In Search of Flavor: Recent Episodes
Liz Caskey
In Search of Flavor is a podcast hosted by Liz Caskey, co-founder of Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences, a travel design firm, crafting culinary, wine, and design journeys in the Americas from California to South America. Passionate about all things food, wine, travel, and design, each episode features an industry trailblazer who brings their passion and journey to the table sharing insights and stories in a relaxed style. Get ready to dial into your wanderlust and be inspired!
In this solo episode, Liz shares about navigating an uncertain life moment and confronting that fear of the unknown. How can travel sharpen these life skills on the road and at home? We dig into that in this episode. Travel provides the ultimate opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. From immersing yourself in a new culture and language to confronting travel hassles, ‘scary’ adventure activities that awaken bravery, or swallowing your ego to become a student again and learn a new skill, the willingness to be vulnerable and adopt a growth mindset is key. We also discuss how travel sharpens your people skills, makes you more present, and helps you cultivate embracing change and uncertainty when it inevitably comes your way.
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we discuss:
- Family history dating back to grandfather establishing winery in Mendoza in 1960s
- The inspiration to focus on high elevation sites like Altamira, La Consulta, Gualtallary
- Understanding the valley's geology, altitude impacts creating distinct terroir identities
- How he developed Zuccardi's non-interventionist approach allowing transparent expression of place using concrete eggs vs. steel to showcase vineyard character
- Why soil mapping via calicatas provides key viticultural insights and how clonal selection and varieties are suited to high elevation, like chardonnay
- The impetus to make his own Vermouth with a group of friends, which revived theArgentine vermouth tradition
- Zuccardi’s dedication to wine tourism on a larger scale in Mendoza and the Uco Valley
- What the future holds for Argentina, Malbec, wine, and the next generation
Resources:
Instagram:
@zuccardivalledeuco
@szuccardi
Website: https://zuccardiwines.com/en/
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we talk about:
- How Giuliana was “chosen” by the world of fungi
- The “3F’s” & basics of the Fungi Kingdom & the role fungi plays in sustaining life
- The development of Chilean mycology and the uniqueness of Chilean fungi. The lonely road that was studying Chilean fungi at first and why Chile is classified as a “mycro-phobic” country despite being a fungi hotspot!
- How co-evolution with fungi have led to fungi with medicinal properties
- The process of looking for fungi for particular purposes - medicinal, pesticides, -- and how their co-evolution with animals have led to groundbreaking discoveries
- The Fungi Foundation
- Why everyone should see the newly-released documentary ‘Common Ground’, currently in theaters (as of March 2024)
Resources:
- Common Ground Documentary
- Field Guides to Chilean Fungi
- Fundacion Fungi
- Fundacion Fungi Donation Page
- Fantastic Fungi Documentary
@giulifungi
@fungi_foundation
@commongroundfilm
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode:
- Why the holiday season goes beyond peak season and coincides with the onset of summer vacation
- A discussion on top destinations in South America: Patagonia, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and the beaches of Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
- How to navigate the varied weather and seasons
- Tips on booking flights, transportation, and accommodations
- The secret on how to avoid the summer crowds and when to go (all within the summer time frame)
Resources:
Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77
Website: www.lizcaskey.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we discuss:
- Emily’s background and how she transitioned from media to skincare with her French business partner, Garance Doré
- The origin of French pharmacy skincare and how Doré set out to modernize it
- Why origin and source of ingredients matter in skin care & how she & Garance formulated their products to be clean
- A breakdown of the big difference between EU & US ingredient safety and why Doré defers to the EU
- Travel hacks to keep your skin healthy and glowing while in transit
Resources:
Instagram: @Doré, @em_note @garancedore
Website: www.wearedore.com
Get 10% off your order with Doré: click here
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You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode:
- Background and the origin of Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences’ group trip name called, “Romancing Colombia”
- Why Travel in Colombia is Safe & how to travel smart
- Colombia's top destinations: Bogotá, Coffee Triangle, Medellín& Cartagena
- Tips on navigating the varied climate, weather, seasons and flights
- Itinerary layout suggestions from 4 to 14 day itineraries
- The secret sauce to why Colombia will leave you with a post-trip glow for weeks after you get home!
