Wine Talks with Paul K.

One of the more intriguing elements of wine is that it can appeal to a wide range of people. In wide range, I mean it has appeal on so many different levels; a novice can just enjoy their favorite wines from the supermarket and delve into the history when inclined; a collector can peel each wine back and learn of its origin and take it a step deeper, the wine enthusiast that wants to put their toe...

We I frist met Phil Long, I was tasting at the African American Association of Vintners and we just happen to stumble across the fact that we literally grew up around the corner from each other in Inglewood, California. Granted that was many years ago, and much has changed in society since those days, but we both ended up in the wine trade and found a mutual connection on both levels. Phil Long mi...

I couldn't help myself. I mean, how American can you be? In fact, I do what I can when travelling to absorb culture and not compare to the American lifestyle.  But I had to ask "Is the Chinese food in China the same as it is in the states?" The answer....listen to the podcast! I was completely taken by Emilie...She brings warmth to her perspective but at the same time, taking a firm position that...

What I didn't expect when we first logged into Riverside.fm for the podcast...was his opening remarks. "I am a bit bi-polar, dyslexic, a recovering alcoholic, and diagnosed with ADHD." and my response was "Is that it?" Then that turned into what I expect to be a series of episodes because forty-five minutes just ain't enough time. In this engaging episode of "Wine Talks," I sit with Tim Hanni, a M...

I had to take the call. When a PR firm reached out to Wine Talks to ask if Gisela Kreplinger would be an appropriate guest...I jumped all over the opportunity. We all have questions about wine as it is discussed in the Bible. Is it hypocratic? DId Noah become drunk? How is wine to be viewed in today's culture? You will be impressed and inspired by the answers from Dr. Gisela Kreplinger. Gisela Kre...

When I saw ske with Susan to see what we might talk about, I was taken by her passion to share her life's pursuits: WIne and music. After speaking for just a few minutes, the connection between the two was clear. Then I remembered an study done by the Bose corporation...she was inspired to hear more...as was I. In this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and Master of Fi...

Though different parts of the wine world (geographically) present their own headwinds, many of the difficulties in the wine trade are universal.  And sometimes the solution is at hand, but just not realized or acted upon. Moahe Weizman saw the issue, brainstormed a solution and has now launched his idea. And it is working. Welcome to Wine Talks with Paul K. In today's episode, I dive into the inno...

I went back into my archives and found a newsletter from 1998. I had featured the Chateau Potelle 1995 Zinfandel and I remember the wine well. On a recent trip to Napa, after 28 years, I decided it would be nice to check in with Jean-Noel. I am not sure why I waited so long!  In this episode of Wine Talks, I sit with Jean-Noel and dive into the world of wine with a sprinkle of humor and a good das...

There is elegance, there is smarts, and there is athleticism...rarely do you find them in one person. Meet Florence Cathiard, half of the husband-wife team that owns and transformed both Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux and Cahtiard Vineyards in Napa. The dynamic duo as established these two prime vineyards and places of history into thought provoking destinations. It takes about 20 seconds...

I am always intrigues with entrepreneurs, particularly ones that venture in the the space that I occupied for over 35 years. That is the curation of fine wine to expose people to fine wine. It can be a thankless job at times because you only seem to hear about the issues and problems a client might have, but growth in itself proves you are doing more good than harm. I just wrapped up an incredible...

Our first attempt at this resulted in catastrophic audio quality...but I was so intrigued by her enthusiasm and thoughtful approach to wine and wine education that I had to find the time to get her back on the show.  Meet Tonya Morning Star. I am thrilled to share the latest episode of Wine Talks, featuring my special guest, Tanya Morning Star, CEO of the Cellar Muse. This episode delves into the...

What up?  wine enthusiasts! It's your host, Paul K, and welcome to another episode of Wine Talks with Paul Kay. Today, we're on a thrilling away game in the picturesque Napa Valley, home to some of the finest wineries in the world. Join me at the historic Inglewood Winery, where I sit down with the talented winemaker Jonathan Tyer and winery Director Enrique Herrero . It's a fascinating journey th...

