The Grape Nation

Pax Mahle is an old soul in the new California wine establishment. 

He made his way to wine country in 1997, launching his own winery in 2000, and has been making wine for over 25 years. Pax has changed the way we think about California Syrah and has shown us Chenin Blanc, Trousseau Gris, Gamay Noir, and Vermentino, among others can flourish in California. 

He has mentored and influenced a generation of winemakers and is now working on Halcon, his new estate grown Syrah project. 
 

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For Part 2 of our visit to Blackberry Farm, we check out sister property Blackberry Mountain, a 5200 acre haven nestled in the Smoky Mountains. We speak with Logan Griffin, Director of Food and Beverage at BBM, along with Andy Chabot, to discuss the vast wine program, mixology, and one of the best spirits collection in the country. We further pursue our "Feast for the Ears" wine and food pairing session with Chefs Joey Edwards, PM Exec.Chef at Three Sisters and Joel Werner, Exec. Chef at the Firetower. Logan and Andy selected six wines to pair with our chefs creations.

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New Englander and wannabe chef, Andy Chabot attended the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park in NY. His love for food turned into a passion for wine. After CIA, Andy headed west to work at wine mecca Little Nell in Aspen, eventually heading back east to settle in at BlackBerry Farm with second generation owners Sam and Mary Celeste Beall. Sam, along with Andy wanted to transform Blackberry Farm into a true wine destination…mission accomplished, two decades later, Blackberry Farm has over 150K bottles in their cellars, is the recipient of the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Wine Program” along with two “Best Chef” awards, and numerous Wine Spectator Grand Awards. Andy Chabot is the SVP of Food and Beverage at BBF and BlackBerry Mtn. We tour the wine cellars with Andy, Asst. Bev. Dir, Kelly Schmidt, and Somm John Schlichting and select wines to pair with our dishes from Exec. Chef Cassidee Dabney, The Barn, and Trevor Iaconis, The Dogwood at BBF. 
 

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Growing up in Angola, Luis Seabra returned to Portugal in the 1970’s. He studied viticulture at Vila Real and his obsession with terroir led him to work in soil research in Vinho Verde. He launched a revolutionary still wine program while working at Nierpoort, eventually starting his own small winery in 2013, Luis Seabra Vinhos. To Luis, it is all about making wines he enjoys drinking: elegant, fresh, terroir-driven wines that are also age-worthy. Luis Seabra is the most exciting winemaker in Portugal today. 
 

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How the hell does a guy who was a Big Ten defensive lineman, still plays the trombone, loves jazz, got an MBA in Business at Univ. of Chicago, another one at U Cal Davis in Viticulture and Enology, and sometimes bartends during the week…make some of the best wines in the world? That’s Chris Carpenter and he’ll tell us. He is The Drinks Business Master Winemaker of the Year for 2024. He has been working with Jackson Family Wines for decades as the winemaker for Cardinale, Lokoya, La Jota, and Mt. Brave in Napa and Hickinbotham in Australia. Chris is in that rare air of high altitude and highly regarded wines. 
 

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Stephen Bitterolf has been on the New York wine scene for decades, morphing from retail to importer. He is the founder of Vom Boden, a wine import company representing and supporting small growers and really, what they do. Stephen has been instrumental in finding and bringing the best growers to the market, specializing in Germany. Think, Keller, Stein, Becker, along with the upcoming and avant-garde, that’s Vom Boden! He is the creator of Rieslingfeir and just wrote his first book, “Vom Boden: Ten Years of Hocks and Moselles”. A personal and informative journey. 

Purchase book here: https://www.vomboden.com/vom-boden-ten-years-of-hocks-moselles/
 

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Born in Champagne, Mathieu Roland-Billecart is the 7th Generation CEO of one of Champagnes longest standing family-owned estates. After 15 years working in finance in London, Mathieu came home to the family business in 2018, also the bicentennial year of Billecart-Salmon. He continues to further tradition and innovation at this legendary Champagne house, also loved by critics and Somms. Mathieu leads the charge in philanthropy and sustainability with an eye towards people and the environment.

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Hailing from Lake Placid, NY, Grant Reynolds realized it was easier to pursue a career in wine than ski-jumping. After college in Boulder, he wound up in the greatest wine incubator at Bobby Stuckey’ Frasca. He went on to work in Burgundy, Piedmont, and Noma, before settling in NYC to open Charlie Bird as wine director and partner, later opening Parcelle Wine. Grant, is a true entrepreneur and believer of wine and e-commerce. He recently opened a new restaurant near Parcelle called Tolo. Besides being an awarded Sommelier, Grant recently published his second book, “'The Wine List'”, Stories and Tasting Notes Behind the World’s Most Remarkable Bottles”. 
 

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Born in Indiana, summers and college in Vermont, dancing their way into each-others hearts, Dierdre met her Husband Caleb Barber at Middlebury. Both loved food, influenced by Italy, opened an Italian restaurant, grew their own produce, then eventually grapes, and practiced farm to table before it was a thing. Loyal to the terroir and indigenous fruits, Deirdre went on to make alpine wines in the mountains and lakes of the great state of Vermont. 

Her first vintage was in 2010, her innovation, commitment, influence and mentorship has not only put Vermont wine on the map, but how we think about wine, sparklers, and cider.

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I recently attended the Union Grand Crus Bordeaux tasting in NYC. Over 125 producers pored the 2021 vintage. We spoke with five different producers including Chateau Clinet, Domaine de Chevalier, Chateau Lagrange, Chateau Guiraud, and Chateau Giscours, from different growing regions on the right and left banks in Bordeaux. We’ll get some insight into the wines, climate, challenges of the vintage, ageability, and more for the 2021 vintage.

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Tira Johnson migrated east a decade ago to work in wine and hospitality at some of NY’s best, including Beauty & Essex, Crown Shy, Terroir, and Crown Club at Barclays, to name a few. Along the way she received her Somm certification. Tira is now the Wine Director at Ilis, from Mads Refslund, a Co-Founder of Noma. Ilis’ much anticipated opening in Brooklyn is truly one of the most fascinating and unique dining experiences today. Tira’s love for wine is only superseded by her true love for dogs! 
 

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Pepe Raventos’ family has been around for a long time, like since the 1400’s. Pepe is a 21st generation winemaker at Raventos i Blanc in Spain. His family led the development of Penedes into one of the world’s leading sparkling wine regions in Conca del Riu Anoia. Pepe traveled to Burgundy, the Loire, Germany, and the US to hone his craft before settling in to the family winery. Pepe creates pure wines that speak from their origin, making wines with minimal intervention and a focus on minerality. 
 

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As the year winds down and we celebrate the holiday season, we want to make sure you are drinking and gifting the right wines and Champagnes. We asked three of our expert friends to guide us through the myriad of wine and bubbly choices out there. We will be talking with Jhonel Faelnar, Katja Scharnagl and Aldo Sohm. Get your pen and paper out for some great recommendations.

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Josh Greene is the long time Editor, Publisher and owner of Wine and Spirits Magazine. Josh also serves as its critic for Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Rioja, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. He has traveled extensively to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and throughout the US. You can also find feature stories and commentary by Josh in each issue. Josh Greene is always generous with his time and is appearing for the seventh year on The Grape Nation for “2023, The Year in Review”. 
 

Photo Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Stacked, jacked and whacked with every award, including a James Beard, Food and Wine’s Best Chef, LA Times Best Restaurant of the Year, and a NY Times America’s Best Restaurants, Justin Pichetrungsi is the second-generation owner of Anajak Thai in California. More importantly, he is preserving the legacy of his family’s 40-year-old restaurant along with transforming it. After 10 years at Disney as an Art Director and Imagineer, working on Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar, he left to join his family restaurant when his father became ill in 2019. Justin’s innovation and love of natural wine have made Anajak one of the great food and wine destinations in America. 
 

Image Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Ray Isle hails from “Deep in the Heart of Texas”, and is the son of an English professor, and he probably pissed his dad off after leaving academia to pursue wine writing. He is the Executive Wine Editor for “Food and Wine” and the Wine and Spirits Editor for “Travel and Leisure”. He has been on the beat for over two decades covering wine, spirits, and cocktails. Ray is a journalist, sought-after speaker, and now author. His brand-new book, “The World in a Wine Glass: The Insider’s Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now”, is an extensive and personal tome on the great natural wines and their makers from around the world. 

Photo Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Isabelle Legeron needs no introduction to The Grape Nation audience. She is a Master of Wine, author, founder of Raw Wine, and the Raw Wine Fairs, a wine consultant, and she oversees the Raw Wine Club. She is a true advocate of organic farming practices and proper living wines. Raw Wine is coming to NYC Nov. 12 & 13, Toronto Nov. 15th, Montreal Nov. 18th & 19th and Berlin Dec. 3rd. Isabelle has four Raw Wine Fairs scheduled through June 2024, including Tokyo and Copenhagen. 
 

Photo Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Chiara Pepe is a third-generation winemaker in Abruzzo Italy. Her grandfather’s grandfather made home wine in the basement dating back to the late 1800’s, eventually becoming Emidio Pepe in 1964, one of the most highly regarded and sought-after wines in the world. Chiara, along with her mom and sister run the winery with Chiara overseeing the land, vines, grapes, and cellar. She farms biodynamically with no intervention in the cellar and is a magician with Trebbiano and Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo. She is in NYC to pour at the Karakterre and other events. 
 

Photo Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Champagne runs through Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon’s veins. A native of Reims, in Champagne, he received his degree in viticulture and oenology from the University of Montpellier. He joined the Louis Roederer Champagne House in 1989 working in Tasmania and the Anderson Valley before returning to France, eventually overseeing all vineyard and winery operations. Jean Baptiste is the Chef du Cave and EVP of Champagne at Louis Roederer. He is one of Champagne’s most pioneering winemakers with his holistic approach to the vines and wines. 
 

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Daniel Johnnes is a true wine hero. He spent four decades in wine and hospitality with Daniel Boulud and Drew Nieporent at New York’s finest restaurants. A true Francophile, Daniel has shared and promoted his love of French wine to all of us. He has received two awards from the French Government and is also James Beard Award winner. At The Grape Nation, we like to say “We Bring Wine to the People”. Well, Daniel Johnnes has become the greatest example of that by way of his wine fetes or festivals, La Paulee, La Fete du Champagne, La Tablee, his Pressoir Wine Experiences, and as an importer. 

Jersey born, Bombay raised, Raj Vaidya’s love of Burgundy, Champagne and Rhone wines eventually brought him together with Daniel Johnnes. Raj is a highly accomplished Sommelier and Director of Operations for Pressoir. Before Pressoir, Raj worked at the finest wine restaurants in the country including the Ryland Inn, Cru, Gary Danko, and ran the wine program for a dozen years with Daniel Boulud. Raj and Daniel are gearing up for La Fete du Champagne Oct. 25-28th in NYC, Nov. 3rd and 4th in Houston. 
 

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Texas born Byron Bates has been a part of the NY wine scene for almost 30 years. He is truly one of the champions of natural wines. After bringing in and introducing his restaurant customers to smaller, family, artisanal producers, he went on to start his own NY based wine importation company, Goatboy Selections. To help further promote these producers, Byron founded the Wild World Wine Festival in 2019 with events in NY and Texas. This year Wild World is in Red Hook, Brooklyn, on Oct. 30th, including dinners, seminars, and a walk around tasting. 
 

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Bay Area native, Shelley Lindgren never strayed far from home. She attended cooking school and cut her teeth in hospitality in SF, further pursuing her passion for wine. Since 2004 she is the Co-Owner and Wine Director of SF legend A16. Shelley is a leading voice on Italian wine and is responsible for exposing her customers and the rest of us to the new wines from the “other” regions, grapes, and winemakers of Italy. She has won the James Beard Award for her Outstanding Wine Program at A16, has written two cookbooks, makes wine at Tansy, and most importantly is a mom. Her new book “Italian Wine; The History, Regions, and Grapes of an Iconic Wine Country”, is now available everywhere. Because of Shelley, you will eventually taste Fiano, Falanghina, Aglianico, Taurasi, Coda di Volpe, Gragnano, and more.

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Ariel Arce is no stranger to The Grape Nation. She has joined us to talk about Air’s Champagne Parlor, Tokyo Record Bar, the opening of her concept restaurant Niche Niche, her Champagne book, “Better with Bubbles”, and now the new outpost of beloved Roman restaurant Roscioli. 

Alessandro Pepe comes to Roscioli NY via Rome with a varied background including comedy, acting, waiting tables, Somm, and is the founder of wine bar Rimessa Roscioli in Rome and NYC. 

Roscioli is now open at 43 MacDougal St. in NYC. 
 

