Wines and Wins

In this episode, we sit down with Founder and CEO of ALKAA, Paul Lagerstedt. Paul shares the revolutionary solution he developed after decades of experiencing discomfort from red wine, beer, and spirits. His journey from diesel mechanic to inventor uncovers the surprising science behind a simple sachet that "attracts" toxins and trace compounds, allowing people to drink more cleanly and...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew, the creator and visionary behind The Red Wine Diaries, a social media account exploring the world of red wine from Glasgow, Scotland. We chat about our wine journeys, what wine connoisseurs should keep in mind when it comes to tastings, and tips and tricks for those new to the wine world who want to learn more! Follow Andrew on Instagram and TikTok at @the...

In our fourth and final installment in our series done in collaboration with World Trade Center Denver ("WTCD"), we chat with Kelvin Melgar, the founder and entrepreneur behind Hopelands Coffee. We discuss Kelvin's journey, the inception of his business, and how his heritage, purpose, and connections are all rooted in the rich coffee-growing regions of Honduras. This podcast explores...

This episode is part 3 of our 4-part collaboration with World Trade Center Denver ("WTCD"), where we highlight fascinating and inspiring immigrant entrepreneurs, their products, and WTCD's global entrepreneur program. In this episode, we chat with Farnosh Family, the founder of Sun Ghee, a small-batch ghee company that turned one founder’s personal healing journey into a fast-growing...

As a continuation of our mini-series in collaboration with World Trade Center Denver, in this episode, we sit down with the mother-daughter duo behind Leemu Superfood Sauces—a brand turning everyday meals into nutrient-packed experiences without sacrificing flavor. From their roots in globally inspired ingredients to their mission of making healthy eating effortless, we dive into their origins, st...

As the first of a special four-part mini series in conjunction with World Trade Center Denver, we talk to four local entrepreneurs in the Denver area about their businesses, backgrounds, and products and services. First up, we have Patrick Tcheunou, the visionary and one of the co-founders behind Bibamba Artisan Chocolate, a local artisan chocolate company in Denver known for making high-quality,...

Most wine lovers feel overwhelmed by endless options and confusing labels—that’s exactly what inspired Jason Markey to create Wine-Oh, an AI-powered app transforming how we discover, choose, and enjoy wine. In this candid conversation, Jason reveals how a side project in Los Angeles evolved into a game-changing tool that personalizes wine recommendations, democratizes wine knowledge, and even sugg...

In this episode, Djenita sits down with Lawrence (Larry) Doolittle from Frontenac Winery, located in the Finger Lakes Wine Region, and Larry shares how pivotal legislation in the late 1970s transformed a sleepy region into a vibrant wine destination with over 500 wineries today—and why small producers are winning in a world dominated by giants. The two discuss how New York's passage of the far...

As the podcast evolves, so does its focus. Djenita emphasizes the role of food in cultural experiences, promising more culinary insights alongside wine recommendations. With a commitment to authenticity and open dialogue, this season invites listeners to join a community of exploration and celebration. Stay tuned for more episodes that blend the art of wine with the adventure of travel. Follow &qu...

This week, for our season finale, we are joined by Donato Esposito, a hospitality entrepreneur and third generation hotelier whose family has been welcoming guests to the Amalfi Coast for decades at their stunning hotel, the Tramonto d'Oro, located in Praiano. We chat business, hospitality, cuisine, and local wines, with some of Donato's favorite local recommendations listed below: Fiano d...

In this episode, we record live from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussing the Sarajevo Wine Weekend we recently attended, Balkan wines, and our aspirations for the platform as a whole in continuing to connect with global wine lovers and travels enthusiasts alike. This episode is paired with a Vilinka Blatina from the Herzegovina region. For Bosnian listeners, a bottle can be purchased here...

In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with Jen Smiley, founder and owner of Wake Up and Read the Labels, an incredibly popular clean eating platform, focused on helping people make sense of food labels, avoid misleading marketing, and choose ingredients that support their overall health. We chat all about food, wine, labels, and discuss Jen's journey as an entrepreneur. This episo...

