Have you ever wondered what makes a bottle of wine truly special? Is it the grapes? The region? Or what about packaging and marketing? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Vito La Fata, president and CEO of La Fata Cellars, who transformed a generational dream into a thriving wine business. Discover how this Sicilian vineyard owner leverages family traditions to create wines that are unforgettable and sellable. Today, we’ll explore Vito’s innovative approach to winemaking, the power of storytelling and building a community around wines, La Fata Cellar’s unconventional bus ..read more

Did you know there’s a hidden winery right in the heart of Los Angeles? Yes, and not many people know it. Located in the prestigious Bel Air, also known as Beverly Hills, Moraga Vineyard spans sixteen and a half acres of vineyard that produces great-tasting wines. In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Paul Warson, the talented winemaker and owner of Moraga Vineyard. Having worked for several notable vineyards across the country (including Australia), Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that we all could learn from. Today, he’ll discuss the unique challenges and the ..read more

A Toast to Tradition and Innovation    Paul K: Welcome to another episode of "Wine Talks"! Today, we’re popping the cork on a conversation that's rich in history and flavor with the illustrious Veronique Sanders, director and president of Chateau Haut Bailly in the Pessac Leognon district.   Veronique: Thank you, Paul! I'm excited to share our journey and passion with your listeners.   Paul K kicks things off by reminiscing about the days of his father's involvement in the wine business. He talks about the indispensable role of marketing and personal interaction, essentials ..read more

I know the story of the movie Bottle Shock...but here is the back story. Ease drop on this carzy good conversation with the producers of the movie Bottle Shock...but add a hilarious element with Flint Dillie; the designer of the game of the namesake...Bottle Shock. I am already in line to receive my copy because the game is not about wine...well, maybe wine is part of the game, but the premiss is about fooling the judges. But wait, there are legit judges and phoney judges and it is your job to figure who is who.  I am ready to play....and the cool part is, no wine experience is necessary ..read more

When the Original Wine of the Month Club was ready for a new chapter, they turned to Carol Collison to make sense of the landscape of selling a wine club. In this episode, we peel it back on a number of fronts: Challenges in the Wine Business: - This episode dives deep into the financial and operational challenges faced by those in the wine business. Paul K recounts a friend’s struggles with a large, aged inventory and shares a cautionary tale about the risks of high pricing and poor market support in the wine industry. Impact of Industry Downturn: - Carol Collison discusses how the current do ..read more

Wine Talks was honored to speak with Danielle Coetzee, who is coaxing elegant sparkling wines from the Cap Town appelation in South Africa using the traditional Champagne method and grapes. 1. Cap Classiques is the South African version of traditional method sparkling wines with specific legal requirements. 2. Danielle's family background influenced her passion for winemaking, particularly her uncle's stories of harvest and vineyard work. 3. Nsiki Biela is a notable black winemaker celebrated within the South African wine community. 4. South Africa's Cape Winelands feature a diverse landscape ..read more

The Serres Family ranch is multi-acted...in fact, it is most likely you have seen Serresbluleberries at your local store. Taylor is the 5th generation (which is a veritable reign for a California family in the wine trade) and is grooming the next generation to take over.   ? Embrace the Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Taylor Serres emphasized the importance of staying true to winemaking traditions while also being open to new methods, like co-fermented products. It’s like jazzing up a classic suit with a bold tie—sometimes, you just need a little sparkle to shine in a crowded room! ? S ..read more

As part of the South African invasion that tool place here at Wine Talks, Petir Venter came to the studio ready to promote the wine of South Africa. And he did in a very humble way. 1. During COVID-19 lockdowns, some wineries in South Africa turned their wine shops into delis to stay operational and adapt to restrictions. 2. Petri Venter was introduced to vineyards through a Facebook game before transitioning to a real-life winemaking career. 3. South Africa is transitioning from bulk wine exports to focusing on higher-quality wines at more attractive prices. 4. Wine bars and a willingness to ..read more

An in studio visits from 4 delightful South Afrinca winemakers began with this incredible conversation with Gavin Slabbert and Josh Raats of Raats Family Winery. 1. The increasing percentage of women winemakers in America inspired a former intern to pursue enology school. 2. Gavin makes an analogy between wine and golf, emphasizing inclusivity. 3. Gavin/Josh’s family winery has been running for 25 years in New Zealand. 4. A unique wine called Mister de Compostela was created by the first qualified black African winemaker in South Africa. ### Podcast Summary In this episode of "Wine Talks with ..read more

Jessica Kogan knows it. Listen to her, and you will know it. I did.   ? **Embrace the Blend of Digital and Physical**: One of the standout themes from the show was the vital intersection between digital engagement and physical presence. Jessica highlighted how integrating digital tools can lead to significant physical world interactions, like finding wine events or tasting venues. However, their discussion illuminated the enduring need for real-world connections, suggesting that, much like a perfectly aged wine, blending the two elements can produce the best results. Imagine syncing your ..read more