I have known the Levys for years. I've known them as restauranteurs and gracious people. They fell in to the restaurant business and it was sink of swim; swim they did, creating an iconic establishment in heart of Southern California.  From the restaurant came what one would consider the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley...a craft cocktail lounge. No one had heard of such falderall out of downtown Los Angeles, a craft cocktail bar...the idea.

Well, it turns out to be a brilliant idea and the bar 1886 became a destination in itself for lovers of hand made, exotic cocktails.

Enter the RTD market. I mean, they enter the RTD market. At the time of the success of 1886, the Levys brainstormed a premium, in the bottle, cocktail. Focusing on the classics and nothing but the best ingredients, Knox and Dobson was born.

Rob and Leslie Levy never intended to become restaurateurs, much less champions of craft cocktails in a bottle—but as you’ll discover, some of the best ideas come when you’re busy doing something else. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll find out how a couple just trying to buy a Pasadena apartment building accidentally inherited an iconic restaurant, survived the baptism-by-fire of the food business, and spun that hard-earned wisdom into revolutionizing the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail world with Knox & Dobson. You’ll hear tales of kitchen crises, the quirky genius of naming a brand after a childhood Chicago street corner, and what it really means to translate the heart of a five-minute, hand-crafted drink into a shelf-stable bottle that still surprises—and delights—even the most jaded bartender. Paul and the Levys dig into the gritty, exhilarating reality behind building something new: wrangling with distillers for barrels, battling the sneaky complexities of upscaling classic recipes, and learning the hard way that shelf space is gold and distributors want more than just a good story. Along the way, you’ll pick up rare insight into why most canned cocktails are disappointments, the secret advantages of a deep purple apothecary bottle, and the surprisingly emotional connection people make when you pour—literally and figuratively—your passion into a public tasting. Whether you’re dreaming of your own food and beverage business, fascinated by the science and soul of the perfect martini, or just want to know whether you could actually run a bar without losing your hair, this is the episode that will pull back the velvet curtain on both the chaos and the romance of bringing real cocktails to a thirsty world.

✅ Ever wonder how a legendary restaurant sparks a craft cocktail revolution?

✅ Rob & Leslie Levy share their wild journey from owning Pasadena’s iconic Raymond restaurant to launching their own high-end ready-to-drink cocktail brand—on the latest episode of Wine Talks with Paul Kalemkiarian.

✅ Hear how a real estate deal gone sideways led to 18 years in hospitality, and later, to breaking new ground in the premium RTD (Ready-To-Drink) cocktail market with Knox & Dobson.

✅ Takeaway: Want to know how to turn setbacks and industry surprises into flavorful success? Tune in for lessons on innovation, grit, and the secret to a perfect bottled Manhattan. You’ll never look at your next cocktail the same way! 🍸✨

Listen now to Wine Talks!

#ReadyToDrinkCocktails

#CraftCocktails

#DrinkEntrepreneurs

#KnoxAndDobson

#RestaurantStories

#BottledCocktails

#BarInnovation

#WineTalksPodcast

I am halfway through Gerard Bertrands new book: "Multidimensional Wine" and realize it is a must read for wine professionals and novices alike..get it here: 

https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/multidimensional-wine

Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bringing the wines from the South of France to the notice of the wine world. He farms biodynamicaly but keeps his ear to the ground as to what the market place is asking for. I was fortunate enough to catch him with a spare 40 minutes before he was on-stage exposing the virtues of his families heritage.

In this episode of "Wine Talks," host Paul K sits down with renowned French winemaker Gerard Bertrand to explore the philosophy, cultural significance, and future of wine. Bertrand shares insightful stories about growing up in the family wine business and the vital lessons he learned from his father, emphasizing wine as a multi-generational pursuit fueled by passion and patience. The conversation delves into the unique relationship between wine, terroir, and vintage—with Bertrand arguing that good winemaking is about capturing the “footprint of the vintage” and channeling the land’s unique character into every bottle.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on biodynamic farming, which has dramatically increased soil vitality at Bertrand’s wineries and, in his view, has the potential to lead agriculture toward greater biodiversity and planetary health. The pair also reflect on wine’s profound connection to spirituality and cultural identity, exploring how wine brings people together in a shared experience like no other beverage can.

