The Connected Table SIPS!

Ask any product marketing expert how important design and packaging are for selling a food or beverage brand, and the answer will be: "Extremely!" Many people don’t realize the thought process involved in creating packaging that is functional, sustainable and eye-catching. Heather Fritzsche, Co-Founder and CEO of The Spearhead Group, a pioneer in designing innovative packaging for many industries,...

As Prosecco’s leading wine estate, Villa Sandi produces wines for all occasions: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG and flagship cru, La Rivetta Cartizze DOCG. Export Director Flavio Geretto discusses what distinguishes the Cartizze style and the DOCG’s location and vineyards situated on a steep hill in the heart of the region. We taste 2017 Villa Sandi Superiore di Cartiz...

In 1851, stylish young entrepreneur, Charles Heidsieck (known as Champagne Charlie), founded his namesake Champagne house in Reims to produce cuvées blended from 40 percent reserve wines averaging 10 years old. Only 60 crus from Champagne are blended to create all Charles Heidsieck Champagnes. Brand Ambassador Philippe André discusses the label’s signature styles and we taste Charles Heidsieck Bru...

Sicily’s renowned producer, Donnafugata, is run a family passionate about wine, food and culture as a way of life. Donna-Fugata, translates to “woman in flight” which refers to the story of a queen who found refuge in the part of Sicily where the company’s vineyards are located today. Fifth generation family member, Jose Rallo, discusses the vineyards in Mt Etna and we taste Donnafugata 2016 Frago...

Established in 1892, Coppo Winery is one of the oldest family-run estates in Italy continuously making wine in Piemonte for more than 120 years. Coppo is recognized for its range, from sparkling Asti wines to Chardonnays and Piemontese reds. Fourth generation family member, Luigi Coppo, discusses the family’s vineyards in the newer Nizza DOCG (est. 2014), Nizza DOCG regulations and Coppo’s 2016 Po...

Michael Mondavi Family Estate began making estate wines in 1999 with the purchase of Animo Vineyard in Atlas Peak. Assistant Winemaker Sabrina Massola discusses their flagship white, Animo Heritage Sauvignon Blanc, a barrel-aged wine whose rootstock can be traced to Château d'Yquem. Grapes are sourced from the family’s Oso Vineyard, we taste Animo 2018 Sauvignon Blanc distributed by the family’s i...

Political visionary and businessman, Don Melchor Concha y Toro, was a pioneer of Chile’s modern wine industry. In 1987, Concha y Toro’s Guilisasti family established Don Melchor Estate in the upper Maipo Valley to make world-class cru Cabernet Sauvignon from the renowned Puente Alto Vineyard. Longtime Don Melchor Winemaker Enrique Tirado discusses the recently established independent Viña Don Melc...

Founded in 1996, Bodega Trivento in Uco Valley (Mendoza), Argentina is internationally recognized for producing high-quality wines that are also wallet-friendly. Chief Winemaker Germán di Cesare joined Trivento in 2002 and since 2008 has overseen Trivento's top-tier wines including Amado Sur, Brisa del Otono, single varietal Golden Reserve wines and icon wine, Trivento Eolo. Trivento is owned by C...

Long Meadow Ranch is a family-run working organic farm in Napa Valley dating to the 1800s. The property was purchased by the Hall family in 1989 and restored. Long Meadow Ranch now covers more than 2000 acres where one can find Highland cattle, chickens, vegetables, olive trees and, of course, vineyards. Conservation and sustainability are key to Long Meadow Ranch’s philosophy of “Excellence throu...

Michele Chiarlo in Italy’s Piedmont region is a world-class producer of single vineyard wines. The family-run winery has vineyards in three classic appellations: Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. Patriarch Michele Chiarlo helped establish standards of quality for DOC Piedmont and was among the first to introduce green harvest practices in Italy in 1984. His son, Stefano, an enologist, discusses the fam...

For over 40 years St. Francis Winery has produced top-quality varietal wines from superior mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County, earning a reputation for luscious, fruit driven wines that showcase the terroir unique to Sonoma. Winemaker Katie Madigan discusses St. Francis Winery’s commitment to sustainability and selections from its portfolio of elegant, versatile, affordable food-friend...

Susana Balbo’s career is a history of firsts: The first Argentinian female winemaker, first Argentinean woman to become a global wine consultant and first Latin American woman to chair the W20 Summit. Her 30-year career includes serving as President of Wines of Argentina for three terms during which time Argentinian wines gained global recognition and achieved record export growth. She is founder...

