Veni, Vino, Variety

🍷 Episode 50: Xinomavro – An Island Join me for a flavorful journey into Northern Greece as we get to know Xinomavro — one of the most complex, characterful, and under-the-radar red wine grapes out there. Whether you’re a curious wine explorer or just love discovering grapes with a story to tell, this episode is all about what makes Xinomavro so unforgettable. In this episode, you'll learn:...

🥂 Episode 51: Muscaris – The Modernist Ready to meet your next favorite white grape? In this episode, we’re exploring the vibrant and little-known Muscaris—a modern, aromatic stunner that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Whether you’re into sustainable winemaking or simply want something new in your glass, Muscaris is the grape you didn’t know you needed. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why...

🍷 Episode 46: Sagrantino – The Dry Mouth Ready to go beyond the usual suspects on your wine journey? In this episode, we’re getting up close and personal with Sagrantino—one of Italy’s boldest and most tannic red wine grapes that’s still flying under the radar. Grown almost exclusively in the hilltop town of Montefalco in Umbria, this grape has both a rich history and a wild side you’ll want to e...

🥂 Episode 47: Souvignier Gris – The New Wave Get ready to discover a wine grape you’ve probably never heard of — but just might fall in love with. In this episode, we’re diving into Souvignier Gris: a modern, eco-friendly grape with old-world flavor charm. It’s disease-resistant, versatile in the cellar, and surprisingly delicious in the glass. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Where So...

🍷 Episode 48: Bonarda – The Traveller Get ready to nerd out on a grape that’s been hiding in plain sight. In this episode, we’re unpacking the wild, globe-trotting story of Bonarda — or is it Douce Noir… or maybe Charbono? If you’ve never heard of it (or thought you had), this is the perfect time to get to know one of wine’s most misunderstood and delicious red grapes. Here’s what you’ll learn: ...

🍷 Episode 44: Lambrusco – Dark & Fizzy Think Lambrusco is just that sweet, fizzy red from decades past? Think again. In this episode, we’re uncorking the true story of Lambrusco—a misunderstood Italian classic that’s full of charm, history, and surprising depth. Whether you’re already a fan or need a little convincing, this one’s for the curious palate. Here’s what you’ll sip on in today’s ep...

🥂 Episode 45: Petit Manseng – Not So Petit Grab a glass and settle in, wine friends—we're heading off the beaten path to explore Petit Manseng, a lesser-known white grape with a big personality. From its roots in southwest France to its surprising new home in the American South, this grape delivers tropical flavor, vibrant acidity, and a serious wow factor whether it's dry, off-dry, or...

🥂 Episode 43: Roussanne – A Quiz In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Roussanne—a white wine grape that’s elegant, textured, and quietly complex. Not as loud as Chardonnay or as zesty as Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne is all about depth, balance, and surprising character. If you've never tried it before (or even if you have), this is your chance to get to know a seriously underrated s...

🍷 Episode 41: Negroamaro – The Bold & Rustic In this episode, we’re heading to the sun-drenched heel of Italy—Puglia—to shine a spotlight on a bold, underrated red grape that deserves a place in your glass: Negroamaro. It’s rich, rustic, and seriously food-friendly, with a name that might sound intimidating but a flavor that’s anything but. Here’s what you’ll learn: - What “Negroamaro” really...

🥂 Episode 42: Marsanne – A Textured One In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on Marsanne — a quietly captivating white grape variety that doesn't always get the love it deserves. From the Rhône Valley to the vineyards of Australia, we’re exploring its rich history, flavor profile, and why it might just become your new go-to white. Here’s what you’ll learn: - What makes Marsanne&ap...

🥂 Episode 40: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains – A Grape Candy In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most delightfully aromatic and historically rich wine grapes around — Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. If you've ever sipped a glass of Moscato d’Asti and smiled, you're already familiar with this grape’s playful, perfumed charm… but trust us, there's so much more to it. Here’s wha...

Episode 39: Momentum Over Mastery — Starting Before You’re Ready In this special episode of Veni, Vino, Variety, we explore the powerful idea that it's better to build before you feel "ready." I share how I launched this podcast without formal wine certifications — only fueled by a love for wine, learning, and technology. From tasting wines around the world to designing winery conce...

🍷 Episode 38: Carignan – The Achiever Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a grape that often gets overlooked — but seriously deserves more love: Carignan. From its roots in Spain to its old-vine revival in France and experimental styles in California, we’re digging into everything that makes this grape a true hidden gem. In this episode, you’ll learn:  - Why Carignan went from “workhorse” to “win...