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The Alto Adige is one of the smallest wine growing regions and also has become one of the country’s TOP white wine regions. This unique Alpine landscape is ironically kissed by the hot Mediterranean sun in the Summer. Many of the vineyards are planted on hills and steep mountainside altitudes, producing fresh and aromatic wines. Along with the wine estates, there are over a dozen cooperatives successfully representing thousands of small winegrowers in the region. The focus is towards quality, not quantity, working with over 20 varietals including some of the best Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Schiava and Lagrein you will ever taste. We were based out of Bolzano, the largest city of South Tyrol and the Capital. We visited, dined and tasted wine with over a dozen wineries and Cooperatives. I will let the wine people of the Alto Adige tell their story. This is part-two of a two-part series. On this episode, we will be talking to Clemens Alois Lageder, Proprietor, Alois Lageder Estate, Werner Waldboth, Abbazia di Novacella, and Judith Unterholzner, Gump Hof.

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I recently traveled to Northern Italy to visit the Alto Adige wine region, also known as Sudtirol or South Tyrol, near the Swiss and Austrian borders at the foothills of the Dolomites. The Alto Adige is one of the smallest wine growing regions and has become one of the country’s TOP white wine regions. This unique Alpine landscape is ironically kissed by the hot Mediterranean sun in the Summer. Many of the vineyards are planted on hills and steep mountainsides, producing high altitude, fresh and aromatic wines. Along with the wine estates, there are over a dozen cooperatives successfully representing thousands of small winegrowers in the region. The focus here is towards quality, not quantity, working with over 20 varietals including some of the best Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Schiava, and Lagrein you will ever taste. 

We were based out of Bolzano, the largest city of South Tyrol and the Capital. We visited, dined and tasted wine with over a dozen wineries and cooperitives. I will let the wine people of the Alto Adige tell their story. This is a two-part series. On this episode we will be talking to Martin Foradori from J. Hofstatter, Oscar Lorandi, Cantina Girlan, and Wolfgang Klotz, Cantina Tramin.

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This will be the first Artificial Intelligence wine podcast with ChatGPT, and we will use the platform to help us conduct the interview with Dan Petroski. Brooklyn’s own Dan Petroski made his way west to settle in California. In between, he attended Columbia, NYU Biz School, had a career in marketing, finance and advertising, spent time learning wine in Sicily, and more. Once in Napa, he made his way to Larkmead Vineyards in 2006. At one point, Dan was juggling two wine brands; He left Larkmead to focus on his Massican wines, a true devotion to Italian white wines made in California. 
 

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Raj Parr no longer needs an introduction. He is one of the most prolific wine people in the world. His legendary palate, his instinctive winemaking, and his commitment to regenerative farming have steered him to his passion, Phelan Farm in Cambria, California. Raj has traded his nomadic global lifestyle for that of a resident farmer, making soulful, spiritual wines. 
 

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Ontario’s own Nicholas Gizuk grew up around a wine-loving family. With an interest in fermentation and chemistry, Nick graduated from the Niagara College Wine and Viticulture program. He went on to intern at wineries in Canada, eventually working harvests in the Barossa Valley in Australia and Marlborough, New Zealand. He returned to Canada to work at Inniskillin, Niagara in 2013, working under winemaker Bruce Nicholson and becoming head winemaker in 2021. Nick stresses “We must respect the fruit and terroir, as that is the foundation of every great wine. Our job, as winemakers, is to guide those grapes with as little intervention as possible into the bottle.” Nick and Inniskillin are most recognized for their world-class Icewine.

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Jon Bonne is no stranger to The Grape Nation. This is his third appearance on the podcast, and he's here to discuss his new and third book “The New French Wine”. Jon is an award-winning author and journalist; his background includes MSNBC, Decanter, a decade as Wine Editor and Chief Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, author of “The New California Wine, and “The New Wine Rules". Jon is currently Managing Editor at Resy covering dining, restaurants, and wine pretty much everywhere it’s served! 
 

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What’s in a name, well, if you are a Zabar, that’s about as ubiquitous as pizza in NYC. Born and raised in the city, Eli Zabar is part of the legendary family synonymous with food…and now wine. Eli separated from his brothers and family to follow his own vision in the ‘70’s: creating a food and wine empire. He is a tireless innovator and has created some of the most unique food and wine concepts in the country. Eli’s Table just reopened with seasonal fare and one of the largest old world wine collections in New York. So, the question begs to be asked, how does a guy approaching 80 have so much energy? 
 

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Fifth Generation Sonoman, Russel Bevan left town to study Philosophy at Gonzaga University, logically leading him to a job in the dental field in the Midwest. A fortuitous transfer sent him back west where wine things started happening for him. Russell became a prolific wine forum nerd and columnist for Wine Spectator Magazine before settling into his own wine gig in N. California. Russell is the proprietor of Bevan Cellars and a sought-after wine consultant stacking up numerous 100-point wines. He recently started Adversity Cellars with his wife Heidi. 

So, the questions begs to be asked, how the hell did a native Californian with a Masters in Philosophy from a Jesuit University wind up in the Midwest in the dental field, only to return back west and make some of the highest scoring and most prestigious wines? We’ll find out! 

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Bedford Stuyvesant’s own Marvina Robinson left the neighborhood to attend Norfolk St University, an HBCU. Her love of the bubbly started when she would come home between semesters and pop some champagne with her friends to celebrate. Marvina attended Columbia University, receiving her Masters to work in finance in risk management. Her love for Champagne was strong enough to take some risk, pack in her career, travel to France, and start B. Stuyvesant Champagne in Brooklyn as one of the few woman of color Champagne owners. Marvina makes over a half dozen cuvees including a Rose and Cuvee Reserve. 
 

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Ken Pahlow has spent over two decades on the Oregon wine scene. He worked at and with some of the best people in the state including Dom Lafon at Evening Land, Patricia Greene, and St. Innocent. Ken also logged time on the sales and distribution side at Evening Land, Vin de Garde, and Galaxy. With a little coaxing from his wife and now partner Erica, he started Walter Scott Wines in 2008, producing their first vintage in 2009. He now makes his wines at Casteel in the Eola-Amity Hills. Ken Pahlow crafts critically acclaimed, sough-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from multiple sites in Oregon.

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Cristina Mariani May is a third-generation winemaker. Her grandparents emigrated from Italy to the United States in the early 1900’s. Ironically, her father and uncle headed back to Italy in the late ‘70’s to create Castello Banfi in Brunello di Montalcino, now the largest contiguous vineyard in Europe. Cristina joined Banfi in the early ‘90’s and has been the President and CEO since 2018. Cristina is one of the most powerful women in wine and oversees import, distribution, and wineries in Tuscany, Piemonte, and the Pacific northwest. Work-life balance and family first is essential to Cristina’s success.
 

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This week we are going to talk about Bordeaux 2020. The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux was recently in NYC with over 100 wineries pouring their new 2020 vintage. I got a chance to speak with six different wineries from different regions in Bordeaux and the consensus is the 2020 vintage is excellent, the third in a trilogy of great vintages after 2018 and '19. This was a walk around tasting with hundreds of people and wineries in midtown Manhattan. It was a little noisy and frenetic, but the wineries were able to take some time out to tell us about their wines and the vintage. We spoke to Chateau Beychevelle in St Julien

Chateau Coutet, the sweet wine from Barsac 

Domaine de Chevalier in Pessac Leognan 

Chateau Cantenac Brown in Margaux 

Chateau La Gaffeliere in St Emilion 

And Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac. 
 

Photo Courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

The Grape Nation is nominated for a viewer’s choice TASTE AWARD. Cast your vote before February 17th.

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Not your typical winemaker, Bibi Graetz was surrounded by a family of visual artists, studying art and not wine. He grew up in a medieval castle in Tuscany surrounded by vineyards. With no formal training, Bibi started making wine in the late 1990’s, and by 2000 he was making his own wine with a passion for old vines and Sangiovese. Merging his two loves, Bibi has created the labels for his highly sought after and critically acclaimed wines. 
 

The Grape Nation is nominated for a viewer’s choice TASTE AWARD. Cast your vote before February 17th.

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Nathan Kendall, a Finger Lakes native, has been making wine at his eponymous Nathan K winery for over a dozen years. He has traveled the world to fine-tune his craft, including Sonoma, New Zealand, Australia, Oregon, and the Mosel in Germany. He also makes wine at Hickory Hollow and at Chepika with Pascaline Lepeltier. Nathan is part of a new generation of Finger Lakes winemakers bringing passion, innovation, and technical skills to their wines and the region. 
 

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Shana Clarke is a freelance writer based out of New York City, specializing in wine, Sake, and travel. She has WSET Level 3 certification and is a certified Sake Sommelier. Her writing has appeared in Fortune, Wine Enthusiast, Departures, and Saveur to name a few. Shana is also a wine marketing consultant for major wine entities. Shana Clarke just released her new book, “150 Vineyards You Need to Visit Before You Die”. 

 

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Eric Asimov is the long-time wine critic of the New York Times. His wine column, “The Pour”, appears every Wednesday in the Food Section of the Times in-print and online. Eric recently concluded almost 9 years and 100 columns of his “Wine School”. Post-Covid times have allowed Eric to travel around the world, taste wine, and meet the winemakers for the first time in years. He has published numerous books and shares the torture of the NY Jets with me. 
 

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The Grape Nation ends the season with Champagne and Bubbly recommendations from the best in the business for the holidays and beyond. We talk to Robin Wright, Beverage Director at Ci Siamo; Yannick Benjamin and Heidi Turzyn, Proprietors of Beaupierre Wines and Spirits and Contento Restaurant; Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin & Aldo Sohm Wine Bar; Annie Shi, Partner at King Soho and Jupiter; and Josh Greene, Editor and Publisher at Wine and Spirits Magazine.

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Josh Greene is the longtime Editor and Publisher of “Wine and Spirits” Magazine. Josh has traveled extensively to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and the US. He is a critic for those regions and South Africa along with writing feature stories and commentary. “Wine and Spirits” Magazine also presents their Top 100 Tasting annually. Josh and his team evaluate over 15,000 bottles every year. 
 

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Alex Schrecengost has spent almost two decades working in wine, spirits, hospitality, luxury goods, and PR. She has worked closely with such iconic brands as Romanée Conte and Biondi Santi at Wilson Daniels. The Pandemic created an opportunity for Alex to start mission driven businesses to help the workers in hospitality and the consumer alike. Alex founded Virtual with Us and Culture with Us, a black owned business. 

Katja Scharnagl hails from the Wachau Region of Austria and grew up surrounded by wine. While in Austria, she attended culinary school, received her Somm Degree, and worked in the finest restaurants. She landed in the US in 2011 and worked side by side with Aldo Sohm at Le Bernadin for almost a decade. Katja is now the Beverage Director at Koloman with Markus Glocker, one of the hottest restaurants in NYC. She is part of the Virtual with Us Beverage and Culinary Network. 

 

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On this very special episode of The Grape Nation, Sam sits down with Harold Langlais of Château Le Puy, live from Raw Wine 2022 in Queens. Sam and Harold discuss the history of Le Puy, their growing practices, and how they stand out from other natural wine makers.

Château Le Puy lies on 54 hectares in three parcels in Saint Cibard, France, on the same rock plateau as Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, a place known in ancient times as “The Plateau of the Wonders” because of the excellence of its wines.

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Isabelle Legeron is the author of “Natural Wine: An Introduction to Organic and Biodynamic Wines Made Naturally.” She is France’s first female Master of Wine. Isabelle created RAW WINE, the world’s largest community of low-intervention organic, biodynamic and natural wine producers, supported by fairs, a wine club and online shop. Isabelle has long advocated organic farming practices and proper living wines. Isabelle Legeron is a true maverick and crusader for natural wine, and her influence has touched every part of the wine world.

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Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe Eselbock are the proprietors and wine makers at Gut Oggau, their winery in Oggau in the Burgenland region of Austria. They restored a 17th century winery and now farm biodynamically. They created a unique family of wines by field blending the grapes of the region. 

Christian Tschida is a fourth-generation winemaker in the Burgenland region of Austria. Christian farms organically and biodynamically with incredible attention to detail in the vineyard and the cellar. Christian has helped pioneer the low intervention, natural wine movement in Austria and beyond. His wines are aromatic textured, with finesse, ranging from Pinot Blanc to Zwiegelt, Riesling, Syrah and more. 

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Chase Sinzer has been around…in a good way. He has worked with Union Sq Hospitality Group at Maialino, with John Fraser at Narcissa, David Chang at Momofuko Ko where he met now chef/partner Joshua Pinsky, and received 2 Michelin stars. Chase hit the west coast at Michael’s in Santa Monica, and Caesar Ramirez’s Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare and did a little retail at Crush Wine, both in NYC. Chase Sinzer and Joshua Pinsky followed on a plan and fulfilled a dream opening Claud, a European restaurant and wine bar in the East Village, to overwhelming critical acclaim this past summer. 
 

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Born in Pennsylvania, but now a British-American living in France, Aaron Ayscough made his way out to LA at the young age of 23, and even to his surprise, became a prominent Italian wine buyer with famed pizza chef, Nancy Silverton. Looking for an escape a few years later, Aaron headed to Paris working in fashion and organically, no pun intended, made his way into the thriving natural wine scene. He hung with all the Paris natural wine luminaries before moving to Beaujolais where he got a sense of the real natural wine culture, and started his wine writing and wine making. In 2015 he launched his wine blog appropriately named “Not Drinking Poison” and has also Sommeliered at some of Paris’ best wine restaurants. Aaron’s perseverance and passion for natural wine has led him to write “The World of Natural Wine: What It Is, Who Makes It and Why It Matters."

