Sometimes, I just have to say my peace and get on with it.  Though in this episode, I dig into the relationships that are forged like in no other industry. Hear me out.

I would argue that the best stories in wine aren't just written in vineyards and cellars, but in the electric connections between people, places, and time—sometimes under the neon glow of a set piece scavenged from a Hollywood film. In this episode, I’m unabashedly turning the spotlight on myself and the tangled web of encounters that make up my journey through the wine world. You’ll hear how my wish to inspire led one of my early show writers, Lisa K., to trade in her notes for studies in Bordeaux and how, through her, I’ve built connections I never would have imagined, including friendships with renowned professors and winemakers. I’ll take you behind the scenes with the legendary Cladstrups, whose books have forever changed how I—and maybe how you—experience Paris, and with Maximilian Riedel, whose passion for glassware may just have you questioning whether the vessel truly shapes your wine’s destiny. I walk you through my adventures in enotourism with Bill Kalais, who proves that real travel in wine is about genuine cultural immersion, not just bus tours and tastings. And I’ll reveal how pioneers like Jason Haas reinvented American wine by shattering old rules and building new bridges—reminding all of us how wine creates an ever-unfolding tapestry of relationships and possibility. At every turn, I come back to a core truth: wine transforms lives, forges lasting bonds across continents and cultures, and weaves together music, language, land, and food into something inseparable and deeply human. Listen in and you’ll learn, through my own stories, why the most meaningful bottles are those that connect us, and perhaps even discover the real reason Paris owes more to an exiled empress than to any king.

#WineTalks #WineIndustry #WinePodcast #WineHistory #WineEducation #WineInnovation #WineCulture #WineTravel #WineTourism #WineConnections #WineStories #Winemaking #Glassware #RhoneRangers #FrenchWine #Bordeaux #WomenInWine #WineAndWar #ChampagneCharlie

Once I was asked to meet a vendor at a local diner...a diner like the one at the end of the movies Sideways. Complete with amber plastic tumblers.  IN walked one of the old time great wine slaesman with his wares in tow. I must have looked cross-eyed because I was sure he would not want to taste his wines here, at this diner. I was wrong and he did. This is when I learned how important the proper glass is when tasting or drinking wine. I guess some of us learn the hard way.

Prepare to be absolutely amazed and inspired by this deep dive into the world of wine glasses and the family legacy behind Riedel, the world’s oldest glass-producing company! In this fascinating episode of Wine Talks, host Paul K sits down with Maximilian Riedel, the charismatic 11th-generation leader of Riedel, and the conversation will forever change the way you think about what’s in your glass.

Maximilian reveals that it’s the DNA of the grape that determines the shape of the glass—how cool is that? Wine glasses are not designed on computers or drawn out in some sterile lab; they’re born through taste, smell, texture, and endless experimentation alongside renowned winemakers from the world’s top regions. We learn that even the world’s most iconic glasses, meticulously crafted over generations, owe their existence to a relentless process of trial and error and to the subtle, invaluable feedback from true wine experts. Who knew that glass shape could affect the way wine tastes so much?

We’re also treated to incredible stories—from how only the last three generations of the Riedel family fell in love with wine, to wild collaborations with everyone from Champagne houses to the tequila industry (yes, Riedel invented the first tequila-sipping glass, honored by the President of Mexico!). Maximilian opens up about following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, the influence of family, and how he’s trying to inspire his own young kids to appreciate the culture and storytelling of wine and glassware.

But the discussion doesn’t stop at the glass itself. Paul and Maximilian explore broader wine culture—why restaurant wine pricing can be intimidating, the evolving language of wine, and why social media is so crucial for connecting with younger generations and spreading the joy and artistry of wine.

This episode will make you want to rethink everything you know about wine tasting, glassware, and even the traditions and values that shape the way we drink. Maximilian’s passion, humor, and eye-opening insights will leave you wanting to experience wine in a whole new way.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the glass matters or are curious about the magical intersection of history, craftsmanship, and wine, this is a must-watch. Don’t miss this journey into the artistry, science, and family stories that make every sip extraordinary!

