Our full conversation with third generation winegrower and director of operations, Melissa Aellen of Simple Theory Wines.

This episode is a little different—and deeply personal. Forrest welcomes author, actor, and full-time son Mark Steven Porro, whose memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode tells the moving (and surprisingly hilarious) story of becoming a caregiver to his 90-year-old mother. With Forrest recently saying goodbye to his own beloved mom, this conversation doubles as a tribute to the women who raised us—with sass, grit, and, eventually, a taste for red wine.

From Hollywood sets to cobblestone streets in the south of France, Mark shares the unexpected twists that led him from acting to elder care to wine-sipping village life. There’s laughter, there’s love, and there’s a jazz band literally marching through the vineyards.

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Melissa Aellen is shaking things up in the wine world with Simple Theory Wines, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! We dive into her journey of creating a downtown tasting room, which is totally a win for wine lovers everywhere. Melissa shares the fun and not-so-fun challenges she faced, like navigating those pesky alcohol laws in Maryland—seriously, no wine in grocery stores? What is this, the 1950s? Plus, she’s got big plans for the future, including planting some fancy hybrid grapes and even building a wine cave! So grab a glass, sit back, and join us as we sip and chat about all things wine and local business.

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Melissa Aellen spills the grapes on Simple Theory Wines, and let me tell you, it’s all about keeping wine simple and fun! She dives into the unique Chambourcin grape that’s low in tannins but high in color and protein—basically the overachiever of the grape world. We get the scoop on their cozy downtown Frederick tasting lounge, where you can kick back with a glass of wine and a build-your-own charcuterie board. Melissa’s mission? To make wine approachable for everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros. So grab your favorite snack, pour a glass, and let’s chat about why wine doesn’t have to be so serious!

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Forrest and Melissa Aellen from Simple Theory Wines are in the house, talking all things wine and vineyard magic! They’re all about making their vineyard fantastic—no more under ripe, difficult fruit for them. With a focus on sustainability, they share how keeping good bugs around is a win-win for the vines and the environment. We dive into their journey, the fun challenges of growing Barbera, and how a little friendly competition in the family can lead to some amazing results. Plus, get the scoop on their latest wines and a cool experiment with Chardonnay that you won’t want to miss. Grab your glass and let’s toast to some bold flavors and family stories!

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Forrest and Melissa Aellen are pouring out the secrets behind the success of Simple Theory Wines, and trust me, it’s a refreshing sip of insight! They dive into how climate change has transformed their vineyard game, allowing them to grow grapes that were once impossible to ripen. With a dash of humor and a lot of heart, they chat about their leap into sustainable practices, like going fully solar-powered—yes, they’re basically a power plant now! Plus, they share some family tales and the ups and downs of keeping it in the family while breaking new ground. So, grab a glass, kick back, and enjoy this delicious conversation about wine, weather, and a pinch of family legacy!

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We chat with the Lisa Lee, the mastermind behind The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Lisa shares her wild journey from a dreamer with a flair for interior design and photography to a wine-loving sommelier.

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Forrest is hanging out with Melissa Aellen from Simple Theory Wines, and wow, does she have a story! She kicks things off by sharing how her childhood dreams of being a secretary morphed into a full-blown passion for winemaking. Melissa talks about her journey through the wine world, the lack of role models, and how one inspiring magazine cover changed everything for her. We dive into her experiences at Cornell and some wild tales from her internships, including a hilarious foot-treading escapade with Barbera 2022. So grab your favorite glass and join us as we sip on some seriously good wine wisdom and laughs!

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Melissa Aellen elaborates on the unique branding of Simple Theory Wine, which incorporates mathematical symbolism in its logo. The inception of Simple Theory Wine is rooted in a family legacy that dates back to 1976, emphasizing a rich history of winemaking.

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Lisa, the fabulous owner of The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach, swings by to spill the tea on her wine-filled world! We kick things off with some rapid-fire questions that uncover her dream dinner guest—none other than the legendary Raj Parr. Sounds fancy, right? But wait, there’s more! Lisa shares her newfound love for orange wines, specifically one called the Vice Brooklynites, which she describes as "lovely and fun." We also dive into the vibes of her tasting room, where she boldly declares Saturday nights are all about being "seductive." So, grab a glass and join us for some wine wisdom and a dash of sass!

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