, spreads, and more!
  • Challenges Lena has experienced with her business

[18:54 - 22:03] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • Moscato
  • Favorite go-to pairing
    • Anything that goes with Moscato
  • Charcuterie Resource
    • Social media

Connect with Lena through Facebook and Instagram (Lena, Graze and Gather KC)! You can also check out Graze and Gather KC and create your own charcuterie experience!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“A lot of bad things came from the pandemic, but the food scene has grown a lot since 2020.” - Lena Jones

“Picking fresh fruit and vegetables, especially that are going to add different colors to your board is really going to make your board stand out.” - Lena Jones

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Thatcher Baker-Briggs of Thatcher's Wine Consulting

Founder & Sommelier Thatcher’s Wine Consulting Thatcher Baker-Briggs has made a career of stepping outside his comfort zone, always pushing himself to learn and master something new. His professional trajectory boasts key positions in kitchens and dining rooms of some of the most influential restaurants in the world including then three-Michelin starred Saison under Chef Joshua Skenes (2014-2017), the highly regarded Takazawa in Tokyo, and at two-Michelin starred COI in San Francisco. These distinguished training grounds have given Thatcher the knowledge, tools, and reach to curate highly specialized wine services for collectors around the globe. Thatcher says, “I think that’s the important thing about a service like mine—providing individualized care for each client.”

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 10:23] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
    • Bio
  • Thatcher shares how he got into the wine industry at the age of 9
  • What to know about Michelin Restaurants

[10:24 - 21:02] Michelin Stars and Wine Sourcing

  • How the food and wine environment influenced Thatcher’s life
    • How to Get That 3-Michelin Star Rating
  • Thatcher’s Consulting Company
    • How his company started
    • Making their love and passion for wine accessible for the whole world
  • Wine Sourcing is Everything
    • Working with great relationships and acknowledging the great changes
    • Working with the next generation winemakers

[21:03 - 36:11] Purveying Fine Wine

  • Looking into wine collecting? Thatcher shares where to start
    • Taste the bottle and maybe give it three chances
    • “The biggest misconception in wine is probably champagne.”
  • Qualities of People in Wine
  • Importing wine is a challenge and it’s exciting
  • Thatcher’s Biggest Setbacks with His Consulting Business
  • What’s New for TWC in 2022

[36:12 - 41:04] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • Champagne
  • Go-To Pairing
    • Seraj and dry-aged steak
  • Wine Resource
    • The Wine Bible
    • Guild of Sommeliers
  • Connect with Thatcher
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine is for everyone. It's not about how much money that you have, it's just about drinking something and appreciating something really delicious.” - Thatcher Baker-Briggs

“Just because it's done this way doesn't mean that's the way that I have to do it. ” - Thatcher Baker-Briggs

“Champagne is is a wine, that's maybe the most versatile wine there is.” - Thatcher Baker-Briggs

Connect with Thatcher through Instagram (@thatcherbakerbriggs, @thatcherswineconsulting), Facebook, and LinkedIn! You can check out his website at www.thatcherswineconsulting.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

The Wine Bible

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Jason Mergenov of Rockets Red Wine

Jason spent 22 years in the United States Air Force controlling nuclear missiles and tracking satellites. His career took him around the world, from missiles silos & Cheyenne Mountain in the states to Korea, Iraq, and the Indian Ocean. After retiring from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Jason decided to stay in Santa Barbara County wine country to pursue his passion for grapes and wine. Using his GI Bill, he earned two degrees in enology & viticulture and spent several years learning all aspects of the wine industry. In 2018 Jason started Rockets Red Wines to share his wines with the world. Today his focus is producing high-quality, small-batch Burgundy & Rhone Rosé, sparkling, and limited reds.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 08:02] Opening Segment

  • Regional Highlights Coming Soon!
    • What we’re checking: Santa Barbara Wines
  • I introduce our guest for this episode, Jason Mergenov
    • Jason shares his venture from the Airforce to Wine
    • Wine Schooling 24 Years After College
  • It all started with 40 vines
  • What makes Jason’s Rosé special: A Rosé for red wine drinkers

[08:03 - 22:51] Let’s Venture the Santa Barbara Wineries

  • The First Things You Have to Know About Santa Barbara
    • “The gamut of pretty much everything is in this county.”
  • Winemaking is a passion project
    • How Jason started with Rockets Red Wine
    • Check out Bind Bass
    • Lots of synergies and partnerships
  • Veterans are really underrepresented in the wine industry
  • What’s on the horizon for Rockets Red Wine?
    • Pet Nat and A Quick Way to Make Sparkling Wine
  • Winemaker to Vineyard Networking

[22:52 - 25:43] Tasting Round

  • Favorite Wine
    • Pet Nat
  • Go-To Pairing
    • Thai Food and Grenache Rosé
  • Wine Resource
    • University of California viticulture website
  • Connect with Jason
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The great thing about Santa Barbara is it's a metal it's one of the five Mediterranean climates in the world.” - Jason Mergenov

“The winemakers in Santa Barbara County is such a small, close-knit community. There's really no competition. Everybody here is supporting everybody else.” - Jason Mergenov

Connect with Jason through Instagram! You can also check out Rockets Red Wine and have your taste of small-batch, veteran-owned, handmade wine.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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In today’s episode, we are joined by Luke Taylor of Traderman Wines.

Luke is one of the most well-known wine personalities in all of Moldova. He is an Ohio Wine Distributor who has a lot of pent-up anger realizing that he can’t touch his toes but can still see them. Still waiting for his first hole in one but does 6 inches count. Luke is a Wine Podcast host who uncorks the lighter side of wine with a glass of wine and some interesting wine people yet his wife and his mum never have listened. He is Canadian and has an award-winning smile and distinctive looks and body for podcasting.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 04:37] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Luke shares how he went from Canada to Ohio
  • Journey to Wine Distribution
    • “Athletes love to drink, especially tennis players.”
    • Interesting 11-Year Journey

[04:38 - 13:04] Storytelling with Wine

  • Taking off without knowing anyone in the business
  • Luke’s first wine deliveries
    • Sourcing the first wines
    • Communicating with clients
  • What’s the most important in wine distribution?
  • Stories Sell Wine

[13:05 - 26:26] What You Have to Know about Wine Distribution

  • Why do you have to have a range as a wine distributor
  • Wine distributorship is 24/7
  • What’s going to be hot in 2022?
  • Importing wine is a logistical nightmare
  • Check out Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast, and uncork the lighter side of wine!

[26:27 - 46:54] The Three-Tier System

  • Podcasts and Zoom
  • Luke’s 2022 Business Plan
    • “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
  • You need to get out there to get the best wine
  • Restaurants and Staff Training
    • There’s opportunity in restaurants

  • Distributors are a necessity

  • Wine distribution include people and partnerships

[46:55 - 59:57] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • “There’s too many!”
  • Wine Resource
    • Baste burgers with Spanish Rioja red wine
  • Luke’s Wine Resource
    • “The best learning is in the glass.”
  • Connect with Luke
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“I always like wines with a story. I like to think I'm a storyteller.” - Luke Taylor

“You gotta sell stuff that you enjoy and are passionate about.” - Luke Taylor

“Distributors are a necessity.” - Luke Taylor

Connect with Luke through Facebook and Instagram! You can also check out his websites www.tradermanwines.com and www.corkandtaylor.com. Listen to Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast via Apple Podcasts and Youtube.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, I’m going to introduce Bastien Leduc. He is an amateur botanist, a budding beekeeper, a sometimes surfer, a Red Sox convert, and an avid photographer. When he is not taking care of his family, he can usually be found in the vineyard.