Resources:
Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77
Website: www.lizcaskey.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we discuss:
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Ted’s experience in Burgundy and how that shaped his path in wine and a deep love for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
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The challenges of bootstrapping and growing his wine business and how Littorai grew from sourced fruit to an established, renowned, self-financed, profitable winery
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The important difference between aesthetic and ‘technocratic’ wines and why aesthetic wines as a medium constitute a language
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His decision to transition to biodynamic farming and how that has impacted the health of his vineyards and vision of Littorai
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His pivotal role in helping West Sonoma claim its own appellation and protecting the future of this viticulture region
Resources:
Instagram: @littorai
Website: www.littorai.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we discuss:
- History and Background of Carmenere
- Origin and discovery of Carmenere grape
- Transitioning the vineyards and where Carmenere grows in Chile
- Specific viticulture of growing Carmenere
- Flavor profiles of the grape and nuances across regions
- Chileans producers of Carmenere at all price points
- What to eat, and pair with Carmenere
Resources:
Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77
For bespoke travel & small group trips to South America & Beyond: www.lizcaskey.com
Join our upcoming trip to Chile in October 2024, a wine masterclass!
Our cookbook on South American cuisine! Perfect for pairing wines from the region.
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we discuss:
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The early days and influences in Rodolfo Guzmán's culinary journey
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Introduction to Boragó and its unique approach to Chilean ingredients
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The decades-long knowledge-gathering process of Boragó
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The Role of Boragó in the evolution of Chile's gastronomic Landscape
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Discussion on Chilean endemic ingredients and their diversity and the uniqueness of the dining experience at Boragó
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Rodolfo’s book “Coming from the South” and what’s next…
Resources:
Instagram: @rgborago
Website: www.borago.cl
Rodolfo’s cookbook: “Coming from the South” by Phaidon
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
Timestamps:
1:17 - Liz’s ‘Three Pillars’ of successful trip planning (for any trip)
3:26 - Coming to visit Napa in different seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall
8:33 - Travel planner hacks on where to base in Napa, the best airports for easy access, and the valley’s unique geography to consider
16:44 - How to structure your trip (& wine tastings) to Napa like a pro
21:24 - Final key strategy to keep in mind for a successful trip
Resources:
Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77
Website: www.lizcaskey.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In the show:
-The origins and history of astrology in history and present day
- How astrology's decline during the Inquisition and revival during the Renaissance led to its divide from astronomy.
-How to use astrology as a tool on your life journey through knowing your sign–and even for those in your life like friends, family, and colleagues.
Timestamps for each sign:
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19:48 Aries (March 21st to April 19th)
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24:26 Taurus (April 20th to May 20th)
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26:25 Gemini (May 21st to June 20th)
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28:08 Cancer (June 21st to July 22nd)
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30:56 Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd)
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33:38 Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd)
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36:39 Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd)
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39:49 Scorpio (October 23rd to November 21st)
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44:37 Sagittarius (November 22nd to December 21st)
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48:17 Capricorn (December 22nd to January 19th)
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51:18 Aquarius (January 20th to February 18th)
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57:47 Pisces (February 19th to March 20th)
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1:01:47 Importance of Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs in Birth Charts
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A discussion of how to navigate Mercury Retrograde–what it is, isn’t and how to work with the snafus and backwards energy 3x per year
-A short round-up of one of the best places to stargaze in the world–the Atacama Desert! Liz shares a few tips for planning a trip and traveling.
