In this special update, host Billy Galanko shares an important announcement about the future of the Vint Wine Podcast. After four years of long-form interviews and Five Questions conversations with leading voices from across the wine world, the show is officially pausing production.

Billy is currently in the process of acquiring the full rights to the podcast catalog, and the YouTube channel, from his former company, Vint. This will be the final episode released under the Vint Wine Podcast name.

Once the acquisition is complete, the show will relaunch in 2026 with a new name, new branding, and its own website, while maintaining the same interview-driven format listeners know and love.

Billy reflects on why the pause is necessary, shares what listeners can expect next year, and thanks the audience for their continued support.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Why the Vint Wine Podcast is pausing for the foreseeable future
• Details on Billy’s ongoing process to acquire the rights to the podcast and YouTube channel
• What this means for the Vint Wine TV channel and its upcoming rebrand
• Why continuing under the Vint name no longer makes sense
• Exciting plans for the 2026 relaunch—new brand, new site, same format
• A heartfelt thank-you to listeners after 4+ years of support

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 special solo edition of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko shares an important update on the future of the Vint Wine Podcast. As longtime listeners know, Billy recently transitioned out of Vint, and is in the process of acquiring full rights to the podcast catalog. Until that process is complete, production of new interviews is temporarily on pause.

In this short episode, Billy answers the five most common questions listeners have been asking, about the pause, the relaunch, the new name, upcoming guests, and even holiday travel plans.

Whether you listen to every full-length interview or you’re a Five Questions loyalist, this episode sets the stage for what’s ahead.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the podcast is temporarily paused
• When new episodes are expected to return (hint: January—pending final rights transfer)
• Details on the new podcast name inspired by Hugh Johnson
• How listeners can submit guest ideas during the break
• Where Billy is traveling this winter (Taiwan + Vietnam!) and what wine he hopes to find along the way

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 – Welcome to Five Questions
00:50 – Changes and Updates to the Podcast
01:58 – Future Plans and New Beginnings
02:46 – Listener Engagement and Suggestions
03:17 – Holiday Travel Plans
03:51 – Conclusion and Next Steps

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!

Episode Description (Optimized for Apple & Spotify)
Grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with host Billy Galanko for a deep dive into the DNA, history, and origins of iconic French and Swiss grapes. Co-author of Wine Grapes, José has spent decades decoding grape lineages and uncovering where the world’s most important varieties truly come from.

In this episode, we spotlight his new book Les Grands Cépages, exploring 12 major French grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Savagnin and Viognier, while also revisiting Switzerland’s native gems like Chasselas, Cornalin, Arvine, and Räuschling. We also dig into how DNA tools have evolved, why “grape patriotism” often clashes with science, and how nearly-lost vines have shaped modern wine. If you’re curious about grape origins, terroir expression, or the genetic stories behind classic varieties, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What an ampelologist does and how José uses DNA, history, and vineyard archaeology to study grapevines
• How grape DNA research evolved from early markers to whole-genome sequencing
• The true family trees of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot, and others
• Why some regions fiercely claim “ownership” of certain grapes, and when the science disagrees
• How Swiss grapes like Chasselas, Cornalin, and Arvine express terroir and age in surprising ways
• Why Swiss wines are hard to find but can be outstanding value at the top end
• What’s next for José: ungrafted vines, ancient clonal material, and future books on Italy and beyond

Episode Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 – Introducing Dr. José Vouillamoz
01:15 – French & Swiss Grapes Overview
03:50 – Inside the World of Grape DNA
08:59 – How DNA Techniques Have Evolved
14:08 – Switzerland’s Native Grapes
16:42 – The “Grand” French Grapes (Les Grands Cépages)
18:31 – Origins, Myths & Grape Stories
24:21 – Merlot’s Surprising Parentage
27:54 – Cabernet Franc’s Journey & Chenin/Sauvignon Origins
32:56 – Standout Swiss Varieties & Terroir
34:21 – Cornalin, Merlot Blanc & Chasselas
47:17 – Swiss Wines on the Global Stage
50:57 – Future Projects & Discoveries
54:12 – Conclusion and Farewell

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, host Billy Galanko sits down with Dr. José Vouillamoz, one of the world’s leading grape geneticists and co-author of Wine Grapes. José is internationally known for his pioneering work using DNA profiling to trace the origins of grape varieties, revive forgotten heritage vines, and help wineries plan for a climate-challenged future.

Across five questions, José distills decades of research into an engaging look at where wine comes from, where it’s heading, and why grape diversity matters now more than ever.

What You’ll Learn

• How José became a global authority on grape DNA and origins
• Why climate change and declining consumption threaten the wine world
• Two underrated wine regions: Switzerland & Armenia
• Why José pushes back on certain trends—natural wine flaws, no/low-alcohol wines, and the “denormalization” of wine
• His most meaningful recent wine experience and international recognition

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet José Vouillamoz: A Leading Oenologist
00:51 The Role of an Oenologist
03:14 Challenges in the Wine Industry
04:38 Underrated Wine Regions
07:20 Controversial Wine Trends
10:12 Memorable Wine Experiences
11:02 Conclusion and Farewell

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!

