The Swirl Suite

This episode is more than a finale. Its a full-circle moment. For the last interview of The Swirl Suite Podcast in this chapter, we sit down with Kora Franco , founder of Aesthetic Wines , a modern, Black womanowned wine brand rooted in resilience, ambition, and bold self-expression. Koras story mirrors so much of what The Swirl Suite has always stood for: showing up authentically, claiming space...

In this episode, we sit down with Myisha Moore , co-founder and CMO of Saint Enzo , a luxury modern Lambrusco redefining howand whywe celebrate. Crafted from 100% organic Lambrusco Grasparossa , produced entirely in Italy with no additives or cellar manipulation, Saint Enzo challenges decades of misconceptions around Lambrusco. Launched in August 2025, the brand sold out its first release within m...

In this episode, were joined by Kevin - marketing and branding consultant, writer, photographer, and the voice behind The Full Belly Blogger . As a self-described enthusiastic diner, Kevin brings a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective to conversations about food, culture, and hospitality. Our discussion centers on restaurant expectations how theyre formed, who sets them, and how they can unfa...

At just 27, Rose Ballantine is shaping the future of Napa Valley wine. Born and raised in Napa but outside the world of vineyards Roses path to winemaking was anything but conventional. From changing majors 13 times in college to discovering a UC Davis wine course by accident, she embarked on a global winemaking journey spanning three continents. Today, she leads Revana Estate, working alongside N...

In this episode of the Swirl Suite, Sarita and Glynis sits down with Katie Leonardini , part of the family behind the iconic Whitehall Lane Winery in Napa Valley. Katie shares what it means to grow up in a multigenerational wine family, how she balances honoring tradition with embracing innovation, and why sustainability and hospitality are at the heart of everything her team does. We talk Napa hi...

This week on The Swirl Suite , Sarita sits down with Kendall Anderson , a former football player turned Virginia winemaker whos redefining what it means to follow your passion.  In this episode, Kendall opens up about his unexpected journey from the world of sports to the art of winemaking. Youll hear how he fell in love with Virginia wine, the challenges he faced breaking into the industry,...

This week on The Swirl Suite , Sarita sits down with wine professional Marissa Knodel for a lively and honest conversation about wine etiquette whats still relevant, whats outdated, and how to navigate wine culture with confidence and grace. From the small taste before pouring to gifting bottles at dinner parties, Marissa shares her insider service perspective and gives listeners practical (and fu...

This week on the Swirl Suite, we sit down with Tammy Gordon, Washington, DCbased public relations consultant and co-founder of Vin Vitalit , a growing community of women in wine. With a background that includes being a spokesperson for the Office of Champagne, advising Black Wine Professionals, and holding a WSET Level 2 certification (while proudly dodging Level 3), Tammy brings a sharp, honest p...

As we prepare to wrap up The Swirl Suite at the end of this year, each remaining episode is a celebration of the voices, stories, and passions that have shaped our wine world. This week, Sarita sits down with Loris, a sommelier and actor , whose charisma, hustle, and creative perspective have made waves in the wine space and beyond. In this episode, we talk about: The intersection of wine and perf...

This week on the Swirl Suite, we welcome back travel expert, physician, and wine enthusiast Dr. Nadeen White , the dynamic force behind The Sophisticated Life and Culinary Travels . Nadeen joins us to share how her love of travel, culture, and cuisine fuels her storytelling, from sipping wine in South Africa to indulging in street food across Asia. https://drnadeenwhite.com/ https://www.instagram....

In this episode of the Swirl Suite, we welcome Elaine Chukan Brownwriter, speaker, educator, and the creative force behind the Wine, Library series. Known for their poetic storytelling and deep-rooted respect for land and people, Elaine shares the journey behind the debut volume, The Wines of California . We dive into the richness of Californias wine regions beyond the headlines, exploring the gro...

This week on the Swirl Suite, we dive into the gritty and hilarious realities of the craft beer world with special guest Kelly Meyer , author of "How NOT to Start a Damn Brewery: Ten Business Lessons From the Front Lines of the Craft Beer Industry." A former brewery owner turned brutally honest storyteller, Kelly shares his hard-earned wisdom, epic missteps, and the behind-the-scenes chaos most pe...