Resources:
Instagram: @tarotbytashi
Website: www.tarotbytashi.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
In this episode we cover:
-The wine revolution in Chile and how Rodrigo started exploring the wine in Burgundy, France
-His definition of terroir and how that relates to growing grapes and winemaking
-The journey and a 10-year search to identify the perfect site to plant his vineyard in the rainy south of Chile–a place where nobody had planted vines before.
-Understanding the climatic conditions in the south and their impact on wine production, and how ultimately these translate into Trapi’s unique wines
-Why Trapi’s wines are vegan, sustainable, and have incredibly low sulfates
-His future plans in the US market and the legacy he hopes to leave the Chilean wine industry
Resources:
Instagram: @trapidelbueno
Order Trapi's wines
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
Nestled at the feet of the towering Andes Mountains with more than 320 days of sunshine each year, Mendoza is a region defined by wine, much the way Bordeaux or Napa is. After all, it’s the world’s fourth largest wine producing region. Mendoza, however, is more than vineyards and wine cellars. It’s a place that feels like a last frontier where the Andes and the intensity of the sun is woven into every expression. With over 150,000 hectares of vineyards and hundreds of wineries, tucked away in the heart of Pedriel in the Lujan de Cuyo district is Cavas Wine Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property founded by Cecilia Diaz Chuit and her husband Martin Rigal in 2005. The first luxury ‘wine lodge’ in Mendoza, Cavas came to life through their relentless vision, passion, and persistence. Their presence and personal touch as owners, too, is the secret sauce that makes this property so magical–and sustainable in time. Maybe you have stayed in Cavas, or perhaps it’s on your list to check out, in this interview, Cecilia will take you behind the scenes of Cavas--it's a bit like visiting a hotelier friend in Mendoza. Grab your 'vinito' and let’s go.
In this episode we talk about:
- How Cecilia’s upbringing lead her into travel and a career as a hotelier and entrepreneur
- Mendoza in the early 2000s and how it has grown up as a wine region
- How she and her husband found Cavas stunning location (vineyards! Andes! Minimalist architecture!) and why Argentine wine country geographically looks so different than other wine regions
- What the secret is to really running a successful hotel
- Anecdotes on life in Mendoza, Argentinian culture and love for the “asado”
Resources:
Instagram: @cavaswinelodge
Website: www.cavaswinelodge.com
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
With Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, rain forests, jungles, great valleys and rivers flowing from the Andes Mountains, desert, and fog forests, Colombia is a country with deep regionality and distinct food, culture and customs. As the country exports more and more talent in music, innovation, art, design, fashion, and now food, today we are going to introduce you to a brilliant tastemaker, chef, and food stylist, Mariana Velásquezz, a native of Bogotá. She’s spent the past two decades residing in New York and cooking in restaurant kitchens, food styling, and writing/collaborating on cookbooks and published her own cookbook called Colombiana, which she says brings it all full circle. Mariana shares why Colombia's culinary philosophy means ‘more is more’ and the inherent joy and generosity present in its cuisine, and culture, which anyone traveling to the region will immediately savor.
In this episode we talk about:
- Mariana’s childhood memories of her grandmothers and the strong women in her family who modeled for her how to ‘dress’ a table.
- How she followed her passion in food abroad, honed her skills and eventually meshed her love of aesthetics into food styling.
- The diversity of Colombian cuisine, understanding its pillars, and how to make Colombian cuisine translatable at home.
- Her cookbook creation journey, the challenge faced when the pandemic hit, and how she pivoted.
- The stories behind the recipes and why she featured whole menus evocative of different regions of the country with hosting tips, suggestions for setting the scene, and playlists.
- Just to whet your appetite: here are a few examples of delicious dishes from Colombiana: empanadas (need we say more)... Cuchuco de Papaya y Camarón Tostado (Spicy Papaya and Charred Shrimp Gazpacho); Lomito de Cerdo al Tamarindo y Menta (Tamarind Pork Tenderloin with Mint).
