Wine Face

When a Topanga Canyon shaman told Rocky Xu to stop drinking coffee during the pandemic, who knew it would have been the catalyst for a whole new life purpose? Since then Rocky Xu has been developing and perfecting his new matcha brand, Rocky’s Matcha. And the overlap between wine terroir and matcha terroir is fascinating! So today, we’re tasting outrageous matcha and diving deep into exactly how to taste, grow, and understand matcha.

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Loria Stern is here to help us all start our flower-eating journey. I have known Loria for years and have watched her take foraging and edible flower cookies to an insane level. Her amazing edible flower food business is the first of its kind. And you can order from her website, pick up her cookbook, and even catch her on Shark Tank getting a deal! But today’s wine and flower tasting is just divine. It was so fun we are going to do one in real life!!

Featured Wine:

2022 Emme Wines, Enhorabuena, Redwood Valley, California, Carignan

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crafting the perfect wine list is a creative endeavor that I don’t always look forward to but damn, does it feel good when it’s done. Let’s talk about deciding what to put on the list, how to design it, and the philosophy of ‘less is more’.

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I was visiting Austin, Texas a few weeks ago, the greatest meal I had was at Nixta Taqueria. So I had to get Nixta’s co-owner & operator Sara on the show to talk about the James Beard Award-winning restaurant’s minimalist approach to wine lists, her Persian background, the magical Oaxacan corn & farmers they support, and how she and her husband are serving some of Austin’s greatest non-traditional tacos. 

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are geeking out on a perfect summer wine but really, it's great all four seasons. But because rosé is so popular, sometimes it gets overlooked when we’re talking about exceptional winemaking. I’m here to break down just how the pressing process works, what your rosé's tint means, and all the ways a great bottle can blow your mind. 

Check out our rosé selection over at Helen's Wines.

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geologist Brenna Quigley and I are talking terroir. This is a super deep dive into the science of winemaking and how we have rocks, soil, and Mother Earth to thank for the dynamic textures and flavors of wine.

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I am super into Alpine wines these days, dare I say a hot trend this summer? I sure hope so! Alpine refers to the elevation these wines are grown at — making them fresh, and bright, and those reds are light, light, light. And that’s what I want in the warmer weather. So, let’s break down the countries growing this insane high-elevation wine and how to best enjoy a bottle.

Helen’s Alpine recommendations: Look for wines from the Savoie, Switzerland, or Alto Adige!

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Juliana might be the coolest person I know. Is she LA's IT Girl? I think so. She's a creative director. But beyond that she is style, she is grace, she is taste and she is STANDARDS! She's had her hands in so many major brands and trends that we can't even know about it because she's humble like that. She’s insanely smart, talented, well-read, and has a lust for life that is inspiring.

Featured Wine: I brought Kolfok! But sadly, the Merlot from Croatia Juliana brought is currently sold out. Check back soon!

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re being wine-trend psychics today. Maybe setting some new trends right here in this very podcast. What’s hot? What’s not? And what pairs best with your spring vegetables?

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top Chef and Food Network’s ‘Tournament of Champions’ alum and mastermind behind LA’s Playa Provisions, Brooke Williamson is in the studio! We’re talking about the many avenues her career has traveled down and how she’s now making wine. She really does it all, y’all!

Featured wine:

Jolie-Laide, Rancho Coda, California, Gamay, 2022

Hosted and Executive Produced by Helen Johannesen.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.