Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Weekly Wine Report on the Vint Wine Podcast. Hosted by Billy Galanko, this new segment brings you the week’s most important wine stories, blending news, history, and context to help you discover something new in the world of wine.

In this first edition, we cover two major developments:

• Château Lafleur leaves the Bordeaux AOC system
  One of Pomerol’s most revered estates will reclassify all six of its wines as Vin de France starting with the 2025 vintage. We unpack what this bold decision means for Bordeaux, the restrictions of AOC rules, and how climate change and regulatory pressures are reshaping the region’s future.
• Napa’s Pickett Fire and the threat of smoke taint
  The fire near Calistoga has already caused an estimated $65 million in vineyard damage. We explore the science of smoke taint, why it’s so difficult to detect before fermentation, and how Napa growers are managing the risk as harvest approaches.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why Lafleur’s departure could signal broader shifts in Bordeaux
• The role of AOC regulations in shaping winemaking freedom
• How climate change is accelerating change in Pomerol and beyond
• The impact of Napa’s Pickett Fire on vines, grapes, and future wines
• The chemistry of smoke taint and why it’s such a challenge for winemakers

Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or simply curious about wine, this episode provides fresh insight into how news on the ground connects to what ends up in your glass.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to The Weekly Wine Report
00:48 Château Lafleur’s Big Move
01:42 Understanding Bordeaux’s AOC Restrictions
02:05 Impact of Climate Change on Bordeaux
06:30 Napa Valley Fire Update
09:31 Understanding Smoke Taint in Wines
12:47 Conclusion and Future Episodes

👉 If you enjoy the Vint Wine Podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. And if you found today’s episode valuable, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating or review—it really helps others discover the show.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Marco Simonit, renowned vineyard consultant and co-founder of Simonit & Sirch, to explore his philosophy on vines, pruning, and the human side of winegrowing. Having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious estates, Marco brings a global perspective grounded in deep respect for the vine and terroir expression.

🎧 In this conversation:

• Why passing vineyard knowledge across generations and team is essential for preserving terroir
• The importance of consistency and education for vineyard workers worldwide
• Underappreciated wine regions like Dão in Portugal and parts of Switzerland that deserve more recognition
• Marco’s thoughts on wine trends chasing market preferences vs. wines that truly express place
• A moving reflection on how time, history, and artisanal solutions shape unforgettable wines

Whether you’re a wine collector, sommelier, or simply fascinated by the culture of vineyards, this short-form episode offers a rare window into the mindset of one of the world’s most influential vineyard voices.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet Marco Simonit
00:50 Role in the Wine Industry
01:17 Challenges in the Wine World
03:32 Underrated Wine Regions
06:47 Current Wine Trends
08:27 Memorable Wine Experiences
11:30 Conclusion

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, Billy sits down with Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac, one of Burgundy’s most respected and influential domaines. Founded in 1968 by Jeremy’s father Jacques, Domaine Dujac has grown from just a few hectares in Morey-Saint-Denis to over 20 hectares of some of the Côte d’Or’s most coveted vineyards. Today, Jeremy carries forward that legacy while also shaping a vision for the future of Burgundy.

The conversation explores the estate’s history, farming and winemaking philosophy, and Jeremy’s perspective on whole-cluster fermentation, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and the generational shift in Burgundy. Jeremy also shares his involvement with The Roots Fund, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in wine through scholarships, mentorship, and internships.

Listeners will hear about:

• The story behind the name Domaine Dujac and Jeremy’s path back to the estate
• How whole-cluster fermentation has shaped Dujac’s style and Jeremy’s evolving approach
• The domaine’s transition to organic and biodynamic farming and its impact on vineyard resilience
• Burgundy’s generational handover and how Jeremy’s experience compares to his peers
• The philosophy behind supporting vineyard workers and advancing sustainability beyond the vines
• Jeremy’s projects outside Burgundy, including Triennes in Provence and the Trailside Vineyard collaboration in Napa Valley
• The mission of The Roots Fund and examples of how it’s changing careers in wine

Whether you’re a Burgundy collector, a wine professional, or simply fascinated by the people shaping wine culture today, this episode offers rare insight from one of the region’s most thoughtful voices.

