Great wine starts with a great story, and Melissa Hemmingway is here to show how history, place, and people turn a glass into an experience. We dig into the essentials that actually matter at the table: what “varietal” really means, how color comes from grape skins, and why a thin-skinned Pinot Noir looks and drinks differently than a dark, structured Cabernet. From there, we connect style to setting, pairing to place, and give you the shortcuts that help you buy smarter and enjoy more.

Our members’ travel is reshaping the club’s palate. Napa Cab still shines, but curiosity now points to Burgundy, Sicily, Portugal, and especially the Loire Valley, where Sancerre’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc fits our fresh seafood and warm climate. Melissa lays out clear, practical ways to read labels without getting lost, including the key that red Burgundy means Pinot Noir, plus the importer names that function like quality stamps: Kermit Lynch, Eric Solomon, and Becky Wasserman.

We also zoom out to a world tour of regions worth your time: France as the motherland (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Alsace, Provence), Italy and Spain as tireless powerhouses, and rising quality from Germany’s reds to New World stalwarts in California, Oregon, Washington, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. You will learn the difference between viticulture and vinification, how to protect your bottles from heat and light, and why storage sabotages more wines than flawed winemaking ever does.

Curious about non-alcoholic wine? We talk about how producers are dialing in techniques to keep flavor while removing alcohol, and why zero-proof sparkling rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet are gaining fans at the club. Whether you are new to wine or leveling up, you will leave with confidence, context, and a list of next steps for your own tasting journey.

If this conversation sparked ideas for your next bottle, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your current favorite region. Your feedback helps us bring more stories — and better pours — to the table.

Every exceptional golf experience begins with people who genuinely care. That's the cornerstone philosophy shared by EJ, Bonita Bay Club's Director of Golf, who has been crafting unforgettable golf experiences since 1999. 

Throughout our conversation, EJ revealed the thoughtful approach behind Bonita Bay Club's renowned golf program. "If somebody's nice and they care and they want to be there, we can train them to do anything," he explains, highlighting how the right team creates a contagious culture of exceptional service. This people-first mentality extends to how EJ's team supports golfers across all skill levels – from competitive tournament players to social golfers to complete beginners.

For newcomers intimidated by the game, EJ shares his own golf mishaps to reassure them that "there's nothing they can do to a golf ball that every other golfer hasn't done at some point in their journey." The club's golf academy has been transformative, offering private instruction where beginners can learn without feeling observed or judged. Meanwhile, comprehensive tournament programming ensures that there's something for everyone, from highly competitive events to purely social gatherings.

Having overseen five course renovations, EJ offers fascinating insights into golf course architecture and the complex systems beneath the surface that most players never consider. He embraces technological advancements that enhance the member experience, from teaching tools to the recently introduced full swing launch monitors that members can check out.

What truly sets Bonita Bay Club apart is EJ's forward-thinking philosophy: "If you think status quo is okay, you're going to get run over by a freight train." By constantly innovating while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the club creates what EJ hopes every visitor experiences – "a feeling of wow, the members of Bonita Bay Club have a special place they can call home."

What makes a club truly special? According to Daniela Jacob, Director of Membership at Bonita Bay Club, it's when members and staff alike describe it as feeling "like home." In this heartfelt conversation, Daniela shares her journey since joining the club 14 months ago and the immediate sense of belonging she experienced from both members and colleagues.

With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality and member relations, Daniela brings a valuable perspective to her role. She highlights what makes Bonita Bay Club's membership unique - their extraordinary loyalty not just to the club, but to the friendships they've cultivated over years of shared experiences. Some members have called Bonita Bay home for over 34 years, creating a community where members are "extremely happy," according to Daniela.

Perhaps most interesting is Bonita Bay Club's innovative approach to membership waiting lists. Rather than the traditional all-or-nothing model common at prestigious clubs, they've created "progressive golf tiers" that provide immediate golf access at their Naples courses while members wait for full privileges. New members also lock in current initiation fees, providing financial predictability in a region where many clubs don't offer such protections. For those considering membership, Daniela conducts personalized orientation sessions and hosts new member mixers that facilitate connections among recent arrivals.

Discover the Bonita Bay difference - where existing members organically welcome newcomers, the membership committee actively supports the onboarding process, and exceptional amenities include everything from five golf courses to tennis, pickleball, croquet, a lifestyle center, spa and salon, and outstanding dining. Ready to explore membership options or upgrade your current status? Contact Daniela Jacob to begin your journey home to Bonita Bay Club.

What does it take to rise from busboy to Assistant General Manager at one of Florida's premier private clubs? Joseph Elwell's remarkable 22-year journey at Bonita Bay Club reveals the dedication, adaptability, and passion required to excel in club management.