Quality is rising, challenges are mounting, and interest in Canadian wine has never been higher. In this episode, host Billy sits down with Okanagan-based Master of Wine Geoff Moss to explore the regions, grapes, and decisions shaping Canadian wine today.

Geoff shares how he moved from political science into winemaking, how production experience informs his work in branding and DTC strategy, and why his négociant label Søren Wines serves as a live test case for the advice he gives wineries. We dig into the styles Canada does best, from Syrah and Cabernet Franc to Chardonnay and Riesling, and how recent extreme winter freezes (including 2024) are reshaping what gets planted in BC.

We also look at the realities behind bulk wine logistics, export limitations, and the economic pressures facing premium Canadian producers in a soft global market.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• How Geoff Moss MW built a career across production, branding, and direct-to-consumer work.
• Why the Okanagan is both diverse and climate-challenged, with styles ranging from cool-climate Pinot to warm-climate Syrah.
• How recent deep freezes devastated BC’s vineyards, particularly Syrah, and what growers are replanting now.
• Why Niagara shines with cool-climate Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
• How Søren Wines sources fruit from BC to Eola–Amity Hills and operates as Geoff’s “proof-of-concept” brand.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Meet Geoffrey Moss, MW
01:53 Canada’s Wine Landscape: Regions, Climate & Industry Insights
04:14 Geoffrey’s Path Into Wine & the Origins of Søren Wines
13:24 Production Realities: Logistics, Sourcing & Winemaking Challenges
16:11 Deep Dive into the Okanagan: Style, Diversity & Key Varieties
23:09 Evolution of Okanagan Wines: Merlot, Syrah & Climate Impacts
30:32 Market Dynamics: BC Exports, Ontario’s Cool-Climate Identity
35:18 Niagara’s Standout Grapes & Signature Styles
41:25 The Future of Canadian Wine
46:07 Final Thoughts

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, host Billy Galanko sits down with Geoffrey Moss, MW, marketing strategist, DTC specialist, founder of Lithica Wine Marketing, and the mind behind his own wine label, Søren Wine, to explore the ideas shaping today’s wine industry.

Geoffrey shares how he helps wineries grow direct-to-consumer channels, the climate challenges facing the Okanagan Valley, the surprising magic of Baja California wines, why “organic but not certified” claims drive him crazy, and a recent vineyard hike in the Douro that reshaped his perspective. As both a Master of Wine and a producer himself through Søren Wine, Geoffrey brings an insider’s view from both the business and cellar sides of the industry.

What You’ll Learn

• How Geoffrey Moss approaches DTC sales, digital marketing, and wine club strategy
• The two biggest issues threatening the wine industry today
• Why the Okanagan and Baja California deserve more global attention
• The problem with “organic” claims, and what he wishes wineries would do instead
• What mouse taint is (and why he never wants to taste it again)
• How a hike through Portugal’s Douro Valley vineyards reshaped his understanding of the region
• A powerful recent wine experience that renewed his optimism

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast
00:19 – Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 – Meet Geoffrey Moss
00:53 – Geoffrey’s Role in the Wine Industry
01:28 – Key Issues in the Wine World
03:10 – Underrated Wine Regions
05:35 – Wine Trends Geoffrey Dislikes
09:02 – Memorable Wine Experiences
10:49 – Conclusion and Farewell

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!

Master of Wine Lisa Perrotti-Brown returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with a new chapter in her career. Known for her influential tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Wine Advocate and decades of reviewing top estates across Bordeaux, Napa, Australia, and New Zealand, Lisa has long blended deep technical expertise with approachable, consumer-focused insight. 

After co-founding The Wine Independent, she’s now launched TheWinePalate.com, a modern, data-driven platform built to personalize wine discovery. Her mission: make it easier for drinkers to find wines that truly match their preferences, with clarity, transparency, and far more than just a score.

Before diving in, host Billy Galanko recaps a big wine week in Los Angeles, from a Wines of Hungary seminar with John Szabo MS to La Fête du Champagne with Peter Liem and some of Champagne’s most exciting growers and houses.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Lisa’s global wine journey shaped her approach to modern criticism
• Why traditional tasting notes and scores fall short for today’s drinkers
• How The Wine Palate’s Palate Matcher uses 25+ sensory and structural filters
• Why faults (brett, oxidation, smoke) should be searchable
• The importance of winery stories, vintage reports, and editorial context
• Lisa’s take on orange wines, climate change, and the evolution of “fine wine”
• Early thoughts on recent Napa and Bordeaux releases

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 Introducing Lisa Perrotti-Brown
01:02 Billy's Wine Adventures
01:58 Champagne Tasting Highlights
04:55 Lisa's Journey in the Wine Industry
07:09 The Wine Palate: A New Era in Wine Criticism
26:42 The Importance of Wine Filters
27:10 Meet the Wine Review Team
28:06 Exploring Orange Wines
30:14 The Role of Wine Critics
33:34 Vintage Reports and Editorials
38:13 The Future of Fine Wine
41:23 Wine Tasting Process Revealed
48:45 Recent Vintages in Bordeaux and Napa
50:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, host Billy Galanko sits down with one of the most influential and trusted voices in the modern wine world: Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, former Editor-in-Chief of Robert Parker Wine Advocate and founder of the newly launched TheWinePalate.com, a platform designed to help drinkers find wines that truly match their personal palate.