Resources:
Instagram: MarianaVelasquezV
Website: www.marianavelasquez.com
Casa Velasquez HostingWare: https://www.casavelasquez.co/
You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com
You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/
- If you are considering traveling to Chile in 2022, it’s a great time to start planning as the country has the most complete and aggressive vaccination in South America (over 85% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and there is now zero cases in Patagonia!). Contact us to plan your trip
- In Episode 22, we talk a little about the possible forecast for travel in South America in 2022, although the pandemic is always a moving target Listen here.
If you missed Episode 22 on travel in South America, we highly recommend it. Listen here.
Explore our destinations in South America
Contact us to plan your trip
In this episode we talk about:
- Rodrigo’s background and why a summer job in a restaurant was the beginning of his curiosity about wine.
- The uncanny timing of an unwanted thesis on organic agriculture opened the door to lifelong learning and working with biodynamic agriculture.
- A glimpse into the world of wine in Chile in the early 2000s, and then mid-2010s, as he worked with trailblazers Matetic Vineyards and Veramonte.
- His fascination, and love affair, with California, brought him to LA, then Mendocino, Sonoma, and finally landed him in Napa.
- The importance and influence of key biodynamic mentors in his life like Alvaro Espinoza and Alan York shaped his path.
- His knack for coming into wine projects and transforming them, with biodynamic viticulture, to finer wines.
- Chile & California’s geographical similarities from coastline to weather, and even soil. Culture is another story, though.
Resources:
Matetic Vineyards (Chile)
Benzinger Winery (Napa)
Veramonte Winery (Chile)
Quintessa Winery (Napa)
Follow Rodrigo on Instagram
In this episode:
- The current situation as of early July 2021 in South America and a country-by-country “reading” of how we think it will evolve into 1Q 2022 and beyond
- Our philosophy on how we work with our clients and advise them on planning travel in this new era--just like you work with a financial or legal advisor.
- The metrics we use to evaluate how safe a destination can be and how to approach planning any trip using them
- Why Chile is your safest travel destination for holiday travel and in early 2022
- Our suggestions for being an early entry traveler to the region from travel style to specific destinations
- Why now is the time to plan the bucket list destinations and holiday travel for 2022 (pent up demand is real)
- And much more!
Resources:
We are proud to be recommended by Condenast Traveler as a top Travel Advisor in 2020 and 2021. You can read our review and more about our approach here.
Explore our destinations in South America
Contact us to discuss your trip
Revisit these episodes to spur wanderlust in:
-Chile & Uruguay: From vineyards to beaches
-The Peruvian Amazonian
-Ecuador: The Galapagos, of course!
-Argentina: Mendoza for wine lovers
In this episode we talk about:
- Laura’s family background and growing up in an Italo-Argentine winemaking family.
- What led her to become a medical doctor and when she felt called to join the family business.
- How her father, Nicolas Catena, saw the potential for Malbec as one of the great wines of the world.
- The story behind Catena Zapata and how it conquered one consumer, one wine shop one by one.
- The scientific, and cultural basis for terroir, how it applies to Malbec and clonal material, and why Laura founded the Catena Wine Institute.
- Her own project, Luca Wines, was an effort to preserve the small grape grower traditions in Argentina and how that has evolved.
- Sharing her love for her country through writing and books published on Argentina and wine culture.
Resources:
Luca Wines
Laura’s Instagram account
Catena Wines
Vino Argentino
Gold in the Vineyard
Catena Institute of Wine
Malbec Terroir Study
In this episode:
- The definition of terroir and its limitations
- What products are considered terroir products and why
- How artisanality and quality are the backbones of terroir
- Why the human touch and families are also part of the equation
- What we all bring to the table in our terroir experience
- A mash-up of four of our favorite episodes from Season One that bring this point home
Resources:
Episode #1 with Santiago Achaval of Matervini Wine
Episode #2 with Jake Standerfer of Coffee Culture Roasters
Episode #13 with Guiliana Furci of Fungi Foundation
Episode #15with Mark Gerrits of Obolo Chocolate
Are you signed up for our newsletter? If not, after subscribing first here on iTunes (if you haven’t already), head on over to lizcaskey.com and get on it, amigo(a). Every Thursday when episodes drop, Liz shares an accompanying story that’s only for our newsletter readers. Join us now!