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Karen MacNeil is an award-winning wine speaker, consultant, journalist, educator and author. When I say award-winning, I’m talking an Emmy and a James Beard Award among others. She has her own line of stemware and publishes her weekly newsletter and website, Winespeed. Karen just released the fully revised and updated 3rd Edition of “The Wine Bible,” selling upwards of a million copies; it is one of the best-selling wine books ever. 

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Sam Coturri is a fourth generation wine guy hailing from Sonoma royalty dating back to the '60's. His dad Phil started a farming company in the late '70's practicing thoughtful and organic farming from the get-go and continues to be one of the most sought-after vineyard minds in wine. Sam worked in PR, political campaigns, and cannabis before he joined Winery Sixteen600, the family winery as Proprietor in 2011. The winery focuses on single vineyard wines and Rhone varietals in the Moon Mtn. District in Sonoma. Sixteen600 is the closest thing to wine as the Grateful Dead is to music! Sam Coturri is also a fellow podcaster.

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Jorge Riera has been a fixture on the NY wine and restaurant scene for over 20 years. His commitment to, knowledge of and influence in natural wine dates back to 360 in Brooklyn, Balthazar, The Ten Bells, Wildair, Contra and Frenchette in NYC. His wine lists characterize natural wines at their best, featuring predominantly small growers and makers. Jorge introduced an all-natural only wine list at the highly acclaimed Frenchette in Tribeca almost five years ago. Continuing to work with his Frenchette peeps Lee Hanson and Riad Nasir, Jorge Riera is now overseeing the beverage program at the recently opened, red hot Le Rock in Rockefeller Center. 

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For over two decades, Alice Feiring has been the original and honest voice of Natural Wine. She cut her teeth on Manischewitz and mastered her way to Morgon…and Barolo! Alice is an award-winning wine writer, prolific author, publishes her natural wine newsletter, “The Feiring Line”, and just released her sixth book, To Fall in Love, Drink This: A Wine Writer’s Memoir, a journey of love and wine from her childhood to the Pandemic. 

 

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Wolffer Estate was the vision of German-born businessman Christian Wolffer. He purchased property in Sagaponack in the late ‘70’s and developed it into one of the great vineyards on Long Island and in the world. Marc and Joey Wolffer, Christian’s son and daughter, along with winemaker/partner Roman Roth, now run the Estate. Joey started a successful career in fashion and design before shifting her time to the winery. She is a restless Mom, designer, horse lover and the Chief Branding Officer. German-born Roman Roth earned his wine degree at home before traveling to the US and Australia to broaden his wine knowledge. Roman Roth joined Wolffer Estate in the early ‘90’s as their first winemaker and continues to oversee all winemaking.

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Brooklyn’s own Kilolo Strobert is a true Crown Heights Affair. After attending high school on the Upper West Side, culinary school at Johnson and Wales, her love of wine, hospitality, helping friends with wine pairings and recos solidly pushed her into wine. She has worked all aspects of the business including retail at Morrell and Le Du’s and Fresh Direct, the Hotel Parker Meridien, Zagat and more. 18 years ago, she took a job at a wine store in Prospect Park, today she is now the owner of that same store, Fermented Grapes. Kilolo is committed to wines that are natural, highlights diversification, globalization, women and the BIPOC winemaking community.

Photo courtesy of Clay Williams.

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Hailing out of Los Angeles, Randall Grahm attended college in Santa Cruz. A stint at a wine shop in Beverly Hills woke Randall to the allure and magic of wine, sending him to UC Davis to study Plant Science, and an itching obsession with Pinot Noir. Randall made his way back to Santa Cruz and, as they say, the rest is history. He started Bonny Doon Vineyard in the early ‘80’s and made a sharp turn from Pinot Noir to becoming a California pioneer of Rhone varietals with his iconic Le Cigare Volant. Randall recently sold Bonny Doon and launched a new project called the Language of Yes with none other than the Gallo Family. Randall’s other obsession is his interest and work in the expansion and expression of new varietals in California. Randall approaches the whole wine thing with a bit of wit, as a bad boy sometimes, a dreamer and a true genius. 

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This episode was recorded live at this spring's RAW Wine NYC - a celebration of artisan and natural wines. 

My guests were Kreso Petrekovic from Vinas Mora and Marko Kovac representing Bibich Winery. Together we explore the region of Dalmatia, a historic wine region in the south of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea in Eastern Europe. Wine has been produced there for thousands of years, and Dalmatia has some of the oldest continually cultivated vineyards. It is one of the four main wine regions of Croatia. We sampled the region by tasting and discussing 6 wines.

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Hailing from California with time spent in Vermont, Max Mackinnon found a love for cooking and attended the French Culinary Institute after college in Vermont. He crisscrossed the country working in San Francisco, Washington DC, Hudson NY, his own restaurant Pistou in Vermont, and even worked in Copenhagen. Max always had a love for wine and morphed over to wine sales eventually leaving to hit the floor as Wine Director at Roberta’s Pizza in Bushwick, also home of the Heritage Radio studios. 
 

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Jordan Salcito is a seasoned wine veteran having worked with David Chang at Momofuko and Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison. She is an award-winning sommelier, entrepreneur and most importantly a mom, finding that life work balance. Jordan is the Founder and CEO of Drink Ramona, an early entry into the portable canned wine segment with her organic wine spritzes from Italy. Jordan lives in NYC with her husband Robert Bohr and her two sons. 
 

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Being born into wine is one thing, being born into the Mondavi family is another. Tim Mondavi’s grandfather, Cesare, and dad, Robert, are California wine royalty. Tim grew up around the vines in St Helena, traveled to Europe, studied wine at UC Davis, and then jumped right into the family business at Robert Mondavi Winery. He had a big influence on their growth and innovation including Opus One, Luce in Italy, and Sena in Chile. Tim eventually moved on to create his dream winery, Continuum, on Pritchard Hill with his sister and children focusing on estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wines. Carissa Mondavi joins us with her generational perspective. 

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Being born into wine is one thing, being born into the Mondavi family is another. Tim Mondavi’s grandfather, Cesare, and dad, Robert, are California wine royalty. Tim grew up around the vines in St Helena, traveled to Europe, studied wine at UC Davis, and then jumped right into the family business at Robert Mondavi Winery. He had a big influence on their growth and innovation including Opus One, Luce in Italy, and Sena in Chile. Tim eventually moved on to create his dream winery, Continuum, on Pritchard Hill with his sister and children focusing on estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wines. Carissa Mondavi joins us with her generational perspective. 

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The pride of Rancho Cucamonga, Mikey Giugni attended Cal Poly and stumbled on wine after just trying to get a buzz. Intrigued by the juice, Mikey starting working in tasting rooms, farming, and wineries and traveled abroad before he came back to the US to settle into wine and cider. Mikey started Scar of the Sea in 2012. He partners with growers all around California who care about farming for the future. He makes low-intervention wines along with his life partner Gina, who also makes wine under her label, Lady of the Sunshine. 

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Born in Queens, NY, Joe Campanale, the kid with the Italian name, grew up with a Jewish mother. He attended NYU and studied abroad, where he found his love for Italian wine during a semester in Florence. Joe came back home with the wine bug and jumped right into retail and hospitality. He worked various jobs including Italian Wine Merchants and Babbo, before opening some of downtown NYC’s best Italian restaurants including dell’anima, L’Artusi, and Anfora. He eventually packed all that in to open his own restaurant, Fausto and wine bar LaLou in Brooklyn. He also produces his own natural wine from Italy under the Annona label. Joe Campanale put his love and knowledge of Italian wine to great use in his new book “Vino: The Essential Guide to Real Italian Wine”. 

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Jancis Robinson shies away from being called a wine critic, but is truly one of the most respected wine writers in the world. She is an award-winning journalist and author, penning or co-penning “The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition”, “Wine Grapes”, “The Oxford Companion to Wine” and many others. She writes a weekly column for the Financial Times and knocks out a ton of daily content on her online site JancisRobinson.com. Jancis resides in London, England with her husband Nick Lander, the long-time food critic for the Financial Times and surrounds herself with her three children and a slew of grandkids. Oh, did I mention she has been a Master of Wine for over 45 years, helps the Queen with her wine selections, and makes some amazing wine glasses!

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Austrian-born Michael Moosbrugger grew up around skiing and his family’s hotel in Lech/Arlberg. Michael jumped into the wine business in 1992 as an apprentice and four years later took over the Schloss Gobelsburg winery. He is now the CEO and winemaker of this storied and historic winery. Michael believes in tradition along with innovation. His wines are a true expression of the terroir of Schloss Gobelsburg and Austria. Michael has received numerous awards for his wines including Wine and Spirits Top 100 Winery of the Year. 

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Paul Hobbs hails from upstate NY and grew up with his ten siblings on a farm around orchards. One taste of a sweet Sauterne with his dad at an early age launched his love and interest in wine. His Dad encouraged him to head west and study wine. Paul attended Notre Dame and UC Davis and worked with Robert Mondavi and Opus One, eventually settling in Sonoma County where he opened his own winery. He is now involved with wineries in the Finger Lakes, Argentina, Patagonia, Spain, France, and the birthplace of wine, Armenia. Paul is truly a global winemaker, visionary, style icon, importer and sought-after consultant. 

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Maya Dalla Valle was born in exclusive Napa Valley, grew up in a cult winery, and even had one of those cults named after her. Maya lost her dad at a young age, left town to study international relations, but eventually came back to wine, first receiving two Master's Degrees in wine, from Cornell and Bordeaux Agro Science. She put her boots on the ground and worked at some of the finest wineries around the world, including Petrus, Latour and Ornellaia. Maya returned home to join her mom Naoko at their eponymous winery and oversees all winegrowing and winemaking at Dalla Valle Vineyards.

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Philly born, Penn State grad Tahiirah Habibi returned to Philly to study wine, eventually heading to Miami to Somm at the St. Regis Bal Harbor and Michael's Genuine. Trying to further her studies with the Court of Master Sommeliers, her frustration with the Court caused her to leave and start Hue Society, a hub for Black wine professionals. Tahiirah Habibi is a Sommelier, Entrepreneur, and Activist. She is also the co-founder of The Roots Fund and founder of the Council of Resources Group.

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From Youngstown, Ohio to Brooklyn, with a stop in DC, Justin Chearno was on the music scene in DC in the early ‘90s with his band Pitchblende and later in NY with Turing Machine . He eventually settled in Brooklyn and was at the forefront of natural wine at retailer Uva and natty wine distributor Zev Rovine Selections. Justin Chearno is now a partner and wine director at the Four Horsemen in Williamsburg with his partners LCD Sound System front man James Murphy, Christina Topsoe, Randy Moon, along with Michelin starred chef Nick Curatola. So, the question is, what is a punk rocker by way of Ohio and DC doing at one of the most respected restaurants and natural wine bars in the country? 

Photo Courtesy of Alexa Bendek.

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Straight outta Poughkeepsie, Lee Campbell did it all, from restaurants, to retail, to wine importing, wine festivals, Sommelier, and Wine Director. Lee is also kind of an OG in natural wine. She now works as a consultant and recently helped open Victoria Blamey’s new restaurant Mena in NYC. So, the question is, what’s left to do, how about putting Virginia wines and Early Mountain Vineyards on the map?

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Guillaume Bott and Tomoko Kuriyama are the magical duo behind Chantereves in Savigny-les-Beaune in Burgundy. As a couple in both life and the vineyard, they started their winery in 2011. A true Burgundian, Guillaume studied wine in Beaune, earned a degree in oenology, worked with Gerard Boudot at Etienne Sauzet and Simon Bize. Originally from Japan, Tomoko, headed to Germany where she also received a degree in Oenology and worked at Weingut Altenkirch among others. Her love of Burgundy brought her to France and by fate met Guillaume. Their wines are refined, aromatic and energetic with finesse and subtlety. 

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Elaine Chukan Brown is recognized as one of the world’s top wine communicators and wine educators. As a writer, Elaine contributes to an impressive list of publications including the current 8th edition of the “World Atlas of Wine,” the 4th edition of the “Oxford Wine Companion” and “On California”. You also may know Elaine as wine reviewer Hawk Wakawaka. Elaine is a prolific speaker, and was recently appointed US Executive Editor of JancisRobinson.com, bringing expertise on sustainability, diversity and equity, climate action, and social responsibility to the platform. Elaine Chukan Brown is Inupiaq, and Unangan-Sugpiaq, that is Indigenous, from what is now known as Alaska. Elaine has been cited as “One of the Most Inspiring People in Wine.” Much of Elaine’s work and writing in wine has shed light on the lack of diversity and inclusion that’s long plagued the industry. 