👉 Subscribe to the Vint Wine Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Links:

https://www.therootsfund.org/

https://www.delongwine.com - 25% with code WINEPOD - offer expires 9/9/2025

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 Special Guest Announcement: Jeremy Seysses of Domain Dujac
00:45 Exciting Podcast Updates and Wine Map Giveaway
03:11 Interview with Jeremy Seysses Begins
07:34 Jeremy's Background and Domaine Dujac
09:29 Jeremy's Journey into Winemaking
12:48 Generational Transition in Burgundy Wineries
19:07 Farming Practices and Vineyard Management
27:30 Challenges with Over-the-Row Tractors
28:37 Sustainability Beyond the Vineyard
29:33 Recognizing the Value of Vineyard Workers
30:16 Promoting Diversity in the Wine Industry
33:26 Success Stories from The Roots Fund
35:55 Winemaking Techniques and Innovations
42:57 Exploring Wines Beyond Burgundy
49:19 Future Plans and Sustainability Initiatives

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this Five Questions episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Seysses, co-owner and winemaker at the iconic Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Jeremy shares what sets his wines apart in a region full of celebrated Pinot Noir, offering insight into his whole-cluster fermentation approach and its impact on aromatics and texture. We explore his inspirations beyond Burgundy, from Northern Rhône Syrah to the deep-rooted traditions of Piedmont, and hear stories of memorable vintages—from the relentless challenges of 2024 to the benchmark 2005 harvest. Jeremy also reflects on building a new winery, upcoming vineyard acquisitions, and how a sense of place shapes both his work and his friendships across the wine world.

🎧 In this conversation:

• The aromatic signature of Dujac’s whole-cluster Pinot Noir
• Lessons from Northern Rhône and Piedmont wine culture
• Memorable vintages and what made them stand out
• Building a winery designed for precision winemaking
• What’s next for Domaine Dujac in the vineyard and cellar

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Interview with Jeremy Seysses: Vineyard Locations and Varieties
01:20 What Makes Domaine Dujac Unique?
02:18 Inspirations Beyond Burgundy
05:10 Memorable Vintages
08:21 Future Plans for Domaine  Dujac
09:12 Conclusion

Whether you’re a Burgundy collector, a Pinot Noir devotee, or simply fascinated by the minds behind great wines, this conversation offers rare insights from one of the region’s leading voices.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Steve De Long, founder of De Long Wine and one of the wine world’s leading cartographers, to explore his journey from architecture to creating some of the most detailed and visually compelling wine maps available today. Steve shares how he approaches mapping complex regions, the challenges of working with official wine laws and overlapping appellations, and the growing demand for detailed subregional and single-vineyard maps. He also discusses the evolution of his design style, the balance between visual beauty and absolute accuracy, and how maps can deepen our understanding of terroir.

🎧 In this conversation:

• How Steve transitioned from architecture to wine cartography
• The research process behind accurate, accessible wine maps
• Why Italy remains one of the hardest regions to map
• How detailed subregional maps are changing wine education
• The role of thoughtful design in making complex wine regions easier to understand

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:28 Special Guest: Steve De Long, the Wine Map Maker
01:14 Giveaway Announcement: Win a Wine Map
02:19 Wine News: Canary Islands and Phylloxera
04:28 Exploring Austrian Sauvignon Blanc
06:18 Interview with Steve D  Long Begins
08:15 Steve De Long's Journey from Architecture to Wine Maps
17:20 Challenges and Details in Wine Map Making
23:52 Transition to New Map Styles
25:50 Current Map Offerings
28:08 Evolution of Wine Mapping
28:24 Relocating to London
29:20 Wine Tasting Tools and Guides
30:42 The Complexity of Wine
39:38 Future of Wine Mapping
45:21 Conclusion and Farewell

