Episode 177 brings together two things Atlanta takes seriously: lemon pepper chicken wings and great wine. Recorded live at The Perlant, this episode features five Atlanta sommeliers taking on a pairing challenge to find the perfect wine combo for Chef Dene Lynn’s wings while a panel of culinary judges and media personalities share honest reactions, thoughtful insights, and plenty of lively debate along the way. For the event, Chef Dene (@chefdenelynn) prepared two distinct versions of her signature wings, highlighting both the bold flavor and cultural importance of one of Atlanta’s most beloved dishes. Beyond her work in the kitchen, Chef Dene serves as an Instructional Manager at the Navigate Foundation, where she helps train and mentor the next generation of culinary professionals through education, workforce development, and community outreach. Her work with Atlanta chef collectives, food security initiatives, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden has made her an important part of the city’s culinary community. From unexpected wine selections to conversations about flavor, hospitality, and Atlanta food culture, this episode captures the fun and spontaneity of a live audience experience. Whether you’re deep in the wine world or just love good food and good conversation, Episode 177 offers entertaining moments, surprising pairings, and a celebration of Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene.

SOMMELIERS

Eric Palmer, RNDC Distributing (@eric.palmr)

Chris McLloyd, Tower Beer, Wine, & Spirits (@chrismclloyd)

Jason Wilfore, The Perlant (@wilforejay)

Jordan Traylor, The Chastain (@wandering_wino_)

Peter Poulos, My Friend’s Bottle Shop (@therealchampagnepete)

JUDGING PANEL

Toni Williams, Blasian Bon Vivant (@blasianbonvivant)

Dan Whalen, The Food in My Beard (@tfimb)

Georgina Castellucci-Whalen, Consultant & Speaker (atl_georgina)

Recorded May 1, 2026 with a live audience at The Perlant in Atlanta, GA

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Episode 176 takes us live to The Oenophile Institute for an engaging audience conversation with winemaker Matt Taylor, a third-generation Sonoma County native whose thoughtful approach to farming and winemaking has made him one of California’s most compelling voices in small-production wine. Known for crafting wines across several labels and portfolios, Matt shares how his deep connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA continues to shape his philosophy in the cellar that is rooted in biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and allowing the vineyard to speak for itself as naturally as possible. Throughout the conversation, we explore Matt’s diverse winemaking journey, from harvests and experiences in Argentina, Bordeaux, and New Zealand, to the unique energy he brings back home to California. We also uncover fascinating Napa Valley history connected to his Ink Grade project on Howell Mountain while discussing mountain viticulture, heritage vineyards, and the evolving identity of California wine. And because no live audience episode is complete without a few surprises, the night also ventures into the world of wine and hip hop pairings thanks to a special audience guest who specializes in connecting music, culture, and wine in unexpected ways. From farming philosophies to global winemaking experiences to soundtrack-worthy pairings, this episode is a vibrant look at the people, stories, and creativity shaping modern California wine.

Recorded April 16, 2026 with a live audience at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA

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Step into the minds of sommeliers and wine professionals to discover what really happens when they sit down to identify wines in a blind tasting. In Episode 175, recorded live at Vino Venue, we bring together a panel of seasoned blind tasters who are veterans of Atlanta’s annual “Somm Smackdown” blind tasting competition. This conversation unpacks the art, intuition, and discipline behind identifying an unknown wine with nothing but your senses. What started as a question from someone who attended the competition as a spectator in the past – “how do you even train your palate to do this?” - evolves into an energetic, deeply insightful conversation filled with real-world strategies, personal stories, and the occasional myth-busting moment. As bonus dialogue and to provide full context for this discussion, we kick things off with Sommelier Ryan Mullins, the first-ever Somm Smackdown Champion, who shares the history and evolution of this competition along with some of his own philosophies for why he continues the pursuit of refining these skills. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned industry professional, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of wine’s most fascinating and humbling challenges. You can visit www.vinovenue.com for a list of all the past Somm Smackdown Champions as well as to discover information about their retail shop and full calendar of upcoming events.

