The Connected Table SIPS!

Based in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, La Crema was founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning "Best of the Vine." For 40 years, the family-owned and operated winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate coastal appellations, where ocean winds and fog allow grapes to ripen slowly on the vine. Winemaker Jen Walsh discusses La Crema’s Kelli Ann Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) and Shel...

Masciarelli Tenute Agricole in Italy’s Abruzzo region was established in 1981 by Gianni Masciarelli, who inherited his passion for wine from his grandfather, Umberto. Masciarelli has vineyards throughout the four provinces of Abruzzo. Its baronial 17th century Castello di Semivicoli is a popular wine destination. Gianni’s daughter, Miriam Masciarelli, discusses signature wines, including the Villa...

Thomas Hansen is the third generation in the Hansen family to produce top-quality wines at Weingut Hansen-Lauer in Bernkastel-Kues in Germany’s middle Mosel. This area’s ideal soil and climate produce world-class Rieslings. Hansen explains what distinguishes “Mosel” Riesling, from medium-dry to a sweeter style, and discusses how climate change has impacted the region, which he describes as bringin...

Tara Smeralda Empson, CEO of Empson & Co., Empson USA, and Empson Canada, shares lessons learned from her father, Neil Empson, who founded his company in 1972. Empson & Co. imports wines from Italy, New Zealand and Chile, as well as select Italian spirits. Empson discusses her vision for expanding the company’s global reach, marketing to millennial consumers, and two of her most successful labels,...

Master Sommelier Fran Kysela founded fine wine and spirits import company, Kysela Pere & Fils (KFP) in 1994. KFP works with over 200 suppliers from 13 countries. While wine remains KFP’s focus, it also distributes craft beer, premium sakes, ciders and specialty spirits. Kysela shares his thoughts about the fine wine business, opportunities and challenges for importers, and selling to the millennia...

Azienda Agricola Rinaldi Vini is located in the hills of Alto Monferrato near Acqui Terme in southern Piedmont. This area is known for producing lower alcohol, aromatic wines such as Moscato, Brachetto and Dolcetto. A family business founded in 1961 by Oreste Rinaldi, it is now managed by his son Andrea and his daughter Paola. Andrea Rinaldi discusses the popularity and diversity of his family’s w...

Established in the northern region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Jaume family has been making wine since 1826 when Mathieu Jaume started harvesting grapes. Since 1979, Alain Jaume has run Vignobles Alain Jaume, now with the help of his daughter Hélène and sons, Sébastien and Christophe. Hélène Jaume discusses the family's Domaine Grand Veneur wines, sustainability and oenotourism. www.vignobles-alai...

Rachel Martin has drawn upon her extensive oenology and business finesse managing her family’s Boxwood Estate Winery in Virginia to launch Oceano Wines with husband and co-owner, Kurt Deutsch. Oceano is 100% Chardonnay hand-harvested at Spanish Springs in San Luis Obispo County, CA. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, Oceano offers elegance and texture with citrus and floral notes. A member...

A respected hospitality leader for many years as co-owner of the highly regarded French restaurant, La Caravelle in New York City, Rita Jammet has written a brilliant “next chapter” as producer of La Caravelle Champagne with three signature labels: Champagne Cuvée Niña, Champagne Rosé and Champagne Blanc de Blancs. A member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, Jammet shares some of the lessons she has learne...

In 1973, longtime New York food journalist and editor, Carol Brock, set about creating the first organization for professional culinary women, something that did not exist at the time in an industry largely dominated by men. Known as Les Dames d’Escoffier, the group has grown to become the leading international organization for women working in the food, fine beverage and hospitality industry, wit...

Grower André Champion established “Champagne André Champion” in the Cote des Blancs area of Chouilly in 1929. His son, Roland, expanded the company by purchasing new land, and changing the name to Roland-Champion. Carole Champion, fourth generation family member, discusses their different styles of champagnes, the concept of grower champagnes and the elite Club Grand Cru Champagne which André Cham...

Jesse Katz is one of California’s most recognized young winemakers, named a Forbes Magazine 30 under 30 and Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40. In Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Jesse makes highly coveted Bordeaux blend wines at Aperture Cellars, a winery he owns with his father, Andy Katz, a world-renowned photographer. At Devil Proof Vineyard Jesse draws on his experience working in Argentina to produce hi...