🍷 Episode 36: Carmenère – The Lost Grape This episode dives into the incredible story of Carmenère, the “lost grape” of Bordeaux that found new life in Chile—and stole wine lovers’ hearts along the way. We’ll explore the grape’s unexpected comeback, its signature flavors, and what makes it such a food-friendly favorite. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How Carmenère vanished from France and was r...

🥂 Episode 37: Pinot Blanc – A Quiet Charmer Hey there, wine lovers! In this episode, we're diving into a grape that's often overlooked but totally worth your attention: Pinot Blanc. We'll explore this quiet charmer's origins, what it’s like in the glass, where it grows best, and why it’s such a dream at the dinner table. Here’s what you’ll learn: - How Pinot Blanc is related t...

🍷 Episode 34: Nero d’Avola – The Sicilian Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Nero d’Avola—a bold, sun-soaked red wine grape from the heart of Sicily that’s ready for its moment. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, by the end of this episode, you’ll be dreaming of a glass. Join me as we explore what makes this grape so special and why it deserves a spot on your table. In this episode, you’ll lea...

🥂 Episode 35: Malvasia – The Amusement Get ready to explore a hidden gem in the wine world! In this episode, we’re diving into the delicious and diverse world of Malvasia—a grape with centuries of history, more than a few surprise aliases, and a flair for flavor that'll totally charm your palate. Whether you're into crisp whites, luscious dessert wines, or just love a great wine story,...

🥂 Episode 33: Trebbiano – Humble Giant Hey wine lovers! In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on a grape that rarely gets the credit it deserves—Trebbiano (aka Ugni Blanc in France). It’s one of the most widely planted white grapes in the world and plays a surprisingly important role in both your favorite summer sippers and classic French spirits. Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s glass-cl...

🍷 Episode 32: Petit Verdot – A Mysterious One Curious about that bold, brooding grape you’ve seen on a few wine labels but never quite knew what to make of? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Petit Verdot—a grape with a mysterious vibe, deep color, and a surprising history. Whether it’s lending backbone to a Bordeaux blend or standing solo in a warmer climate, Petit Verdot has a lot...

🥂 Episode 31: Assyrtiko – A Salty Breeze Join me for a sun-soaked journey to the Greek Isles as we explore one of the most captivating white wines you've (maybe) never tried — Assyrtiko. Grown on the volcanic island of Santorini, this grape brings a salty breeze, razor-sharp acidity, and centuries of history straight to your glass. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why Assyrtiko thrives...

🥂 Episode 29: Viura – A Flexible One Ever heard of Viura? Or maybe you know it as Macabeo? In this episode, we're exploring one of Spain’s quiet powerhouses in the wine world—a white grape that wears many hats and deserves a spot in your glass. From zippy Cavas to rich, oak-aged Riojas, Viura shows off just how versatile and delicious it can be. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: -...

🍷 Episode 30: Zinfandel – Smoking Hot Love bold reds with a splash of history? In this episode, we’re pouring a big glass of Zinfandel — the juicy, spicy grape that’s traveled from the hills of Croatia to the sun-drenched vineyards of California. Whether you know it as Zin, Primitivo, or can even pronounce Crljenak Kaštelanski (good luck with that one), this grape has one heck of a story and flav...

🥂 Episode 25: Vermentino – A Little Sunshine in a Glass Feelin’ like a little sunshine in a glass? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Vermentino — a zesty, refreshing white wine grape with serious Mediterranean charm. From coastal vineyards to crisp, herb-laced sips, come find out why this under-the-radar varietal is one worth getting to know. Here’s what you’ll discover in this epis...

🍷 Episode 26: Gamay – The Comeback Get ready to fall in love with a grape that’s often overlooked but bursting with personality. In this episode, we’re diving into the joyful, juicy world of Gamay—a red wine grape with deep roots, vibrant flavors, and a comeback story you won’t forget. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Gamay was once banned by the Duke of Burgundy—and how it made an epic return. -...

🥂 Episode 27: Timorasso – A Hidden Gem Join me for a deep dive into one of Italy’s best-kept white wine secrets: Timorasso. This hidden gem from Piedmont is making a major comeback—and it’s got the structure, ageability, and complexity to steal the spotlight from its red counterparts. If you love wines that surprise and overdeliver, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why Ti...