Bastien grew up helping his father on the family’s organic vineyard in the southwest of France, where he became an advocate of agroecology. He holds a degree in viticulture and oenology as well as in organic agricultural consulting. His wanderlust led him to work in a wide range of viticultural regions—in Gaillac, the Loire Valley, Bandol, Cognac, and Bordeaux in France and in the Upper Hunter Valley, the Clare Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula in Australia. From 2007 to 2009, he served as winemaker and vineyard manager for Château Beau Rivage in the Haut-Médoc.

He moved to California in 2010 to work as the Vineyard Manager for Domaine de la Terre Rouge in the Sierra Foothills before joining the Seven Oxen Estate Wines team as Vineyard Manager and Winemaker. Stay tuned until the end to learn more about his wine story!

[00:01 - 07:07] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode.

  • Bastien shares a little bit of his background.

  • Starting Seven Oxen.

  • The Neal Family connection.

  • Moving to California.

  • Winemaking or hosting program.

  • Bastien talks about his first vintage in 2013.

  • Mourvèdre, Pure Grenache, Pure Cassidy, etc.

[07:08 - 12:15] From the Vineyards of France to the Foothills of Paso Robles

  • Vineyards that were already planted and established.
  • 26 acres: a lot of zinfandel, grenache, petite sirah, etc.
  • Bastien shares the system of keeping separate lots.
    • Ferment everything in separate lots.
    • E.g. A four acres makes six different batches.
  • The desire of having his own vineyard.
    • Farm the vineyard organically.
    • Follow the whole process.

[12:16 - 32:30] Seven Oxen Estate Wines

  • Bastien talks about his experience growing up in a vineyard.
    • Making wines was part of his childhood.
    • Global experience on wine.
    • Harvesting.
  • The opportunity of working in small and big wineries.
    • Global experience on wine.
  • Bastien’s insights about geography and climate.
    • Where you can grow grapes.
    • Achieving the perfect nest.

  • Keeping a balance between the grapes and wines.

  • Maturity, acidity.

  • Bastien explains where the concept of Seven Oxen comes from.

    • Farming organically.
    • A biodynamic way of farming
    • The connection between the cosmos and the soil.

[31:48 - 36:27] Tasting Round Bastien Leduc

  • Bastien’s Favorite Wine
    • Petite Sirah.
  • Bastien’s Favorite Go-To Pairing
    • Lamb.
    • Cassidy.
  • Bastien’s Wine Resource
    • Winemaker friends in France and USA.
  • Connect with Bastien
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's much more common to find people buying grapes from here and there and making their blender like the best. But for me it's has to be tied to a place that there was there was key” - Bastien Leduc

“The way I make wines is a bit of a blend of France and California because I try to keep the wines pretty balanced.” - Bastien Leduc

Don’t forget to check the Seven Oxen Estate Wines websites to learn more about the wine story! https://www.sevenoxen.com/story and https://pasowine.com/member/seven-oxen-estate-wines/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Dave Thompson of The Napa Wine Project.

One of the few individuals with such a complete perspective of the Napa Valley wine scene both from a macro and a micro level, Mr. Thompson operates the Napa Wine Project, a comprehensive and detailed directory of more than 1,100 Napa Valley-based wineries and producers that he has personally visited and extensively written about. He has his finger directly on the pulse of the Napa Valley winery scene. Also an extensive world traveler, he has visited 175 countries and territories to date and began Dave's Travel Corner in 1996, an international travel community.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 05:37] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Dave shares with us how his travel blog turned into The Napa Wine Project

[05:38 - 18:41] From Howell Mountain to Coombsville

  • Hundreds of unheard wine valleys
  • Revisiting and re-writing Dave’s travel blog
  • How Dave found his wineries
    • Dave shares with us which wineries he prioritized
    • Dave’s Winery Selection Process
  • Winery Trends: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
    • More interest in the smaller brands
    • Younger winemakers
  • Let’s talk wine!
    • Why Dave tend to gravitate towards the hillside
    • Howell Mountain versus Spring Mountain

[18:42 - 31:47] All Things Napa Valley

  • Dave’s Personal Taste: Single-vineyard versus Blends
    • Multi-varieties of wine
    • The Best of Vintages
    • The ‘20 and ‘21 Vintages
  • Dave’s advice: Be passionate, obsessed, detailed, and more
  • Hobby turned business
  • Wine and wineries in 2022

[31:48 - 36:27] Tasting Round

  • Dave’s Favorite Wine
    • Riesling and Tokaj
  • Dave’s Favorite Go-To Pairing
    • Thai Food
    • Anything spicy
  • Dave’s Wine Resource
    • Napa vendors
    • Napa Rocks
    • The Wine Bible
  • Connect with Dave
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The number of businesses that are part of Napa Valley winery ownership is pretty amazing when you start digging deep.” - Dave Thompson

“Travel is my addiction but wine has become my obsession.” - Dave Thompson

Connect with Dave through Instagram (@davedtc, @napawinetasting, @napavalleyuncorked), Twitter, Facebook. Check out his websites http://www.napawineproject.com/, https://www.davestravelcorner.com/, and https://www.napavalleyuncorked.com/.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

The Wine Bible

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Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Sommelier Matthew-Lorèn Lindsey of Appellation Wines and The Blended Festival.

Sommelier Matthew-Lorèn Lindsey has spent the last 15 years as a wine collector and industry leader in the wine space as an importer and distributor in the Las Vegas casino market. He serves as the Executive Sommelier & Director of Wine for the National Blended Festival, curating the wine experience for thousands of festival attendees. Additionally, he is the founder of Appellation Wine Brands, a luxury lifestyle company that creates wine brands for restaurant groups, hotels, and private companies. He is also the lead wine judge for the Pr%f (Proof) awards, the largest double-blind wine and spirit competition in the United States. Matthew shares his passion for wine as the founder and educator of The Advanced Wine Course.com, an e-learning platform for wine enthusiasts and novices.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 13:10] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Man, wine is cool! Not what Mattew envisioned for himself in his youth
  • Didn’t exactly liking the dynamics of alcohol before Vegas
  • Intimidated by Wine: The Start of Matthew’s Wine Game
  • Matthew’s First Wine Collection: Two Carts Filled with Wine

[13:11 - 30:09] Curating Wines for Hotels, Restaurant Groups, and Wine Festivals

  • What people are afraid of when ordering wine for the first time
    • “Try things that you don't understand or know because how else are you gonna learn those those things, right?”
  • Matthew’s Not So Typical Path to Events
    • How he found a way to be able to learn and be relevant and provide value to the community, and to the wine industry
  • The Blended Festival
    • Traveling national festival
    • Wine, food, music, and lifestyle
    • Blended Festival 2021’s Wellness Stage
    • My Wine Society
    • The Crown Jewel of the Festival, The Wine Tent
    • Adding more to your palette through themed booths
    • Forming community and building relationships with our communities that we're at