Riedel (Wine glass and decanter manufacturer) https://www.riedel.com

Tiffany & Co. (Referenced as "Tiffany’s") https://www.tiffany.com

Target (Referenced as "Target") https://www.target.com

Dom Pérignon (Champagne house) https://www.domperignon.com

Krug Champagne (Champagne house) https://www.krug.com

George V / Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris  https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/

#wine #winetalks #riedel #maximilianriedel #glassware #wineglasses #winestories #wineculture #crystalglass #sommeliers #winelover #wineindustry #terroir #wineeducation #familybusiness #tasteexperience #winemakers #finewine #socialmediawine #wineinnovation

Legacy in the wine trade is not guaranteed. Not every child wants to take on the wine trade. I have many stories of famed children of iconic brands setting out to carve their own path to only lnad back in this passionate business. Jason Haas of Tablas Creek came around a bit quicker. He saw what an honest glass of wine represents and is now the second generation owner of Tablas Creek.

Jason Haas may be the only guest who can increase the world’s acreage of a grape by 40% simply by planting half an acre. If that got your attention, prepare for a conversation filled with surprising truths about winemaking in Paso Robles, the deep roots of Tablas Creek, and the evolving landscape of California’s wine industry. You’ll learn how a partnership between the American Haas family and the French Perrins of Château de Beaucastel launched an early French “transplant” with a vision for Mediterranean grapes in California—long before it was fashionable. Jason offers an insider’s perspective on why Paso Robles’ sub-appellations are more expressive than those in Napa and how scientific mapping by UC Davis and Cal Poly replaced politics with terroir. You’ll get an engrossing look at how this once rural, cowboy town is still shaped more by local families than by corporate interests, and why that matters for the wines—and the people—who make them. Jason also reveals how trends, from big brand Cabs chasing the Napa style to small-batch Rhône blends with true regional character, shape what’s in your glass. If you’ve ever wondered what innovation actually means in wine—outside of quirky bottles and cans—Jason gives you a primer on farming organically and regeneratively, introducing grapes the world has nearly forgotten, and packaging that shrinks the industry’s carbon footprint. You’ll hear the untold story of California’s Roan Ranger movement that started in a little Berkeley restaurant, and why camaraderie and shared purpose make Paso’s wine community unique. Along the way, you’ll discover why the best part of a Paso wine club might be the opportunity to bowl against your neighboring vintners’ Little League teams—no cowboy hat required.

1. Tablas Creek (the main winery discussed, Jason Haas is proprietor)

   • Website: https://www.tablascreek.com

2. Château de Beaucastel (French winery, partners with Tablas Creek founders)

   • Website: https://www.beaucastel.com

3. Opus One (Napa Valley winery referenced)

   • Website: https://www.opusonewinery.com

4. Dominus Estate (another Napa Valley winery referenced)

   • Website: https://www.dominusestate.com

5. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (regional wine association mentioned)

   • Website: https://pasowine.com

6. Edmunds St. John (Steve Edmunds mentioned as an original Rhone Ranger)

   • Website: http://www.edmundsstjohn.com

7. Brooks Winery (Janie Hook referenced as part of a wine collective)

   • Website: https://www.brookswine.com

8. Vineyard Brands (Import company founded by Robert Haas, Jason’s father)

   • Website: https://www.vineyardbrands.com

9. Ancient Peaks Winery (mentioned as owned by a former well digger)

   • Website: https://www.ancientpeaks.com

10. Austin Hope (Paso Robles winery/brand discussed)

    • Website: https://hfwines.com

11. DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles producer mentioned)

    • Website: https://daouvineyards.com

12. JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery (Paso producer mentioned)

    • Website: https://www.justinwine.com

13. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (Paso Robles winery mentioned)

    • Website: https://www.jlohr.com

14. Wine of the Month Club (Paul Kalemkiarian’s business)

    • Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com

15. Lalime’s Restaurant (Berkeley restaurant referenced as a meeting point; may now be closed but for history: )

    • Website (legacy/reference): https://www.lalimes.com

#winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #JasonHaas #TablasCreek #PasoRobles #RhoneVarietals #winemaking #wineindustry #winenight #vineyardlife #CaliforniaWine #wineclub #d2cwine #winestories #wineducation #sustainablewine #wineinnovation #tastingroom #winecommunity

When I was approached by a PR firm to interview the Stephen and Jennifer McPherson, I gladly agreed not knowing a thing. Podcasts guests are not hard to find in the industry...but good podcasts guests...that is a different story.