Whether you’re a wine student, educator, or collector, this episode offers a fascinating insider’s look at the intersection of geography, design, and wine.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Steve DeLong, wine cartographer and creator of an iconic Wine Grape Variety Table, to explore his unique perspective on wine. Steve shares what drew him to mapping and documenting wine regions, the underrated grapes and places that deserve more attention, and why Cinsault and Franciacorta have been capturing his interest lately. He also offers his perspective on how parts of the natural wine movement have drifted toward embracing faults, and recalls memorable tastings with Champagne expert Charles Curtis MW.

🎧 In this conversation:

• How Steve’s work in wine mapping and photography began
• Why Cinsault is one of the most overlooked yet exciting grapes
• Franciacorta’s Champagne-level quality at exceptional value
• The line between character and fault in natural wine
• What it’s like to taste Champagne alongside Charles Curtis MW

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet Steve De Long
00:52 Steve's Role in the Wine Industry
01:21 Current Wine Favorites
02:14 Underrated Wine Regions
03:09 Controversial Wine Trends
05:38 Memorable Wine Experiences
07:12 Conclusion and Thanks

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier, or curious collector, this quick-fire episode delivers insider perspectives from one of wine’s most interesting voices.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko welcomes back William Kelley, Editor in Chief at Wine Advocate, for his first in-depth conversation since taking on the role. From restructuring the critic team and introducing perfumer-led aroma training, to emphasizing vineyard visits as part of the review process, William offers an inside look at how one of the world’s leading wine publications is evolving.

The discussion covers scoring philosophy, the risks of score inflation, and how changing consumer habits in the digital era are reshaping wine criticism. William also shares his own experiences as a Burgundy grower, including pruning approaches, Lalou Bize-Leroy–inspired canopy management, and the technical decisions that influence wine style and longevity.

We close with a comprehensive look at recent Burgundy vintages, 2021’s cool, classical character; 2022’s ripe concentration; 2023’s stylistic contrasts between reds and whites; the challenges of 2024, and why 2025 could be a standout year.

🎧 In this episode:
• Updates and new hires at The Wine Advocate
• Why vineyard work matters for credible wine reviews
• Balancing objectivity and subjectivity in wine criticism
• Scoring philosophy and avoiding score inflation
• Innovations in pruning and canopy management in Burgundy
• Burgundy vintage overview: 2021–2024, with an early look at 2025
• The future of fine wine in a shifting global market

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Host Introduction and Episode Overview
00:56 Listener Feedback and Upcoming News Segment
01:26 Billy's Travel Plans and Wine Tasting
01:57 Quick Wine News: Alcohol Labels and Blending
06:03 Interview with William Kelley Begins
07:30 William Kelley's Role and Team at Wine Advocate
17:56 Wine Criticism and Quality Assessment
24:58 Scoring Wines: Differentiation and Cadence
25:50 Challenges in Wine Reviewing
26:49 Balancing New Releases and Horizontal Tastings
27:59 The Administrative Burden of Wine Reviewing
30:13 The Future of Wine Reviews and AI
31:48 Innovative Pruning Techniques in Vineyards
35:00 Managing Canopies for Optimal Growth
42:30 Recent Vintages and Future Predictions

📬 Want more? Share your feedback with Billy on Instagram @billygalanko_wine_nerd or by email at [email protected].

Follow, rate, and review the show to help spread the word, cheers!

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with William Kelley, Editor-in-Chief of The Wine Advocate and one of the wine world’s most insightful and articulate voices. Based in Beaune, France, William oversees coverage of Bordeaux and Burgundy, and brings a globally respected palate and deep historical perspective to his writing and reviews.

🎧 In this candid, fast-paced conversation, William shares:

• Why Bordeaux may be the most underrated region today, despite its global reputation.
• His recent interest in Northern Rhône Syrah, especially the expressive, precise wines from the Sorrel family in Hermitage.
• A critical take on the idea that “imperfection equals authenticity” in winemaking.
• His once-in-a-lifetime discovery of an untouched 19th-century Burgundy cellar, original corks and all.