You can follow Carola on Instragram at @olivalovers. You can also follow us on Instagram at @lccwe where we share many travel, wine, food, and design inspo.
Don't forget we also have an upcoming bean-to-bar chocolate tasting on March 18, 2021 with the founder and chocolate maker of Obolo Chocolate with three full-sized bars of chocolate delivered to your front door. You can sign up here. Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate.
In this episode we talk about:
- On how Carola became an olive oil taster and honed her palate
- The history of olive oil in Chile and other regions of South America where it’s produced like Mendoza, Uruguay, and even Brazil
- The varieties and origins of different olives, attributes in each variety (hint: it’s similar to wine!), and why culturally they are planted in different areas
- The best way to practice tasting at home and recreate a professional tasting
- How to identify freshness in oil, when it’s gone rancid, and how to select your oils from a producer or in-store
- How to pair your olive oil with a cooking method or specific recipe
- How to store olive oil
- Many other tips and tricks!
@olivalovers
In this episode we talk about:
- The beginnings of Treko and how Catalina was inspired to start this project from 5,000 miles away in California
- Chiloé as travel destination and its cultural intrigue
- The unique craftsmanship and weaving style of Chile from the Chilota sheep to natural dyes used
- How she trained the islanders to try her contemporary designs using traditional technique and the challenges she faced
- Why she decided on the B2B business model over DTC
- What intentional design is and how our homes should be an expression of our lives and fill us with few yet meaningful pieces
- Treko’s impact on the island and commitment to preserving traditions and livelihoods
- Why Treko wool is stain proof from almost any liquid, including coffee and red wine!
Resources:
Treko
@treko_wool
Chilote Magic
Visit Chiloé
In this episode we talk about:
- The origin of cacao in South America and cradle in Peru
- The beginnings of Obolo Chocolate and how Mark got the project off the ground
- Why he only sources his beans from one organic coop in Peru
- The art of chocolate making and what constitutes chocolate ‘terroir’
- What really is bean-to-bar chocolate?
- Obolo Chocolate’s impact on communities and commitment to sustainability
- How to store and how to pair chocolate from stouts to red wine
Resources:
Obolo Chocolate
@OboloChocolate
The Chilean Chocolatero
On March 18, I will be hosting a special tasting of Obolo Chocolate with founder and chocolatier Mark Gerrits. It will be fun, educational, and you'll get the chocolate delivered directly to your front door! You can join the waitlist here to be the first to know when we open sign-ups.
In this episode we talk about:
- Juan Andrés’ upbringing in a wine growing family in Uruguay
- The enmeshed history of Uruguayan wine with the country’s Spanish & Italian heritage
- His background in viticulture and his love for Mendoza, Argentina
- The challenges and triumphs of taking over a multigenerational family winery in Uruguay
- The nuances of Uruguayan terroir and Marichal’s vineyards
- The business of selling wine and promoting Uruguayan wines in a global market
- The many faces of Tannat and a new boom of white wines, including Marichal’s outstanding Blanc de Noir.
Resources:
Bodega Marichal
Marichal Wines
@marichalwines
In this episode we talk about:
- How Giuliana was “chosen” by the world of fungi
- The “3F’s” & basics of the Fungi Kingdom & the role fungi plays in our world
- The development of Chilean mycology and the uniqueness of Chilean fungi. The lonely road that was studying Chilean fungi at first and why Chile is classified as a “mycro-phobic” country despite being a fungi hotspot!