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Born in LA, David Choi grew up in DC and eventually set roots again, literally, in California. David is proprietor at Magna Carta Cellars and Angel Falls Wines. He came through the ranks in wine retail, import and distribution before making wines. Savvy in social media, David found his way onto TikTok and has now become one of the early wine sensations on the platform with “Wine with David”. 

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New Yorker Daniel Eddy jumped into the food scene in 2004. He bolted NYC after 4 years, and hooked up with Daniel Rose at critically acclaimed Spring Restaurant in Paris. He eventually headed back to the States to become the opening Chef at wine-centric Rebelle on the Bowery, where he earned a Michelin star; Walnut St Café in Philly followed. This baguette obsessed Brooklynite opened his own restaurant, Winner, in Park Slope about a week before the Pandemic; yes, he’s still going strong and has also opened wine bar Runner Up. 

Photo Courtesy of Clay Williams.

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Peter Liem is an award-winning author, wine critic, educator and truly one of the world’s great Champagne experts. Peter is the author of “Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroirs of the Iconic Region.” Peter oversees Champagneguide.net, an online comprehensive guide to the wines and producers of Champagne. He is the co-founder of La Fete du Champagne and is a prolific deep-sea diver. Peter has brought himself closer to the region he loves and lives in Champagne and the United States. 

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I caught up with Raj Parr at his Phelan Farm in Cambria, CA., where he has devoted his time to preserving and expressing the farm's unique natural slate and growing his favorite varietals. Next we speak with Tom and Peter Stolpman from Stolpman Vineyards in Los Olivos, dedicated to preserving the natural environment via conscious farming and sustainable employment. Finally we talk with Mike Roth and Craig Winchester from Lo-Fi Wines in Santa Maria, embracing the nothing added, nothing taken away philosophy with their wide range of varietals.

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Josh Greene is the Editor and Publisher of Wine and Spirits Magazine since 1986; the magazine was founded in 1982, and Josh eventually purchased it in 1989. Josh also serves as wine critic at Wine and Spirits for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Italy, and Napa Valley to name a few. You can find Josh’s commentary and long form stories in every issue. Josh and his staff taste over 15,000 bottles annually, and Wine and Spirits Magazine is the only recipient of five James Beard awards for excellence in wine writing. 

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Christophe Baron’s family dates back to the mid 17th Century in Charly sur Marne in Champagne. He studied viticulture in Champagne and Burgundy. After meeting an American in Burgundy, Christophe was convinced to head west to Oregon and Washington and discovered their stony vineyards. He bought his first vineyard, Cayuse in 1997, now farming biodynamically. Christophe has unstoppable energy, ambition, curiosity, and a respect for the land. His Bionic Wine’s portfolio is mind-boggling including Champagne Christophe Baron, Cayuse, Hors Categorie, Horsepower, and No Girls. Christophe’s wines have reached cult status along with critical acclaim. The question to Christophe— is all that enough and what’s next?

Photo Courtesy of Christophe Baron.

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Gary Vaynerchuk is the Chairman and CEO of Vayner X, overseeing companies including VaynerMedia, VaynerSports, VaynerNFT, Tracer, Gallery Media Group, to name a few. He is a prolific angel investor with ties to Facebook, Twitter, Uber and Snapchat among others. He is co-founder of Resy, Empathy Wines, VCR Group, and his latest passion VeeFriends. A true entrepreneur at heart, Gary can’t pass a garage sale without stopping and picking up a 15-year-old-Furby. Gary is a five-time NY Times best-selling author, his sixth book “12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success”, is coming out this month. GaryVee is a dear friend and truly the sharpest dude I know. 

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Matthew Conway headed east to NYC in 2003. After three years with Chef Grey Kunz, Matthew hooked up with Marc Forgione, at his eponymous restaurant for over a dozen years as Beverage Director and GM, creating a unique wine program with a nod to the Northern Rhone. Matthew also helped Marc Forgione re-open neighborhood fav Peasant. The Pandemic reunited Matthew with family in Charleston, SC. After too much fishing and helping some friends, Matthew fulfilled a dream and recently opened Tippling House, a Charleston wine bar. 

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St. Louis born William Carroll headed east and grew up in Irvington, NY. William literally went from bus boy to Burgundy expert and everything in-between. He did fine wine sales, studied at Le Cordon Bleu, worked at Restaurant Lasserre in Paris, and headed back to NY for a lengthy stint at Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns as Beverage Director. William recently left North Fork Table to become the Beverage Director and Asst. GM at Danny Meyer’s legendary Gramercy Tavern. 
 

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Vermont born Cerise Zelenetz headed to Paris after High School to study at the Parsons School of Design, stayed in Paris for a while and also did a residency in Spain. Cerise makes jewelry, clothing, and is a prolific illustrator. Her work has appeared in the New Yorker, Paris Review, Nylon Magazine to name a few. She has also designed menus and wine labels for numerous clients. Cerise recently published her first book “The Sound of Scrambled Eggs”. So, the question is, with all this going on, why did she open a natural wine bar in Bushwick called Cherry on Top? We’ll find out!

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Jersey Boy Raj Vaidya has been grinding in the wine business for over 20 years at some of the best restaurants in the country. His longest tenure was with legendary chef Daniel Boulud in NYC where he served as beverage director. Like many Somms, Raj left the floor to join Daniel Johnnes as Director of Operations of Gracie Events, the people behind La Paulee, La Fete du Champagne, La Tablee, and Pressoir wine. Raj is also a fine wine consultant.

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Straight out of DC, Rachel Signer attended college in Virginia, headed to New York to get her Master's at the New School and an intensive writing program at CUNY. She settled into freelance writing gigs, while waitressing at various outlets including Vice, Vogue, Eater, The Guardian, and Wine and Spirits before starting her own wine publication, Terre, eventually becoming Pipette. Pipette is on its 9th issue and is an ode to natural wine. Rachel just published “You Had Me at Pet Nat: A Natural Wine-Soaked Memoir." So, the question begs to asked how did a nice Jewish girl from DC wind up in Australia with a guy named Anton von Klopper, a baby girl, and her own natural wine label?

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New York born Audrey Frick headed west to pursue music and become a Buff at the Univ. of Colorado. She got the hospitality and wine bug in Boulder at Bobby Stuckey’s Frasca, working her way to the opening team at Tavernetta in Denver. She has worked harvests around the world, found a love for Italian wines, and has an advanced certification from the CMS. The real question is, how do go from playing French Horn to slinging wine? Audrey writes extensively about Italian wines and is now the Wine Director and part of the opening team at Dustin Wilson and Austin Johnson’s buzzy One White St. in Tribeca. 

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Jersey boy James O’Brien attended the Institute of Culinary Education after college, and worked his way through Danny Meyers Union Sq. Hospitality Group at Tabla and Maiolino where he met his eventual partner, Chris McDade. How do two guys with Irish sounding last names open one of the most admired Italian restaurants in New York? James O’Brien is the Co-Founder/Owner and GM of Popina in Brooklyn. Popina, along with great food serves up a wine list of unique depth and value.

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New York’s own Annie Shi attended private school, Yale University, and moved to London to work in Finance at JP Morgan. So, the question is, and I am sure her parents asked many times, what the hell are you doing in the restaurant business? Annie is a partner, the GM, and Beverage Director at Soho restaurant King. King is run and staffed by all women, critically acclaimed, and has achieved near cult status. 

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Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Eliza Christen and family made their way to the United States. Eliza attended the Univ. of Illinois and found her love for hospitality and wine in culinary mecca Champaign Urbana. She traveled the world to work harvests in Italy, Australia, and Oregon and is studying for her wine certifications. Eliza has worked at the Meadowood Resort and Momofuku Ko before meeting Sean Feeney of Grovehouse. Eliza Christen is now the Beverage Director of Chef Missy Robbin’s and Sean Feeney’s Lilia and Misi in Williamsburg.

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Tiffany Britton is the proprietor and winemaker at Brainstorm Cellars in West Richland in Washington state. She started Brainstorm with her partner Eric Williams in 2020. Their goal is to do wine differently, making it fun, easy, and delicious. Tiffany is also the President of the Alliance of Women in Washington Wine, an organization dedicated to advocating for women in the Washington wine industry.

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Poet turned sommelier turned poet, Amanda Smeltz left Pennsylvania to study at Marquette in Milwaukee. She stayed in Milwaukee, one of the world’s great food and wine capitols to learn hospitality before returning to New York. A longtime Brooklynite, Amanda worked at groundbreaking Roberta’s in Bushwick, Daniel Boulud’s Bar Boulud and Boulud Sud, and eventually Estela and Café Altro Paradiso with Iggy Mattos. Amanda is a published writer and poet and just packed everything in, we’ll explain.

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Camille Riviere was raised in Paris and the Loire Valley. She fell in love with wine at an early age, so like any good mom, she enrolled Camille in wine classes. She interned, worked, and studied her way through France. Camille made her way to the United States working at Morrell and Frederick Wildman learning the business side. Her realization and gravitation towards natural wines convinced her to start her own wine Import business, Camille Riviere Selections in Brooklyn. Camille travels back and forth to France dedicated to translating the narrative and mission of each of her producers.

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After growing up around a restaurant family and finishing college in Maryland, Jaimee headed west to pursue the arts. Jobs at Locanda and RN74 in SF changed her course, where she found her love for wine. Jaimee traveled to intern in Europe, went on to assist Pax Mahle, started her eponymous wine label, and was made winemaker of storied Stony Hill Vyd in 2020. Jaime makes serious but drinkable wine avoiding chasing any trends.

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You can’t talk about wines from the Priorat region of Spain without recognizing the impact the Perez Family has made in the last four decades. Sara Perez is the wine maker and owner along with her family of Mas Martinet, one of the five founding wineries in the Priorat. Sara farms organically, is a magician with the Garnacha and Carignane grape and produces some of the most sought after and interesting wines in the world.

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Eric Asimov is the Chief Wine Critic for the New York Times. Hs tenure with the newspaper goes back to 1984. His column on wine appears Wednesdays in the Food Section of the Times. His monthly Wine School column enlightens and invites you to drink and discuss wine with him. He has published numerous books and guides including “How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto” Eric is a prolific Tweeter and a fellow Jet’s fan.

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Pascaline Lepeltier is truly one of the most respected sommeliers in the world. As a Master Sommelier she has received numerous awards including the Un des Meilleurs Ouviers de France. Born in the Loire Valley of France, it is no secret of her love for Chenin Chenin Chenin. She is a true evangelist of natural wines and also makes Chepika wines with her friend Nathan Kendall in the Finger Lakes of New York. Pascaline is a prolific writer and also collaborated with Alice Feiring for the “Dirty Guide to Wine”. She is a partner with David Lillie in Racines NY, overseeing a 2000 plus wine list of mostly natural, organic and Biodynamic wines served beside Diego Moya’s incredible food.

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Born on the east coast, Dustin Wilson headed west to make his mark in wine at Frasca, Little Nell, and RN74, eventually heading back east as Wine Director of 3 Michelin starred 11 Madison Park. Dustin packed in working the floor to pivot towards wine retail creating Verve Wine in NY, SF, and now Chicago. He has raised money for No Kid Hungry through his Reboule du Rhone events and you know his face from the Somm movies as the only person in the first Somm movie to pass and become a Master Sommelier. Dustin Wilson, along with partner Chef Austin Johnson are about to open one of the most anticipated restaurants in NYC, 1 White Street.

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What can I say about Raj Parr that hasn’t been said before, Raj is the greatest uncertified Sommelier in the world with the most revered palate. His career in hospitality spans the Fifth Floor, the Michael Mina Group including RN74 and his Bibi Ji. He is the award-winning author of “Secrets of Sommeliers and most recently, “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Wine” Raj is the founding partner, proprietor and winemaker at Sandhi, Evening Land and Domaine de la Cote. Raj just got his ass out of Santa Barbara and moved to Cambria to his own bio-diverse Phelan Farm.

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Nicole Rolet grew up in New York City and Milan to an American mother and French Italian Dad, surrounded by food and wine. After graduating Vassar, Nicole got herself deep into finance, politics and think tanks, eventually putting that all aside to pursue her love of the land and wine. She joined her husband Xavier to restore an historical priory and vineyard in remote Cretset in the South of France called La Verriere and Chene Bleu. Nicole is a thought leader and hyperactive in ecoculture, the promotion of Grenache, women in wine, and the future of fine wine.

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Laurence Feraud grew up at her family winery in the Southern Rhone of France. She returned in 1987 after studying wine and business to join her dad, Paul, and work with him at their storied Domaine du Pegau in Chateauneuf du Pape. In 2005 Laurence took on full oversight and winemaking at the winery. Laurence has extended the family holdings, creating Chateau Pegau and her Selection Laurence Feraud.

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Rutger de Vink is a tough as a Marine and as soft as a glass of Merlot. His family made their way to the United States from the Netherlands while a teenager.

After leaving college to join the Marines and then working in telecommunications, Rutger pursued his love of agriculture with a wine apprenticeship and trips to Bordeaux & California. He was determined to find his own site to farm and make wine. Rutger ultimately settled in Virginia in 2004 creating RDV Vineyards on a hilltop in historic Delaplane, about 50 miles west of Washington, DC. 