Rhône Valley rosés can range from crisp and dry to fresh, floral and fruity. AOC Luberon in the southern Rhône Valley, south of Avignon and west of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, produces versatile rosés for enjoying throughout a meal. Natalie Margan, fifth generation family member at Chateau La Canorgue in Bonnieux, discusses different styles of Luberon rosé, which range from a light pink grapefrui...

AOC Luberon in the Rhône Valley is a popular place to visit, featuring picturesque towns, rustic beauty and 300+ days of sunshine. The region’s wine and food have a Mediterranean flair and flavor- fresh and vibrant. Regional wines include reds from Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, and whites from mainly Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Natalie Margan, fifth generation fa...

The AOC Mont Ventoux in France’s southern Rhône Valley has a vibrant viticulture and unique biodiversity that help to create fresh, fruit-driven wines with balanced acidity, minerality and lushness. Think Mediterranean meets sub-Alpine. Vintner James King, a Scotsman who chose Ventoux to his make his own wines at his estate, Chateau Unang, discusses styles of red wine and dominant grape varieties:...

The Ventoux area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1990, is located in France’s mountainous and forested Vaucluse, west of the Alps. Vines have grown in the area since ancient times, and the wines were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court. At 1912 meters, Ventoux is the centerpiece of the AOC, providing seven subsoils ideal for growing grapes. Frédéric Chaudière, with family-run Châtea...

AOC Costières de Nîmes in France’s southern Rhône Valley produces versatile, food-friendly wines with good acidity and minerality, thanks to the Mediterranean-Rhône terroir: sunny, cool breezes and mineral-rich alluvial soils. Wines include velvety reds and vibrant rosés from Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and vivacious whites from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne. Vintner Anthony Taylor, Maiso...

AOC Costières de Nîmes in the southernmost appellation of France’s Rhône Valley has a rich heritage in winemaking dating back 2000 years before pre-Roman times. Located between Provence and the Camargue, Costières de Nîmes has a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes and mistral winds, and four soils: rocky, sand, clay and limestone- ideal for healthy vines. Local vintner, Anthony Taylor, M...

The Frescobaldi family history in Tuscany dates back over 1000 years and is closely tied to the wine, food and culture of the region. In addition to its storied wine estates, the family makes exquisite Tuscan olive oil called Laudemio Frescobaldi, a deeply fragrant extra-virgin olive oil with spicy notes, packaged like a fine perfume. Bona Frescobaldi, the family's global ambassador and culture pr...

Wine Access is the leading direct to consumer online wine retailer, offering exclusive curated wines from around the world both through its retail website and a daily offer newsletter. Wine Access’ selection of wines and sakes include well-known producers, emerging winemakers, and exclusive wines made in collaboration with the best winemaking talent in California. Joe Fish, CEO/CFO, and Vanessa Co...

A 20-year wine industry veteran, Amy Hoopes is President of Wente Family Estates (Livermore, CA), the oldest -136 years in 2019 - continuously operated, family-owned winery in the USA. Amy joined Wente Family Estates in 2007 was named president in 2015. She has led many pioneering initiatives for the company and the industry, including #MakeTime, which encourages work-life balance and community vo...

Spanish wine industry veteran, Nicola Thornton, became acquainted with local grape growers and aware of the hardships they faced. She created Botas de Barro (named after the farmers´muddy boots) to help give them renewed hope and support, encouraging them to continue to nurture their low-yield, ancient vineyards, many over 100 years old. Grapes are sourced from small independent grape growers thro...

British-born Nicola Thornton has worked in the wine business in Spain for more than 20 years. She established Spanish Palate to give a voice to small independent producers with great stories and wines she calls “magical little gems,” introducing them to international markets. Working with a largely female team, she’s helped 100 wine producers from 20 different regions find their place in over 40 c...

Donnachiara Winery in the province of Avellino, Campania is a multi-generational family and women-owned business overseen by Chiara Petitto and daugher, Ilaria. Located on the slopes of Montefalcione in Irpinia, Donnachiara produces elegant wines from native Fiano di Avellino, Greco Di Tufo and Falanghina white grapes and Aglianico red, including the renowned Taurasi. Ilaria Pettito discusses the...

Eileen Crane, CEO and founding Winemaker at Domaine Carneros, has been called The Doyenne of American Sparkling Wine. She’s recognized for her leadership and finesse making classically elegant sparkling wines in the mêthode traditionelle style. Located in the Carneros AVA between Napa and Sonoma counties, Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by Claude Taittinger (Champagne Taittinger). Domaine Car...