I am about the story. That is what I am pitching in the world of wine; innovation in marketing and packaging are important, but what is that innovation centered on? The story. 

And here is a story, what started as a promise between spouses, became a reality and one that they, as many life changes perform, they wish they had started earlier.

If you ever wondered what happens when a top entertainment exec swaps red carpets for rolling vineyards, Stephen and Jennifer McPherson’s journey will uncork your imagination. On this episode, you’ll hear firsthand how passion trumped the allure of Hollywood glitz, beckoning Stephen from ABC to the grape-stained heart of Napa Valley—all because of a vow made to Jennifer on the eve of their wedding. You’ll be invited into the world of Promise Winery, a boutique operation run by this husband-and-wife team with just three employees and a steadfast commitment to staying small, authentic, and deeply personal. Get ready to learn what it takes to follow a dream in an industry that, while brimming with camaraderie and collaboration, is anything but easy. The McPhersons peel back the layers of their calling, sharing stories that reveal why wine is far more than a business—it’s an expression of emotion, a vehicle for connection, and a labor of genuine love. You’ll laugh at the tales of pigs, homemade prosciutto, and kitchen experiments, and come away touched by their philosophy that great wine is born not in boardrooms but through personal relationships, intention, and joy. As you listen, you’ll pick up intimate details about wine’s power to unite, the changing landscape of Napa, the eccentricities of wine marketing, and the importance of sticking to your values when trends and algorithms tempt you otherwise. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a tour of the soul behind the bottle, with wisdom for anyone dreaming of a life built on what matters most.

1. Promise Winery Website: https://www.promisewine.com

2. Wine of the Month Club Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com

3. Rombauer Vineyards Website: https://www.rombauer.com

4. Goldman Sachs Website: https://www.goldmansachs.com

5. Naked Wines Website: https://www.nakedwines.com

6. Winc (formerly Club W) Website: https://www.winc.com

7. Chateau Coutet Website: https://www.chateaucoutet.com

8. Colgin Cellars Website: https://www.colgincellars.com

#WineTalks #PromiseWinery #NapaValley #WinePodcast #WineIndustry #WinePassion #WineStories #Winemaking #BoutiqueWinery #WineLovers #WineCommunity #WineExperience #WineTasting #FamilyBusiness #WineJourney #WineAndFood #WineEmotion #WineEducation #WineCulture #AuthenticWine #paulkalemkiarian #winetalkspodcast 

This is absolutely incredible. During this conversation with Master of Wine Tim Hanni, I had to step back and take a breather. He speaks on such a level about wine and the errors of the industry and packs so much into a single sentence, one must just ask him to stop to let the listener regroup. And then you can't wait to get to the next subject.

Tim Hanni has a knack for stirring up the wine world—and not just in the glass. Master of Wine, self-proclaimed neurodivergent, and recovering vertical thinker, Tim upends every rule you thought you knew about wine and food pairing. In this episode, you’ll tumble down the rabbit hole of wine “education,” learning why the very idea of a standardized language for wine is more myth than method, and why trying to force consumers into rigid tasting frameworks makes about as much sense as serving Château Yquem only after dessert. Tim invites us to step outside the vertical “vacuum” of tradition, where “experts” argue endlessly over points, metaphors, and what makes a wine “authentic,” regardless of what real people like or taste. Instead, you’ll explore horizontal segmentation—a visionary approach that asks what you enjoy, rather than lecturing you on what you’re supposed to like. He’ll open your eyes to the untold culinary histories of France, China, and beyond, exposing how local customs—think mixing wine with water, Cognac with Sprite, or the Spanish cult of Calimocho—defied all the snobbery and made wine approachable. Beyond the chemistry and the clichés, Tim shows how genetics, perception, and even childhood memories shape your palate. Unravel the neuroplastic threads connecting culture, biology, and psychology, and discover why language about wine is as personal and subjective as taste itself. Trust us, you’ll come away from this conversation empowered to toss aside intimidation, embrace your own preferences, and maybe even splash a little Coca-Cola in your glass—because as Tim reveals, the future of wine isn’t about changing you to fit the wine, but letting the wine world finally fit you.