Finally, the episode touches on the challenges and opportunities for wine in a changing world, from shifting generational tastes to the power of storytelling and experiential marketing. Bertrand concludes with optimism, viewing wine as an enduring conduit for connection, culture, and even diplomacy.

One particularly memorable anecdote from Bertrand is his explanation of how biodynamic farming changed the life in his vineyards. He shares a study showing that conventional farming fosters about 1,000 links between microorganisms and bacteria in soil, but biodynamic farming boosts this number to an astonishing 47,000. This, combined with observing new life forms like armadillos returning to the vineyard, affirmed for Bertrand that his approach was truly revitalizing nature. He jokes that while he owns sophisticated books on biodynamics—like Rudolf Steiner’s—he still finds them hard to understand completely, but he follows the principles because he sees the results in the harmony and vitality of his soil and vines.

#WineTalks #GerardBertrand #BiodynamicWine #WinePhilosophy #SustainableWine #SouthOfFranceWines #WineCulture #WinemakingJourney

Gary Brooks doesn’t just make wine—he turns the whole idea of winemaking on its head and brings it back down to earth, reminding us that, after all, it’s just “rotting fruit.” But don’t be fooled by the humility. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll discover how a man raised in Annapolis, guided by a career that veered from the Navy to IT management, ended up chasing Pinot Noir dreams in California’s Petaluma Gap. As Paul Kalemkiarian digs in, you’ll learn how Gary navigated the split between wine academia and hands-on “cellar rat” labor, why starting Brooks Note Winery took more grit and capital than sanity, and what it’s like to pour your soul—and your bottles—out of the back of your truck just to make ends meet. Gary shares candid stories about the hard business realities behind artisan winemaking, how texture and mouthfeel outshine flavor notes in the true art of blending, and why he thinks the grandest moments in wine come down to honest connections, not pedigreed grapes. You’ll come away with a new appreciation for the world of small-batch winemakers—their struggles to sell every bottle DTC, the tactical parties in living rooms far from California, and the ever-present quest to avoid pretentiousness in a trade often accused of it. Above all, you’ll grasp why a genuinely great wine experience is often about memory, friendship, and the joy of pure discovery, not just what’s in the glass.

✅ Wine: Just rotting fruit… or the ultimate art form? ✅ Hear Garry Brooks and host Paul Kalemkiarian tear down wine’s pretensions while sharing the REAL journey from the cellar to your glass. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, dive into stories of risk, resilience, and why Pinot Noir is the grape that changed everything for Brooks Note Winery. ✅ You’ll never look at a bottle the same way again—tune in and discover why wine’s magic goes way beyond what’s in your glass.

#WineTalksPodcast

#BrooksNoteWinery

#PetalumaGap

#WinemakingJourney

#PinotNoirLove

#WineLessPretentious

#DTCSuccess

#WineAndStory

On a podcast with Emilie Steckenborn of LVMH China, she insisted that I meet with Robert Foye to discuss a podcast appearance. She insisted.

After 2 minutes on a call with Robert, I moved from chatting to scheduling. Despite conversations on the web about how the trade should be more innovative and rethink, Robert feels you need experience to move forward. How can you innovate without knowing the pitfalls of what came before? 

With Robert Foye, it is about leadership and adaptability. Hear it here.