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Heini Zachariassen hails from the Faroe Islands and grew up in Denmark, attending college in Copenhagen. He became a software developer and serial entrepreneur. Heini founded Vivino in 2011 with Theis Sondergaard. Today Vivino is the world’s largest online marketplace and most downloaded wine app driven by a community of 50 million users, over a billion five wine label scans, and a new round of funding for continued growth for their wine community.

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Brits, Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew found a bond in wine that would lead them to create a wine magazine, two restaurants and a book to talk about it all.

Dan had a successful career in the music business while Mark became a Master of Wine and worked at a leading London wine merchant. Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew are Noble Rot Magazine, Noble Rot Wine Bar, Noble Rot Soho, and authors of recently released “The Noble Rot Book: Wine from Another Galaxy”.

The Grape Nation has been nominated for the Taste Awards! Check out all the finalists at http://www.thetasteawards.com/12th-annual-taste-awards-nominees-finalists-and-honorees/

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Jane Lopes has graced our microphones a few times to discuss sexual harassment in the wine industry, multiple issues at the Court of Master Sommeliers and her life through her book “Vignette”. Jonathan Ross is a Master Sommelier. He worked as Head Sommelier at Eleven Madison Park before following Jane to Australia to work with the Rockpool Group. While in Australia, Jon bought a few grapes to make wine, this was the beginning of Micro Wines. Jane and Jon, who are married, moved back to the states to start Legend Imports, focusing on the wines of Australia.

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Nate Ready is a former Master Sommelier. He worked the floor at Bobby Stuckey’s Frasca in Boulder and the French Laundry in Yountville before heading north to find a small working farm in Hood River, Oregon. Hiyu Farm is a biodiverse environment where Nate grows over 100 grape varietals, fruits, vegetables and raises animals. He is a true permaculturist.

The Grape Nation is nominated as a Taste Awards "Viewer's Choice" finalist. Help us win by voting today!

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Napa Valley native, Tegan Passalacqua cut his teeth in the Rhone, New Zealand and South Africa before literally planting his roots in California. Tegan started at Zin Zen Masters Turley Wine Cellars in 2003, and is currently working as Head Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. He launched his own Sandlands Wines with wife Olivia in 2011 working with a multitude of varietals practicing vine head training and dry farming. Tegan Passalacqua is a true American Vigneron living in the heart of Lodi, California, home of his Kirschenmann Vineyard and Passalacqua Farming.

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Martha Stoumen did not grow up around wine, but connected with the soil during a trip in college to Italy, studying agriculture. She was drawn to the vineyards and thus began a Vigneron’s view of winemaking. Martha received a Masters at UC Davis and went on to apprentice with some of the best winemakers around the world including Giusto Occhipinti, Didier Barral, and Chris Brocway. She started her eponymous label a few years ago and now follows her own vision of making responsibly farmed, terroir-driven wines in the land that she holds so dear in her heart, California.

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Far from wine country, Maggie Harrison was born in the Midwest and pursued a career in International Relations and Conflict Resolution…well that didn’t last long. Maggie made her way out west to pursue a career in wine. She landed a job with quirky and legendary Sin Que Non winemaker Manfred Krankl, as his assistant for 8 years. Along the way she started her own small label, Liilian specializing in Syrah before a group of friends asked her to look at their property in the Eola Amity Hills of Oregon. Maggie joined them and is now the owner-winemaker at Antica Terra making gorgeous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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Philippe Andre grew up around fine dining at his parent’s upscale restaurant in Evanston, Illinois. He worked every job in the restaurant, eventually hitting the floor and creating a wine program, becoming their first Somm in 18 years. After almost a decade at the restaurant, Philippe left the family business to pursue a career in wine, first traveling to Oregon, stints at Hart Davis Hart and Moet Hennessy with Southern Glazer. Philippe is now the first Brand Ambassador for Champagne Charles Heidsieck and runs the Grand Cru and consultancy.

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Jean Gonon is a second-generation wine maker with the soul, knowledge and experience of many more years. Jean, along with his brother Pierre are the proprietors of Domaine Pierre Gonon in St. Joseph in the Northern Rhone of France. The purity and distinctive character of their wines, achieved through great terroirs, a strong commitment to farming and winemaking with an eye towards their ancestor’s methods, has made Domaine Pierre Gonon the Domaine in St Joseph.

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Jay Boberg had a long career in the music business. He was a co-founder of IRS Records, think R.E.M. and Black Sabbath and Presient of MCA/Universal. His love for wine led him to Nicolas Jean Meo, part of the legendary Meo-Camuzet family in Burgundy. Jay's business acumen and Jean Nicolas' winemaking skills helped launch Nicolas-Jay in the  Willamette Valley. Larry Stone, is a multi award winning Master Sommelier and Educator, Larry has a deep wine history at the finest restaurants. He pursued his dream to make wine and own a winery. Larry is the founder of Lingua Franca Wines. Both producers specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of the highest quality in Oregon.

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Joshua Greene has been the Editor and Publisher of “Wine and Spirits” magazine since 1986. In addition to writing feature stories and commentaries for each issue, Josh and staff taste thousands of wines annually. Josh is also the critic for the wines of the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Rioja, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Wine and Spirits Magazine annually features the “Best New Sommeliers”, the “Restaurant Poll”, “Top 100 Tasting and Symposium”, and extensive wine reviews.

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Sarah Fernandez got into wine and hospitality only a few years ago. She has worked at Shoji, Niche Niche and Special Club in NYC. A Graduate of Cornell University, she also spent many years in research at Jacobi, Mt Sinai, and NYU Hospitals. She currently works in wine retail at Depanneur in Brooklyn.

Jane Lopes returns to The Grape Nation and also the United States after a long stint at Attica in Melbourne, Australia. She is the author of “Vignette, Stories of Life and Wine in 100 bottles” She received her Master Sommelier certification in 2018, only to have it revoked by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Jane is now the Co-Founder of Legend Wines, importers of curated Australian wines with her husband Jonathan Ross.

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Out of the gates of Louisville, Vanessa Price got her first taste of wine at a local winery. She made her way to New York to study acting, music and film, then ultimately to follow her passion for wine and hospitality. Vanessa worked at various restaurants, helped open a wine bar, and worked in wine import, sales, and education.

She dedicated herself to becoming both a student and teacher of wine, receiving her diploma from the WSET. Vanessa Price wrote a column for NY Magazine, is the Creative Director and Founder of the Vinum Collective, is trying to open a restaurant in Montauk and just wrote a new book “Big Macs and Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World”

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Joel Gott grew up around wine in California, he is a fifth-generation winemaker producing his wildly popular eponymous Joel Gott wines with from California, Oregon, and Washington with his wife Sarah. Joel, along with his brother Duncan also run Gott’s Roadside Stand, a legendary food stop in Northern California. Joel is a busy guy these days expanding his wine and restaurant holdings along with an eye towards giving a little back.

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Quebecois David McMillan is considered one of the most innovative, successful and interesting restauranteurs in Canada. He along with his partner Fred Morin are Proprietors of multiple Montreal restaurants including Joe Beef and wine bar Le Vin Papillon. Legendary for his bigger than life eating and drinking, David now is more inward appreciating life with his daughters on his farm. David McMillan has been an early evangelist of natural wines…even though he spits now and has published two radical cook books.

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New York City’s own Ariel Arce is the proprietor of Niche Niche, Airs Champagne Parlor, Tokyo Record Bar, and Special Club. Ariel is a thought leader, tastemaker, influencer and has been tagged as “The New Guard of New York Dining”. She has created a convivial, laid back and affordable neighborhood hang with a focus on wine, Champagne, education, music, and creative food. Ariel Arce has been referred to as the Champagne Queen or Empress and has a new book “Better with Bubbles”. We’ll talk about the new book and life during the pandemic.  

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You can’t talk about natural wine in the US without Zev Rovine being in the conversation. Waiter turned wine distributor, Zev starting importing wines back in 2008 from small estates that are terroir driven, practicing low intervention and organics. He is the proprietor of Zev Rovine Selections, importing wine from over a dozen countries and 140+ wineries. In light of the pandemic and racial inequality the industry continues to change, Zev has proposed a “Working Contract” or code of conduct to address sexism, racism, labor rights and the stewardship of land in the wine biz.

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Rupert Symington is a fourth-generation port maker from a family of British and Portuguese origin dating back to the late 1800’s. Rupert was educated in England and worked in finance there, making his way to San Francisco before returning to the family business in Porto and the Douro in Portugal. Rupert is the CEO of Symington Family Estates, overseeing four of the leading Port houses including Grahams and Dow along with 26 Quintas or vineyards also making non ports in the Douro and Alentejo.

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Bi-Coastal Patrick Cappiello has been in the wine biz for almost thirty years, and he ain’t an old guy! He has been an award-winning sommelier, restaurant owner, wine importer/distributor and now the owner/winemaker of his own wine label in Sonoma County, Monte Rio Cellars with partner Pax Mahle. Patrick crafts wine from grapes in the spirit of old California, a style lacking of oak and high alcohol with pure fruit and high acid.

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Victoria James is an award-winning Sommelier and Beverage Director at Michelin starred Cote Korean Steakhouse in NYC. Victoria’s road to success was not an easy one as documented in her new memoir “Wine Girl” The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier”. It is an intense story of a childhood plagued by poverty, neglect, and abuse, and ultimately her ascension into the wine world as a woman. Victoria’s life was shaped by guys like Antonio, Cisco, Frankie, Enzo and Reynard, and women that were Countess’s and Cotton Pickers.  Buckle up for a wild ride.

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Delia Viader was born in Argentina and made education a priority. She spent her formative years in Europe bringing her PHD from the Sorbonne to the US to further pursue business and wine studies at MIT, Univ. of Calif. Berkley and Davis. Delia got into the wine business in Napa, Calif. In the early 1980’s and was one of the first women winemakers in the Valley. She is Proprietor of the now multi-generational Viader Vineyards and Winery on Howell Mtn. in the Napa Valley.

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Houston born Zwann Grays headed north to work for People magazine in NYC and Miami eventually morphing to a career in wine getting her chops at the retail level and at a wine importer in New York.  She followed her love for wine into the restaurant biz and worked at Anfora, Bouley, Terroir, and Estela to name a few. Zwann Grays is now the Wine Director at Olmsted in Brooklyn and is a big proponent of the live vibrancy of natural wines.

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Born and raised in California, Krista Scruggs eventually made her way east to Vermont. Along the way she worked her grandfather's farm, took a job with a big wine company, worked harvests in Europe, and cut her teeth at La Garigiste. Krista is a true Vigneronne. She is at the forefront of the "New American" wine revival, working with hybrid grapes, apples, other fruits, co-fermentations, and a commitment to sustainable, regenerative farming along with low intervention winemaking. You gotta love someone whose slogan is "Just Fucking Fermented Juice"

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Alessia Antinori is a 26th generation winemaker at Marchesi Antinori. The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385, and is one of Italy’s oldest and biggest family run businesses. Alessia holds a degree in Viticulture and is Vice President of the family winery alongside her two sisters Allegra, Albiera, and iconic dad Piero Antinori.

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Grape Nation  on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. 

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Houston and DC based Julia Coney is a wine writer, wine educator, speaker, consultant and activist. Her wine writings also address the intersection of race and wine. Her work has been featured in prominent wine and mainstream publications. Born out of necessity, Julia Coney founded Black Wine Professionals, a resource for wine industry employers and gatekeepers, professionals, and the food and beverage community. Their goal is to lift up the multifaceted Black professionals in the world of wine.

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Grape Nation on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. 

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Miguel de Leon is a restaurant and wine professional of color living in NYC. He has worked his way through some of the finest dining rooms in the country including Chez Panisse, Momofuko, Casa Mono and Per Se. Miguel is currently the General Manager and Wine Director at Pinch Chinese in Soho. Miguel’s advocacy, allyship, and voice have become an important, timely, real and accurate voice for the industry…and life.

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Grape Nation on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. 

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"Brooklyn’s own Billy Durney grew up to follow in his Dad’s footsteps. After a long career in private security, Billy left to pursue his love of BBQ. As a kid he got a whiff of that burning BBQ wood at his Grandma’s house and later in Texas.  He opened Hometown BBQ in Red Hook, Brooklyn in 2013, and the rest they say is history. He later opened Red Hook Tavern, and a Hometown BBQ in Industry City and Miami. He has also brought his love of natural wines front and center at Red Hook Tavern.

Jeff Porter left wine jobs on the west coast to come east and spend over 10 years at the Batali/Bastianich Hospitality Group, including Del Posto, Jeff ultimately rose to Beverage Operations Director for the group. He is now a hospitality and beverage consultant based out of NYC and has a deep love and knowledge of Italian wines.

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Saskia de Rothschild, is the youngest person to currently lead a first growth Bordeaux estate, her family’s Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and is the first female chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild. Fourth generation winemaker, Dr. Laura Catena is the managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina. Laura was the first guest to appear on The Grape Nation back in September of 2016.