A concise conversation packed with useful takeaways and personal anecdotes from a leading voice in the world of wine.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Interview with William Kelly Begins
00:52 William Kelly's Role in the Wine Industry
01:29 Current Wine Favorites
02:21 Underrated Wine Regions
04:30 Disliked Wine Trends
05:57 Memorable Wine Experiences
08:39 Conclusion and Thanks

👉 Subscribe to the Vint Wine Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping today’s wine world.
Follow us and leave a review to support the show.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Sherwyn Veldhuizen and Marcel Giesen, the visionary winegrowers behind Bell Hill, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. From a chance blind tasting that led Billy to discover their wines, to the couple’s deep Burgundian inspiration and painstaking work establishing Bell Hill on a former limestone quarry in North Canterbury, this conversation explores what makes their wines so compelling.

Sherwyn and Marcel reflect on their early days studying viticulture, their formative trips through Burgundy, and the long process of importing rootstocks that could thrive on Bell Hill’s high pH soils. They discuss the evolution of their vineyard—from their first plantings in 1997 to their recent experiments with extremely high-density vines—and share insights into single parcel bottlings, screwcap closures, cellar aging, and New Zealand’s growing reputation for world-class Chardonnay.

🎧 In this episode:
• The founding story of Bell Hill and its Burgundian inspiration
• How limestone soils and high-density planting shape wine expression
• The unique winemaking philosophy behind their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Why North Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most unique wine growing regions
• Bell Hill’s evolving range, including rare single-vineyard releases
• Reflections on climate, vintage variation, and the future of New Zealand fine wine

This episode also includes a roundup of the week’s wine news: Napa’s cool summer and green harvesting risks, three producers to watch from an under-the-radar reds article, and why more sommeliers are ditching flutes in favor of white wine glasses for Champagne.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast
00:38 Discovering Bell Hill Wines
01:59 Podcast Format Changes and Listener Feedback
03:55 Wine News: California's Cool Summer
05:51 Wine Recommendations: Hidden Gems
08:48 Champagne Glass Debate
10:43 Interview with Bell Hill Winemakers
25:30 Addressing Rootstock Issues
26:34 Introduction to Bell Hills Wines
27:36 Bell Hill's Unique Vineyard Practices
29:49 Challenges and Strategies in Wine Production
32:46 North Canterbury Wines
37:25 High-Density Planting Experiments
46:24 Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques
51:52 Current Vintages and Final Thoughts

📬 Want more? Share your feedback with Billy on Instagram @billygalanko_wine_nerd or by email at [email protected].

Follow, rate, and review the show to help spread the word—cheers!

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen, the visionary winegrowers behind Bell Hill Vineyard in North Canterbury, New Zealand. From the limestone-rich soils in the Weka Pass, the duo crafts small-lot, high-density Pinot Noir and Chardonnay inspired by the farming traditions of Burgundy.

We explore what makes Bell Hill so distinctive, from its limestone soils to their philosophy of “growing” wine rather than making it. Marcel and Sherwyn share which vintages have defined their journey, including their first Chardonnay in 2002 and a standout single-parcel expression from 2016. They also reflect on the influence of Champagne and Burgundy, their evolving approach to biodiversity and sustainability, and what lies ahead for the estate, including a sparkling wine project and long-term land stewardship goals.

📻 Tune in to learn:
• Why limestone, vine density, and terroir expression are central to Bell Hill’s identity
• How Burgundy’s wine-growing philosophy shaped their approach
• The role of vintage variation and what they’ve learned from their earliest wines
• What’s next for Bell Hill—from sparkling wine to rewilding and succession
• How they’re redefining what sustainable viticulture can look like in the New World

Subscribe to the Vint Wine Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping global wine culture.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected].

Cheers!