Robert Foye doesn’t just bridge the world between Coca-Cola and Cabernet—he’s crossed it, mapped it, and poured a glass for the rest of us. If you think multinational beverage leadership and the romance of wine are oil and water, Foye’s the proof that sometimes, opposites blend perfectly. In this illuminating episode of Wine Talks, listeners embark on a journey through the tumultuous cycles and fascinating nuances of the wine business, as told by a leader who’s helmed both Accolade Wines and Treasury Wine Estates. You’ll learn why wine endures as a cultural ambassador, even as trends and consumption habits shift; how the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just pause the industry but rewrote its rules (and reawakened dormant talents at both the kitchen table and the boardroom). Foye deftly uncorks the challenges of marketing wine in today’s saturated landscape—offering a rare look at what works, and what falls flat, on the shelf and online. He’ll walk you through what sets wine apart from other consumer packaged goods, exploring the rich stories and personal connections that make sharing a bottle an experience unlike any other. Whether he’s recounting tales of adapting wine language for the next generation, weighing in on the role of private equity investments, or describing the unexpected kinship between a seasoned wine executive and the humble “second cheapest bottle,” Foye brings an insider’s wit and worldliness to every anecdote. You’ll come away not just with a deeper understanding of today’s wine market, but with a renewed sense of why, through its ups and downs, wine persists—linking land, language, and laughter with each pour. This conversation will leave you thirsty, not just for your next glass, but for the stories behind every label.

✅ Ever wonder why wine is so much more than just a drink? ✅ Dive into the art, business, and soul behind every bottle with host Paul Kalemkiarian and guest Robert Foye. ✅ From global industry shakeups to the magic of sharing a special glass, this episode of Wine Talks uncorks what makes wine irresistible—and why its story is far from over. ✅ Whether you’re a wine lover or business buff, you’ll leave with a new appreciation (and craving for the next pour). Listen now and sip on some real insights!

#WineIndustry

#WineBusiness

#WineCulture

#WinePodcast

#WineInnovation

#Winemaking

#WineStorytelling

#WineLeadership

I was approached by a PR firm to put Ben Bell on the show. Certainly seemed like an interesting thought. Afterall, domestic Sake is a rarity and one from the heart of Little Tokyo, Arkansas! (that was a little tongue-in-cheek humour).

There were so many questions and so little time. Some stories just require more questions and who wouldn't want to know how in the H-E double hockey sticks did he fall into making Sake in Arkansas.

Ben Bell might be the only person you’ll ever meet whose journey to sake mastery began not in Tokyo, but in Hot Springs, Arkansas—and includes a failed job interview conducted entirely in Japanese. You’ll be entertained, surprised, and utterly engrossed as you discover how this Arkansas native went from stocking wine shelves in Little Rock to apprenticing at world-class sake breweries in Japan, all the while learning a language many would consider impossible to master. In this episode, Paul Kalemkiarian draws out the remarkable story of how Ben’s early fascination with wine sparked a lifelong pursuit of drinkable discovery, culminating with the founding of Origami Sake right in America’s rice heartland. You’ll learn how technique, not terroir, is the soul of sake—why craft and style choices shape every bottle more than the field the rice grew in. Ben breaks down sake’s renaissance in America: from hot, mass-market pours at sushi joints to the nuanced, premium sakes you should really be tasting chilled, not warmed. You’ll hear what truly sets sake apart, why it defies the rules of wine, and how its food-pairing versatility can elevate everything from Cajun shrimp and grits to Arkansas barbecue. Want tips on how to actually drink and serve sake? Ben’s got you covered, and he’ll tell you why a wine glass in your kitchen may be the best tool for enjoying the craft. Most of all, you’ll realize that America’s next great beverage story might just be unfolding far from the coasts, where passion meets persistence and the art of sake is rewritten, one bold, Arkansas-brewed batch at a time.

✅ Ever wondered how top-tier sake is being crafted in… Arkansas?

✅ Origami Sake co-founder Ben Bell joins host Paul Kalemkiarian on Wine Talks for a wild deep dive into the rise of American sake and his journey from wine geek to sake master.

✅ From mastering Japanese in rural Japan to winning international gold medals—all from Hot Springs, Arkansas—Ben shares what it really takes to create world-class sake outside of Japan, why rice matters, and how sake breaks the rules for pairing with food.