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Canadian born Marco Pelletier studied engineering but pursued his love for wine, eventually heading to France. Marco was head Sommelier of some of Paris’ best restaurants including Tallivent and Epicure at the Hotel Le Bristol in. Marco left the 3 Michelin Star world to open Vantre, a Parisian wine bar with an extensive wine list and an emphasis on great food with former Bristol alum. Marco Pelletier is also the vigneron for Domaine de Galouchey in Bordeaux.

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There is a generational change taking place in wine in California. Senses Wines is the dream of three childhood friends from Occidental, California, Chris Strieter, Max Thierot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs. The west Sonoma Coast winery partnered with acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to make exciting Chards, Pinots, and now some Cab Sauv. Will Harlan oversees Promontory Winery in Napa, California. Will, along with his legendary winemaking dad, Bill Harlan waited patiently until they came across and acquired the unique property that is now Promontory in Napa. The winery specializes in Cab Sauv made by Cory Empting.

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Ryan Zoidis and Benny Bloom travel the world blowing some of the hottest riffs with legendary funk band, Lettuce, they are the Shady Horns. The Shady Horns have also played with Chaka Khan, the Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Lesh, and Aaron Neville to name a few. Eric Benny Bloom hails from Rhode Island and now resides in Colorado.

Ryan Zoidis hails from Portland, Maine and attended the Berklee College of Music with other members of what was to become Lettuce. He played with the Rustic Overtones and now with Royal Hammer, a roots Reggae group.

When they are not playing and touring, Benny and Ryan are drinking natural wines and running their own natural wine distribution company Benny and Zoid Selections.

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Born and raised in Barbaresco Italy, Gaia Gaja is a fifth-generation winemaker. Along with her siblings and iconic father Angelo, she oversees the family’s legendary winery Gaja in Piemonte. Gaia represents a generational shift at the winery that dates back to 1859. Gaja has also been making wine in Tuscany and Bolgheri for over 20 years and now makes wine in Sicily. 

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Yannick Benjamin is a Sommelier in his native New York. Yannick refused to let a life-changing accident alter his dreams of college and his love of wine.
He is the Co-Founder and Director of Development for Wheeling Forward and their event “Wine on Wheels”, coming up in NYC on Saturday April 4th. Yannick is soon to open his new restaurant, Contento, a ground breaking barrier free space in Harlem.
 

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Laurent Ponsot and Erwan Faiveley are amongst the most revered winemakers in Burgundy. Laurent left his eponymous family winery after 36 years to start Laurent Ponsot Wines. Erwan Faiveley oversees his eponymous family winery, Domaine Faively, one of the largest Burgundy producers making quality wines at all levels. Laurent and Erwan were interviewed at the 2020 Naples Winter Wine Festival.

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Cathy Corison has been making wine for over 4 decades. She was the first woman winemaker-proprietor in the Napa Valley at her Corison Winery located in the benchland of the valley since 1987. Her focus has been Cabernet Sauvignon and her sought after wines are alive, powerful, elegant, aromatic, complex and long lasting.

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I was recently in Florida at the Naples Winter Wine Festival benefitting the Naples Children and Education Foundation.
I had the opportunity to sit with the best wine people from around the world.
This episode is the Bordeaux show. I talk to Nicolas Glumineau, the winemaker and General Manager at Pichon Comtesse and Alfred Tesseron, Proprietor of Chateau Pontet-Canet and now Pym-Rae in Napa. Both of these wines are among the most sought after, critically acclaimed, and beloved wines from Bordeaux. Enjoy.

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Siblings Jen and Zach Pelka would make any parent proud graduating respectively form Stanford and Wharton. Zach with a background in finance and startups is now a consultant and the CEO/Founder of Champagne Campaign.
Jen started in the kitchen as a stage with Daniel Boulud. She worked her way out of the kitchen to do research for Daniel, worked with Daniel and Thomas Keller on the Bocuse d’Or, did stints at Open Table, Gilt Taste, and Tumbler before starting her own PR and marketing firm Magnum PR, aimed at the hospitality industry. Jen still had a hospitality itch to be scratched and opened The Riddler, an award-winning Champagne bar in SF and recently opened a Riddler in NYC. Jen and Zach are about to release their own Champagne, Un Femme. 

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Valter Fissore is the Co-owner and winemaker at Elvio Cogno, a multi-generational winery in the Novello commune in the Piedmont region of Italy. Valter had worked side by side with his father-in-law Elvio Cogno for over 25 years producing iconic Barolos before Elvio’s passing in 2016. Now Valter carries on the tradition with his wife Nadia. 
Brahm Callahan is a Master Sommelier and Corporate Bev. Dir for the Himmel Hospitality Group, a leading restaurant group in Boston and now NYC. 


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Natalie Johnson grew up around food and drink with her family. Her Dad further exposed her with a trip to Italy when she was 15. Natalie moved to NYC in 2010 and cut her teeth on some downtown restaurants cementing her love for wine. 
She has worked with Jack Mason at Marta, Bobby Stuckey at Frasca and Dan Kluger at Loring Place. Natalie recently left to become GM and Beverage Manager for Anton’s in NYC with star chefs Chef Nick Anderer and the Franks. 
 

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From military school to Citicorp, to wine, Andre Hueston Mack got his start in San Antonio where he was selected Best Young Somm by the Chaine des Rotisserie, also the first Afro-American to do so. Andre channeled the good vibes west to Thomas Keller’s French Laundry as a Somm and then headed east as the opening crew at Keller’s Per Se. Following his passion for winemaking, Andre created Maison Noir Wines. Things don’t stop there, Andre is a graphic artist, restaurant and wine store owner, and author of his new book “99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life Changing Wine”.

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Hannah Blair Williams studied creative writing at Columbia and studied abroad in Scotland where she found her love for wine. She eventually made her way back to NYC where she pursued a career in wine. Hannah is a Wine and Spirits “Best New Sommelier” for 2019 (where by the way, she started her career as an intern) and is an Advanced Sommelier. Hannah Williams is the Beverage Director at Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, NY.

Image courtesy of Andre Baronowski.

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Herve Jestin is the Chef du Cave at Champagne Leclerc Briant, overseeing all production since 2008. Herve is a practitioner and expert in organic and biodynamic farming and is a forefather of bioenergetics, bringing the energy of nature to the finished wine.

The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate  today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.

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Aldo Sohm is an award-winning Sommelier, including “The Best Sommelier in America”, and the Wine Director of the legendary 3 Michelin starred Le Bernadin Restaurant in NYC since 2007. In 2014 along with Le Bernadin, Aldo opened the eponymous Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. Aldo also makes wine with Austrian winemaker Gerhard Kracher for their Sohm and Kracher label. Aldo Sohm has penned a new book to help demystify wine and make it more approachable called “Wine Simple”.

The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.

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Josh Greene, really needs no introduction on The Grape Nation, this is his fourth appearance and we invite him on the show at the end of each year. We will be looking back at “2019, The Year in Wine” with him. Josh Greene has been the Editor and Publisher of Wine and Spirits Magazine since 1986.

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Today we will be talking with Brian Polen and Brandon Doughan from Brooklyn Kura, makers of American craft Sake, and NY’s first Sake brewery, and Gregg and Terry Moore from Moore Bros. Wine Company, curating artisan natural wines direct from the vineyards. Both make their homes right here in Industry City in Brooklyn.

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Born to a French wine family in Morocco, Genevieve Janssens studied under the best wine minds in France. She made her way to Napa in 1978 to work for Robert Mondavi, spent a few years consulting, and returned to Mondavi’s Opus One in 1989. Genevieve returned to Robert Mondavi Winery as Director of Winemaking in 1997. Over two decades later Genevieve still oversees wine as the chief winemaker. Genevieve in not only one of the great women in wine but one great wine person.

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Victor Urrutia is the CEO of Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana also known as CVNE or CUNE. He is fifth generation and only the seventh person to run this family business. CVNE is a storied Rioja producer dating back to 1879. Under Victor’s tenure, CVNE has combined traditional winemaking methods with modern innovation.

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Gianluca Bisol is the President and CEO of Bisol Prosecco Superiore in Conegliano Valdobbiane in the Treviso/Veneto region of northeast, Italy. This revered Prosecco house dates back five centuries to 1542 and 21 generations.

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson are wine writers and journalists…that sounds a bit pedestrian! Jancis and Hugh are collectively the most awarded, influential, and respected writers in all of wine. Their awards, books, articles are too numerous to mention. Jancis and Hugh have revised “The World Atlas of Wine” and the 8th Edition is now available.

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Byron Bates was waving the “natural wine flag” before it was a thing. He introduced natural winemakers via his wine lists in NYC over 20 years ago. He left the floor to bring these wines to the US thru his Goatboy Selections. Byron is the driving force behind Wild World New York, A Fermentation Festival in Brooklyn.

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Elena Penna Currado Vietti is partner at Vietti Winery and wife of winemaker Luca Vietti. Vietti is one of the oldest producers in Barolo with an impressive list of vineyard sites in the region. They also have played an important role in “Cru” Barolos and the survival of Arneis.

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Isabelle Legeron is a Master of Wine, consultant, contributing journalist, and author of the seminal book on natural wine, “Natural Wine, An Introduction to Organic and Biodynamic Wines Made Naturally”.

Isabelle is the founder and creator of Raw Wine and Raw Wine Fairs. She is leading the charge globally for greater transparency and promotes growers who work organically, who ferment their wines naturally, and use little to no additives. Raw Wine Fairs are now in London, Berlin, Miami, Los Angeles, Montreal, and New York.

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Napa born Jane Lopes attended the Univ. of Chicago with a degree in Renaissance Lit. Her best laid plans to pursue a Masters Degree got sidetracked by her love of food, wine, and spirits. She worked her way thru Chicago, Nashville, and New York, ultimately landing a Somm job at the legendary Eleven Madison Park. If that’s not enough excitement, Jane packed her bags and moved to Melbourne, Australia to run the beverage program at Attica, arguably Australia’s best restaurant. Jane Lopes received her Master Sommelier certification in 2018, but with a follow-up story not to be believed. Her new book “Vignette, Stories of Life & Wine in 100 Bottles” is now available.

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Luke Boland has come through some of the most celebrated dining rooms in New York, working with Batali/Bastianich and the Major Food Group at destinations including the Grill and Del Posto to name a few. Luke is an award-winning Sommelier and Beverage professional with a keen eye towards the business. He is now the Wine Director at what is arguably the hottest restaurant in NYC, Crown Shy in the Financial District.

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Todd Cavallo left Brooklyn with his wife Crystal in 2016 to try his hand at sustainable food systems. He is the proprietor of Wild Arc Farm, located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, just north of NYC. Wild Arc Farm is a pursuit of sustainable food and beverage production within the small farm environment. Wild Arc is an experiment in biodynamic permaculture and viticulture producing exciting wines like Piquette, Pet Nat, Riesling, hybrid grapes like a carbonic Marquette and more. Todd is also a 2019 40 Under 40 Tastemaker from Wine Enthusiast.

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Sarah Thomas, Marie Ponsonnet, and Katja Scharnagl are all sommeliers at one of the most revered restaurants in the world, Le Bernadin in NYC. Under the tutelage of Aldo Sohm, they provide deep skill, knowledge, and personality to the Le Bernadin wine program. Katja is the Chef Sommelier, Sarah Thomas has also created Kalamata’s Kitchen, and Marie Ponsonnet just released a very personal wine, a Merlot. We will discuss everything with everyone.

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When we talk about natural wine and the natural wine movement, Alice Feiring is an OG! Alice is a leading voice, advocate, and expert on natural wine and the natural wine movement. Alice Feiring is a James Beard Award winning journalist and author of seven books, her website the Feiring Line has been serving natural wine enthusiasts since 2004.

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Sabato Sagaria got his engines started at Cornell, The Greenbriar Hotel, and The Inn at Little Washington. The pace picked up at The Little Nell and Union Sq. Hospitality where he rose to Chief Restaurant Office and...became a member of the court of Master Sommeliers along the way. Sabato left USHG and is now the President of bartaco.