In this episode, Djenita reflects on her latest journey back to the Finger Lakes Wine Region in New York, some of her favorite eatery and accommodation recommendations, along with her favorite wines from the area, and the stories behind each of them. This episode is paired with a 2023 Hermann J. Weimer chardonnay, available for purchase here: Chardonnay – Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Online Store Dj...

In this episode, our special guest is our new friend who we met in Italy, Rosario Borrelli. We met Rosario at Cantina del Vesuvio, a winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in Southern Italy, where he works as a wine tour guide. We hit it off and were so excited to have him join us on this episode to chat all things Italy, wine, Cantina del Vesuvio's rich history, and so much more! Naturally, the w...

In this episode, we chat with Lauren Karch, sommelier, author, and owner of What's Wine is Yours, a wine event business. We chat about how to give people more confidence when discussing wine, Lauren's upcoming book, The Fashionista's Guide to Wine Talk (available for purchase here: www.winetalkbook.com), and her book launch event in Denver on September 11, 2025 (tickets available here:...

This episode is a part of our travel series and was recorded on the Amalfi Coast during our tenth wedding anniversary trip to Italy in August 2025. Charlie and I chat about our experiences, recommendations, everything we love about Italy, and our love of travel as a whole. This episode is paired with a Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore sparkling wine from Valdobbiadene, Italy and can be found in...

An open and honest conversation on learning to deal with health struggles, the importance of leaning on your community, and just as importantly, enjoying a good glass of wine. This week's episode is paired with a 2024 Wrangler red blend from Latigo Winery in Colorado Springs. More on Latigo and their wines can be found here: Latigo Winery - Wines

We sit down with Wayne Smith, an entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, to chat all things relating to foreign relations, travel, property management, coffee companies, and, of course, wine, in our most recent episode. This week's episode is paired with a Kia Ora Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, available for purchase here: Kia Ora - Wine | Total Wine & More

This episode is part of our Travel and Taste Series! Here, we discuss Djenita's recent jaunts to Washington, D.C., Beaver Creek, Colorado, and a staycation in downtown Denver and highlight some of her favorite places to wine down! This episode is paired with a Fox Fire Farms Pomegranate Corot Noir. More information on the vineyard and their wines can be found here: Wines - Fox Fire Farms

Djenita is joined by her husband, Charlie, and they open up about the realities of marriage, long distance love, and everything that goes into making a loving relationship work. This episode is paired with a fantastic Mexican Wine; a 2021 Emave Malbec from Guadalupe Valley. More information on this particular wine can be found here: https://vinicolaemeve.com/en/emeve-wines/malbec

This week, we have the pleasure of having Krista Henery on the show, who discusses her career as a reporter, her photography business, and the lessons learned from these journeys. This episode is paired with a 2022 Colorado Riesling from Balistreri Vineyards, which may be purchased here: 2022 Riesling | Horse Mountain - Balistreri Vineyards

This week, we highlight the importance of travel, not only in our personal journeys, but when it comes to food and wine discoveries as well. As a result, we are excited to announce that we will be highlighting more of our travels on the platform, and integrating our travel tales into what Wines and Wins consists of! Get ready to explore, both domestically, and internationally, with Wines and Wins!...

In this episode, we sit down and chat with Ali Markulis, one of the co-founders of the Wealth Collaborative, a financial firm helping empower women to own their wealth and pursue their ambitions through comprehensive wealth strategies. Ali and Djenita talk about various topics, to include Ali's entrepreneurial journey. This episode is paired with a glass of the 2021 Moraitis Estate Paros Reser...

This week, we sit down with two of Djenita's fellow U.S. Global Leadership Coalition NextGen cohort members, Sacha Francois and Brandon Pleiman, and the group discusses the importance of foreign aid as well as the interrelatedness behind foreign investments and various aspects of society, to include viticulture. This episode is paired with a 2021 Askaneli Saperavi Qvevri, available for purchas...

This week, we sit down with Jenna Quinlan, who chats with us about her and her family's business, Inde and Sol, a new branch of Conejos Jewelry, which offers authentic handmade turquoise jewelry, as well as Native American handmade jewelry crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down for generations.  We paired this episode with a 2022 Joseph Phelps Chardonnay that can...