✅ Think wine is all about fancy rules and stuffy traditions? Think again. ✅ Master of Wine Tim Hanni and host Paul Kalemkiarian shatter the myths around wine language, food pairing, and what REALLY matters when you pour a glass. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, they dive into why the “rules” of wine are mostly illusions, how perception and neurodiversity shape our tastes, and why the industry needs a massive shake-up. ✅ Bottom line: Forget the snobbery—wine is about YOUR experience, not outdated dogma. 

Mentioned in the podcast:

Monell Chemical Senses Center

Website: https://www.monell.org/

Suntory (Japanese company referenced for scotch and wine ventures)

Website: https://www.suntory.com/

#wine #winetalks #timhanni #paulkalemkiarian #wineindustry #wineeducation #neurodivergence #winepairing #sensoryscience #winelover #perception #winemyths #foodandwine #winetasting #winelanguage #winehistory #verticalsegmentation #horizontalsegmentation #mindgenomics #wineculture

Reaching out to Polly to have a chat about coming on Wine Talks, was like a breath of fresh air. Podcasting takes great effort and a conscious effort to be better and to look for guests that can add to the entertainment and education value of the show. I could have just as easily recorded our pre-call and published that as a podcast. I think you will find Polly intriguing, inspiring and knowledgable. 

Polly Hammond would be the first to admit she never gets nervous on podcasts—until, of course, she landed on Wine Talks with Paul K., reminiscing about youthful memories in Hermosa Beach and realizing just how close to home a conversation about wine could truly feel. In this episode, listeners are in for much more than a stroll down California’s scenic, wine-soaked memory lanes. You’ll dive deep with Polly, CEO and founder of Five Forests Wine Consultancy, as she shakes up entrenched ideas about what keeps wine regions—and the wider wine business—buzzing and relevant. Expect lively debate about the value of tradition and typicity, a behind-the-scenes look at loyalty and wine clubs in the digital age, and a wake-up call about the risks of letting marketing run on autopilot. Polly challenges brands to not just hand down goals to marketers, but to invite them into the boardroom, making a compelling case for why the future of wine depends on personal, empathetic connection with consumers instead of faceless macro-data. Along the way, you’ll pick up eyebrow-raising stories—like how middle-aged moms became surprising champions of 19 Crimes, or why a thriving direct mail business in the ’90s can teach us crucial lessons for today’s digital dilemma. Whether you’re a wine lover wondering how your own preferences evolve, or an industry stalwart trying to keep pace with Gen Z’s changing tastes and the existential threat of e-commerce to the old wine club model, this episode peels back the curtain on the emotional, psychological, and practical realities facing wine today. When Polly finishes, you’ll find yourself equipped—not just with fascinating wine stories, but with a new lens for viewing the wine world’s challenges and possibilities, one disruptively practical insight at a time.

1. Five Forest Wine Consultancy Website: https://fiveforests.com

2. Ottomany Global (sometimes spelled as "Areni Global" in industry contexts; it's a wine think tank) Website: https://areni.global

3. Alexander Valley Vineyards Website: https://www.avvwine.com

4. Hope Family Wines (Trecini/Treana Wines) Website: https://hopefamilywines.com (Triana/Treana is a brand under Hope Family Wines)