- How co-evolution with fungi have led to fungi with medicinal properties
- The process of looking for fungi for particular purposes - medicinal, pesticides, -- and how their co-evolution with animals have led to groundbreaking discoveries
- The Fungi Foundation
- Giuliana’s collaboration with culinary masterminds to express local fungi ecosystems in food
- How to start foraging mushrooms on your own
- Fungi and a future COVID vaccine
Resources
Field Guides to Chilean Fungi
Fundacion Fungi
Fundacion Fungi Donation Page
Fantastic Fungi Documentary
@giulifungi
@fungi_foundation
In this episode we talk about:
- Why Michael fell in love with Mendoza
- How he turned his dream of going from wine lover to winemaker a reality in Argentina
- What it’s really like to own a vineyard: the many details involved from farming to vinification to wine labels and exporting.
- How to get deeper into wine and really understand your own palate--translating taste.
- How The Vines has expanded to move into hospitality as one of the best hotels in Argentina and South America
- The Vines newest expansion and project that is taking owners around the world to craft wines
- Tips for exploring the Uco Valley along with a few favorite Argentine wines
Resources:
The Vines of Mendoza
Uco’s Playground (Michael Evan’s own label of wines)
The Vines
@thevinesofmendoza
@thevinesresortandspa
In this episode we talk about:
- How did we came to travel and when we realized it was our life’s work
- Living between two cultures, two continents, two languages, and having essentially two different selves
- Stories and memories meals, moments, wines, and people in Europe and South America that altered life
- Why food (and wine) focused travel is different than average travel; and how to approach any trip as an aesthete, foodie, and local.
- How we may travel differently in the future; and what does ‘authentic’ travel mean today
- Why curiosity is a driving force, and compass, to continue to explore
- Inspiration to dream of where you’ll go in 2021, and beyond.
Resources:
Peggy Markel Culinary Adventures
Buona Notte wines (Peggy’s son Graham Markel’s winery in Oregon)
@peggymarkel
@gowithpeggy
In this episode we talk about:
- What it’s like in South America to celebrate the holidays in summer
- Stories from friends and colleagues about traditions in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile
- What panettone, turkey, and the beach have in common during this time of year
- Why the holidays are an ideal time to visit South America
- Some inspiration to dream of warm(er) latitudes
Resources:
The Holidays
White Hot Christmas
Chile’s Cola de Mono recipe
Friends who joined us on this episode:
@cavaswinelodge
@fscasamedina
@soleravinosytapas
@penelope_alzamora
@lizcaskey77
In this episode we talk about:
- How Francesco’s international upbringing and time spent in 16 countries have shaped his career and life path
- How an inkling to build a small river cruise ship in the Peruvian Amazon turned into being in the right place at the right time
- Aqua’s ethos and how they achieve a magical mix of luxury, simplicity, and authenticity
- Why the Amazon is a place that everyone should experience and structure of Aqua’s excursions
- The design process of their ships and a growing appetite for small ship cruising and soft adventure in remote places
- Aqua Expeditions commitment to fine dining and their collaboration with top Lima chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino in Peru
- Why Francesco’s motto of “Think Globally, act locally” embodies Aqua’s mission of sustainability and social responsibility
Resources:
Aqua Expeditions
@aqua_expeditions
Fitzcarraldo: a must watch movie!!
Jungle Love
Travel in the Amazon with LCCWE
In this episode we talk about:
- Camila’s culinary background and fascination with fermentation
- The emerging cheese culture of Chile
- Building community education and economic co-operation with dairy producers
- The bane of pasteurization
- Some fun cheese tips to enhance your eating pleasure
Resources:
@ColectivoFermento
@camilacuisine
https://www.colectivofermento.cl/
Comida para Todos
Fundacion Gastronomica Social
Cheese & Vino, please!