I was at a wine tasting minding my own business when this attractive young Armenian woman approaches and asks if I am Paul from the Wine Talks podcast, as I straighten-up and look scholarly (as far as I know), we engaged in such a great conversation that I immediately extended an invitation to sit and tell her story. Welcome to Wine Talks with Paul K, where we dive deep into the stories behind the...

In this enlightening episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of food and wine with renowned critic Peter Dills. Discover the legacy and insights of old-school restaurant criticism, the impact of digital media on consumer choices, and how the culture of dining is shifting with time. Whether we're talking about the challenges restaurants face in sustaining the cl...

    "Hey everyone, it's Paul Kay here from Wine Talks, and let me tell you… buying wine? It's more than just grabbing a bottle off the shelf. It's emotional! Just like our guest from this episode, Madeline Puckette, said—'purchasing wine is an emotional experience.' And she's not wrong. So, how do we connect all those emotions to wine? Storytelling."   "You know, I've been in this business for a l...

In this latest episode of "Wine Talks," I engage in a lively conversation with Zack Armen, the passionate force behind Storica Wines. Zack shares his vision to bring Armenian wines to the forefront of the U.S. market, emphasizing the rich history and unique qualities of Armenian viticulture. The discussion dives into the logistical nightmares of wine importing ("I thought 'Hand Sell' was a type of...

What does it take to turn a humble date into a game-changing, delicious spirit? Celebrity chef Elizabeth Falkner reveals her recipe. Renowned for her diverse culinary skills and TV appearances,  Chef Elizabeth shares her latest venture: creating a sustainable line of spirits using California dates. In this week's episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Chef Elizabeth to explore the challenges...

How would you reinvent a wine legacy that has already left its mark? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Cleo Pahlmeyer, former president of Pahlmeyer and now the founder of Wayfarer Vineyard, to explore how she reimagined her family's rich wine legacy and carved a new path. Cleo takes us through her journey of building Wayfarer from the ground up. She talks about the challenges o...

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of marketing and operations in the wine industry?  In the competitive world of wine, keeping up with the ever-evolving marketing and operational challenges can feel overwhelming. But what if generative AI could be the game-changing tool your winery needs? In this week's episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephen Mok, founder of New Vintage L...

What would it take for you to leave a successful career to start a wine company? Marvina Robinson had it all–a 20-year Wall Street career and a clear path forward. But her heart was elsewhere. What began as casual champagne nights with friends turned into a journey of passion and resilience. In this episode, Paul K sits down with Marvina, CEO and founder of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, to discuss her...

Cognac isn't just a drink–it's a story of history, people, and craftsmanship. This week on Wine Talks, Paul K takes you to the Double Barrel Whiskey Tavern in Beverly Hills for a deep dive into the world of cognac. He's joined by Eric Le Bouar and Charles Bertrant from Maison Delamain, one of the most renowned names in the industry. Together, they'll uncover the artistry behind crafting high-quali...

What if your wine could tell a story of integrity and experience rather than just taste? In our latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K talks to renowned winemaker Charles Smith, who takes us behind the scenes of his unique approach to winemaking. Known for his organic winemaking practices, Charles explains the importance of commitment to native fermentation, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and making...

Do you ever feel like a glass of wine could shift perspective?  In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Robert Vardanian, Director of Wine Purchasing at Wally's, to explore the intellectual and emotional depths of wine. From evolving retail trends to the rise of emerging wine regions like Armenia, this episode also unpacks the complexity of wine culture. Robert sheds light on the evol...

Why does wine feel so special, beyond just being a drink? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor for SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel. With over 16 years of experience in the wine industry, Wanda takes us on her journey from anthropology to wine expert, sharing what makes wine deeply anthropological. They discuss everything from the intersection of wine, c...

Do you ever wonder if AI can taste wine and tell you what consumers really want? In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Katerina Axelsson, founder and CEO of Tastry, to explore how AI is transforming the wine industry, helping winemakers predict consumer preferences with scientific precision. Katerina shares her journey from chemist to tech entrepreneur and explains how Tastry's uniq...