[30:10 - 44:04] Not Just Wine, But an Experience

  • 68 Wine Events in 2022
    • How Matthew ensures his wine events bring one cohesive experience
    • A Thougtful Approach for the Wine tent
    • Everything had to be perfect! Done with love and compassion
    • The Blended Festival, definitely an event, experience, and story to tell
  • Matthew’s Other Engagements
    • Boutique and Great Wine Distribution Company in Las Vegas
    • Staying connected with his community
    • Matthew’s Own Wine Company, Appellation Wines
    • Why wine makers are terrible marketers
    • Matthew’s Wine Courses

[44:05 - 50:21] Tasting Round

  • Matthew-Lorèn‘s Favorite Wine
    • Pinot Noir
  • Matthew-Lorèn’s Favorite Go-To Pairing
    • Lobster Tail Garlic Noodles adn Chablis
  • Matthew-Lorèn’s Wine Resource
    • Google
    • His restaurant/a restaurant
  • Connect with Matthew-Lorèn
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“This (wine) isn't just something to get drunk off of and to party on. This is something that should be enjoyed, and relished, and lived in, and remembered.” - Matthew-Lorèn Lindsey

“I think it's a pretty well known fact that Americans love Cabernet Sauvignon, that's where palettes are calibrated. So I'm drinking right now, I understand that I value that I appreciate that. But that's not enough for me. I want you to learn and grow and expand your horizons ” - Matthew-Lorèn Lindsey

Connect with Matthew-Lorèn through Instagram! Check out his websites at www.advancedwinecourse.com and www.blendedfestival.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome back to another episode of Everyday Wine! Welcome to 2022. This is going to be a wonderful year. In today´s episode, I would like to update you about the show and what you can expect from me this year. I’ll also give you an overview of some things that I’ve been focused on in 2021, and I’ll be focused on 2022 in the wine industry and my business. Stay tuned until the end!

[00:01 - 2:32] Opening Segment

  • I set expectations for this New Year.
  • Things we’re going to see in the Wine Industry.
  • Wine outlook and different vintages from other regions.

[02:33 - 15:18] Business Update, Wine Trends, and 2021 Vintages Outlook

  • How my wine business changed from 2020 to 2021.
  • Areas where the wine business has growth:
  • In-person and virtual events.
  • Wine consulting.
  • I want to focus on wine investing and demystify wine investing.
  • See how wines and values change over time.
  • New formats and its cost and benefits outside of the standards (bottles, splits, etc).
  • Canned wine and box wine are things that will probably grow this new year.
  • Sustainability:
  • How well does the winery treat the environment?
  • How sustainable are their business practices?
  • Craft Micro/Boutique.
  • Sales challenges: Wine shipping world, legislation, third-party platforms.
  • Harvesting: Size of the grapes.
  • Understanding the challenges that Sonoma had in the 2021 vintage.
  • How climate changes the vintages of the wines and how it affects different regions.

[15:19 - 17:15] Closing Segment

  • Special offer for wine business owners and people that want to become wine entrepreneurs.
  • I encourage wine business owners to check out my new group: Wine Business Bootcamp.
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Welcome to this New Year. It’s gonna be a wonderful year, a winederful year.” - Kris Levy

“Something that we’re gonna see this year is the brands that are position well , really understand their marketing message, and know who their consumer is” - Kris Levy

“If you are small producer, I encourage you to really own your story, own your message, and use that to your advantage because that’s what you have in those some bigger guys” - Kris Levy

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Kendeigh Warden of The Grape Grind.

Kendeigh started in the food and beverage industry over 13 years ago as a summer job. She graduated with her Master’s in Early Childhood Education but found very little passion in it after teaching for 5 years. Since her start in restaurants, the pursuit of wine knowledge has become a lifestyle for Kendeigh. She constantly wants to learn more about wine and there is always something new to learn.

Kendeigh became a Certified Sommelier in 2019, a Certified Specialist of Wine in 2020, and is currently studying for her WSET3. Wine study and wine experiences have become a daily ‘GRIND’ for her (and in the best way). With a background in education, she's all about sharing educational content and helpful resources with others. The Grape Grind started as a passion project in 2016 and continues to evolve as a resource platform for wine students and wine enthusiasts! When she doesn’t have her nose in a wine book or wine glass, you’ll find her with my biggest loves of all, her three children!

Let's dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 3:28] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode and a short bio
  • Kendeigh background
  • How Kendeigh started in the wine world

[ 3:29 - 32:24] How wine education could give you tools to build a brand

  • How Kendeigh was got into restaurants
  • Wine education
  • Work in a restaurant and personal life
  • How she can people understand wine
  • “Soul wine”
  • Appreciation of wine through education
  • How covid-19 impact her life
  • Her routine
  • Building a brand
  • How education of wine could bring you tools for building a brand
  • Kendeigh horizon to 2022
  • Steps for people who want to start learning about wine
  • How do people know if they could be a wine teacher
  • The philosophy of wine education
  • Society educations
  • Wine exams

[32:25 - 38:55] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Wine resource
  • Connect with Kendeigh
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“And once you start doing things you, you're like, oh, my gosh, this is taking much longer than I expected. That is my favorite part of it.” - Kendeigh Warden

Connect with Kendeigh through her accounts on Instagram. You can also check out his website at thegrapegrind.com

Check the special holiday gift for all of you listeners, click here

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Corey Christman of Bravery Wines.

After retiring from the United States Air Force, Corey Christman started pursuing his winemaking passion. A journey lasting over seven years until his first branded bottle of wine came off the bottling line. Thousands of miles driven, thousands of hours worked to explore what's possible in the world of grape growing and winemaking. On Veterans Day, 2020, amid a pandemic, he and his wife Jennifer launched Bravery Wines.

Let's dive into his story!

[00:01 - 8:52] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode and a short bio
  • Corey shares the importance of learning about the wine world
  • How Corey did the transition from the military to the wine industry
  • When started Cory’s fascination with wine
  • The things you learn during the process
  • The pieces
  • Corey feels blessed in this wine world
  • The importance and enrichment of failures

[ 8:53 - 27:13] Where comes his idea of Bravery Wines

  • A brainstorming course
  • His brand perspective
  • How Corey got the focus of the wine that he wanted to create
  • Think about what is the consumer interest
  • Corey explain how he and his wife designed the project and how visualized the potential
  • The tasting process
  • The wine silence
  • The ability to make dry or sweet wine
  • The fermentation process
  • The 2020 and his wine

[ 27:14 - 32:11] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Wine resource
  • Connect with Corey Christman
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The more I got into the world of wine, the more I had this desire to not only make wine but to make great wine.” - Corey Christman

Connect with Corey through her accounts on Instagram, LinkedIn. You can also check out his website at www.bravery.wine

Bravery Wines donates at least $2.50 per bottle to the Yellow Ribbon Fund - A Non-Profit which raises money for and provided services to injured service members and their caregivers.

Check the special holiday gift for all of you listeners, click here

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Ramon Escobar from Chufly Imports.

Born to an American mother and a Bolivian immigrant father, Ramon grew up in a blue-collar part of Milwaukee. He has spent the bulk of his professional life working on international economic challenges. Throughout his life he has looked at development challenges through multiple prisms such as a development volunteer overseas, policy researcher, and during the course of his fifteen-year career as an economic officer in the American diplomatic corps.

Building on his international affairs and development economics expertise, Ramon founded Chufly Imports to prove an idea -- wine and spirits could, if done right, be a key driver for prosperity in the developing world. Chufly got its start in his father’s native Bolivia, which is home to an unsung, centuries-old winemaking and distilling tradition. Chufly is a platform for empowering winegrowers from undiscovered regions to improve their lives and communities.