5. SC (University of Southern California, USC) Website: https://www.usc.edu

6. Napa Valley Wine Academy Website: https://napavalleywineacademy.com

7. Wine of the Month Club Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com

8. Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: https://www.gallo.com

9. Coca-Cola Website: https://www.coca-colacompany.com

10. Wine Warehouse Website: https://winewarehouse.com

#wineindustry #winetalks #winemarketing #wineloyalty #wineclubs #wineconsulting #winetradition #digitalmarketing #winelife #pollyhammond #paulkalemkiarian #femalewineleaders #winebusiness #wineretail #winesales #winestory #winebranding #customerloyalty #winedigital #winepodcast

Sometimes life is about timing. Just as I was inquiring about the wine of an Armenian wine maker, I received an email from a gentleman thanking me for the inquiry, and that he happens to be in LA...and would love to sit for a podcast. I was floored.

When Vahagn sat down and began to speak, I knew we would hit it off. He had insight and passion. And it turns out that the winemaker, Zara Muradyan is his wife. What are the odds..lol.

Oxford educated with a grounded outlook on wine, we hit it off and the conversation could have gone on for hours.

Vahagn Voskanyan wants you to remember his name—not for its tricky spelling, but for the remarkable story behind every bottle he touches. You will come away with an entirely fresh appreciation for what it means to make wine in Armenia, where every sip is less about chasing trends and more about channeling centuries of heritage, family resilience, and pure emotion into the glass. As Vahagnn candidly shares, wine is a process—not just a result—and through his partnership with his trailblazing wife, Zara, he’s helping to reignite an Armenian industry that only recently emerged from decades of obscurity. Listeners will discover how Zara’s relentless pursuit of innovation, from rewriting Armenia’s winemaking curriculum to engineering a new kind of Armenian vermouth, is matched only by Vahagnn’s drive to connect their wines to the hearts of drinkers across the world. You’ll learn the hard truths and soft skills of building a boutique winery where “less is more” and the story matters as much as the science. Through tales of global journeys, emotional tastings, and lessons drawn from both Soviet-era and millennia-old winemaking traditions, you’ll gain insight into the unique character of Armenian grapes, the challenge of defining terroir when history itself is being rewritten, and the profound belief that wine should spark conversation, curiosity, and connection. Whether it’s reflecting on the emotion of a perfectly balanced wine, discussing how innovation meets tradition, or embracing the “life of wine” over the fleeting allure of lifestyle, Vahagnn’s wisdom and humility shine through. Expect to finish the episode not just wanting to taste their story, but also to rethink what, and who, really fills the bottle in front of you.

1. Zara Muradian Winery (referred to as "Zara Winery" / "Zara Muradian Winery"):

   • No website was provided in the transcript. If you'd like to find more, you may try searching for "Zara Muradian Winery Armenia" or similar terms online.

2. White Rabbit Family (a group of high-end restaurants in Russia):

   • Website: https://whiterabbitfamily.com/en/

3. California State University, Fresno – Viticulture & Enology Research Center:

   • Main university site: https://www.fresnostate.edu/

   • Viticulture & Enology Center: https://jcast.fresnostate.edu/ve/index.html

4. Geisenheim University (Germany)

   • Website: https://www.hs-geisenheim.de/

5. James Suckling (wine critic and tasting events):

   • Website: https://www.jamessuckling.com/

6. CivilNet (mentioned as a studio/production site in Armenia)

   • Website: https://www.civilnet.am/

#winepodcast #WineTalks #PaulKalemkiarian #VahagnnVoskanyan #ZaraWinery #ArmenianWine #winemaking #wineeducation #familybusiness #boutiquewinery #JamesSuckling #grapegrowing #Armenia #winehistory #winepassion #womeninwine #vineyardlife #wineculture #wineindustry #winestory

When I reach out for podcast guests...I look for interesting backgrounds. Meaning, I would like to see a variety of experiences and someone who has a point of view. With the advent of the wine critic (many years ago) and the wine periodical, I wanted to have Susan on the show as she was the lead editor of the Wine Enthusiast. This puts her is a very small group of wine writers and by default, gives her a point of view.

