In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko introduce our new Presenting Partner and chat with Coravin's Founder, Greg Lambrecht.

Greg has revolutionized the wine world with his hugely poplar wine preservation devices. With a background in medical devices and technology, Greg brought his expertise in precision engineering and testing to the wine industry, creating groundbreaking products that both members of the trade and at home enthusiasts can use easily. We'll explore Greg's journey from wine enthusiast to inventor, the challenges he faced, and the impact of Coravin on the wine industry worldwide.

This is also a special episode as it kicks off our partnership with Coravin, who is the new Presenting Partner of the Vint Podcast.
You can get a 15% OFF on your next Coravin purchase using the code: VINT15 at checkout.

You'll be hearing much more about what this means for you, our listeners, in the weeks to come!

Chapters:

01:13 Announcement: Coravin is now our Presenting Partner!

04:11 Interview with Greg Lambrecht Begins

05:05 Greg's Early Wine Experiences

09:29 The Birth of Coravin

13:28 Developing the Coravin Prototype

17:06 Commercializing Coravin

23:46 Global Expansion of Coravin

28:22 Current Product Line and Innovations

29:02 The Role of Argon in Wine Preservation

30:45 Introducing the Pivot System

33:06 Optimizing Wine Preservation Techniques

38:01 The Challenge of Sparkling Wine

41:35 Future Innovations and Industry Impact

54:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko talk (and sing) with Norm Peters, the Vineyard Director at Silver Oak (and Twomey) Wine Estates. With over two decades of experience in viticulture and vineyard management, Norm brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the world of wine. From his early beginnings at Poppycock Vineyards (and elementary education before that!) to his current role at Silver Oak & Twomey, Norm has been at the forefront of sustainable farming, vineyard innovation, and quality grape production for several years.

Norm's impressive career includes leadership roles at Trinchero Family Estates and The Wine Group, where he implemented technologies like autonomous tractors and vineyard mechanization, as well as many sustainability measures. As an adjunct assistant professor at Saint Mary's College of California, he has also shared his passion for viticulture and enology with aspiring wine professionals.

In this episode, we'll delve into Norm's journey through the vineyards, exploring the intricate details of vineyard operations and the impact of viticulture on winemaking. Discover how sound vineyard practices and a commitment to excellence in managing a staff have shaped some of the finest wineries in the industry.

Chapters:

00:21 Hosts' Personal Vineyard Stories

06:55 Interview with Norm Peters Begins

07:13 Norm Peters' Background and Career Journey

12:22 Insights on Viticulture and Vineyard Management

22:39 Challenges and Innovations in Vineyard Operations

27:16 Global Challenges in Agriculture

27:42 Human Capital and Sustainability in Vineyards

29:15 Balancing Sustainability Practices

31:56 Ensuring Worker Well-being

37:35 Quality Control in Winemaking

42:24 Tasting and Picking Grapes

45:50 Personal Reflections and Wine Preferences

48:06 Country Music and Wine

50:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko spend time with the Wine Director and Buyer for Los Angeles's La Pharmacie du Vin, Sarah Plath. Sarah is representative of an eclectic group of wine professionals who drive the industry forward by creating memorable expereinces at the local level - selling and serving wine in our neighborhoods at local wine shops and bistros. By designing a selected list of both fine and rare wines from legacy producers, as well as trendy and contemporary natural and low intervention wines, Sarah and the staff at Pharmacie are able to educate clients on the breadth and depth of the world of wine.

La Pharmacie is a mainstay in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, which itself is a sort of melting pot of new and old, attracting both traditional wine lovers and newcomers. Sarah is a wealth of knowledge and carries her own intriguing story about how time spent in fine dining around New York brought her to one of these coveted Director roles, serving enthusiasts in their day to day journey through wine discovery. Sarah also leads many of the wine classes and tasting events that Pharmacie provides as a resource for those looking to dive deeper into the wine world.







Chapters:
02:03 Introducing Sarah Plath: Wine Director at Pharmacie du Vin

02:53 The Unique Charm of Pharmacie du Vin

05:50 Sarah Plath's Journey into the Wine World

08:11 From New York to LA: A Wine Career in Transition

17:12 Embracing LA's Wine Scene and Joining Pharmacie du Vin

21:33 Curating a Diverse Wine Selection at Pharmacie du Vin

37:56 Engaging with the Community: Education and Hospitality at Pharmacie du Vin

41:18 Conclusion: The Multifaceted World of Wine with Sarah Plath

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko sit down with famed wine grape geneticist and researcher, José Vouillamoz. José  is a renowned Swiss botanist and geneticist, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the field of viticulture. With a Ph.D. in plant genetics from the University of Lausanne, José has become one of the foremost experts on the DNA profiling of grapevines. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of grapevine origins, relationships, and diversity.

Collaborating with esteemed colleagues, including Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding, he co-authored the seminal work "Wine Grapes," a comprehensive guide that explores the DNA evidence behind over 1,300 grape varieties. José's meticulous studies have uncovered the parentage of many ancient grape varieties, shedding light on the complex history of viticulture across different regions.