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Adam Teeter’s experience ranges from working for the Consulate General of Israel, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Tablet Magazine, and creating Vivo in Vino, a wine and music site to name a few. Adam is the Co-founder and CEO of VinePair, a media company about wine, beer and spirits.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Coralie and her fourth generation winemaking husband Damien Delecheneau are the proprietors of La Grange Tiphane winery in Amboise. Coralie joined the winery in 2008. La Grange Tiphane makes precise, beautifully balanced, Terroir driven wines in the Loire valley of France.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Chris Leon grew up with wine around the table via his Dad. His early love for hospitality and, eventually wine led him to Sonoma. He attended the French Culinary Institute, now the International Culinary Center after college, with a degree in restaurant management. Chris went on to open and operate restaurants in NYC and earned his Advanced WSET Certificate. He knew hospitality extended beyond the walls of a restaurant and opened Leon and Son, a highly curated wine shop in Brooklyn.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Tracey Brandt moved away from a career in tech towards a love and interest in wine. Tracey and her eventual husband Jared took a wine sabbatical in France and had the opportunity to work under the tutelage of famed winemaker Eric Texier. They returned to California to continue a life in wine helping to pioneer the low intervention, natural wine movement there. Their winery is Donkey and Goat in Berkley, California.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Massachussetts born Esther Mobley is the wine critic at the SF Chronicle. After finishing Smith College, Esther pursued a path in wine, working harvests, interning at one wine magazine, Asst. Editor at another, and now the SF Chronicle, where she looks at wine not just as a story, but through the people, place, and culture. Esther predominantly covers California wine, beer, spirits and drinking culture.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

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New York City born Jenny Lefcourt got her undergraduate degree at Cornell, received her Masters while in Paris, and was pursuing a PhD at Harvard. She also met her husband in Paris where they both shared a passion for not just wine, but the people, practices and stories behind those wines. They started their wine import company in 2000. Jenny and Francois is one of the most respected wine importers in the world, specializing in natural wines.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Born in Saudi Arabia to an Iraqi family, Rita Jammet grew up in Lebanon and Switzerland. She received a degree in Economics from the Univ. of Geneva working with her dad upon graduation. She met her French husband Andre with deep ties to hospitality and wine, exposing Rita to a life of restaurants, wine, and Champagne. Rita is co-owner and Chief Bubble Officer of La Caravelle Champagne.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

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Roberto Santana and Alfonso Torrente are two of the four winemaker/owners that make up Envinate, a wine project that focuses on exploring distinctive parcels mainly in the Atlantic-inflected regions of Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands in Spain. Along with Laura Ramos and Jose Martinez, they are the “New Spanish Wine”, but with a touch of the old practices.

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Pennsylvania born John Raytek spent over a decade as a sommelier before making the move to winemaking. He fueled his wine fire in New Zealand before making his way back to the States. John headed west working with and at some of the best wineries and people in California before starting Ceritas, his own winery with his wife Phoebe in Healdsburg.

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Austrian born Maximilian Riedel is an 11th generation glassmaker. He interned at the family business at the age of 12 eventually rising to his current position of President and CEO of Riedel Glassware. His innovation, eye towards design, and expansion has made Riedel the premier glassware maker in the world.

Photo courtesy of Sam Benrubi.

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Virginia born Matt Crafton received a degree in Economics from the University of Virginia, then wine at UC Davis. He worked the vineyards of Virginia before moving west to continue his pursuit of wine. Ultimately Matt landed at storied winery Chateau Montelena where he has spent over a decade. In 2014 Bo Barrett appointed Matt to head winemaker.

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Giampiero Bertolini began his career at none other than Proctor and Gamble, after many years at P&G, he moved into the wine business taking a job at Italian wine icon Frescobaldi, spending 16 years overseeing global sales and marketing. Giampiero left Frescobaldi last year to become the CEO of storied Brunello di Montalcino producer Biondi Santi and it's seven-generation winemaking family in Il Greppo, Italy.

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Straight outta Hells Kitchen, Ariel Arce was a young gymnast, film student and actress before she pursued a career in wine, Champagne, and hospitality. She got her chops with Grant Achatz in Chicago and Ravi De Rossi in NYC before opening her first venue, Air’s Champagne Parlor. Ariel has since opened buzzy Tokyo Record Bar, Niche Niche, and soon to open Special Club.

Photo courtesy of Marisa Chafetz.

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Swedish born Arvid Rosengren was always intrigued with food as a kid, but not before putting Nanotechnology behind him. He honed his wine skills participating in Sommelier competitions winning Best Sommelier in Sweden in 2010, Best Sommelier in Europe in 2013, and ultimately rising to “The Best Sommelier in the World” in 2016. He made his way to the US after many years on the Scandinavian and European restaurant scene. Arvid now leads the Hospitality and Wine Team at the Delicious Hospitality Group; you know them, Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and Legacy Records.

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Brooklyn born Dan Petroski made his way uptown to Columbia University, played a little football, headed downtown to NYU Biz School before moving into marketing, finance and advertising at Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated. His love of wine and a college friend with connections got Dan over to Sicily. Dan came back to the states, made his way to Cali to follow his passion and the rest fermented into a career in wine. Dan is the winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards and owns Massican Winery in California and was the 2017 Winemaker of the Year from the SF Chronicle.

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American Sommelier turned French Winemaker, Michele Smith Chapel worked at New York’s finest restaurants including Per Se and Brooklyn Fare combining for 6 Michelin Stars. She met David Chapel in Beaujolais, got him to move back to NY and both eventually packed up to move back to France…and make wine. Michele Smith Chapel is the proprietor of Domaine Chapel in Beaujolais.

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Caleb Ganzer is the Wine Director and Managing Partner at La Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels in NYC. Compagnie is a cozy neighborhood wine bar for the world and caters to every type of guest from the inquisitive amateur to the industry professional. He is an alum of Eleven Madison Park and Daniel Boulud's Dinex group. Caleb has innovated great events at Compagnie like Wine Mixtape, Mystery Wine, and Wine Boot Camp to name a few. Caleb has created a new wine app called VKNOW, teaching people about wine using adaptive learning techniques.

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Allen Meadows made the shift from finance to fine wine. He is the definitive, independent voice of Burgundy and it’s leading expert and critic. Allen Meadows is the Burghound and publishes Burghound.com a quarterly review, and online site for Burgundy and pinot enthusiasts. Allen just published his new book “Burgundy Vintages, A History from 1845”, an essential reference book for Burgundy enthusiasts. Allen also covers California, Oregon, and some Champagne.

Photo courtesy of Erica Meadows.

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Christine Collado got a quick start in fine wine and dining at Dinex Group’s Bar Boulud, Boulud Sud, and flagship Daniel before moving to Wine Director at Brooklyn Fare and it’s three-star Michelin tasting menu. She recently left to open Parcelle Wine Store, a curated wine shop near Hudson Yards in NYC.

Photo Courtesy of Christine Collado

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Pascaline Lepeltier holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy and is a Master Sommelier. Pascaline worked her way in wine and restaurants in Europe to the US in 2009 landing at Rouge Tomate. She recently received the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, which translated is the Best Craftsmen of France in the Sommelier category and, also received The Best Sommelier of France. These are the two top awards in her field and the only women to receive them. Pascaline makes a Finger Lakes Pet Nat called Chepika with Nathan Kendall, co-authored “The Dirty Guide to Wine” with Alice Feiring and is Managing Partner at Racine’s in NYC. Pascaline is one of the most respected admired, awarded and loved people in all of wine.

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Jersey girl Michelle De Feo pursued her childhood love of France studying French in college and abroad in the Loire Valley; she worked as a translator, and broke into the biz as an administrative assistant at Clicquot. She fine tuned her skills at a wine shop and worked her way up the Champagne ladder to her current position of President Champagne Laurent-Perrier US.

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Washington DC born and aspiring actor, Scott Woltz made his way to NYC, bagged the acting, worked with Tom Coliccho, Eleven Madison Park, and La Sirena. More importantly, Scott had a heck of a year last year. He was named Best New Sommelier by Wine and Spirits in 2018, earned his advanced pin in the Court of the Master Sommeliers, and was a runner up in the 2018 Ruinart Challenge, but most importantly he had his first child. Scott is now the Wine Director at Babbo in NYC.

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Native New Yorker James Molesworth was surrounded by wine growing up. After graduating college, he took a job at a famed New York retailer specializing in Burgundy. He moved to the restaurant side as a cellar-master and eventually Sommelier at the legendary 21 Club. James joined Wine Spectator in 1997 as a tasting coordinator and was elevated to Senior Editor in 2004. He became a regular taster in 2000 and his tasting beat covers Cali cabs, Bordeaux, The Rhone, Loire, Port and South African wines.

Photo Courtesy of Michelle McSwain, The Vinum Collective.
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Kirk Sutherland became fascinated with wine while working in coffee in the mid 2000’s discovering their similarity - each being ground-driven expressions of their moment. In moving to New York he found a home in Andrew Tarlow’s Brooklyn group. Working at Reynard under Lee Campbell, then heading programs at both Marlow & Sons and Diner, Kirk fell in love with honesty and transparency of natural wine. He worked as Sommelier for all spaces in the Matter House group and in 2016 Kirk began his continuing work in Portland, Oregon partnering in harvest with Division Winemaking Company and Brianne Day. Since 2017 Sutherland has directed the wine program at both Roberta’s (NY&LA) and Blanca.

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From Manila to Japan and finally NYC, Jhonel Faelner landed in the Big Apple to pursue his love of wine after a stint in fashion and being swept up by the wine culture in Japan. He worked his way thru One Five Hospitality and The Nomad before running the wine program at one of the country’s hottest restaurants. Jhonel is an Advanced Somm studying for his MS; he is a Wine and Spirits Best New Sommelier for 2018 and the Wine Director at Atomix in NYC

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Hailing from Pennsylvania, Stephen Bitterolf left for New York to study art, eventually becoming an artist. His love and interest in wine brought him to wine retail and ultimately wine importation. Stephen is the creator of Rieslingfeier, a celebration of Riesling and the proprietor of vom Boden, a boutique wine import company specializing in German wines.

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Gaelle Goossens was born in Reims France and grew up in the countryside of Champagne. She studied abroad, but was drawn back to her Champagne roots eventually getting a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry and a National Diploma in Oenology (2012). She spent five years at Champagne house Bollinger. Gaelle joined Veuve Clicquot in 2016 in Development, Innovation, and Communication of Oenology, responsible for winemaking, communication, pressing and vinification.

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Josh Greene is the Editor and Publisher of Wine & Spirits Magazine, a five-time James Beard Award winner for “Excellence in Wine Writing”. Wine & Spirits Magazine caters to the wine professional as well as the consumer. Josh has been at the helm of the magazine since the mid-eighties and besides publishing and editorial duties is also a critic for wines of the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Port, Rioja, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The staff at Wine & Spirits Magazine tastes over 15,000 bottles annually.

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We talk about the wines of Portugal, specifically the regions of Porto, Douro and Alentejo. Paolo Russell Pinto oversees promotions and communication for the Institute of the Wines of Douro and Porto in Portugal. Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein is one of the nations most prolific food and wine writers and a wine veteran with an expertise in Portueguese wines and the Alentejo region.

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Terry Theise is an importer of highly curated boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. He has played a critical role in exposing this country to the joys of great Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, grower Champagne, and more through his portfolio, Terry Theise Estate Selections. Terry won the James Beard Award recognizing him for "Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional. Terry is also a prolific author and wine writer penning "Reading Between the Wines" and his brand new book "What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking. In Praise of the Sublime". Terry Theise has been at this for over Thirty years and his views of wine are vastly different than most in the business.

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Jorge Riera has been drinking and promoting natural wines in New York almost longer than anyone. He started as the Manager/Sommelier at Balthazar, worked with Arnaud Erhart at 360 in Brooklyn, spent many years at the Ten Bells, Contra and Wildair, among the first all natural wine bars in NYC, and is now the Wine Director at Frenchette, one of NYC's most talked about restaurants serving only natural wines. Jorge Riera is a bigger than life guy and a true believer and evangelist of natural wines.

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Born in Calcutta, armed with a degree in hospitality from India, and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Raj Parr morphed from food to the world of wine. Raj worked with the best in wine including Larry Stone, Michael Mina, Rubicon, Fifth Floor, and RN74. Always thirsty for more wine and wine challenges, Raj moved into the world of winemaking. He is now the proprietor of Sandhi and Domaine de la Cote in CA, and Evening Land in Oregon. Raj Parr is a James Beard award-winning author, celebrated Sommelier, sought after speaker, and is considered to have the best palate in the business. He just wrote a new book with Jordan Mackay called "The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste".

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Master Sommerlier Dustin Wilson is the proprietor of Verve Wine in NYC and SF, a retail and online marketplace for Sommelier curated wines. Thomas Pastuszak oversees the wine program for Daniel Humm and Will Guidara's Nomad in NYC, LA, and Las Vegas. Dustin and Thomas came up through the ranks of Frasca, Colicchio and Sons, and Eleven Madison to name a few. Dustin Wilson appears in the new Somm 3 movie and Thomas is making some great wine in the bottle and can. They are the creators of Reboule du Rhone, a four-day celebration of the wines of the Northern Rhone, November 15-18, 2018 in NYC. 100% of the proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry.

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We talk to two masters for our show. Isabelle Legeron is an award winning Master of Wine, author, wine consultant, and founder of Raw Wine and The Raw Wine Fair in London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal. Raw Wine is the largest community of low-intervention, organic, biodynamic, natural wines, their growers and makers and those who love drinking them. Nate Ready is a Master Sommelier earning his chops at Frasca and the French Laundry. Nate's interest shifted to winemaking and logged time in Italy, Slovenia, and the Williamette Valley before settling in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and creating a food and wine oasis like no other called Hiyu Wine Farm.