Ramon holds a dual-M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University and Sciences Po (Paris) as well as a B.A. in Marketing Research from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Ramon speaks fluent Spanish and French, and basic Arabic. Ramon is married to Samia Yakub and has two beautiful boys, Laith and Kais.

On this episode, we dive into one emerging wine region in South America.

[00:01 - 10:10] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode and short bio
  • Winemaking talent spread across the world
  • Ramon shares his early life story and his Bolivian influence
    • One of his life goals: Providing more opportunities in this South American region
  • Ramon Escobar’s wine origin story
    • Wine as a medium for driving socio economic development
    • A commodity that from the soil to the bottle can stay in one community
  • Wine as an amazing gateway to place, exploring a new culture, it’s people and customs

[10:11 - 37:13] Chufly: Creating a market and opportunity for Bolivian wines

  • Chulfy’s birth after being 6 years overseas
    • 4 founders and Chufly’s first shipment in 2016
    • Validating the product in prestigious restaurants
  • Bolivia's history with wine
    • Natural geography that makes this wine so unique
  • Ramon shares what he loves about Bolivian wine
    • Sustainable practices
    • Traditions, adapting and improving best practices
    • Elevation matters!
  • Talking to the right people that know
  • Trusting your team to select the right wines
  • Ramon’s belief that Bolivian wines can go toe to toe with the world’s best wines
  • Giving Bolivian winemakers a platform to showcase their brand and quality
  • Expanding Chufly’s reach to other South American countries like Mexico and Brazil
  • Why Aranjuez Tannat was the first wine Ramon imported
    • Pioneers and pushing the envelope in winemaking
    • A Bolivian wine winning a gold metal
  • The amazing surroundings, characteristics and story of the 1750 wine
  • La Concepcion’s wine tradition and history

[37:14- 39:30] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • Magnus
  • Go to pairing
    • Hard cheese and a 1750 Chardonnay
  • Wine resource
    • People
  • Connect with Ramon Escobar
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Any success I've had, it comes to having humility, and knowing what you don't know and talking to people who do know what you don't know.” - Ramon Escobar

“ It was so emblematic of the obstacles that these uncharted territories have when trying to come up. And it's again, it's not about the lack of talent, or the lack of quality. It's just the lack of opportunity. ” - Ramon Escobar

Connect with Ramon through her accounts on Instagram: @chuflyimports, Facebook, LinkedIn You can also check out his website at chufly.com

Check the special holiday gift for all of you listeners! click here

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to another episode! Today’s guest is Jeffrey Ishmael. Jeff is the CEO and co-founder of CELLR, which is a consumer-centric wine app intended to help wine enthusiasts curate their wine life. CELLR was launched to provide an app that lives at the crossroads of Vivino, Cellar Tracker, and Wine Searcher. Jeff has been an avid wine enthusiast for almost 25 years and started his appreciation of wine in Paso Robles where he owned a home, but then started expanding his cellar holdings to include a wide variety of Napa and Bordeaux based wines.

Jeff has over 20-years of successful finance and operations experience with a broad background that includes Technology, Retail, and Apparel. Currently, he is the CFO for RAEN Optics, which is a lifestyle optical brand in Carlsbad, CA. Previously, he was the founding CFO of Cylance, which was a cybersecurity company in Irvine that was subsequently sold to Blackberry for $1.4B. Jeff was also on the founding team of Obsidian Security. He has been involved in over $200m in funding with a selection of VC firms that include Khosla Ventures, Greylock Partners, Blackstone, DFJ Growth, GV, KKR, Citi Ventures, Wing Ventures, and more.

In this episode, Jeffery shares with us his journey merging tech and wine.

Let’s dive in!

[00:01 - 11:10] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode and short bio
  • Jeff describes how the idea of CELLR came about
    • Developing a wine community through and app
    • Connecting cellar owners directly
  • Using data to match the preferences of wine enthusiasts
  • Using accurate data to allow the community to have a good experience

[11:11 - 38:13] From Wine Enthusiast to Wine Tech

  • Jeff shares his experience working almost 10 years working with data scientists and software engineers, cyber security and tech finance
  • The first stages developing the app
  • How Jeff chooses his wines for his collection
    • Experiences that lead to discovering new wines
    • Getting familiar with wine regions
  • The importance of on site tasting and bringing people in the same environment
  • Jeff shares his latest and favorite wines and the stories that led to choosing them
  • The challenges and opportunities for wine coming up on 2022
    • The ability to monetize assets in the Cellr Tarcker
    • Cellr connecting cellar owners and aficionados directly

  • The sense of community that brings people together around wine

  • Bringing ideas from the community into individual use

[38:14- 41:30] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
    • Turtle Rock Westberg Ray
  • Go to pairing
    • Filet and Black Label from Maryland Branch
  • Wine resource
    • www.winebusiness.com
  • Connect with Jeffrey Ishmael
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“And that's what we implement, it's implementing ideas that are coming out of the community and developing a product for them to use individually.” -Jeffrey Ishmael

“ I want to send you a bottle of wine in Kansas City, it's a federal offense to drop that in the mail, I mean, it's stupid” - Jeffrey Ishmael

“It's being able to curate your individual, you know, Wine, lifestyle,, tracking the varietals that you you drink” - Jeffrey Ishmael

Connect with Jeff through his accounts on Instagram: @cellrsociety & @Twitter! You can also check out his website at www.cellr.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Heather Luing is a wine lover and wine student who's working on opening up a wine lounge in Jersey City Heights while also upcycling wine corks and sparkling wine capsules on Etsy into cheese knives, coasters, bar trays, and other things. Heather is also a former community manager with Empathy Wines and shows the world her style and approach to wine with her brand, Live Life Uncorked.

In this episode, Heather shares with us her interesting story. Let’s dive in!

[00:01 - 4:00] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Shares about her wine story
    • Heather studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and she jump-started her interest in wine
    • Her decision to enroll in Italian culture food wine
  • How she started her Instagram
  • Her decision and intention to open a Wine Lounge

[4:00 - 7:15] Influence of the Italian food and wine lifestyle on the relation that Heather has been with the wine

  • Florence and the importance to connect to the people throw a dinner and a glass of wine

  • The importance of wine in the social interactions

  • Opening a couch where people could sit with and like to chat with people that they might not normally sit with or talk to.

  • Challenges with the world wine systems

  • Tips and tricks to remember the kind of grape varieties

  • Have in mind the importance of the culture in the wine

  • The regions and the different types of grape varieties that they have

[7:16 - 26:37] Education: Careers or courses about wine topic

  • Heather and her studies about wine in W Set

  • She has been studying at Sonoma State University on their online program for their wine business management certification.

  • Understanding the business of wine

  • The wine in the industry

  • How did Heather come up with the idea from the brand and what does it stand for?

  • Expansion on her idea of a Wine Lounge

  • The biggest part of the process started over the quarantine

  • The knowledge she acquired and how it help her in her business

  • How the customer can feel connected to the brand

  • Social media

  • Next steps about her Wine Lounge

  • Intention to introduce the world wine to the people

[26:38- ] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Heather Luing
    • See links below
  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Be able to open a Wine Lounge so that everyone can come to a place that’s not intimidating at all and it’s just like a super comfortable and easy place to learn about wine small producers” - Heather Luing.

“I’ve always really loved wine. It's just (stimulating) the conversation that you could have with other people” - Heather Luing.

