In honor of Women's History Month, Kathryn and Tug have a conversation surrounding women in the wine industry. Kathryn talks about some of the challenges women face and how that's changing...slowly. A few weeks ago was the 5th edition of Canons: a wine faire just for women in France. French winemaker Isabelle Perraud is a leader in the industry, speaking out against sexism, discrimination and assault against women. The hosts drink a bottle of her red pét-nat that is perfect springtime and day drinking (Hint: it's not totally dry). Kathryn references her current wine resources: the natural wine blog NOT DRINKING POISON the UK Magazine GLUG. At home, the hosts recount a recent trip away form the kids for the first time. Kathryn talks about what she's reading for Esters' Book Club. Tug is inspired a recent trip back to high school, and a Culver City HS basketball game. The Wine of the Week is Isabelle Perraud 'Balance Ta Bulle' Pét-Nat, Beaujolais, France 2021.

Kathryn and Tug sit down with Tron Carter, co-founder of No Laying Up, the incredibly popular golf podcast and content company. Tron discusses his extensive background in the hospitality industry and his passion for food and wine. "TC" talks about his quest for discovering great wine and beverage on his golf travels, and relays which golf courses have the best wine programs. The trio takes a closer look at orange wine and its rise in popularity. Kathryn is inspired by a new book, while Tron and Tug relay some music recommendations. The Wine of The Week is A.D. Beckham 'Amphora' Pinot Gris, Chehalem Mountains, Oregon 2019.

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Part Two of Kathryn and Tug's interview with Matthew Kaner. It's a discussion on the rapidly growing non-alcohol/wine substitute movement. Matthew has been representing Proxies, a wine alternative, for over a year. He explains why he decided to work with the brand, and what he's seeing in the NA market. The recent Dry January tasting at Esters was packed. From skipping wine a week nights a week, to cutting alcohol entirely, people are leaning into non-alcoholic spirits and wine alternatives. Kathryn and Tug taste two different Proxies and get into a conversation on ingredient labels, expirations dates, celebrity partnerships, taste comparisons between wine and N/A beverages, and a lot more. The Beverages of the Week are Proxies 'Glow' and 'Audrey' Canada, NV.

Kathryn and Tug interview the great Matthew Kaner, a man who has had a major impact on the Los Angeles wine scene over the last 15 years. A former Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year, he's also opened two of California's best wine bars, in Bar Covell and Augustine Wine Bar. He's also worked with Somm TV and now runs his own consulting business: Will Travel for Wine. Matthew shares how he got into wine industry, the beginnings of Bar Covell, the joys and challenges of running bars and restaurants, the talent needed for curating wine, and shines a light on his latest endeavors. It's a great listen for anyone who loves the food and beverage world, or is considering opening their own wine bar! This is Part 1 of 2...

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Kathryn and Tug received some exciting news this week and jumped on to record an episode about it! Esters was listed as a Semifinalist for Outstanding Bar by the James Beard Foundation. The couple relays how they learned of the news and the subsequent events that unfolded. To celebrate properly, they open a bottle of Krug, the ulimate luxury Champagne. Kathryn gives a brief history of the domaine and explains what makes the Krug wines so unique. The Wine of the Week is the Krug 'Grand Cuvée' Brut Champagne, France NV (167éme Èdition).

Chateauneuf du Pape is an iconic wine region. Kathryn and Tug explore the history behind the region and the characteristics that make it unique. The family behind Domaine de la Solitude has been in Chateauneuf du Pape making wine for eight generations and were the first in the region to label their wines. This is a bottle to open and enjoy over several hours. And the hosts finally have time to do that after weeks of dealing with holiday business and sick kids. Kathryn and Tug talk through some personal goals for 2023. The Wine of The Week is Domaine de la Solitude, Chateauneuf du Pape, France 2020.

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Kathryn and Tug discuss one of their favorite wine regions. While ever-alluring, the wines of Burgundy often come with a hefty price tag and can be fickle. It matters when you open them. Kathryn explains the geography and some basics on the region. She describes Volnay and what makes this village unique. This is also a region where vintage matters. In other news, the couple rehashes their life in the last six weeks: it's been quite the whirlwind of travel, work, and sniffly kids. Tug is inspired by the World Cup and Kathryn gives a book recommendation. The Wine of the Week is the Domaine Louis Boillot & Fils ‘Les Grands Poisots’ Volnay, Burgundy, France 2015.

It’s the season for red wines. Kathryn and Tug open up a bottle from a tiny producer in a tiny region of France: Savoie. Kathryn talks about the alpine vineyards around Mont Blanc not far from the Swiss border. Mondeuse is a native variety to the region with a rich history. Domaine de Ardoisieres was the first to practice Biodynamics here - Kathryn is excited to share the story of this well-loved estate. Back at home, the couple is dealing with sick kids. Kathryn enjoys a night at Esters with a friend. Tug honors the passing of Peter Schjeldahl, art critic of the New Yorker. The Wine of the Week is the Maison de Ardoisieres ‘Silice’ Rouge, Vin de Allobroges, Savoie, France 2021.

Kathryn and Tug celebrate the start of fall with a bottle of sparkling Cabernet Franc. To Kathryn, Cab Franc symbolizes fall. They break down the differences in sparkling red wines, from Lambrusco and beyond. Kathryn discusses what makes this unique Loire Valley Cab Franc so special - it has a lot of devout fans in the restaurant world. In other news, Tug reviews a recent trip back to the East Coast, Kathryn endorses a hilarious new book, and they dissect a recent homemade taco dinner. The Wine of the Week is Chateau de Miniere 'Bulles de Miniere' Loire Valley, France NV.

Kathryn and Tug prepare for the Labor Day heat wave by opening up a super refreshing rosé. One doesn’t always think of Nebbiolo as poolside, summer wine - but this is it!! Kathryn explains the saignée method for making rosé. On the home front, the couple talks about plans for their upcoming anniversary. Tug raves about seeing Helado Negro in concert. Kathryn has a book rec for lovers of Florence. The Wine of the Week is the G.D. Vajra ‘Rosabella’ Rosato, Piemonte, Italy 2021.