FEATURING:

Ryan Mullins, Winebow

Pepe Fundora, Casa Nuova

Briana Pope-Pettis, Court of Master Sommeliers

Joe Herrig, Georgia Crown

Brian White, Epicurean Atlanta

Emily Mendyka, Vino Venue

Recorded April 13, 2026 with a live audience at Vino Venue in Dunwoody, GA

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Episode 174 of A Cork in the Road brings the energy of a live audience straight to your headphones with a dynamic conversation and tasting recorded at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA. We continue our mission of making wine more human and accessible this time through a behind-the-scenes look at the world of wine importing. In front of one of the largest audiences in the show’s history and a record-breaking impressive lineup of wines, we sit down with Thomas Meunier of Authentique Vin Selections, a French wine importer based in North Carolina. Originally from the Loire Valley, Thomas began his journey in wine working alongside his mentor, the late Frédéric Mabileau, where he developed a deep respect for vineyard-driven winemaking and the philosophy that wine is made in the vineyard. Now, through his import portfolio, Thomas champions organic and biodynamic producers whose wines express a true sense of place, personality, and purpose. This episode offers a rare, import-focused perspective on the wine industry, exploring the vital role importers play as storytellers and connectors between producers and consumers. The conversation also takes a creative turn, as guests are challenged to describe wines through emotions, memories, music, and movies moving beyond traditional tasting notes to uncover the deeper, more personal emotions wine can evoke. With a room full of Atlanta wine professionals, an electric atmosphere, and a tasting that turned into an unforgettable afterparty, this episode captures the joy, community, and storytelling at the heart of wine culture. You can learn more about the Authentique Vin portfolio and their distribution network by visiting www.authentiquevin.com.

Recorded April 1, 2026 with a live audience at The Vine Club in Atanta, GA

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This episode features a live audience conversation and tasting at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA with Arnaud Bourgeois, the General Manager of Domaine Henri Bourgeois in the Loire Valley of France. For 10 generations, his family has been helping people discover and appreciate the unique terroirs of Sancerre. He shares his passion for being in a role as an ambassador for the region, and we collectively discuss the role of wine education in helping people unlock the beauty of the wines from the Loire Valley. Following in the footsteps of his family of winegrowers, Arnaud studied viticulture and oenology in Mâcon for two years before going on to study wine sales, marketing, and commercialization at the Tecomah center in Paris. He also worked for several estates in the Rhône Valley and traveled to South Africa several times during the harvest season, so we talk about how his winemaking has been influenced by various locations throughout his studies. His versatility allows him to be in contact with production, professional customers, and journalists in order to constantly improve the wines from the vine to the glass. His heart is clearly anchored in his role within the vineyards, but he also recognizes the importance of his business decisions in distribution and production, especially within the current political and social climate. You can visit https://famillebourgeois-sancerre.com/en to learn more about their family history, their wines, and their philosophy in the vineyards.

Recorded March 4, 2026 with a live audience at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA

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This episode features a live audience conversation and tasting at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA with Pauline Vranken, the Chief Executive Officer of Vranken-Pommery America. This was Pauline’s first ever visit to Atlanta, and she brought a variety of sparkling wines for us to taste from California, England, and Champagne. Our friends at Georgia Crown Distributing Co. had the brilliant idea of pairing this eclectic lineup of sparkling wines with a variety of pizza flavors throughout the night. We talk about the historical legacy of Madame Pommery, her connection to the arts, and how carrying on her innovative spirit still grounds a lot of the work being done in the company today. Pauline earned her Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with a Concentration in Real Estate, Construction and Finance from Columbia University and is currently based in New York City. She says Champagne runs in her veins, so we ask her to also shed light on the significance and current status of the sparkling wine category in the wine industry as a whole today. You can follow @champagnepommery on Instagram and visit www.maisonpommery.com to learn more about their history and current portfolio.