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Daniel Johnnes is the multi-award winning wine impresario, Sommelier, and creator of La Fete du Champagne, Pressoir Wine, and La Paulee. He is the Corporate Wine Director for Daniel Boulud's Dinex Restaurant Group, a wine importer, and entrepreneur. Our friend Jay McInerney dubbed Daniel Johnnes "The Dean of American Sommeliers" mentoring a generation of wine people. Daniel is a true Francophile!

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Athena Bochanis was a disaffected and disillusioned NYU Law School graduate. She had already done an unpaid internship in Hungary and returned for another visit, Athena had fallen in love withe the country, people, food, drink, and culture and was determined to expose New York and the world to Hungarian wines. She started Palinkerie, a Hungarian wine import company in Brooklyn and the rest is Hungarian wine history.

Matthew Conway got his start at his Mom's restaurant in N. California before moving to NYC in 2003. He took a job with Chef Grey Kunz as Sommelier and Bev. Dir. at Cafe Grey, eventually leaving to hook up wth Marc Forgione in 2007 at Marc's eponomously named restaurant. Over ten years later he is the General Manager and Bev. Dir. of Restaurant Marc Forgione in Tribeca. Matthew is a Coffee Sommelier, a Star Chefs "Rising Star", Zagat "30 Under 30" and has certifications from the ASA for Viticulture, Vinification, and Blindtasting and the Tallivent Training Prgram in Paris.

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Josh Nadel is a Master Sommelier and the beverage director for Andrew Carmellini's Noho Hospitality Group. He spent nearly a decade as head Sommelier at revered and award winning restaurants Veritas and Cru in NYC before joining Carmellini in 2009. Josh oversees the beverage and wine programs at Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, Bar Primi, Little Park, Leuca, Westlight, Rye St. Tavern and more. Josh launched Gothic Wine in 2009, producing cool climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rose from the Williamette Valley in Oregon.

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Advanced Sommelier Hristo Zisovski was raised in Greek diners working the grill, eventually taking him to the Culinary Institute of America. Hristo gravitated to the "front of the house" first working with Wayne Nish at the 3 star restaurant March, spent seven years at Jean Georges, earning a 2010 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Wine Service". He joined the Altamarea Group in 2010, serving as the Corporate Beverage Director since 2014. Hristo is a Wine and Spirits Magazine "Best New Sommelier", Food and Wines "Sommelier of the Year" and he just received a 2018 Wine Spectator "Grand Award for the restaurant Ai Fiori wine program

Ray Isle is the Executive Wine Editor at Food and Wine Magazine for the past 10 years. He was Deputy Wine Editor at American Exprss Publishing, Managing Editor at Wine and Spirits Magazine, and has contributed to Fortune and Travel and Leisure magazines among others. Ray Isle cut his teeth in wine as a cellar rat, working harvests, and as a wine supplier rep for a Port company. Food and Wine is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary including Ray Isle's story about "The 40 Wines that Changed the Way We Drink".

Gary Vaynerchuk is Chairman of VaynerX, a media holding company, and the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service advertising agency, both cutting edge. Gary is a 5X New York Times best-selling author, a sought after speaker and prolific angel investor. Gary is ubiquitous online. check him out on DailyVee, The GaryVee Audio Experience, Ask Garyvee, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, You Tube and on and on! Gary got his start in wine, in the family wine biz and not long after launching the wildly popular Internet sensation Wine Library TV.

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Roger Trinchero is the Chairman of Trinchero Family Estates in Napa, Califonia. Roger along with his brother Bob built Sutter Family Winery into one of the largest premium wine companies in the US. Roger introduced the country to White Zinfandel, and the rest they say is history. Trinchero Family Estates is made up of over 45 well known brands including Folie a Deux, Menage a Trois, Neyers, and Joel Gott to mention a few. Roger also launched the family's luxury brand Trinchero Napa Valley.

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Federico Carletti's father Dino started the Poliziano Winery in 1961 in Tuscany. Federico took over in 1981 overseeing 300 plus acres eventually bringing in his son Francesco. Poliziano produces estate grown Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, Cortona and more including Asinone, Lohsa, Le Stanze and In Violas to name a few. Poliziano wines are well known for great quality and value.

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Didier Mariotti joined Champagne house GH Mumm in 2003 and became the Chef de Caves in 2006 at the world's third largest and France's number one Champagne house. Didier oversees hundreds of acres of grapes in eight villages in the Champagne region producing the iconic red-banded GH Mumm Cordon Rouge. Didier Mariotti also travels the world as Brand Ambassador for GH Mumm.

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Marchese Lamberto Frescobaldi is a 30th generation winemaker and President of the Frescobaldi family winemaking dynasty in Italy. Frescobaldi has been producing wine in Tuscany for over 700 years and is the maker of some of the most iconic wines in the world including Castel Giocondo, Nipozzano, Pomino, Luce, Masetto, Ornellaia, and Gorgona to name a few.

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Bordeaux is known for some of the greatest red wines in the world. but we will talk to three women making terrific white Bordeauxs. Dr. Valerie Lavigne is a global consultant and one of the top experts in the vinification and aging of dry wihite wine. Corinne Comme from Chateau Champs des Treilles is a celebrated Bordeaux viticulturist, international consultant, and champion of Biodynamic viticulture. Valerie Vialard is the first women winemaker from the Pessac-Leognan region and has led Chateau Latour Martillac for more than 25 years.

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Jenni Guizio is the newly appointed Associate Director of Wine for Danny Meyer's Union Sq. Hospitality Group. Jenni is the Wine Director at Maialino, Marta, & Vini e Fritti, overseeing the wine programs for the company's Italian eateries. Jenni has worked at some of the best restaurants in NYC including Scarpetta, Del Posto, & Felidia. Jenni Guizio also spent a few years on and off in Sicily's Mt. Etna working hospitality and harvests.

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Sharon Harris is the proprietor of Rarecat Wines, Napa,CA. She is a winemaker and entrepreneur committed to empowering women using wine as a tool to elevate women and promote diversity. She just completed a 23-city tour preaching these issues. Beth von Benz is a wine consultant, sommelier and worked in wine retail. Beth has had a long career in wine in NYC at some of the finest restaurants including Milos, Judson Grill, The US Open, and Porterhouse. Beth was slinging wine before becoming a sommelier was a thing!

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Beth Novak Milliken is President and CEO of Spottswoode Winery in Napa, California. Spottswoode is one of the few wineries in Napa run by women. After the passing of her dad Jack, Beth's mom Mary decided to continue to run the winery, eventually bringing Beth into the fold at this multigenerational family business. All Spottswoode wines are estate grown and certified organic. Beth Novak Milliken has also devoted herself to philanthropy and the community in addition to wine.

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Mark Oldman is an award winning author, Internet entrepreneur, speaker and wine expert. You can find Mark speaking at major food and wine festivals around the country injecting his own style, humor, and wine expertise. Mark is a graduate and board memeber of Stanford University with a BA, MA, and JD, he now teaches a course in entrepreneurship at Stanford. Mark's current book is "How to Drink Like a Billionaire: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre".

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California born and current Brooklyn resident Sam Anderson innovated at some of New York's coolest bars including Freeman's, Hotel Delmano, Gold Bar, and Salvation Taco before landing at Danny Bowien's Mission Chinese on the Lower East Side of NYC. Sam is the Beverage Director at Mission and oversees wine, beer, spirits, and tea. Sam's wine list at Mission Chinese is an ode to the natural winemakers of the world. Sam is an avid runner and serious marathoner.

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Raj Vaidya grew up in a family obsessed with food and wine in Bombay, Singapore and New Jersey. Raj cut his teeth in New Jersey going from baking bagels to pouring the finest Burgundies. He went on to work at some of the best restaurants in the country including Cru, Per Se, Gary Danko, and Seeger's while receiving his advanced certificate and diploma in wine. Raj is the Head Sommelier for Daniel Boulud's eponymous Daniel Restaurant in New York City, overseeing four somms and a massive wine list at this legendary restaurant celebrating it's 25th Anniversary.

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Steve Matthiasson studied philosophy in college, but thankfully moved on to horticulture in grad school at UC Davis, finding his way into the vineyards and orchards working for a small sustainable agriculture firm. Steve started consulting on vineyard practices and helped co-write the book on these practices in California. In 2003 Steve started primarily focusing on his family farm and winemaking operation Matthiasson Wines. The SF Chronicle and Food and Wine Magazine named Steve "Winemaker of the Year" Viticulture and horticulture are just as important to Steve as grapes and winemaking.

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Dan Petroski is the winemaker at Larkmead Winery and owns Massican, a winery devoted to crafting Italian white grapes like Ribolla Gialla and Tocai Friulano. The SF Chronicle name Dan Winemaker of the Year for 2017. Jason Heller is a Master Sommelier, ran wine programs for Thomas Keller and Richard Reddington, sales at Harlan, Bond, and Dana and is currently a partner at Scale Wine Group. Dan and Jason along with five other Napa wine friends started the Band of Vintners. They make a cabernet blend called Consortium combining sustainably farmed grapes from a variety of high-quality growers, spanning the Napa hillsides to the valley floor at a price that is music to everyone's ear.

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Eduard and Stephanie Tscheppe-Eselbock from Berganland, Austria took on the task and challenge of restoring a 17th century winery, a 200 year-old-press, and vines that were ignored for over 20 years. What they created was a family of wines based on the personality of these wines with now iconic labels of different family members. Their winery Gut Oggau produces living wines with great energy and is certified biodynamic by Demeter.

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Yannick Benjamin was born and bred in NYC to French parents. He visited Bordeaux at age 13 and got the wine bug early. He started in hospitality at a young age working his way through Le Cirque, Jean Georges, Atlas, and eventually becoming a Somm at Felidia in NYC. In 2003 Yannick experienced a life-changing event that would set a different course in his life. Yannick is an advanced Sommelier working at the University Club in NYC, appeared on the Esquire TV series, UNcorked and is the co-founder and director of development for Wheeling Forward.

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Colorful and legendary Australian winemaker David Powell made his mark in 1994 when he started Torbreck Vintners in Barossa. Torbreck is one of the most awarded wines in Australia. After almost 20 years, David moved on to start Powell and Son with his son Callum. They grow Rhone varietals from the Barossa and Eden Valleys in a a traditional and minimalist style.

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Lettie Teague is an award winning author and columnist for the Wall Street Journal. Her column "On Wine" appears weekly in the Journal. Lettie has received three James Beard Awards including the MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. Lettie Teague was formerly the wine columnist for Food and Wine Magazine ("Wine Matters") and it's wine editor for over 12 years. Lettie has published three books, "Wine in Words", "Educating Peter", and illustrated "Fear of Wine"

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Marquis Piero Antinori is Vintner and Honorary President of Marchese Antinori. Mr. Antinori is the patriarch of his family's wine business in Italy with vineyards in Umbria, Chianti Classico, Brunello, Bolgheri, Napa and beyond. Piero Antinori along with his three daughters oversee the six-century old storied family wine business.

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Seattle born Morgan Harris made his way to NYC and jumped into the wine game full time in 2011. He cut his wine teeth with Master Sommelier Laura Maniec at Corkbuzz Wine Studio, did a short stint at Jean Georges before moving to Charlie Palmer's Aureole in NYC as head sommelier. Morgan was named Wine and Spirits "Best New Sommelier" holds an advanced sommelier certificate and is an instructor at the American Sommelier Association.

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Victoria James got an early start in the restaurant biz at 13. She blazed her path as a server, bartender, and sommelier working at Harry's at Hanover Square, Aureole, Morini, Piora, and now as Beverage Director at Cote in NYC. Victoria became a Certified Sommelier at age 21, has been named a Wine and Spirits "Best New Sommelier", Forbes and Zagat's "30 Under 30" and a Wine Enthusiast "40 Under 40 Tastemaker". Victoria James is a Rose evangelist and author of "Drink Pink: A Celebration of Rose", published last May.

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Olivier Krug is Directeur de la Maison Krug and a member of the Krug tasting committee. Olivier grew up in Reims, France and is the eldest of Henri Krug's five children, Olivier joined Krug in 1989 and is now Krug's house director. Olivier talks about Krug's rich history since 1843 and the transformation of Champagne in the past 20 years.

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Yumiko Munekyo and Jason Geiger are the co-founders of Sake Suki. Yumiko was born and raised in Fukui Prefecture and Ishikawa Japan, famously know for thier rice and Sake production. Yumiko came to the US in 2011 with the intention of bringing great Sake to the US and focusing on small production regional artisan Sakes known as Jizake. Jason Geiger is a Certified Sake Adviser from the Sake Service Institute.

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Belgian born Cedric Nicaise grew up in a family of wine enthusiasts. Cedric worked his way downstate to Charlie Palmer's Aureole in NYC, later becoming a sommelier at Eleven Madison Park and eventually the Wine Director. Cedric oversees the wine and beverage program at the three Michelin starred, New York Times four starred, and the Best Restaurant in the World from the World's 50 Best Restaurants. A very very rare achievement.

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