The Swirl Suite

This episode is more than a finale. Its a full-circle moment.

For the last interview of The Swirl Suite Podcast in this chapter, we sit down with Kora Franco, founder of Aesthetic Wines, a modern, Black womanowned wine brand rooted in resilience, ambition, and bold self-expression. Koras story mirrors so much of what The Swirl Suite has always stood for: showing up authentically, claiming space in wine culture, and building something meaningful even when the path isnt smooth.

We talk about:

• Building a wine brand with purpose and personality
  
  

• Navigating the wine industry as a Black woman entrepreneur
  
  

• Confidence, creativity, and choosing boldness even when it feels risky
  
  

• What it really means to create a movement, not just a label
  
  

After our conversation with Kora, we close this chapter the only way that feels right: by reflecting on our favorite Swirl Suite moments. The interviews that moved us, the laughs that caught us off guard, the lessons well carry forward, and the community that made every episode worth recording.

https://aestheticwines.com/about-us/ 

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass 

In this episode, we sit down with Myisha Moore, co-founder and CMO of Saint Enzo, a luxury modern Lambrusco redefining howand whywe celebrate.

Crafted from 100% organic Lambrusco Grasparossa, produced entirely in Italy with no additives or cellar manipulation, Saint Enzo challenges decades of misconceptions around Lambrusco. Launched in August 2025, the brand sold out its first release within minutes, signaling a powerful shift in how consumers think about sparkling wine beyond Champagne.

This conversation explores category repositioning luxury and what it really takes to build a culturally relevant brand from the ground up.

https://www.instagram.com/drinksaintenzo/ 

https://www.saintenzo.com/

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

In this episode, were joined by Kevin - marketing and branding consultant, writer, photographer, and the voice behind The Full Belly Blogger. As a self-described enthusiastic diner, Kevin brings a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective to conversations about food, culture, and hospitality.

Our discussion centers on restaurant expectations how theyre formed, who sets them, and how they can unfairly shape the way diners experience and evaluate restaurants. We spend meaningful time unpacking expectations placed on Black restaurants, including how bias, double standards, and cultural misunderstandings can influence reviews, and customer behavior.

Kevin shares insights from his work as a James Beard Judge, his background in branding, and his lived experience as a diner and writer, offering nuance around what excellence really means and why context matters in hospitality.

https://www.instagram.com/thefullbellyblogger/

https://thefullbellyblogger.substack.com/

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

In this episode of the Swirl Suite, Sarita and Glynis sits down with Katie Leonardini, part of the family behind the iconic Whitehall Lane Winery in Napa Valley. Katie shares what it means to grow up in a multigenerational wine family, how she balances honoring tradition with embracing innovation, and why sustainability and hospitality are at the heart of everything her team does.

We talk Napa history, cabernet culture, and the real work behind running a family-owned winery in a region filled with major corporate players. Katie opens up about memorable vintages, the beauty and chaos of harvest, and the lessons the vineyard teaches her year after year.

Youll also hear a Thanksgiving-themed conversation. 

https://whitehalllane.com/

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

This week on The Swirl Suite, Sarita sits down with wine professional Marissa Knodel for a lively and honest conversation about wine etiquette whats still relevant, whats outdated, and how to navigate wine culture with confidence and grace.

From the small taste before pouring to gifting bottles at dinner parties, Marissa shares her insider service perspective and gives listeners practical (and funny) ways to handle tricky wine moments without feeling intimidated. Whether youre a sommelier, a dinner host, or the friend who always brings the wine, this episode will help you sip smarter and stress less.

Symphony Vines de Noire

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/symphony-vins-de-noire-tickets-1616993343619?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf16WVPRV-Gg4CDcaPl_6q8HQ-ISiyRsDjOpptOq72KJlyGI5OZx31oOZVL_Q_aem_TUKRWiuDjW8sr5i_7jKs-g

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

This week on the Swirl Suite, we sit down with Tammy Gordon, Washington, DCbased public relations consultant and co-founder of Vin Vitalit, a growing community of women in wine. With a background that includes being a spokesperson for the Office of Champagne, advising Black Wine Professionals, and holding a WSET Level 2 certification (while proudly dodging Level 3), Tammy brings a sharp, honest perspective on how the wine industry can become more accessible, inclusive, and media-savvy.

We talk about her journey into wine, founding Women in Wine DC, her love of womens sports, and how the wine world can learn a thing or two from the rise of visibility in womens athletics.

Plus, Tammy shares what PR strategies wine professionals often miss, and how we can better engage diverse audiences.

Follow Tammy on Instagram @tammygordon for her takes on food, wine, travel, and sports.

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

As we prepare to wrap up The Swirl Suite at the end of this year, each remaining episode is a celebration of the voices, stories, and passions that have shaped our wine world. This week, Sarita sits down with Loris, a sommelier and actor, whose charisma, hustle, and creative perspective have made waves in the wine space and beyond.

In this episode, we talk about:

Plus: rapid-fire This or That questions, honest takes on wine trends, and reflections on what it means to show up in the wine world as your full self.

https://www.instagram.com/loristhesomm/

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass

This week on the Swirl Suite, we welcome back travel expert, physician, and wine enthusiast Dr. Nadeen White, the dynamic force behind The Sophisticated Life and Culinary Travels.

Nadeen joins us to share how her love of travel, culture, and cuisine fuels her storytelling, from sipping wine in South Africa to indulging in street food across Asia.

https://drnadeenwhite.com/

https://www.instagram.com/culinarytravels_thesophislife/

The Swirl Suite Podcast 

Email: [email protected] 

Site: https://www.swirlsuite.com/ 

Social Media 

POD @SwirlSuite

Sarita @VineMeUp

Leslie @TheWineConciergeClub

Glynis @Vino_Noire

Tanisha @GirlMeetsGlass