Served Up

Liz Lease-McCaffrey, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer for Domaine Serene Vineyards & Winery, shares the story behind Domaine Serene: one of Oregon's most acclaimed wineries and the family values that continue to shape its success. From building a world class wine brand to navigating leadership, innovation, and legacy, Liz offers an honest look at what it takes to grow while staying t...

Matteo Bolla, Business Development Manager for Valdo Wines & C. Mondavi & Family, gives us an overview of his background story and that of the Bolla family, creators of the famous Soave Bolla wine in the 19th century and the creation of Valdo in the Prosecco region in the early 20th century. We learn the differences between Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the grape varieties, and...

Lucia Creed joins us for a conversation that reminds us why relationships, mentorship and community are at the heart of the beverage industry. Through her work with the Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance, she is helping create pathways for emerging professionals while championing the importance of giving back and bringing others along for the journey. Pull up a seat as we talk purpose driven leader...

Jesse Bongiovi, founder of the Lily Pond Group, shares the inspiration behind building his spirits and wine brands, stories from his entrepreneurial journey, and his vision for driving growth around the world. This fun conversation explores brand building, innovation, and how he is carving out a unique space in today's competitive beverage industry

Michael Siladcci joins us for an inside look at the artistry, precision, and passion behind crafting the iconic wines of Opus One. As a winemaker dedicated to excellence, Michael shares the philosophy, vineyard influence, and meticulous attention to detail that create the elegance, balance, and timeless character found in every bottle. He takes us behind the scenes of one of Napa Valley’s most cel...

Andrea Cecchi is President and CEO of Familia Cecchi, currently celebrating their 130th anniversary of winemaking in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. Andrea discusses the long history of the Cecchi family in Tuscany, his role in the family business and that of his daughter, Giulia, representing the 5th generation of the family business, followed by a review of the numerous estates and wines...

Dr. Anistatia Miller, Director of Mixellany Limited, sits down for a lively interview about how cocktails reflect culture shifts. From the origins of iconic drinks, to the stories, people, and events that shaped cocktail culture - Anistatia brings history to life through fascinating insights & memorable anecdotes

Clyde Davis Jr. joins us to share his remarkable journey through the beverage industry, from operating one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected bottle shops to becoming a recognized voice in spirits education and advocacy. With experience as a spirits competition judge, Clyde offers a unique perspective on what defines quality, innovation, and excellence in today's ever-evolving beverage...

Joel Blum joins us to share the latest updates from the L.A. Spirits Awards and the High Spirits Awards, offering an inside look at how these influential competitions continue to evolve and recognize excellence across the beverage industry. As co-founder of the L.A. Spirits Awards, Joel discusses the importance of impartial judging, diverse industry expertise, and why third-party validation throug...

Scotty Palmer joins us for a candid conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing growing brands today - cash flow. As a CPA, a fractional CFO, and founder of Palmer's Strategic Advisors, Scotty shares practical advice on how businesses can stop bleeding cash, build a strong financial foundation, and put the right systems in place to grow with confidence and purpose

Rodolphe and Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger are redefining the art of celebration with French Bloom, the award-winning alcohol-free sparkling wine that brings luxury, innovation, and inclusivity to every toast. In this conversation, they share the inspiration behind the brand, the evolution of the non-alcohol movement, and how they are creating a new vision of modern French elegance

Antonio Capaldo, Chairman of Feudi di San Gregorio, joins us to discuss his vision for elevating the global reputation of Southern Italian wines while honoring the rich heritage of Campania. He shares insights on sustainabilty, innovation, and the role of leadership in shaping one of Italy's most respected wine estates. The conversation offers a fascinating look at the intersection of traditi...

Lonnie Finley shares his journey, leadership lessons, and impact on the beverage and hospitality industry. We discuss the importance of representation, mentorship, and creating opportunities that help elevate the next generation of talent

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's & North America's 50 Best Bars, explores the world of exceptional hospitality. Emma is the leading voice behind the beverage industry's most influential rankings. She shares insights to selection process, emerging trends, and what truly sets the world's best bars apart. From innovation and storytelling, to service and culture, t...

Geoff Whitman has turned two lifelong passions - wine and photography - into an extraordinary career that spans vineyards and world tours. In this lively conversation, he shares stories from the road as a photographer with Pearl Jam, including the creative moments behind the camera, and his very different kinds of creative work with Lloyd Cellars. His enthusiasm for music, travel, and storytelling...

Food Network Star Chef Guy Fieri celebrates the milestone of our 300th episode. This high energy conversation is as bold and flavorful as his career. We talk about Guy's journey from chef to cultural force of nature, the passion behind his restaurants and philanthropy, and what excites him about Santo Tequila. It's an honest, fun, and inspiring look at the stories behind the drive that k...

Alice Tetienne, Deputy General Manager & Cellar Master at Maison Henriot, offers a look at the meticulous process she employs to maintain the luminous, elegant style that defines the Champagnes of Henroit. We explore her roles as both guardian of the house's historic savoir faire and as a forward-thinking scientist navigating the challenges of modern viticulture & viniculture. The con...

Sam Lim Achatz, co-founder of Hi-Snaps hemp-based drink booster, discusses how she cofounded the company and navigated challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. She also shares her approach to product innovation, brand growth, and creating unique experiences that connect with consumers in new & exciting ways

Chef Keith Blauschild shares his journey through the culinary world, from early inspirations to refining his signature style in the kitchen. He also opens up about is love for Led Zeppelin, the unforgettable experience of meeting Jimmy Page and The Rolling Stones , and how music fuels his creativity

Tobin Ellis, author of Bar Design Essentials, goes beneath the surface of aesthetics to explore his data driven approach in creating bars that prioritize both human ergonomics and peak profitability. We discuss the insights found within his seminal work, examining how "zero-step" design and equipment adjacency can transform an otherwise chaotic service into a seamless flow state. The con...

Stefan Doktor, Estate Manager & Managing Director of Schloss Johannisberg Wine Estate in Germany, shares how he navigates the delicate balance between preserving an 800+ years-long winemaking legacy with implementing modern management & winemaking practices. Stefan dives into his duel responsibilities as Estate Manager and Managing Director, uncovering how he maintains the global prestige...

Karen MacNeil, author of "The Wine Bible", peels back the layers of her journey, revealing the dedication and sensory depth required to create the definitive guide to global viniculture. She steps away from technicalities of the cellar to explore her personal philosophy on how wine shapes history, culture, and social dynamics. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the wr...

Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands and the architect behind global sensations like Bumbu Rum, dives deep into his wonderfully unconventional ways of doing business in an ever-changing spirits industry. We explore his self-made philosophy and the fearless marketing tactics that allowed Sovereign Brands to dominate an industry long controlled by giant companies. The conversation offers a mastercl...

Alison Rodriguez, winemaker for Silverado Vineyards, brings precision and creativity to her role by balancing tradition with a modern winemaking perspective. She shares insights into her vineyard practices, from site expression to sustainabilty, and how those choices shape the final wine. Alison highlights her vision for the future of Napa Valley and the evolving role of winemakers in defining its...

Kristina Kelley, the Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission and Eric explore how Kristina is shaping the global identity of Washington State Wines through storytelling, advocacy, and innovation. She shares insights on the evolution of wines in the region from sustainability initiatives to elevating lesser known varietals. The conversation also highlights her vision for the futu...