Following in his father's footsteps, Joseph began his hospitality career at just 17 years old, washing dishes and bussing tables at Bonita Bay Club. What started as a test to see if he'd enjoy the industry blossomed into a lifelong vocation. Through rotations across departments—from scraping tennis courts to maintaining golf course bunkers—Joseph gained a holistic understanding of club operations that now serves him well in his leadership role.

As Assistant General Manager, Joseph's responsibilities extend far beyond what members typically see. While food and beverage operations fall under his purview, he also oversees sports and lifestyle amenities including the spa, salon, and fitness facilities. His days are unpredictable, requiring flexibility to address everything from staff conflicts to service issues across the club's extensive amenities.

The club's highly seasonal nature presents unique challenges, with 80% of activity occurring during just six months of the year. Balancing peak-season excellence with year-round value requires careful planning and resource management. Joseph approaches innovation thoughtfully, viewing new technologies as tools to enhance rather than replace human connection. The club's willingness to test new ideas while respecting traditions demonstrates its commitment to evolution without losing its identity.

What truly distinguishes Bonita Bay Club, according to Joseph, is its exceptional people—both the 600+ staff members who deliver memorable experiences and the uniquely warm, genuine membership. With over 240 team members boasting five or more years of tenure, the club has cultivated a culture of excellence that perpetuates itself. 

For those considering a career in club management, Joseph offers straightforward advice: do the work, get your hands dirty, and master each step before moving to the next. His own journey stands as testament to the rewards of this approach.

What happens when a fitness center evolves beyond simply building muscles to creating a complete approach to living better? At Bonita Bay Club, it's nothing short of remarkable.

Tammy Mugavero has spent 25 years transforming fitness at Bonita Bay Club from a modest 5,000-square-foot facility with minimal staff to an award-winning 20,000-square-foot wellness hub employing 43 professionals and attracting 69% of eligible members—far exceeding the industry average. Under her guidance, the center has been named one of America's healthiest clubs and ranked #2 among private club fitness facilities nationwide.

The secret? A balanced approach, Tammy calls "the wellness triangle"—where fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing create the foundation for true longevity. "Everyone wants to live longer," Tammy explains, "but you just don't want to rack up the age. You want to live longer, but you want to live a better quality of life."

This philosophy drives the diverse programming at Bonita Bay Club, from personal training and specialized services like Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's patients to cutting-edge KinoTech assessments that utilize AI to evaluate movement quality, not just capability. Their 23 TPI-certified golf fitness professionals—the largest such team in any US club—bridge the gap between sport performance and injury prevention.

Most compelling is Tammy's story about member Rich Oelkers, who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left him completely paralyzed. Through determination and consistent work at the fitness center, Rich progressed from being unable to move to walking laps with his walker—embodying Churchill's wisdom that "if you're going through hell, keep going."

Ready to transform your own wellness journey? Visit the Fitness Center to schedule your complimentary KinoTech movement assessment, offered Monday through Friday afternoons, and discover how movement quality can change everything about how you experience life.

For this episode of our Summer Series One-on-One, we sit down with Paula Scheb to discuss her 30-year journey at Bonita Bay Club which reveals how passion and vision can transform a sports program beyond recognition. What began as a modest nine-court tennis facility has evolved into a comprehensive sports complex featuring tennis, pickleball, croquet, and aquatics – all guided by Paula's steady leadership as Director of Sports.

"It was a dream job," Paula reflects, describing how Bonita Bay Club encouraged her team to imagine possibilities and create exceptional experiences. This freedom to innovate, combined with a deeply member-centric philosophy, has created a sports culture that balances competitive opportunities with inclusive environments for players of all levels.

The podcast delves into the delicate art of preserving cherished traditions while embracing fresh approaches. Paula shares exciting plans for the upcoming season, including a remote-control powerboat race, an MLP Davis Cup-style pickleball event, and a wine country-themed tennis tournament. For newcomers intimidated by racket sports, Bonita Bay Club offers structured introductory programs and private lessons, ensuring everyone can find their entry point into these activities.

Perhaps most impressive is the evolution of the Finemark Women's Pro Tennis Championship under Paula's guidance. Now entering its seventh year, this tournament has raised $2.7 million for cancer research for Lee Health.  While earning international recognition, it's the only U.S. tournament among six worldwide to receive an International Tennis Federation star award. Beyond fundraising, the event fulfills Paula's vision of bringing members together and fostering relationships across all levels of the club community.

Throughout our conversation, Paula returns to what makes Bonita Bay Club truly special: its members. "They're our competitive edge," she explains, describing how their kindness, engagement, and philanthropic spirit create an environment where both staff and fellow members thrive. As she looks to the future, Paula continues seeking ways to enhance the club experience through sports, creating opportunities for connection, growth, and enjoyment for all.

