"Wine Talks with Paul K" dives into the vibrant world of wine with the featured guest, Wanda Mann, who brings her extensive knowledge and passion to the conversation. In this not-to-be-missed episode, the main points covered are: 1. **Demystifying Wine Talk**: Paul K and Wanda Mann tackle the complexity of wine terminology, deliberating on how it can sometimes alienate new wine enthusiasts. They discuss the importance of simplifying wine language to make the experience more accessible and enjoyable for consumers. 2. **Consumer Trends and Preferences**: The discussion takes a turn into the late ..read more

In this episode of Wine Talks, we delve into the noble tradition of wine in the corridors of the White House. With the aid of Frederick J. Ryan, whose impressive tome "Wine in the White House: A History" serves as our guide, we explore the nuanced role of wine in American presidential history. Here are 7 points I pulled out of the conversation. ? The White House has long held a tradition of presidential involvement in selecting wines for state affairs. This responsibility demonstrates the significance placed on the presentation and choice of wine as it underscores diplomatic relations and comp ..read more

In the latest episode of 'Wine Talks,' host Claude Rouquet is joined by guest Paul K to delve deep into the world of viticulture, exploring the nuanced journey from grape to glass. The conversation opens with a glimpse into Claude’s background, which was not traditionally rooted in the wine industry as his family came from the medical field. However, his early exposure to fine wines cultivated a passion that, along with his wife, led them to pivot their successful careers to pursue their love for wine, something they felt a strong emotional connection to. The tale of revival at Smith Lafitte v ..read more

George Walker III, a recipient of the Roots Fund scholarship, shares his incredible journey and the impact it has had on his education and career in the wine industry. The Roots Fund, founded in 2020 by Carlton McCoy, Aikimi Dubeau, and Tahir Habibi, aims to provide opportunities for black individuals in the wine industry. George expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from mentors like Matt Nauman and Carlton McCoy, who have helped shape his education and career. George recounts how Matt Nauman, the previous president of Wade Sellers, suggested that he would benefit from worki ..read more

He calls himself the Black Wine Guy....but never has been too happy with that name. And Wine Talks gets it. MJ Towler has covered virtually all the bases when traversing the wine industry landscape. He has a rounded viewpoint on all things wine. And his take on the plight of BIPOC in the world of wine is pragmatic and right on.  Having worked the floor at what would be one of the most celebrated wine retailers in America, MJ moved on to wholesale and hospitality. He discovered a knack for articulating difficult wine concepts to the average consumer and found his love of the wine and the m ..read more

When you have sold some of the most luxurious brands in the world, what does adding Chateau Angelus to the list mean? Actually, it means quite a bit.  Chateau Angelus was awarded Premiere Cru Classee "A" when the Right Bank of Bordeaux began classifications in 1955. This puts the Chateau at the top of the region's rankings, which is a significant achievement. Yves de Launay, who has promoted brands such as Sotheby's, Louis XIII Cognac, LVMH, and Cartier, would seem to be a natural fit for promoting Chateau Angelus. During a recent trip to Los Angeles to taste the latest releases of Chatea ..read more

The Association of African American Vintners started in 2002 with 4 vintners; now there are over 200 members. Thanks largely to the efforts of Angela McCrae and her associates.  Diversity is an important subject in the wine trade. The industry is light on BIPOC and women in the workforce; both labor and executives. But that is all actively changing.   In fact, there is a large event in the Napa Valley at the CIA Napa Copia campus entirely committed to black-owned wineries and black wine industry executives (March 9th and 10th.) Wine Talks will be there. On this podcast, Angela d ..read more

In 1988, Paul K Sr. featured a Romanian wine in the Original Wine of the Month Club. The wine was Premiat Sauvignon Blanc and was $2.50/bottle on reorder. It was a very nice wine.  Turns out, according to Marinela, that wine was purchased from Romania during the USSR rule. Long before the value and complexity of freedom was real. It is so interesting that the Original Wine of the Month Club was ahead of its time in 1988...finding a Soviet block wine worthy of the American palate. Now, as she explains, the wine trade is dynamic and changing to a European model. This is a slow and complicat ..read more

Chateau Lagrange was in Los Angeles. Matthieu Bordes presiding.   On a recent visit to the WIne Talks studios, we caught up with all things Bordeaux.   Matthieu considers it a dream job. Maybe "job" isn't the best adjective. When you love to do something and have the passion to do it every day at the best you can offer, maybe it is no longer a job. This is clearly Mattieu Bordes as the Director Général of the Chateau. Chateau Lagrange is owned by the Japanese conglomerate, Suntory Group, but is left alone to his devices to produce the persona of Chateau Lagrange.  The ..read more

In his new book "Facing the Heat; From my grand mother's kitchen to cooking on the line." Chef Castan has peeks around just about every corner of the chef business. After all, he has worked for some of what would be considered the best restaurants in France to being head Chef at one of the largest hotel chains in America and just about everything in between; including but not limited to an absolute failure with his mexican restaurant in Nice, France. This path is hard and the difficulty for Frederic is no exception. His story stirs all kinds of emotions and demonstates some of the best of huma ..read more