What's the Finish?

An epic conversation with the next Champagne producer to join Avid Vines, Perrine Rafflin of Rafflin-Lepitre Premier Cru Brut Champagne! 

Our conversation in English sprinkles a little French as we learn about the all-female team that owns and produces another certified organic, sustainable Premier Cru Brut Champagne from Chigny-les-Roses, FR! 

Perrine's story of perseverance is touching and illustrative of what's required on any worthwhile journey. 

At the end of our discussion we preview the profiles of each of the amazing Champagnes headed to the US for the first time ever! 

Listen to our podcast as we talk "Unveiling Rafflin-Lepitre's Organic Brilliance"

Today's episode puts us in the shoes and tongs of Chef Yong Kim, Executive Chef at the Jersey Shore Sushi, a kosher restaurant.  

Chef Kim and David discuss how rule-breaking is essential for growth, the new world of sushi and wine pairings, and Chef's desire to teach those with whom he cooks to thrive and develop into better chefs. 

The restaurants we list in NYC on your next visit are NOT to be missed !! 

Listen to our podcast as we talk "What it takes to Bliss Out at a Restaurant"

Today's episode brings us Mike LaPlante, musician and wine enthusiast from Windsor, Canada. 

Wine impressions are best made during travel or life cycle moments like getting married. 

It's about knowing a place from where the wine comes. 

Then branch out to discover new areas using the previous area as a point of reference.  

Listen to our podcast as we talk "Branching Out: Get Beyond Mass Produced Wines"

"It's just fermented grape juice!"  

Wine making is not brain surgery.  

That's just one of the nuggest in a great episode with an educator and an upstart winemaker, Jesse Schwartz, from the Columbia River Gorge. 

This area is gaining attention for its wines as it sits on the border of OR and WA states, 1 hour east of Portland, OR.  

Join us for stories about creating wine travel guides, making wine in Portugal, and two amazing restaurant recommendations from these 2 areas!

Here's another episode totally in French! 

Clarisse and I discuss how the French grow in appreciation for their wines. 

The wines of her region get special mention and the food with which its paired.  

Join us for the sub-titles in English for a lively, revealing conversation! 

Listen to our podcast as we talk "Love & Wine"

This episode brings us into the restaurant through the eyes of a sommelier constantly continuing her education and her palette. 

We talk about the dynamic where waitstaff and somms assessing how much to engage with patrons as well as explore from the patron's viewpoint, how and when a restaurant's service staff is best able to help with wine pairing decisions.  

Finally we include fabulous places to visit in London with top notch wine lists and superb can't miss cuisine. 

Here they are: 

Chiltern Firehouse 
NobleRot 
Brunswick House 

Listen to our podcast as we talk "Assessing Patrons & Service at Restaurants"

I hope you like a French accent. Antoine is our French guest on the podcast and a memorable one.  

Listen to us discuss the most important characteristic for enjoying and appreciating wine: an open-mind. 

Antoine and David talk about the need to test and remove rules and declarations about food and wine preferences. 

They prevent you from experiencing amazing discoveries! 

Finally, listen to the end to hear 3 amazing restaurant recommendations for your next trip to Paris!

Hear a fascinating explanation of how to describe a wine's impact and the sensations we feel when enjoying it. 

This episode is a wonderful mix of French and English that's easy to follow. 

It's so interesting to hear how French people develop their passion for wine since its so closely linked to their national identity. 

My conversation with William is a great one with 2 amazing restaurant suggestions in Paris!

The one-word for this podcast is 'Excellent'! Lucasz and David talk about the moment in Lucasz's life where wine appreciation began.  

Lucasz also reveals the 3 ways one can deepen their passion for learning about wines - including the wine region he is most passionate about.  

Recorded from London, Lucasz also shares his top 2 restaurant recommendations - including the one with a Michelin star! 

This one is for the French majors, I won't lie. Simon and I speak the entire time in French so viewing the captions on YouTube (search: Avid Vines) will help you understand our conversation. 

Simon, from the north of France, explains how the birth of his daughter launched his passion for wine from her birth year. 

Simon shares the importance of traveling to the vineyards to further one's appreciation - particularly L'Hospice de Beaune near Dijon, France.