In addition to his academic pursuits, José is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a respected consultant for vineyards and wine producers around the world. His passion for both the science and heritage of wine makes him a unique and influential figure in the wine industry, bridging the gap between genetic research and practical viticulture.

Chapters:

00:52 Special Guest Introduction: José Vouillamoz, the Foremost Grape Geneticist

02:02 Weekend Wine Tasting Adventures and Discoveries

07:57 Diving Deep into Grape Genetics with José Vouillamoz

08:41 Jose's Journey into Grape Genetics and DNA Profiling

11:09 Unveiling the Origins of Swiss Grape Varieties

13:17 The Impact of DNA Profiling on Wine Genetics and Regional Identities

18:35 Exploring the Foundational Grape Varieties and Their Global Influence

21:35 The Genesis of the Wine Grapes Book with Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding

24:50 Founder Grape Varieties and Their Significance

25:04 Exploring the Roots: The Ancestry of Famous Grape Varieties

26:46 The Science Behind DNA Profiling in Viticulture

35:02 The Impact of Genetic Diversity on Wine Varieties and Climate Adaptation

41:11 The Future of Viticulture: Clonal Identification and Terroir Expression

46:38 The Role of Rootstocks in Combating Climate Change

48:45 Leveraging Genetics for Improved Winemaking and Vineyard Management

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko fly solo to discuss Billy's recent travels to Croatia/Montenegro, and then give their thoughts on some of their favorite wine drinking accessories. If you're interested in some of what you hear on today's episode, head out to your local wine retailer (avoid the big boxes for more niche selection), and ask for Georgian, Croatian, or any Slavic or Baltic wines - you'll be in for a treat!

Chapters:

00:22 Reunion: Back from Travel and Paternity Leave

01:10 Billy's Wine Tasting Journey in Montenegro and Croatia

01:40 Discovering Unique Wine Varieties and Experiences

02:05 An Adventurous Journey to a Montenegrin Winery

09:05 Exploring Croatian Wine Regions and Varieties

17:06 Wine Accessories and Gadgets: Must-Haves for Enthusiasts

22:35 The Importance of a Good Wine Fridge

25:40 Elevating Your Corkscrew Game

28:17 Wine Transportation: Bags and Luggage

32:29 Choosing the Right Wine Glasses

36:21 The Utility of a Wine Bottle Chiller

38:20 Decanting: A Must for Wine Lovers

41:02 The Revolutionary Coravin System

46:13 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Interview 

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this archived episode (previously episode 81) of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy sat down with Bobby Stuckey, partner and Master Sommelier at Frasca Hospitality Group. The group’s flagship restaurant, Frasca Food and Wine, has won two James Beard awards for excellence in Outstanding Wine Service (2013) and Outstanding Service (2019). 2023 saw the restaurant achieve a Michelin Star and another Outstanding Service award from Michelin Guide. Bobby is one of America’s most accomplished Sommeliers and someone who has dedicated his life to service, bussing tables and pouring wine on the floors of his restaurants. He is also a fierce advocate for the restaurant industry, leading initiatives to protect workers and keep businesses alive during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with his successful restaurant businesses, Bobby is co-founder of the Scarpetta Wine Company, which presents the white wines of Friuli, Italy - a region he is most passionate about. In this episode, we talk restaurant work, Friuli, collecting, and how to make service a sustainable and life-long career. Bobby is a titan of the wine world and can offer wise words of advice for any business looking to treat their customers with hospitality. Enjoy!

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko talk with Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Drifter Spirits, and co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey, Peter Nevenglosky. Rare Character is an independent bottler of American whiskies, mainly focused on Bourbon and Rye, with a portfolio predominantly consisting of single barrel selections labeled alongside select partners. Pete shares about the philosophy behind each label, and how the brand came to be in the midst of the pandemic. Rare Character is developing somewhat of a cult following among whiskey enthusiasts in the US, and their new (and exclusive) Brook Hill label has sold out practically everywhere. With a special focus on unique finishing casks through their Native Wood and Finishing Series, fans of Rare Character have the opportunity to explore all kinds of unique expressions of Bourbon and Rye through the portfolio,   demonstrating the breadth and complexity of what American Whiskey can be.

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, host Billy Galanko dives into one of his favorite topics, diving deep into the less-explored grape varieties of German and Austrian wine beyond the familiar Riesling and Grüner Veltliner before interviewing Wine Importer Sebastian Lowa, co-founder of Baire Wines Imports. Sebastian shares his journey into the importation game and his passion for organic and biodynamically farmed wines from Germany and Austria.

The name 'Baire' is a combination of Sebastian's nickname 'Basti' and his wife Claire's name, as well as a nod to the bear on both the Berlin and California flags. Sebastian's interest in wine was sparked during a trip to Italy, where he discovered the diverse flavors and agricultural nature of wine. He then started making his own wine and eventually decided to import wines from Germany and Austria. Baire Wines Imports focuses on importing and distributing German and Austrian wines in the US. They work with producers that use organic and biodynamic farming practices and prioritize soil health.