Have you experienced Bonita Bay Club's sports offerings? Share your thoughts or questions with us, and consider trying something new this season – whether it's tennis, pickleball, or the increasingly popular croquet program!

Wine Director and Sommelier Melissa Hemingway brings her passionate expertise to this warm, insightful conversation about the evolving world of wine at Bonita Bay Club. After nearly seven years curating exceptional wine experiences, Melissa reveals how member preferences and global travel trends shape the club's diverse wine program.

The spotlight shines on Sicily – Italy's largest wine-producing region – as Melissa's top recommendation for an underappreciated wine destination. Her enthusiasm for Sicilian wines, particularly the special Cerasula di Vittoria (Sicily's only DOCG), reveals her commitment to helping members discover hidden gems that deliver exceptional quality without breaking the bank. For those eager to explore, she recommends readily available producers Planeta and Dona Fugata.

Perhaps most surprising is Melissa's revelation about the explosive growth of non-alcoholic wines. What began as ordering a single case per season has evolved into maintaining six different varieties that consistently sell out. This trend has become so significant that non-alcoholic options will soon have their own dedicated section on the Club's wine list.

Melissa dismantles wine intimidation by encouraging authentic preferences and challenging the assumption that price equals quality. She points out that heavily marketed wines often allocate substantial funds to advertising rather than improving what's in the bottle, while championing small family producers who invest everything into creating exceptional wines without massive marketing campaigns.

The Club's wine list itself reflects Melissa's collaborative philosophy, with 65% of selections coming directly from member suggestions. Her Thirsty Thursday events continue year-round, offering informal education opportunities that become particularly intimate and conversational during summer months.

Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, Melissa's approach invites everyone to explore with confidence. Join us for Thirsty Thursday at 5:00 PM throughout the summer and discover your next favorite bottle with expert guidance from someone who believes wine should delight, not intimidate.

Ready to elevate your wine knowledge and discover hidden gems? Join us at the Bonita Bay Club as we sit down with Clubhouse Operations Manager Scott Manard and Wine Director Melissa Hemmingway. We'll chat about our latest wine promotions, including enticing discounts and complimentary options with dinner entrees on select nights. Melissa takes us through the success stories of our Thirsty Thursday events, where members have relished themed wine tastings such as those from the Rhone Valley and affordable selections from Caymus. Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming tasting of Niner wines from Paso Robles and learn how Melissa's recent trip to Greece has inspired some unique offerings at the club.

Curious about the changing trends in the global wine scene? Discover why wine enthusiasts are now turning their attention to regions like Australia, South Africa, and China, and what this means for the future of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. As we delve into the rising costs of Napa wines, we'll unpack the growing fascination with exploring wines from diverse regions. You'll also be intrigued to hear about China's remarkable rise to becoming the largest wine-growing region in the world. This episode promises to keep you informed and excited about the dynamic world of wine. Tune in for insights, trends, and plenty of wine wisdom!

Have you ever wondered how a top-tier tennis tournament comes together? Join us as we chat with Paula Scheb, the Director of Sports at Bonita Bay Club, and get the inside scoop from Tom Weadock, the tournament chair, and his wife, Ann, who coordinates the volunteers. Discover the secrets behind securing crucial sponsorships, the intricate planning process, and the volunteering efforts that make this event a standout. You'll also learn about the high-caliber talent gracing our courts, including past stars like Coco Gauff, and why this tournament is a must-see for tennis enthusiasts and casual fans.

Our episode celebrates the unsung heroes of the Bonita Bay Club—the volunteers. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Tom and Ann Weadock and the entire volunteer team whose tireless dedication sets our club apart. Hear firsthand how volunteers can stay engaged and communicate their needs effectively. This is more than just an event; it's a testament to the supportive community spirit that makes Bonita Bay Club a unique and welcoming environment for everyone. Tune in for a conversation filled with appreciation, insights, and the true essence of community collaboration.

What if there was a community organization that could change the lives of local veterans and their families? Join us for an enlightening and heartwarming episode as we sit down with Valerie Gorman, Nick Romano, and Steve Aronson, the dedicated board members of the Bonita Bay Veterans Council. Celebrate with us as they recount their 10-year journey from a simple Veterans Day speech request to becoming a formidable force in veteran support. Our guests share the inspiring story of how the council started and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that over 98.6% of every dollar received goes directly to veterans in need. You’ll hear about the initial hurdles they faced and how strong community support helped transform their vision into reality.

Get inspired by the touching story of Trooper, the service dog, and learn about the scholarship program benefiting employees in Bonita Bay. With a staggering $2.1 million raised over the past decade, we discuss how you can contribute to this noble cause and become part of this amazing journey. Don’t miss out on this episode that honors the sacrifices of our veterans and showcases the incredible impact of community-driven support.