✅ Takeaway: If you think sake is just for sushi night, think again. This episode will change how you see (and drink) sake—grab a glass and tune in now! 🍶✨

🎧 Listen to Wine Talks with Paul K. and Ben Bell—the story, the craft, the secrets of American sake pioneers!

If you were to reflect on the most influential restaurants during the renaissance of food in America, you could not exit the thought without thinking of Ma Maison. Not only a Hollywood scene of its own, the fresh take on French cuisine started the change in how Americans saw food. One of the most poignant contributions to the food scene was bringing the chef out of the "back-house" into the "front house" to glad hand the guests. And make the chef Wolfgang Puck and you have a recipe for success.

In this episode of Wine Talks, I sit down with legendary restaurateur Patrick Terrail, famed for establishing the iconic Mamaison in Los Angeles. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of fine dining in America, exploring how Ma Maison revolutionized LA's restaurant scene with innovations like alfresco dining and a keen focus on both classical French and emerging California wines. Terrail shares vivid anecdotes about the opening years, the challenges he faced—including an infamous bad review—and how he returned to his French roots to refine his vision. A highlight is the pivotal role Wolfgang Puck played as Ma Maison's chef, and how their partnership helped shift LA’s culinary direction. Terrail also reflects on his storied family history, connected to Tour d’Argent, and the larger shift from the maitre d’-driven restaurants of mid-century France to chef-centric establishments in America.

Beyond restaurant life, Terrail reveals the intensity the hospitality business demands, explaining that it consumed his life to the point of delaying marriage until he “divorced his restaurant.” The episode is filled with insights on the wine industry—past and present—punctuated by fascinating detours about old-school wine traditions, organic viticulture, and the art of running an iconic, people-centric restaurant in Hollywood’s golden age.

✅ What really happens when a legendary French restaurateur meets a true wine aficionado? ✅ Legendary restaurateur Patrick Terrail joins host Paul Kalemkiarian for an unforgettable deep dive into the stories and secrets behind fine dining in America. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, get a rare look behind the scenes of LA’s iconic Ma Maison, pioneering wine lists, culinary passion, and why good wine storytelling matters now more than ever. ✅ If you’re obsessed with food, wine, and the people who shape culture, this conversation will leave you hungry for more. Listen now! 🍷✨

#WineIndustry #RestaurantMasters #CulinaryHistory #FoodAndWine #HospitalityLeaders #WineCulture #FrenchCuisine #RestaurateurInsights

One of the more intriguing elements of wine is that it can appeal to a wide range of people. In wide range, I mean it has appeal on so many different levels; a novice can just enjoy their favorite wines from the supermarket and delve into the history when inclined; a collector can peel each wine back and learn of its origin and take it a step deeper, the wine enthusiast that wants to put their toe in the water of wine knowledge can enroll in one the wine certification organizations and earn a certification and then there's a couple of levels of wine knowledge until you basically stop at Charles Ludington. With two bachelor degrees, one masters and a Phd. One might say he has reached a level few, if any, other academians have reached.

And because of his time in front of students in a class room, Charles can articulate this knowledge in an understandable and intriguing way.

If you think the world of wine is all swirling glasses and sniffing bouquets, wait until you’ve heard Charles Ludington—Chad, to his friends—uncork a few bottles of historical truth. Armed with not just one, but four degrees in history (and a résumé that includes playing basketball in Paris and working on the New York wine retail frontlines), Chad isn’t your typical wine academic; he’s something of a one-man bridge between eras, cultures, and even social classes. Dive into this episode, and you’ll learn how wine is far more than a drink—it is a lens onto everything from class warfare to international politics, from covert Irish merchants shaping Bordeaux’s legacy to NBA stars dueling over Grand Crus in LA bistros. Chad traces the surprising paths that led Bordeaux’s cellars to be filled by Irish hands and explores why today’s elite collectors find meaning in a dusty bottle—sometimes as a symbol of status, sometimes a sensory revelation, but always as a marker of time and place. You’ll unpeel the layered tales of how wine moved from scandalous blends—once the height of fashion—to the hyper-strict appellations, and discover the very modern decline in wine’s appeal among young people, who instead find excitement in natural wines or, oddly enough, craft beer and cocktails. Along the way, you’ll reconsider the meaning of terroir, discovering just how blurred the boundaries of authenticity, tradition, and marketing really are. By the end, not only will you be able to spot the politics in your glass and the shifting gender codes of rosé, you’ll also taste the romantic—and sometimes subversive—human stories that echo through every sip. This episode braids together centuries of intrigue, innovation, and, yes, a fair bit of competitive one-upmanship—pulling back the curtain on how wine tells the story of us all.