The wines they offer showcase a wide range of varietals and styles, from classic Mosel Riesling to more unique and experimental wines like orange wines and pet-nats. Baire Wines Imports aims to be diverse in its portfolio, offering wines for every type of account, from Michelin-star restaurants to liquor stores. They believe that wines made with minimal intervention and a focus on the fruit taste more alive and interesting.

Explore Baire Wines' Portofolio
Godforsaken Grapes Book Link

Chapters
03:06 Exploring Unique Varieties Beyond Riesling and Grüner Veltliner

12:31 The Journey of a Wine Importer: Sebastian Lova's Story

14:17 The Birth of Baire Wines: Organic and Biodynamic Focus

15:30 From Beer to Wine: Sebastian's Personal Wine Journey

19:52 Making Wine and Embracing the Vineyard Life

25:44 Exploring Baire Wines' Diverse Portfolio

27:55 Discovering the First Wine Producer

29:17 Exploring Diverse Ways to Connect with Winemakers

30:11 Building a Wine Portfolio with Personal Connections

31:12 Diving Into the Diversity of German and Austrian Wines

41:24 The Philosophy Behind Low Intervention Wines

50:59 Expanding Distribution and Looking Forward

53:16 Navigating the Complexities of Wine Import and Distribution

56:13 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this special episode of The Vint Podcast, we're excited to bring you a unique two-interview episode with the first featuring Tony Parker and Channing Frye, two former NBA champions who have ventured into the wine industry. Tony Parker shares his intriguing journey from the basketball court to the vineyard, detailing his involvement with Chateau La Mascaronne and Maison Jeeper Champagne. He reflects on how his upbringing in Europe influenced his passion for wine and delves into the organic practices at Chateau La Mascaronne. Parker also recounts the fascinating history behind Maison Jeeper, highlighting its World War II connection.

Following Parker's interview, we revisit a conversation from two years ago with Channing Frye, originally aired as Episode 18. Alongside co-owner Jacob Gray, Frye discusses the foundation of Chosen Family Wines and their commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the wine industry. This re-airing allows us to explore the parallels and through-lines between these athletes' transitions into the wine world. Both Parker and Frye reflect on how their experiences in the NBA have shaped their approach to winemaking and their efforts to build community through their ventures.

Chapters
00:25 Special Double Interview Episode: NBA Champions Turned Wine Enthusiasts

03:42 Exploring Tony Parker's Wine Ventures: La Mascaronne and Maison Jeeper

24:39 Channing Frye: Transitioning from the Court to the Vineyard

34:17 Demystifying Wine: A Call for Inclusivity

35:31 Wine as a Gateway to Experiences and Connections

51:03 The Future of Wine: Emerging Regions and Varietals

01:01:41 Exploring the Art of Wine Blending

01:03:08 Discovering Unique Wine Regions and Their Surprises

01:05:38 Exclusive Wine Experiences and Their Impact

01:18:17 The Personal Touch in Wine Making and Business

01:24:33 Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Wine Industry

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, your window into the world of wine and spirits. In this California-centric episode, Billy Galanko sits down with Matthew Crafton, head winemaker at the renowned Chateau Montelena. Situated in the picturesque north of Napa Valley, Chateau Montelena is not only a beacon of viticultural history but also a testament to the evolving art and science of winemaking. Crafton, a Virginia native with over two decades in the wine industry, shares insights into the winery's delicate balance of heritage and innovation.  

In the interview, Crafton unravels the intricate layers of winemaking that have positioned the winery at the forefront of quality and sustainability. From the careful stewardship of their land to the adoption of cutting-edge technology in the vineyard and cellar, Montelena exemplifies how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously. Crafton's discussion offers a deep dive into the meticulous practices that ensure each bottle of Montelena wine reflects the unique character of their estate vineyards, underscored by an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. This episode is a journey through the past, present, and future of a winery that continues to shape the landscape of Napa Valley winemaking.


Time Stamps:

00:22 Diving into California's Wine Scene with Matthew Crafton of Chateau Montelena

00:32 The Legacy of Chateau Montelena and the Judgment of Paris

01:10 The Art of Winemaking: Balancing Heritage and Technology

01:35 A Deep Dive into the World of Oak Barrels

10:12 Behind the Scenes with Matt Crafton: The Craft of Winemaking at Chateau Montelena

24:31 A Journey Through the Vineyards: Replanting and Elevating Quality

32:22 The Challenges and Triumphs of Winemaking: Fires and Integrity

33:16 Exploring Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay from Oak Knoll

33:53 The Evolution of Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay

35:43 The Art and Science of Winemaking at Montelena

38:49 Exploring the 2021 Vintage: A Deep Dive

43:13 The Intricacies of Barrel Selection and Toasting

51:15 Sustainability and Innovation: Shaping the Future of Montelena

01:02:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Chateau Montelena

The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected].

Cheers!