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Assemblage Beverage Podcast episodes
- Episode 10: From Sommelier to Vintner with Michael Kennedy
On Episode 10 of The Assemblage Wine Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Kennedy. We spoke about his journey of working as the Wine Director of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and Head Sommelier for Eric Ripert, at his highly awarded restaurant Blue by Eric Ripert. From there, he was inspired by a trip to Napa Valley and he decided to follow his dreams to become a winemaker. Michael has since created his own wine portfolio called Vin Fraîche. Vin Fraîche is now comprised of Component Wine Company in Napa Valley and Bordeaux, State of Mind Wines in Oregon and Washington, and Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards in Napa Valley.
Michael has been featured in national publications such as Forbes Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, Vogue, VinePair, SevenFifty Daily, Business Insider and more! In 2017, he was named to Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for his work in the wine industry. Michael splits his time between Napa Valley, Bordeaux and his hometown, St. Louis. He and his wife have two sons.
Be sure to follow Michael on Instagram at @winebymichael as well as his portfolio of wines at @vinfraiche, @componentwine, @stateofmindwines, @gkvwine, and @lacacciavino.
41 min - Episode 9: Cristiana TiberioToday, I had the opportunity to interview an Italian winemaker (also the first winemaker I have interviewed on this podcast). She and her family make fantastic wines that I have grown to really love drinking. Her name is Cristiana Tiberio. Her family has been growing and making wine in Abruzzo, Italy since 1999 and their first vintage came out in 2004. Their family specializes on growing native grape varietals while practicing organic farming, biodiversity, all while saving and propagating the original massal clones.You can follow her journey and see her amazing vineyards on instagram at @cristianatiberio.42 min
- Episode 8: Yannick BenjaminYannick Benjamin is the Head Sommelier of The University Club and a proud New Yorker from Hell’s Kitchen. Born into a family of French restaurateurs, Yannick has worked for many highly regarded restaurants throughout NYC: Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean-Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton. Additionally, he has worked for ten years for Le Du’s Wines, one of the top wine retail stores in Manhattan.In 2003, a car accident left Benjamin paralyzed from the waist down. However, his passion for wine drove him to quickly adapt, outfitting his wheelchair with a table that allowed him to continue working as a sommelier to educate on wine. Yannick went on to create “Wine on Wheels,” one of New York City’s largest and most exciting wine events. “Wine on Wheels” brings hundreds of esteemed sommeliers together to pour over 180 wines from around the world for noble charity. The event is going on its eighth year. Yannick’s tireless work and innovative vision is bringing awareness and visibility to seldom-heard voices in the wine industry and championing inclusivity.Yannick Benjamin will bring his energy and passion to East Harlem as he plans on opening his first restaurant, Contento NYC in 2021. Contento will be a barrier free restaurant where wine and food come together and where they share a story of who they are and where social sustainability will be practiced and where they also plan to utilize their experiences and location to offer enriched programs that will enhance the quality of life for people living with disabilities.You can follow Yannick on instagram at @yannickbenjamin and his non-profits at @wineonwheelsnyc & @wheelingforward. His new project is a restaurant that is set to open this year. Follow @contentonyc to find out more!38 min
- Episode 7: Hanna Krilov
On Episode 7 of the Assemblage Wine Podcast, I was able to sit down and talk with a fellow Culinary Institute of America graduate, Hanna Krilov. We chatted about her time doing pastry and studying wine at The CIA, as well as about her job at Farra Wine Bar in New York City!
Follow Hanna on Instagram at @hannahere and Farra Wine Bar at @farrawinebar.
42 min - Episode 6: John Fischer
On episode six of The Assemblage Wine Podcast, I have the opportunity to interview one of my professors from my time at The Culinary Institute of America. He was the one who pushed me to move to Chicago and get a stage at The Aviary (one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs that I have ever had). His name is John Fischer. Listen to this episode to hear about his childhood, how he worked in fantastic restaurants in New York City, and his decision to return to his alma mater to teach. We also talk about what local Hudson Valley beers he is excited about, as well as his most noteworthy wines he has drank during his career!
1 hr 6 min - Episode 5: Jay Fields
On this podcast, I have the opportunity to interview Jay Fields. Jay is the Luxury/Craft Division Manager for Johnson Brothers Wine & Liquor Company of Indiana. He started his career in wine and spirits in 1996 working at Malibu Grill in Bloomington, Indiana while he was attending Indiana University. Jay progressed from bussing tables and moved up the ranks to be bar manager overseeing the bar program by the time he was a senior. He joined Johnson Brothers soon after graduation and moved through the ranks of their sales team. Jay has his Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators and has his Bachelor's Degree in history and education from Indiana University.
You can follow Jay on Instagram @jafields2477 to see his journey with wine and spirits!
34 min - Episode 4: Gary PutmanI am always extremely excited to record conversations with my guests, but today was extra special. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk wine with someone who has been a huge influence on my wine career, my grandpa. My grandpa, Gary Putman, grew up in Upstate New York before moving to Chicago in 1987. He worked in Downtown Chicago for a major oil company for 33 years as a road safety specialist. He then moved down to Georgia in 2005, which is where he and my grandma currently live. He retired earlier this year, which leaves him some extra time to collect and drink wine!36 min
- Episode 3: Alex LopezToday's guest is a dear friend of mine and is one of the most fun people to sit down and drink with, Alex Lopez. Alex is a native of Northwest Indiana and is a huge fan of food, wine, beer, and spirits. It was such a pleasure to sit down with him and chat about different alcoholic beverages since we haven't been able to hang out in person in awhile. I hope that you all enjoy!You can follow Alex Lopez at @morphological_echo and some of his favorite local breweries include @seedzbrewery @four_fathers_brewing and @burnembrewing31 min
- Episode 2: Ray Delucci
This podcast is with another great friend of mine and fellow CIA grad, Ray Delucci. Ray is the creator of Linecook Thoughts, a brand focused on highlighting the people who make the food industry so great! He is also a freelance writer and podcast host. He has experience managing restaurants, and has a love for all things food.
Follow his journey @linecookthoughts and listen to his podcast on all major streaming platforms!
31 min - Episode 1: John Eisele III
My guest on this episode is a friend of mine and fellow Culinary Institute of America graduate, John Eisele III. John is a Certified Sommelier currently based out of Green Bay, WI. He began working in restaurants at the age of fourteen as a dishwasher. His career so far has led him to work at multiple Michelin starred restaurants with some of the best chefs in the nation. He has also worked in some of the best food cities such as Chicago and San Fransisco. John is currently in the process of becoming a candidate for the Advance Sommelier Exam and hopes to one day pass his Master Sommelier Exam.
Follow him on Instagram: @eisele_john
24 min
About Assemblage Beverage Podcast
From the publisher's feed
A podcast hosted by Adam Shoemaker and Mason Aronson, two long-time drinking buddies, roommates, and best friends. Join us as we talk our journey in food, beverage and all things hospitality.