“Something that I love about being foreign to learn about wine is how much the culture you learned about it” - Heather Luing.

Connect with Heather through her accounts on Instagram: @livelife_uncorked & @livelifeuncorkedshop! You can also check out her website at https://www.etsy.com/shop/LiveLifeUncorkedShop.

Use code EVERYDAYWINE10 for 10% off on the Live Life Uncorked Etsy shop.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Jonathan is the co-founder and CTO at Offsyte, a marketplace for planning amazing team events. He started Offsyte with his co-founder, Emma, right after the pandemic started last year. They were on a mission to make it as easy as possible to connect with your team. Since launching, they've helped teams book 1,000s of events towards that mission. Jonathan has lived in San Francisco for the past 7-8 years (with many, many trips to wine country) and currently lives with his partner Rachel and adorable dog Lola.

In this episode, Jonathan shares with us about how virtual events are thriving as we welcome a more digital-phasing world, and he also shares with us how we go into wine and why he just loves Napa Valley. Let’s dive in!

[00:01 -08:45] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Jonathan talks about how Off-Site came into existence
    • Launching a virtual platform
    • How COVID has shaped the working world
  • What types of vendors they have on the platform
    • Vendors from different categories
    • Not just wine vendors

[8:46 - 17:35] Hosting Meaningful Virtual Events

  • Difference between actual and virtual events/meetings
    • People who are good in events translate well to the virtual space
  • How the global landscape has changed
    • Opportunity to see the team composition
    • More options for the employees: remote/non-remote
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • Building better teams and relationships virtually
    • Use the code: EVERYDAYWINE
    • Get $50 off of your first event
    • Building trust
    • Being genuinely invested on their success
    • Learn how to manager and host virtual events through this link

[17:36 - 26:36] Let’s talk about Wine

  • Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley
  • Jonathan talks about how he got into wine
    • Started in college
    • Became close to wine country because of work
    • The experiencing of tasting is special
  • Jonathan shares about why he keeps coming back to Napa Valley

[27:27 - 31:02] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Jonathan
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“But I think for most companies, what we're gonna see is just choice, like, they're going to be giving, pushing a lot more of this on to individual departments and teams, and you're gonna see a lot more hybrid mode.”

Connect with Jonathan through LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also check his website at https://www.offsyte.co.

Book an event with Offsyte by logging on to www.offsyte.co/everyday-wine and use the code: EverydayWine and get $50 off from your first event!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Ilona House is a Wine Ambassador and owner of Ilona n Company Events. She works as a personal wine concierge providing curated wines delivered directly to you. Through virtual wine tastings, she helps you find your personal wine style and provides wine for personal consumption as well as custom-label wines, corporate gifting, and wine events. Ilona is a professional certified through Napa Valley Wine Academy and WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust)

In this episode, Ilona walks us through her wine journey and her ambassador program. And she also share with us her wine pics and pairings for this episode. Let's dive in!

[00:01 -10:03] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Ilona shares about her wine story
    • Ilona talks about the ambassador program
    • Curated wines only available through the ambassador program
    • Fell in love with the story-telling aspect of wine
  • Events that led her to falling in love with wine
    • Finding family in the wine scene
  • From wine enthusiast to wine entrepreneur
    • Finding the joy and education with wine drinking

[10:04 - 19:19] Getting into the Ambassador Program

  • Being as entrepreneurial as you want
  • How people can avail of the services
  • Building relationships with wine lovers
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[19:20 -27:26] Let’s talk about Wine

  • 2019 Mendocino County Chardonnay
    • Curated wine for the ambassador program
    • Refreshing wine with hints of apple, peaches
    • Food pairs: salad and shellfish
  • 2018 Joy and Serenity
    • Cabernet-based blends, charitable wine
    • Approachable wine
    • Pairing: red meat and pasta
  • Wine kits
    • Something that you can enjoy at home

[27:27 - 31:02] Closing Segment

  • Wind trends for 2022
  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Ilona
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“And I thought to myself, you know, people shouldn't be afraid of wine, they shouldn't be afraid to have nice parties that this should just be a part of your life. And how can I do that?” - Ilona House

“Everybody can enjoy wine at many different levels. And everybody should feel comfortable with their style. You know, you can be a white wine drinker, you can be a red wine drinker, you can only want bubbles -- it all it doesn't matter. It's whatever you like. And we can always find fun ways to pair it with the right foods to make it even better.” - Ilona House

Connect with Ilona through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! You can also check out here website at www.ilonancompany.com and my.boissetcollection.com/house.wine.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Ben served as an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) crewman with the 7th Marine regiment out of 29 Palms, CA. After his enlistment, Ben enrolled in colleg where he found a passion for small business and eventually propelled him into agency work and brand management. In 2012, Ben helped launch a pilot nonprofit aimed at rehabilitating veterans through permaculture which showed promise that agriculture can be an alternative treatment for Veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Looking for inspiration, he found that the French Foreign Legion houses over 100 aging Legionaries on a vineyard chateau where they grow grapes, make wine, and find peace. Ben wondered – "Why not here?" Soon after, the idea of veteran viticulture re-emerged during a Walla-Walla wine trip with co-founders Ryan Mills and Paul Warmbier which led to the launch of Dauntless Wine Company.

In this episode, Ben walks us through how he fell in love with wine and how learning the parallels between wine and agriculture sparked his interest in it. He also shares the story behind Dauntless Wine Co., and lets us in on the rich history of the featured wines he has brought for us today.

[00:01 - 09:47] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Ben shares about his wine story
    • Wine as part of soldier’s culture
    • Parallels of soldiering to farming
  • Launching a nonprofit

[09:48 - 18:58] From Wine Enthusiast to Wine Entrepreneur

  • Learning that wine making is agriculture driven
  • How Dauntless came to be
  • Merging military history and wine
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[18:59 - 32:56] Let’s talk about Wine

  • 2020 Pinot Gris
    • Ben shares a little wine history about the battle of Trenton
    • Bet talk about experiencing fires in Willamette Valley
  • 2018 Sherman Syrah
    • Named after the Sherman tank
    • One of the most iconic tanks of World War II
    • Best pairing for Syrah
  • 2018 Battle Taxi Pinot Noir
    • Using cloned grapes
    • Named after 113 ABC, the first all aluminum armored personnel carrier
    • Classic pairing for Pinot Noir

[32:57 - 38:02] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Ben
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“ And we wanted something to be more encompassing, that embodied all time periods, and veterans of all statuses from all eras.” - Ben Martin

Connect with Ben through Instagram, and Facebook! You can also check out his website at www.dauntless wine.co.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Mary Michele is a national speaker, freelance writer, wine enthusiast and foodie who lives with her husband and StyleFinder co-Founder, Jim, in Raleigh, NC. Mary Michele Nidiffer is on a mission to help women discover how beautiful they really are. As a Master Style Coach, Founder of StyleFinder Boutique and the StyleFinder School of Style, Creator of the StyleFinder ID® System, and Host of the Podcast, Style by Mary Michele, she wants to empower women through personal style.