Recorded March 3, 2026 with a live audience at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA

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Episode 171 of A Cork in the Road explores how access, education, and community can reshape the wine industry through the lens of Oeno Camp, an annual immersive multi-day program designed for BIPOC wine professionals and enthusiasts based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Created through a partnership between The Veraison Project and Oenoverse, Oeno Camp blends vineyard visits, cellar experiences, tastings, and workshops with a strong focus on equity, representation, and real-world industry navigation. This episode weaves together three interviews with former campers to highlight several resonating themes and calls to action. You’ll hear from Janelle Freeman, Assistant Director of the Eastern Area for The Veraison Project, alongside two recent campers: Brion Cephus, a wine event curator based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Demi Elder, a sommelier at Bridges in New York City. Together, these conversations reflect on why Virginia wine country is the perfect classroom for this type of programming, how experiential learning can unlock confidence and opportunity, and why community-centered programs matter at a pivotal moment for the wine world. This episode is simultaneously a celebration of Virginia wine and a closer look at resource mechanisms that can widen pathways, invest in people, and build a more inclusive future for the wine industry. For the latest insights related to these efforts, you can follow @oenoverse and @theveraisonproject on Instagram, and you can visit www.twoupwinedown.com for more information about the programming.

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This episode features a conversation with Isuru Vidanage, the Wine Buyer at Elemental Spirts Co. in Atlanta, GA. Born in Houston, TX to Sri Lankan immigrants, Isuru went to high school in Macon, GA and later moved to Atlanta for college. He earned a degree in Biology with a distinction in Biochemistry and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior followed by working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Organic and Analytical Toxicology Branch. We talk about his work and how his team's focus was on understanding how populations within the U.S. and abroad were being exposed to pesticides. He talks about how he ultimately left the CDC to pursue other passions, and he ultimately found his way to the world of retail wine. You’ll hear his insights about the Atlanta wine scene and how his love for community, culture, and cooking are helping to elevate his own wine education – I even challenge him to dream up who he would invite to a bucket list dinner party. You can follow @elementalspirits.co on Instagram to learn more about his work and see what wines he is showcasing at the shop.

Recorded February 10, 2026

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This episode features a live audience conversation and Port tasting with Chris Forbes, the Deputy Managing Director for Taylor’s Port. Chris joined the company in 2007 and was initially responsible for the management of all Special Marketing projects across the company’s three main brands. He then took on the role of export manager for the USA and Irish markets before being promoted to Commercial Director in 2019. In addition to his contributions on the business side, Chris tells us why his own personal wine education journey is so valuable in this role as he is currently studying for the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Originally from Yorkshire, England, he was introduced to luxury products in both the textile and gourmet food industries through his family’s businesses. His current role spans far beyond just beverages, though, so you’ll hear about the variety of their portfolio that now includes several hotels in both Porto and in the Douro Valley, along with some educational tourist attractions including the World of Wine in Porto. The audience was full of Atlanta-based wine professionals who share a mutual love and appreciation for Portuguese wines, so we invited people to the mic throughout the episode to share their reactions and candid tasting notes for the wines that Chris brought to share with us for the session. You can visit www.taylor.pt and follow @taylorsportwine on Instagram to learn more about their work.

Featuring tasting notes and appearances by:

Emma Rubenstein, Cooks & Soldiers

Dannielle Thomas, Dom Beijos

Jade Palmer, Madeira Park

Taylor Sublett, The Vine Club

Erica Taylor, Kobrand Wine & Spirits

Recorded January 17, 2026 with generous support from Kobrand Wine & Spirits

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This episode features a very different type of conversation for the podcast with the tables turned, the script flipped – Amanda Kimbrough of Avant Partir sits down to interview Kelly of A Cork in the Road while they also field some questions submitted by podcast listeners. We hope this gives you a little behind the scenes perspective of Kelly’s wine journey and how this podcast came to be, but also the process of turning the mic around has already given Kelly a stronger understanding of what it’s like to be a guest on this show so she can be a better podcast host going forward. Amanda’s questions are so thoughtful, and they talk about balancing multiple career paths, honing outside skills that can be applied to working in wine, and what we can all focus on to move the industry forward into the new year. Amanda fist appeared as a guest on the podcast in December of 2021, and she continues to build her own community within Atlanta as the leader of the “Women in Wine” organization that connects wine industry professionals at all stages in their careers to collaborate and share insights together. Cheers to new opportunities, getting outside our comfort zones, building community, and fostering creativity in 2026.

Recorded December 28, 2025

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