In this episode we talk about:
- Lucia’s roots in appreciating food and cooking
- The foundations of her culinary career with Argentine celebrity chef Francis Mallman
- Lucia’s path as a chef and restaurateur in Uruguay
- Her flavorful, elemental, produce-driven cooking style
- How her food philosophy and approach in her Montevideo restaurants tie into the larger Uruguayan, and South American, food scene
- Lucia’s other pursuits as being a judge on Masterchef and cookbook author
Resources:
Lucia Soria Instagram
Jacinto Restaurant website
Jacinto Restaurant IG
Pizza Rosa IG
Pizza Rosa website
Relatos y Recetas
In this episode we talk about:
- Stephanie upbringing between the UK & Ecuador and as a world traveler
- How a holiday on the Galapagos sparked a dream--and life project
- Building the safari camp on a remote island from the ground up
- How a land-based trip to the Galapagos can be more than a bucket list trip and a transformational life experience
- Why the Galapagos is a perfect destination for family travel and why untouched nature is cathartic
- What sustainable travel means to them, and the travel industry today
- The impact of Covid on Ecuador, the Galapagos, and the future of travel
Resources:
Galapagos Safari Camp
@Galapagos_Safari_Camp
In this episode we talk about:
- Sven’s background in agriculture and viticulture and how his time at UC Davis changed everything
- Breaking into the Chilean wine industry as it began booming
- Australia’s profound influence on Sven and how Syrah became his passion
- Many nerdy things about Syrah, terroir, and the love of that grape
- Founding the Movement of Independent Vintners (MOVI)
- The business of selling wine
- Challenges and lessons learned in winemaking
Resources:
Polkura
@Polkura
@movichile
In this episode we talk about:
- How the inspiration for their hotels was born on a family trip to Uruguay
- Why the beach village of Jose Ignacio was the perfect spot to bring their dreams to life
- How Carrie & Alex Vik’s appreciation of art became a passion
- The concept behind Vik property and creative process of designing and commissioning local artists for the hotels
- Why aesthetics and beauty are the heart of their guests’ experience
- Carrie’s valuable lessons learned in the design, and hospitality, business
Resources:
The Art of Chilling Out (Jose Ignacio, Uruguay)
From Garden-to-Table, and Straight from the Heart (Vik Chile)
Viña Vik: Birthing New Terroir in Cachapoal
Contact:
https://www.vikretreats.com/
@vikretreats
In this episode we talk about:
- How an unexpected family tragedy sparked Tomas’s creative path to design
- The noble intentions behind his sustainable brand and how it’s a tribute to his late father
- What it takes to create a new luxury brand in a noisy (fashion) market
- Place-based design in home, fashion, and art in Latin American
- The craftsmanship, artisans, and local materials behind Verdi Designs
- Value-driven, socially responsible business
- Challenges and lessons learned in the design business
Resources:
Why Artisans Matters
The Colombian Collective
Contact:
https://verdi.com.co/
@verdidesign
In this episode we talk about:
- How Jake became interested in coffee via international humanitarian work
- His experimental coffee roasting that led to founding his business
- The concept of “specialty coffee” in a world of mediocre brew
- The process and criteria for sourcing premium beans
- Our conditioning, and reconditioning, of taste in culture and food
- Challenges on his entrepreneurial path and why seed-to-cup is his coffee philosophy--and why it should be yours, too!
Resources:
A Coffee Affair with Colombia
Coffee with Legs Santiago Style
Contact:
@coffeeculture_cr
In this episode we talk about:
- How Santiago turned a passion for learning about wine into a wine business
- Why Achaval Ferrer became such a disruptor of the Argentine wine industry
- The concept of the terroir of Malbec
- Wine as an evolving art form
- The latest chapter in winemaking for Santiago
- The future of wine in Argentina
- The business side of creative passions
- Challenges and lessons learned in winemaking
Resources:
What is terroir really?
Mendoza terroir 101
The Farm Winery
Contact:
Bodega Matervini
@matervini