In this episode, Michele is going to share with us about the parallels of design and wine and the importance and impact of a good story. Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 17:30] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Michelle talks about merging wine and style
    • Wine and style as storytellers
    • Our style is unique to who we are
    • Being a brand
  • Michelle’s wine story
    • Fell in love with the wine stories
    • Bringing people together through wines

[17:31 - 41:48] Style Meets Wine

  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • Started getting into style at a young age
  • Using style as an expression
  • Showing up as the best version of yourself
  • Importance of finding a role model
  • Describing Michelle’s wine style
  • Wine spots in Raleigh, Durham

[41:49 - 38:12] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Michele
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“I think that's really what I love about it, is it brings people together. And there's storytelling and there's connection.” - Michele Nidiffer

Connect with Michel through Tiktok, Instagram, and LinkedIn! You can also send her an email at michele@shopstylefinder.com, check out her website at www.ShopStyleFinder.com and www.StylebyMaryMichele.com, and listen to her podcast!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Martin Cody began his career in healthcare sales, rewarding work which shaped his understanding of the importance of rigorous, thoughtful customer service. Martin and his wife Denise, Chief Operating Angel of Cellar Angels, pivoted their love affair with wine into their first vino-venture in 2007; a retail brick and mortar wine shop in Chicago. The store became a much-loved, well trodden institution in the city. Still, in 2013, Martin and Denise sold it to chase their dream of providing the finest, least known, independent producers in the country a digital marketplace to share their talents and artistry with wine enthusiasts. Having founded three companies prior to founding Cellar Angels, Martin has a visionary entrepreneurial spirit, and built an extensive Rolodex of national wine industry contacts that continue to support Cellar Angels’ growth. His passion for both the craft of winemaking, and his firm belief in the importance of developing and shaping small businesses, have allowed Cellar Angels to thrive and fill a much-needed void in the market.

In this episode, Martin lets us in on how he was able to discover the world of wines at a very young age and how we eventually shifted from being in the medical field into wines. Martin also shares his unique business model and the importance of customer experience and giving back. Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 08:13] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Martin shares about his wine story
    • Got introduced to the world of wine at an early age
    • Importance of having great customer experience
    • From medical field to the wine industry

[08:14 - 30:13] Experience of Having a Wine Shop/Wine Business

  • Martin’s product management philosophy
    • Every wine tells a story
    • Everything had to be better and be immersed in wine
    • Experiential marketing model
    • All about building relationships
  • Helping wineries leverage the power of the internet
    • Giving wineries access to the market
    • Wine with a cause through Cellar Angels
  • Finding like-minded people and helping people
  • How Martin manages his wine portfolio
  • Sharing more wine stories
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[30:14 - 38:12] Closing Segment

  • Checkout Cellar Angels
    • See links below
  • Wine trends
    • Move away from the corporatization of wine
  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
    • Napa Valley Wine Project
  • Connect with Martin
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The amount of effort you put in, it's going to be directly correlated to the rewards and benefits that you reap out of it.” - Martin Cody

Connect with Martin through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Nelson started his career in the coffee industry before moving into wine. As one of California’s top leaders in marketing and selling of wine for WineShop At Home as well as his experience working with different winemakers and wineries with their own brands, he is excited for the possibilities that will open up for him in the future of the wine industry.

In this episode, Nelson walks us through his journey from being in the coffee industry and eventually shifting to the wine industry. He talks about how stories are very important when you sell wines, and he also shares with us his go-to wines, food pairings, and wine resources. Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 09:20] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Ian shares about his wine experience
    • How he transitioned from coffee to wine
    • Wine opened doors for Ian
    • Networking and seeing trends
  • Telling stories and educating people about wines
    • Importance of having a story

[09:21 - 24:33] How His Wine Shop at Home Story Began

  • Started without a trainer
  • Knowing the market and telling stories based on it
  • Business model: holding in person in a home wine tastings
  • Adapting to the new normal
    • Virtual classes
  • Wine as a connector among people
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[24:34 - 44:10] Let’s Talk Wine with Nelson

  • Trends in the wine industry
    • Ordering wine to mix
    • Wine cocktails
    • Sparkling wines
    • Personalization wines
  • Order early for the holidays
  • Wine-gifting tips
  • Balancing wine and his lifestyle
    • Being a good example to kids
    • Not drinking to get drunk
    • Impact of good quality wines to your health
  • Canned wines
  • Nelson talks about Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Food pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Partnership with America’s Mighty Warriors Wine pairs

[44:09 - 40:52] Closing Segment

  • Favorite Wine
  • Got-to pairing
  • Favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Nelson
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“You have to have a certain amount of resiliency and you and I think that's just being an entrepreneur in general, that is not unique to our industry at all.”- Nelson

“Anyone who owns a vineyard understands that you got to take care of the vineyard, and even taking care of the vineyard, every harvest is going to be good. So resilience is important.” - Nelson

Connect with Nelson through Instagram. You can also checkout their website at www.ArtisanTastings.com and shop their wine selection here!

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Ian White is a co-founder, partner, and vintner at Smith Devereux Wines. Ian is also the wine director for SF Magazine. The Smith Devereux story began with music and wine. A travel and wine writer, a farmer with some of Napa Valley’s best grapes, and a music industry insider with a love for wine and need for change; we were an unlikely trio. But a nearly impossible opportunity at just the right time brought the two together, and together they have stayed. Weeks after meeting they took on the deal that would lead them into a life-long friendship, the founding of a winery, and a plan to conquer the wine world.

In this episode, Ian tells us about how his love for music brought him to the world of wine, and how he transitioned from telling stories about other people for almost 12 years and decided that it’s time that he shared about his. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to know about his top pics and food pairings!

[00:00 - 09:18] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Ian shares about his wine experience
    • Crossover between music and wine
    • Hosting people in a vineyard
    • Quality of the wine depends on how you let the vineyard speak

[09:19 - 18:43] Building a Career Around Wine

  • Started with writing about wine
    • Telling other people’s stories
    • Decided to start telling his own story
  • How Smith Devereux came about
    • Making wines that are accessible and inclusive
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[18:44 - 40:52] Let’s Talk Wine with Ian

  • Wines from Smith Devereux
    • SB White Blend Italian brands on Russ’s portfolio
    • Number 3 Red Blend
    • Single Vineyard Merlot
  • Choosing the right glass for the wines
  • Producing wines in a sustainable way
  • Wine pairs
    • Depends on the occasion and environment
    • Best wine depends on the vibe
    • Knowing the sauces available
  • Favorite go-to wine
  • Go-to pairing

[40:52 - 40:52] Closing Segment

  • Connect with Ian
    • See links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“At the end of the day, we're making these wines for people to enjoy. And if we don't pay attention to the people, then what are we doing?”- Ian White

Connect with Russ through Instagram and Facebook, Linked, or Twitter. You can also checkout their website at www.smithdevereux.com or send him an email at ian@smithdevereux.com.

Join their email list for free Quick Reference Guide to good value wines of the Old World here!

You can also participate in their charity drive! They are donating $5/case for all our wholesale revenue in MD and DC for the month of September to Learning to Live Movement, a non-profit based in Baltimore that offers the opportunity for travel to inner city kids. Learn more about the charity at http://www.learningtolivemovement.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Bryan Mahoney is a partner and "volunteer winemaker" at Lieu Dit Winery. Lieu Dit is a partnership of longtime friends Eric Railsback and Justin Willett. They were among a small group of young winemakers and restaurateurs in Santa Barbara unified by a common interest in wine and all its mysteries. After countless bottles shared together and many trips to France, Railsback and Willett decided to found Lieu Dit in 2011 and focus it solely in the varieties indigenous to the Loire Valley, now grown in Santa Barbara County. Lieu Dit centers on Sauvignon Blanc as well as limited bottlings of Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Each vintage, the quest for purity, elegance, and balance in every wine is paramount.

