Wine With Friends

In Part 2 of this special conversation on Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard continues his discussion with Max Kast , Director of BOND Winery . The conversation picks up as a new bottle is opened, setting the stage for a deeper look into how wine brings people together. Marcus and Max explore the role wine plays in building community, creating connection, and fostering meaningful conversation...

In Episode 9 of Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard welcomes Max Kast , Director of BOND Winery and one of the few Master Sommeliers in the world, for the first part of a special two-part conversation. Max shares his journey to becoming a Master Sommelier — a path defined by discipline, deep knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the craft of wine. He gives insight into what it takes to re...

In Episode 8 of Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard welcomes French educator and wine influencer Katie Melchior , better known as The French Wine Tutor . Joining us at The Rabbit Hole , Katie shares how she built a platform dedicated to making French wine more approachable — including helping people confidently pronounce French wine regions, grapes, and terminology. Marcus and Katie dive into...

In Part 2 of this special conversation on Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard continues his discussion with restaurateur and wine expert Anthony Guerra , owner of Tutti Pizza , Oakwood Pizza Box , Capital Pizza Box , and Saint Pierre Wine Shop . In this episode, Marcus and Anthony dive deeper into the work ethic required to build and sustain a successful business. Anthony shares the realities...

In Episode 7 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes restaurateur and wine expert Anthony Guerra for the first installment of a special two-part series. Anthony is the owner of Tutti Pizza, Oakwood Pizza Box, Capital Pizza Box, and Saint Pierre Wine Shop, and has built a reputation for creating spaces where great food, great wine, and community come together. In Part 1, Anthony sits dow...

In Episode 6 of Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard welcomes longtime friend, John Henson — Carolina Basketball legend, former NBA player, and now sports broadcaster. Marcus and John take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their years playing together at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , the brotherhood formed during their time in Chapel Hill, and the experiences that h...

In Episode 5 of Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard sits down with friend, mentor, and business leader Vaughn Moore , Chairman and CEO of AIT Worldwide Logistics and a 2025 Distinguished Alumnus honoree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Marcus and Vaughn talk about how meaningful relationships are built — often around a shared table and a glass of wine — and how those connec...

In Episode 4 of Wine With Friends , host Marcus Ginyard welcomes hospitality legend Gary Crunkleton , founder and owner of The Crunkleton in Chapel Hill. Gary shares his journey into the spirits and restaurant industry, the lessons he learned along the way, and the passion that led him to create one of the most beloved bar experiences in the area. More than just cocktails, Gary explains his philos...

In Episode 3 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes Amy Hallett, founder and Chief Adventure Officer of The Olive Road, for a conversation about travel, wine, and the experiences that bring people together. Amy shares how her journey into wine began while studying abroad in France, where she discovered not just wine itself, but the culture, meals, and relationships that surround it. Fr...

In Episode 2 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with Inez Ribustello for a powerful and deeply human conversation about hospitality, resilience, and life’s unexpected turns. Inez is the owner of On The Square and Tarboro Brewing Company, and also serves as Head of Hospitality for The Frankie Lemmon School, an organization dedicated to education and enrichment for preschool-aged ch...

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Wine With Friends Podcast! In our very first episode, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with former North Carolina Tar Heel great Deon Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about basketball, life, and wine. Deon takes us through his journey playing professional basketball all over the world, sharing stories from competing overseas and experiencing wine culture in differe...