Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings

Rajeev, the proprietor of Kubani Wines is inspired by a timeless legacy. The art of wine and all things luxurious. Starting with his humble beginnings as an entrepreneur, his journey as a father as well as his experiences while traveling the world. He loves life, specially having an appreciation for the finer things, from growing organic tomatoes, eating farm to table or learning about wine &...

Chef Jeremy Cabrera came from humble beginnings and learned from an early age that food was equal to life itself. At the age of 14, he found himself working in a commercial kitchen and immediately he was hooked on everything gastronomy. By 21, he was working in Las Vegas as an Executive Chef. Although this was a short stint, he learned valuable lessons. A while later, he helped open Petras Greek T...

Above Board was co-founded by Nicole Slone and her husband, Brent Slone, a San Diego couple whose personal wellness journey sparked the idea. Frustrated by the lack of flavorful, low-sugar liqueurs in the market—despite growing demand from health-conscious drinkers—they launched the brand in 2021 to fill that gap. Everyone is looking for more healthy ways to drink alcohol and sometimes choosing to...

I’m thrilled to introduce someone who’s redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in Spirits — Mel Heim, the co-founder and master blender of Big Nose Kate Whiskey. Mel is one of the first female master distillers and blenders in the United States, known for her fearless innovation and deep respect for craft. With Big Nose Kate, she’s created a whiskey inspired by one of the most legendary wome...

Welcome back to Beyond the Pour, where we explore the stories, passions, and creativity that flow into food, wine, and hospitality. For Episode 13, I’m excited to introduce today’s guest, Chef Jessie Keilt of Blue Blossom Catering. Jessie has built a reputation in Sonoma County for her thoughtful, seasonal menus that celebrate the bounty of Northern California. With roots that stretch across both...

We are talking to a young winemaker who already has her wine in a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant. Her label is Schema and she is all about showcasing her ability to create Old World Wine from Sonoma County grapes. I can attest she is doing exactly that as I got to get my hands on a few bottles. Join us in finding out what pushes someone to follow their dream at a time when the wine industry is not thr...

Today, we’re thrilled to have Jessica Waugh, a Las Vegas-based wine exam coach and the founder of JWaugh Education. With over 20 years in the beverage industry, Jessica’s journey took her from sommelier roles at top Vegas spots like Aureole and Gordon Ramsay Steak to becoming a powerhouse educator. She’s passed 27 high-level exams, including the Advanced Sommelier and WSET Level 3, and now uses he...

Today, I’m excited to be joined by Megan Cline, a second-generation vintner carrying forward the Cline family legacy in Sonoma. She worked in a Wine Bar one summer in Santa Barbara and got pulled into the Sommelier world and proceeded to pass her exam at 21 years of age. Megan grew up surrounded by vineyards and winery life, but it wasn’t until 2015 that she officially returned to Cline Family Cel...

In this episode 8, I am thrilled to welcome Michael Tremblay, the Beverage Director at Ki Modern Japanese + Bar in Toronto, where he oversees Canada’s largest sake program. A globally recognized Sake Samurai—one of only about 100 worldwide—Michael was honored by the Japan Sake Brewers Association for his deep passion and expertise in sake, as well as his dedication to spreading Japanese culture. H...

Born in Osaka, Japan, and later moving to Canada during high school, SHINTARO NAKAGAWA graduated from the University of Toronto. My sake world journey began during the COVID pandemic, when restaurants were closed. With a close connection to a sake brewery and through his advertising company LEAF — which has over a decade of experience in publishing and advertising — he created a spin off and began...

In Episode 7 of Beyond the Pour, I sit down with Henrik Poulsen, Danish-born owner and winemaker of Release Winery in Napa Valley. With over two decades of experience, Henrik blends Old World finesse with New World creativity to craft exceptional wines. From his roots in fine wine retail in Denmark to apprenticeships in Bordeaux and now pioneering boutique winemaking in Napa, his journey is one of...

Step into the heart of Sonoma’s natural wine movement with Jack Sporer, the force behind Fres.co Wine and Magnolia Wine Services. In this candid episode of Beyond the Pour, Jack breaks down what "natural wine" really means—from organic farming and zero-zero winemaking to building a collaborative space for the next generation of winemakers. We discuss how Jack's deep roots in Sonoma and passion for...

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce Matthew Citriglia, a Master Sommelier and Director of Education at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Florida. With over 40 years of experience in the beverage industry, Matthew’s journey began at just 14 years old, stocking shelves in his father’s store. By 22, he owned his own wine shop — and by 2002, he earned the prestigious Master Sommelier title....

In this episode, I get to chat with Oscar Navarro, the assistant winemaker at Napa Valley College’s groundbreaking Viticulture and Winery Technology program. A proud alumnus of the program himself, Oscar has transformed his passion for wine into a remarkable career, helping shape the next generation of winemakers through hands-on education at the college’s teaching winery. With a story that embodi...

In episode 3 of Beyond the Pour, I sit down with Laurel Livezey, Wine Director at Little Saint in Healdsburg, to dive into the world of wine, hospitality, and sustainability. The rise of the Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menu and so much more! With a Level 3 Award in Wine from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Laurel brings expertise and passion to every bottle she curates. We explore her journe...

In Episode 2 of Beyond the Pour, we sit down with Sahar Gharai, the inspiring owner of La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in Petaluma, California. With roots in Florence and a passion for authentic hospitality, Sahar shares how she created a timeless community wine lounge that’s thrived for over 18 years. From her advanced wine education to empowering women in wine and curating wines that tell meaningful s...

Witness the pinnacle of wine expertise as top contenders battle for the title of America's Best Sommelier 2025. Follow Joris Gutierrez Garcia's journey as he uncorks his passion, precision, and knowledge to claim the crown. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com