In this quick, high-impact conversation, Lisa shares her perspective on the rapidly evolving wine landscape, why communication is the industry’s biggest challenge, the emerging regions drinkers should be paying attention to, and why stylistic “wine tribes” do more harm than good. She also discusses a sobering recent experience that underscored the challenges facing Bordeaux and the wider wine world.

Whether you're a collector, a casual drinker, or wine-curious, this episode offers clarity, candor, and grounded insight from one of the industry’s most respected critics.

What You’ll Learn

• How Lisa thinks about her role as a critic and consumer guide
• Why wine must evolve its communication tools to stay relevant in an AI-driven world
• The regions and subregions worth exploring next, from the West Sonoma Coast to Georgia
• Why she rejects wine “gatekeeping” and embraces stylistic diversity
• What the 2024 Bordeaux en primeur season revealed about the industry’s challenges

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Interview with Lisa Perrotti-Brown
00:51 Lisa's Role in the Wine Industry
01:24 Current Issues in the Wine World
03:03 Underrated Wine Regions
04:29 Wine Trends Lisa Dislikes
05:36 Memorable Wine Experiences
07:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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!

Few wines capture Tuscany’s essence like Brunello di Montalcino, and few estates embody its heritage like Il Poggione. In this episode, winemaker Alessandro Bindocci joins Billy Galanko to explore what makes this corner of southern Tuscany one of the most fascinating wine regions on earth.

From four generations of family stewardship to the estate’s modern sustainability drive, Alessandro takes us inside Il Poggione’s vineyards and cellars to reveal how classic Sangiovese becomes one of Italy’s most age-worthy wines. We unpack everything from clonal selection, elevation, and soil types to submerged-cap fermentation, large oak aging, and the fine line between structure and elegance that defines great Brunello.

Billy also shares new updates on the future of the Vint Wine Podcast, including an upcoming rebrand, a dedicated website, and expanded YouTube content featuring winemakers, critics, and regions shaping today’s global wine culture.

What you’ll learn

• How Il Poggione preserves a century-old Brunello identity while embracing organic certification and solar-powered sustainability.
• Why Montalcino’s Mount Amiata, Tyrrhenian breezes, and forest biodiversity are critical to balance and longevity.
• The impact of submerged-cap fermentation on tannin refinement and color depth.
• How large French oak casks (3,000–5,000 L) keep Sangiovese pure, while selective barrique aging adds finesse.
• Vintage takeaways: 2019 classic and firm, 2020 open-knit and supple, 2025 shaping up as a potential benchmark year.
• A tasting roadmap through Il Poggione’s range, from Rosato Toscana to the iconic BdM Riserva Vigna Paganelli.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:55 Exciting Podcast Updates
02:04 Meet Alessandro Bindocci of Il Poggione
02:42 Exploring Il Poggione’s Wine Range
08:16 A Family Legacy in Winemaking
13:40 The Unique Terroir of Montalcino
19:57 Organic and Sustainable Practices
25:22 Innovation and Winemaking Philosophy
27:57 Submerged-Cap Fermentation Explained
30:22 The Role of Oak in Aging
32:40 Indigenous Yeast and Fermentation
33:56 Vintage Deep Dive: 2019, 2020, and 2025
41:11 Rosso vs. Toscana — Two Expressions of Sangiovese
47:42 The Evolution and Future of Il Poggione
50:42 Closing Thoughts and 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, Billy sits down with Alessandro Bindocci, winemaker at Il Poggione, one of Montalcino’s founding estates and a benchmark producer of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.

From the estate’s roots as a working Tuscan farm to its massage-selection Sangiovese vineyards, Alessandro shares how Il Poggione balances deep tradition with innovation in the cellar. He discusses the influence of Barolo on his winemaking, the adoption of submerged-cap fermentation, the vintages that shaped his career, and Il Poggione’s ongoing organic efforts.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• The history and philosophy of Il Poggione
• Sangiovese and the terroir of southern Montalcino
• Lessons from Barolo and the submerged-cap technique
• Memorable vintages: 1955, 2006, and 2010
• The future of Il Poggione: sustainability and organic farming

🕒 Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet Alessandro Bindocci
00:54 Vineyards and Varieties
01:41 About Il Poggione Winery
02:31 Inspirations and Techniques
04:03 Memorable Vintages
05:08 The Road Ahead for Il Poggione
05:48 Closing

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!