Susan Kostrvewa knows the wine industry like few others—after all, when she talks about effective messaging, wine authenticity, and the power of experience, it’s with the insight of someone who shaped the narratives at Wine Enthusiast and now crafts strategy for brands craving a new audience. In this episode, you’ll uncork more than just theories. You’ll come away knowing how digital disruption, shifting consumer habits, and the revolution in direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales are rewriting the wine world. Is the key to survival expensive ad campaigns, or does it begin—quite literally—in the bottle? Susan unpacks why great juice and an honest, authentic story matter more than ever, especially against a backdrop of failed brands and changing markets. You’ll hear about the importance of hospitality and experience in a connected world, discover why younger markets from India to Brazil are rising, and learn why travel and Eno-tourism might be the secret weapon for growth. Susan also tackles the non-alcoholic wine trend with curiosity and candor—why hasn’t it matched the spirit of traditional vino, and where are we headed? Plus, she and Paul dissect the dangers of chasing trends, the value—and limits—of wine scores, and the singular power of meeting people where they are, whether in a bustling tasting room or through a well-told family story. Whether you’re a winemaker, marketer, or simply passionate about the stuff in your glass, you’ll leave this episode with practical, story-driven wisdom and a new appreciation for how timeless principles and modern thinking can—and must—coexist in today’s wine world.

1. Wine Enthusiast Website: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/

2. Wink (also known as Winc) Website: https://www.winc.com/

3. Treasury Wine Estates (Referred to as "Finish Wine Estates" in the transcript, but the actual company is Treasury Wine Estates) Website: https://www.tweglobal.com/

4. Château Canon Chaigneau Website: https://www.canon-chaigneau.com/

5. Shovel Blanc (Most likely referring to Château Cheval Blanc) Website: https://www.chateau-cheval-blanc.com/

6. Castoro Cellars Website: https://www.castorocellars.com/

7. Wine Hooligans Website: https://winehooligans.com/

8. Whole Foods Website: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

9. Corona (beer brand) Website: https://www.corona.com/

#wineindustry #directtoconsumer #DTC #winemarketing #winetrends #wineconsumption #winequality #winetourism #wineratings #winescores #contentstrategy #winemessaging #wineexperience #wineeducation #winesales #hospitality #wineculture #nonalcoholicwine #consumerengagement #winebranding

Despite being the son of a pharmacist turned wine professional, I did not know the purpose of an Entheogen.

Ross Halleck set me straight,so much so, that after defining an entheogen, the value of the consumption of wine became clearer.

Ross Halleck doesn’t just make wine—he might just ask you to close your eyes and seek the divine within a single glass. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll be swept past the typical vineyard tales and deep into the spiritual and mystical roots of wine itself. You’ll learn how Ross stumbled into the wine trade not through family legacy or grand ambition, but with the curiosity of a seeker and a penchant for unearthing life’s mysteries. Paul and Ross unravel why, for some, wine is more than a social lubricant or status symbol; it’s an “entheogen”—a conduit to something sacred. Discover how the trappings of wine culture, from magazine scores to over-intellectualization, can miss the magic entirely, and why Ross is on a mission to return wine to its ancient role: bringing people together, not driving them apart. You’ll step inside his West Sebastopol vineyard and hear why he believes winning top awards means little if you can’t connect with people’s hearts. The conversation flows from digital reviews and the democratization of taste, to the pitfalls of marketing wine as pure commerce, to modern-day plant medicine ceremonies designed to foster self-discovery, belonging, and reverence. As the layers peel back, you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on wine—not just as a beverage, but as a timeless link to the sacred, the mysterious, and the collective human story. And if you’ve ever wondered why a certain glass makes you feel something inexplicable, or why wine alone among drinks is revered across cultures and epochs, this episode offers more than an explanation—it offers an invitation to experience the “vine intervention” for yourself.

1. Halleck Vineyard Website: halleckvineyard.com/wine-tasting-sonoma-county (Ross Halleck's winery, mentioned as halleckvineyard.com under events for wine ceremonies.)