In this episode, Bryan dives deep into his wine selection and the perfect food pairings for each. He also answers questions from our community, and shares interesting stories about his wine journey.

[00:00 - 6:04] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Byran talks about Lieu Dit Winery
    • Varieties in California

[06:04 - 25:41] Bryan Dives Deep into Wines

  • I welcome other participants in the call
  • Bryan dives deeper into the wines
  • Seafood pairings for the wines Byran discussed
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • More tasting notes

[25:42 - 40:02] Closing Segment

  • Connect with Bryan through the links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you like a wine by two, three bottles of it. So that way of course, you can see age every one to two years and see how it's changing.” - Kris Levy

Connect with Russ through Instagram and Facebook. You can also checkout their website and other resources at www.lieuditwinery.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome back to another episode of Everyday Wine! Today’s episode is going to be a bit different because I won’t have any guests with me today. Instead, I will be sharing with you some tips, some dos and don'ts, and some cool advice for gifting wines. Make sure to tune in until the end, and I hope this episode gives you some ideas and ways to change how you approach gifting, not just for the holiday season, but for other celebrations like weddings, graduation, birthdays, etc. Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 4:10] Opening Segment

  • I welcome everyone to the episode
  • Connect with me through the links below!
  • I share the topic for this solo episode
  • Join my wine club!
    • see links below

[04:11 - 14:19] The Perfect Wine Gift for Each Person and Each Event

  • Think about the person’s preference
  • Strike up a conversation with the wine retailer to know more about the wine you’re gifting
  • Look for wines with cool stories
    • Stories can connect you and the person whom you’re giving the wine to
    • Reach out to a sommelier or a brand to know more about the wine stories
  • Pick a cool wine format
    • Format - size of the bottle
  • Find a wine with a unique vintage
    • Vintage - year it was created

[14:20 - 16:01] Closing Segment

  • Final advice for gifting wine
  • Focus on creating stories and memories when gifting wine
  • Let me know what you think by connecting with me through the links below
  • Don’t forget to leave a review!
    Final words

Tweetable Quotes:
“And that giving somebody a bottle of wine helps them create a moment helps them create an experience.” - Kris Levy

Join their email list for free Quick Reference Guide to good value wines of the Old World here!

You can also participate in their charity drive! They are donating $5/case for all our wholesale revenue in MD and DC for the month of September to Learning to Live Movement, a non-profit based in Baltimore that offers the opportunity for travel to inner city kids. Learn more about the charity at http://www.learningtolivemovement.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Russ Lorber discovered his love for wine when visiting family wineries in Europe and found the experience to be like an invitation to a family gathering. He admired the passion of the winemakers for their craft and launched Wide Roots to bring the essence of this experience to more wine drinkers, hoping to help them in unlocking this world much the same way that Russ did for himself. Russ is certified by the Vinitaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Ambassador and has traveled extensively in Europe, having visited wine estates in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Austria.

In this episode, Russ is going to walk us through this wine journey and how we he transitioned from being a wine consumer to a wine expert with 55 points for wine distribution in the DMV area in just 18 months. I’m sure you would not want to miss this, so make sure to tune in!

[00:00 - 7:24] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for this episode
  • Russ shares about his wine experience
    • Spent 25 years in corporate
    • Learning the stories of winemakers
    • Travel as a big role in getting into wine
    • Exploring the old world wine
  • Bringing the wine journey to other people
  • Combining education with the prod

[07:25 - 21:41] Transition from Being a Wine Consumer to a Wine Expert

  • Being open to education about wines
  • Understanding the labeling conventions from different countries
  • Building a knowledge base
  • How Wide Roots came about
    • Importing wine started as a tortuous journey
    • Changing Wide Roots business strategy
    • Going from 0 to 55 points of wine distribution
  • How Russ developed relationships with international retailers
    • Being straightforward, honest, and transparent
    • The importance of meeting the winemakers
    • Following through commitments
    • Being straightforward to customers as well
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[21:422 - 40:02] Let’s Talk Wine with Russ

  • Italian brands on Russ’s portfolio
  • How Russ put the portfolio together
    • Why there’s a focus on Italy
    • Different textures and mouth fields
  • What people can try
    • White wine from Sardinia
    • Sforzato di Valtellina
  • Checkout Wide Roots and other producers
    • Check out the links below
  • Trends to watchout for
    • Authenticity and natural wine movement
    • Increasing diversity and different wine experiences
    • More educational resources to unlock what is out there
  • Russ’s favorite wine and favorite pairing
  • Russ’s recommended wine resource
    • Learn through experience
    • Find a group of like-minded people and taste things
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you get to the history of the wine, you really start picking up things that you hadn't picked up by yourself just opening the bottle.”- Russ Lorber

“ And that's part of the reason why our shared mission here is to grow the universe of people that are just interested in exploring kind of like the craft brewers did 10 or 15 years ago, and what much to their success.” - Russ Lorber

Connect with Russ through Instagram, Facebook, Linked, or Twitter. You can also checkout theri website and other resources at www.widerootsllc.com.

Join their email list for free Quick Reference Guide to good value wines of the Old World here!

You can also participate in their charity drive! They are donating $5/case for all our wholesale revenue in MD and DC for the month of September to Learning to Live Movement, a non-profit based in Baltimore that offers the opportunity for travel to inner city kids. Learn more about the charity at http://www.learningtolivemovement.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Melinda Kearney is a wine industry veteran from Napa Valley. She founded Melinda Kearney Wine Marketing in 2002, and in 2008 she founded Lorenza Wine Company with her daughter, Michele Lorenza Ouellet. Together they make the perfect pink true rosé.

This episode is going to be another recording of the Wine Club’s Monthly Zoom Call where Melinda gets to share her awesome story about how their rosé came into existence. Her story is really cool because it gives you a different perspective on rosé, talking specifically about the aging of rosé and the different various grapes that they blend into it and where they source it from. So hope you enjoy the episode and let us know what you think !

[00:00 - 5:56] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our topic for this episode
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • I welcome our guest, Melinda Kearney
  • Melinda talks about how Lorenza Wine came about
    • Wines made by women
    • Mother-Daughter wine

[05:57 - 36:11] How Lorenza Wine is Produced

  • Lorenza Wine vineyards
    • Grapes are handpicked
    • Different types of grapes
  • The process of wine production
    • Each tank has a completely different set of flavor and aroma profiles
    • Flavor and aroma profiles changes every day
  • Different varieties to produce Lorenza
    • Fermenting varieties separately
    • Studying the policies of the varieties
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • Certified Sustainable and Organic
  • Alcohol level of Lorenza
  • Food Pairings for Rosé

[36:12 - 47:59] Closing Segment

  • Wines as great storytellers
  • Making wines with intention
  • How Melinda ended up in wine marketing
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you get to the history of the wine, you really start picking up things that you hadn't picked up by yourself just opening the bottle.”