Juneteenth with Chrishon of Love Cork Screw was unforgettable. We celebrated Blackness with every sip, every bite, and every storywine, food, and freedom the perfect trio. https://thelampley.com/ Watch live on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/swirl-suite-live-132207113?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link The Swirl Suit...

In this episode of the Swirl Suite, we're honored to sit down with Niki and Aly Wente , fifth-generation members of the iconic Wente Family Vineyards,  Americas oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. As cousins, collaborators, and changemakers, Niki and Aly bring fresh perspectives to a legacy brand while staying grounded in over 140 years of winemaking history . https://wenteviney...

In this episode of the Swirl Suite, we sit down with the powerhouse behind Love Cork Screw , Chrishon Lampley. From art curator to wine mogul, Chrishon walks us through the many pivots of her inspiring career in wine and sales. We talk about what it takes to build a brand from scratch, maintain momentum in a competitive industry, and the strategic moves that landed her wine bottles on shelves in m...

In this special episode, the Swirl Suite welcomes back long- time friend and returning guest Tuanni Price. Tuanni shares insights into the upcoming Afro Wine Week South Africa, a transformative event aimed at creating wealth, inclusion, and opportunity for people of color in the global wine industry. Connect with Tuanni Price Instagram: @ zuriwinetasting Afro Wine Week Website: afrowineweek. com S...

In this episode of Swirl Suite , we sit down with Randi Brady , founder of Diversified Vines , a unique platform blending the worlds of hip-hop and wine . Randi, a WSET-certified wine enthusiast , shares how her passion for music, food and wine led to the creation of experiences that make wine education more inclusive, approachable, and culturally connected . From curating wine events with hip-hop...

Lisa Lee , originally from the Washington D.C. area, believes that meals connect people and that there is nothing more sacred than the time spent around a table with those you love.  Lee  has been a student of hospitality for over a decade. Engulfing herself in education and the science behind every decision made in restaurants has prepared her for the moment that was coming.  After...

Christi Dorsey is the Founder of Taste Symmetry Consulting, a boutique consulting company specializing in nutrition analysis, food labeling, and regulatory support for small food businesses. With her tailored consulting services, she helps entrepreneurs turn their concepts into shelf-ready products and ensures that they meet all necessary food safety standards. Her expertise co...

Janet Cam is best known as the founder and co-proprietor of LePavillon restaurant, the first nouvelle cuisine restaurant in America, honored with The Wine Spectators Grand Award. She was the Managing Director of the legendary Lutce in New York orchestrating the renovation and revival of the iconic French restaurant. She is included in Whos Who in Americas Restaurants. Janet Cam provides consulting...

In this episode of the Swirl Suite Podcast , we welcome Tish Around Town , a dynamic travel and wine enthusiast who curates unforgettable experiences centered around wine, food, and culture. From hosting immersive wine events to leading global travel adventures, Tish shares her journey, insights, and tips for those looking to explore the world through a flavorful lens. https://tisharoundtown.com/...

DC native Justin Trabue of Ward Four Wines joins us for an incredible conversation about her journey as a new winemaker. We dive into how she's preparing for harvest, navigating challenges in the industry, and the potential impact of tariffs. This is a must-watch for wine lovers and industry insiders alike! https://www.wardfourwines.com/  Join our Patreon to watch the full episode now!  ...

In this powerful and timely episode of Swirl Suite, we sit down with Ikimi Dubose Woodson , co-founder and executive director of The Roots Fund , to have a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the wine industry. With increasing backlash and companies pulling back on DEI initiatives, we ask the tough question Is DEI dead? Ikimi shares how the...

In this special episode of the Swirl Suite, Tanisha sits down with the brilliant minds behind Ros Revolution , authors Rasmus Emborg and Jens Honor. Together, they explore how ros has evolved from a seasonal afterthought to a global phenomenon with cultural influence far beyond the bottle. From Provence to pool parties, this conversation uncorks the history, innovation, and passion fueling the pin...

In this special episode of Swirl Suite , were welcoming back a true friend of the podcast Nicole Kearney , founder and winemaker of Sip & Share Wines . Nicole has been blazing trails in the wine industry for years, creating handcrafted, boutique wines with community and inclusivity at the heart of her brand. Together, we dive into the realities of running a Black-owned wine business, the legac...