The Panella family has been rooted in the agricultural industry in Lodi, California since 1936, first as owners of a trucking business and later as grape growers. In 2004, the family purchased historic Oak Farm and replanted vines on 60 acres. Oak Farm cultivates 14 different grape varietals and produces a diverse portfolio made from estate fruit and selectively sourced grapes. Dan Panella, co-own...

France’s Perrin Family, owners of world-renowned Chateau de Beaucastel, has been making wine in the Rhone region for centuries, utilizing biodynamic farming practices. Fifth generation winemaker, Marc Perrin discusses the family’s best-selling La Vielle Ferme still and sparkling wines, all under $10/bottle. La Vielle Ferme uses a new process called methode contemporaine to create sparkling wines w...

The legend of Four Roses Bourbon, (est. 1888) started when Founder Paul Jones Jr, became smitten with a Southern Belle who accepted his marriage proposal by wearing a corsage of red roses on her ballgown. Four Roses Senior Ambassador Al Young has worked with the distillery for 51 years. He shares Four Roses' 130-year history and describes Four Roses' three flagship Bourbons which utilize two mash...

Chef Anessa Cameron dazzles guests with her desserts at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. A California native and graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Chef Cameron, enjoys using local Florida produce ,such as passion fruit and citrus. Her key lime pie is a must when you visit. One of the largest destination resorts in Hollywood, Florida, The Diplomat Beach Resort is part...

The Madison Beach Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is a AAA 4 Diamond-rated hotel located on the scenic Connecticut shoreline in the picturesque town of Madison, CT. The perfect destination for romance and exploring, this luxury hotel is near a private beach with access to biking, kayaking and fishing. Chef Sean Carney oversees the menu at The Wharf, the hotel's on-site restaurant, w...

Located on a two-mile stretch of gorgeous Isla Verde Beach and close to Old San Juan's historic attractions, the El San Juan Hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, is popular with guests and locals alike. Executive Chef Gonzalo Rivera blends his classical training at California Culinary Academy and his Mexican heritage to create a fusion menu with modern Caribbean flavors. Did you know you don...

The appellation of Alsace, in northeastern France, is mainly known for its world-class, food-friendly white wines. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is also one of the most geographically diverse wine regions with 13 distinct soils and 8 different mother rocks. It’s also a food lovers’ dream destination home to 26 Michelin -starred restaurants. Master Sommelier Josh Nadel, Beverage Directo...

One of the oldest and most widely consumed sparkling wines throughout France is Crémant d’Alsace. Made in the methode traditionnelle, Crémant d’Alsace is a delightful alternative to fine Champagne, and at a fraction of the price. Master Sommelier Josh Nadel, beverage director at the Noho Group of restaurants in Manhattan, discusses different styles of Crémant d’Alsace, including bone dry no dosage...

Alsace is well-known for Riesling wines with their food-friendly minerality and acidity. While many mistakenly associate Riesling as being only sweeter wines, Alsace also produces some exceptional dry Rieslings. Master Sommelier Josh Nadel, who oversees one of New York City’s most extensive Alsatian wine lists at Lafayette NY, says Alsace produces a range of Rieslings to enjoy throughout the entir...

Wine consumers can enjoy three distinct styles of cool climate Pinot from Alsace, says Master Sommelier Josh Nadel. These include Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Nadel, who works as Beverage Director for Noho Group of restaurants, including Locande Verde and Lafayette, explains the differences and offers food pairing tips. #DrinkAlsace #AlsaceRocks This show is brought to you by Talk 4 Rad...

Gewurtzraminer is a food pairing dream with spicy and savory foods says Master Sommelier Josh Nadel, Beverage Director for Noho Group of restaurants including Locande Verde and Lafayette in NYC. What many may not know is that Alsatian Gewurztraminer produces a range styles from semi-dry to sweeter, and as they age their aromatics deepen and soften. Nadel discusses a selection of Gewurztraminer win...

Viña San Pedro, established 1865, is one of the largest and oldest exporters of Chilean wine and among the most important wineries in Chile. Viña San Pedro’s main vineyard, wine cellar and hundred-year-old underground cava cellar, as well as one of the largest stretches of vineyards in Latin America (1,200 hectares), are located in Molina in the Curicó Valley south of Santiago. Winemaker Matias Cr...

Nigel Westblade is Chief Winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines, one of the Barossa Valley’s most historic wineries, known for its classic Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintner Peter Lehmann began his label in 1979 to help support local growers during challenging times. Today, Peter Lehmann Wines works collaboratively with over 140 growers throughout the region; many have been involved with the winery...