“​​Every vintage has a different feel to it, too, you know? Because the experience was different, the year was different.” - Melinda Kearney

Connect with Melinda through Instagram or email her at melinda@lorenzawine.com. You can also checkout her website at www.lorenzawine.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Lenora Carey of Big Sur Vineyards is a California native with an undeniable spirit of adventure. In her first career as a documentary filmmaker, diving with sharks and tracing the footsteps of human origins were all part of a day’s work. But it was in Southern France, working on a film about wine barrel making, that she discovered her love for Rhone wines. A life change was on the horizon, and in 2005 she left San Francisco and moved her family to Big Sur to “raise a couple of kids and live off the land in one of the most beautiful places on earth." She honed her wine knowledge at Sonoma-Cutrer and when she started experimenting with grape growing on her land in Big Sur, she discovered that the Rhone varieties she had come to love grew particularly well in Monterey County. Three years after her first vintage, and months after opening a tasting room, the 2016 Soberanes fire devoured her home, vineyards, and olive grove. Without missing a step, and with great determination, she continued making wine and building her business. Lenora’s boldness and energy are reflected in her wines in their bright, complex, and vibrant style.

In this episode, Lenora is taking us to the beautiful place of Carmel Valley and shares with us 6 of her wine picks. Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 9:12] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our topic for this episode
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • I welcome our guest, Lenora Carey
  • Lenora talks about how she discovered wine as a passion

[08:13 - 22:09] How Big Sur Vineyards Came About

  • Lenora walks us through the early days of Big Sur Vineyards
    • Incorporating the feeling of Big Sur
  • Check out her eating and drinking guide in the link below
    • Top 2 places in Carmel Valley that listeners should check out
  • Big Sur and Rhone wine varietals
  • Where Lenora sources her fruit
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[22:10 - 27:56] Wine Picks for the Month

  • Monterey County being known for Pinot and Chardonnay
  • Serve six wines in our tasting
    • Rose
    • Big Sur White
    • Chardonnay
    • Pinot
    • Big Sur Red
    • Syrach
  • Lenora recommends wine pairings

[27:57 - 39:59] Closing Segment

  • Ingredients for success
  • What’s next for Big Sur Vineyards
  • Misconceptions about wine packaging
  • Possible wine trends in the future
  • Lenora shares her favorite wine
  • Lenora’s favorite wine resource
  • Connect with Lenora through the links below

Resources Mentioned:

The Wine Folly

Tweetable Quotes:

“I think a big misconception now is that if a bottle doesn't have foil, or you know, it doesn't have a cork or whatever, that's not good wine. I think it's good to make sure people understand that that's not always a choice. It's just simply a winemaker's decision about how they want to present their wine.” - Kris Levy

“There's nothing more beautiful than having the right cheese with the right wine. And that's just that it's almost a meal for me because if you have two or three different styles of cheese, you have a couple of different wines.” - Lenora Carey

Connect with Lenora through Instagram, Facebook, or checkout their website at www.bigsurvineyards.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Brandon Armitage is the President/Winemaker of Armitage Wine. He spent some years in the world of horticulture and through his relationship with plants, was guided toward moving to New Zealand and studying viticulture. While completing his technical degree in Viticulture he was volunteering all of his free time to winemaking. Later on, he had the chance to work for Carrick Wines in New Zealand and developed a love for Pinot noir. After years of traveling back and forth from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere making wine, he was able to develop the skills needed to grow and nurture grapes into the best Pinot noir the Santa Cruz Mountains has to offer!

This episode is going to be a little different because I will be sharing with you a recording of the Wine Club’s Monthly Zoom Call from last July. In these calls, we bring on a guest from a specific winery that we are showcasing for that month. We had a really fun chat with our members and guest in this call, so make sure to tune in and join the conversation!

[00:00 - 9:49] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our topic for this episode
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below
  • I welcome our guest, Brandon Armitage
  • Brandon talks about how his wine journey began

[09:50 - 40:39] Tasting and Learning about Wines from the Armitage Wines

  • Brandon runs through his picks
    • Chardonnay
    • Merlot
    • Pinot Noir
  • Brandon talks about his favorite from the 3 wines
  • What’s in store for Armitage Wines
  • The advantages of being flexible during the pandemic
    • The importance of projecting as a business owner
  • Temperatures affecting the wine business
  • Being flexible in wine making
  • Brandon answers questions from the community

[40:40 - 42:31] Closing Segment

  • Checkout Armitage Wines through the links below
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Being improvisational [is my favorite as a winemaker] because you never know what's gonna happen. You're always changing, and you have to be flexible, and be able to be willing to adjust.” - Brandon Armitage

“The great winemakers have many, many years of experience under their belt, and they've seen different things that have happened during those years and had to deal with it, you know. And so they have all that experience under their belts to be able to make really quality stuff.” - Brandon Armitage

Connect with Brandon through his website at www.armitagewines.com.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Wine Podcast. Today we’ll be sitting down with Miguel Lepe, the owner and winemaker of Lepe Cellars who has been making wine in Monterey County for over 10 years. Lepe Cellars is a winery that focuses on making wine from Monterey grapes, and they recently opened their tasting room in downtown Carmel by the Sea. Lepe Cellars wines are characterized by their balanced, right fruit, and food friendly wines.

In this episode, Miguel shares with us how his relationship with wines began and his experience in creating and building a wine brand in Monterey County. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to know his top 3 wine picks and food pairings!

[00:00 - 04:31] Opening Segment

  • I introduce our guest for today
  • Miguel talks about how he fell in love with wine

[04:31 - 15:42] Getting to Know About Lepe Cellars

  • Miguel shares about how Lepe Cellars started
  • The concept behind the tasting room at Carmel by the Sea
  • Monterey County as a great location for wines
  • Miguel talks about his wine portfolio
    • Working with small boutique vineyards
    • Exploring new vineyards
    • Always open to learning
  • Creating unique and great quality wines
  • Join my wine club and connect with other wine lovers!
    • See link below

[15:43 - 24:46] Building a Good Wine Brand

  • The importance of sharing your story and engaging with customers
  • Why Miguel is passionate about wine
  • Wines and food
  • The future of wine for Miguel
  • Separating personal taste and the market’s preference
  • Finding opportunities to give back through wine

[24:47 - 31:00] Wine Picks for the Month

  • Miguel shares his top 3 picks
  • Food pairings for the 3 wines
  • Favorite book about wine
  • Favorite wine for fun
  • Favorite pairing
  • Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine quality definitely starts in the vineyard.” - Miguel Lepe

“Building that connection between the customer and the brand I think really helps in terms of establishing yourself, building a reputation, and your brand's reputation.” - Miguel Lepe

“Regardless of what industry you're in, what your background is, food and wine just has a way of just connecting people together.” - Miguel Lepe

Connect with Miguel on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout his website at www.lepecellars.com/.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

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Welcome to the Everyday Wine Podcast, a podcast that is all about taking an everyday approach to the complex and fascinating world of wine. Each week, I will be sharing with you top stories from up coming winemakers and tastemakers and help you learn how you can create a great experience for you and your friends around wine.

In this episode, I will be talking about how I started my wine journey, why I decided to have this podcast, and what you can expect from it in the upcoming episodes. If you’re a wine lover, or if you’re completely new to wine, please tune in and let’s get the wine conversation started!

[00:00 - 02:45] Opening Segment

  • Welcome to the Everyday Wine Podcast!
  • I share a little background about myself
  • What you can expect from this podcast

[02:46 - 05:16] Bringing Wine Conversations to Wine Lovers

  • Join my wine club!
    • See link below
  • Connect with other wine lovers
    • See link below
  • Wine as an opportunity to get people together
  • Making wine approachable

[05:17 - 07:02] Closing Segment

  • Reach out to me for more wine conversations through the links below
  • Subscribe and leave a review
  • Final words

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.