2. Starbucks Website: starbucks.com

3. Hewlett-Packard (HP) Website: hp.com

4. Apple Website: apple.com

5. Sun Microsystems (company no longer independent; acquired, but for historical reference): Website: oracle.com (redirects to Oracle)

6. Wine Spectator Website: winespectator.com

7. Robert Parker/Wine Advocate Website: robertparker.com

8. Wine of the Month Club Website: wineofthemonthclub.com

9. Michelin (Michelin Guide for restaurants) Website: guide.michelin.com

10. Yelp Website: yelp.com

11. Foursquare Website: foursquare.com

12. Kosta Brown  Website: kostabrowne.com

13. Kendall-Jackson Website: kj.com

14. Rombauer Vineyards Website: rombauer.com

15. Cheval Blanc Website: chateau-cheval-blanc.com

#wine #winetalks #paulkalemkiarian #rosshalleck #halleckvineyard #winepodcast #wineindustry #pinotnoir #sonomacounty #wineandspirit #wineculture #enthiogen #wineexperience #winelover #winecommunity #wineclub #winemarketing #winepassion #spiritualwine #wineceremony

Proper winemaking takes humility. It takes a story. It takes risk. And I guess risk is relative. when you come from nothing or next to nothing and you plot a path and execute a path, that comes from and takes humility. Mike Grgich landed in Saint Helena with $32 dollars sewed in his shoe and landed in front of a faceless hotel. He wasn't sure at the point what to do next and certainly wasn't aware of what was to become of him.

Sitting with Violet Grgich is in itself sitting with humility. Such a desirable trait in a human being. She immediately draws you in to her outlook on life; perhaps a piece of her fathers outlook.

The Grgich name might conjure visions of Napa Valley legend, but Violet Grgich proves she’s every bit as fascinating as the myth she continues. In this unforgettable conversation, you’ll traverse the triumphant, tumultuous journey of her father, Mike Grgich—the man behind the “Judgment of Paris”—from a small, impoverished Croatian village to the heart of California winemaking, with $32 literally sewn into his shoe and ambition sewn into his soul. Violet unspools the invisible threads connecting generations: the hard-won wisdom passed from father to daughter, the unwavering commitment to tradition and authenticity, and the belief that the story in every bottle is as important as the wine itself. Along the way, you’ll uncover why organic, regenerative farming isn’t just a marketing phrase at Grgich Hills, but a living, breathing value system; how a winemaker’s hands-off approach reveals complexity in the glass; and why, despite decades of technological advances, the heart of great wine remains thrillingly elemental. Violet’s reflections on the emotional power of wine—its capacity to conjure memories, ignite conversation, and bind friends—will linger with you long after, as will her thoughts on the shifting tides of generations, changing tastes, and why she’s certain that, in the end, every age group rediscovers honest wine. You’ll step behind the cellar door to meet the people, the terroir, and even the family spirit that defines Grgich Hills—learning not only the story of a vineyard, but how wine, at its best, transforms a simple moment into something infinite. By the end, you’ll know not just how Grgich wines are made, but why they matter, and why the real taste of wine is the taste of a hard-won, beautifully lived life.

1. Grgich Hills Estate (Violet Grgich’s winery)

   • https://www.grgich.com

2. Napa Valley Vintners Association

   • https://www.napavintners.com

3. Apple Inc. (referenced as the employer of Paul K’s daughter)

   • https://www.apple.com

4. Robert Mondavi Winery

   • https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com

5. Chateau Montelena

   • https://www.montelena.com

6. Hills Bros. Coffee (referenced due to Austin Hills)

   • https://www.hillsbros.com

7. St. Helena Hotel (historical mention, no current operational website found)

8. Pepperdine University (Violet’s MBA alma mater)

   • https://www.pepperdine.edu

#WineTalks #podcast #NapaValley #VioletGrgich #PaulK #GrgichHills #JudgmentofParis #winemaking #winehistory #organicfarming #regenerativeagriculture #wineemotion #immigrantstories #familylegacy #Chardonnay #CabernetSauvignon #wineinnovation #naturalwine #wineeducation #winebusiness #wineryexperiences