#WineHistory #WineCulture #Bordeaux #NBAWine #WinePolitics #Terroir #WineEducation #WinePodcast

We I frist met Phil Long, I was tasting at the African American Association of Vintners and we just happen to stumble across the fact that we literally grew up around the corner from each other in Inglewood, California. Granted that was many years ago, and much has changed in society since those days, but we both ended up in the wine trade and found a mutual connection on both levels.

Phil Long might be the only winemaker who can turn a tale about drafting homework into a master class on the thousand steps of wine. Pour a glass and get ready to uncover much more than the typical vineyard origin story—this episode offers a rare glimpse into the making of a modern winemaker. Listeners will discover how Phil’s Southern California roots, his early career as a creative architect, and a fateful bottle of Boone’s Farm all wove together into a relentless curiosity for wine that ultimately led him, step by step, into the heart of an industry both old and new. You’ll learn what truly defines a winemaker—not the first three steps of fermentation, nor even the next 100, but the thousand intricate choices, failures, and stubborn bits of creativity that make a bottle personal. Phil peels back the mystique of wine, sharing both the obstacles and quirks—from launching Longevity Wines out of a garage to landing a partnership with the Franzia family and navigating the complicated terrain of distribution and branding. For those curious about the intersection of culture and wine, Phil opens up about building community as president of the Association of African American Vintners, showing that passion, persistence, and collaboration are the real keys to progress. You’ll also come away with an insider’s perspective on innovation and authenticity in a business shaped by shifting trends and timeless tradition—why a wine experience is more than a beverage, and how the memories, people, and places around the glass matter as much as what’s in it. Whether you’re wondering about non-alcoholic wine, the realities of vineyard margins, or simply want to know how someone goes from drafting tables to barrels, this conversation will change how you see every sip.

✅ Ever wondered how a winemaker turns a three-step garage project into an award-winning, internationally recognized label? ✅ Phil Long of Longevity Wines reveals the thousands of steps (and secrets) that define a true winemaker. ✅ Host Paul K sits down with Phil to talk about everything from humble beginnings in Inglewood, breaking barriers in the wine industry, and building a brand that’s grounded in authenticity and family. ✅ If you think wine is just a drink, get ready to discover why it’s truly an experience—and how perseverance and passion can shape an entire legacy.

🎧 Dive into this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K and guest Phil Long now—the story behind the bottle might just inspire your next move! #WineTalks #Podcast #PhilLong #WineIndustry

#WineIndustry #DiversityInWine #Winemaking #Entrepreneurship #WineCulture #InnovationInWine #AfricanAmericanWinemakers #WineExperience

I couldn't help myself. I mean, how American can you be? In fact, I do what I can when travelling to absorb culture and not compare to the American lifestyle.  But I had to ask "Is the Chinese food in China the same as it is in the states?" The answer....listen to the podcast!

I was completely taken by Emilie...She brings warmth to her perspective but at the same time, taking a firm position that is rooted in vast experience and educated conjecture.

Emilie Steckenborn makes a living where most of us can only dream—at the intersection of wine, culture, and cutting-edge business in China’s ever-evolving market. But don’t let her youthful charm and “very strong Chinese accent” (as Paul jokes) fool you. Emilie is a polyglot insider who’s spent over a decade breaking barriers in Shanghai, consulting for both airlines and luxury giants like LVMH, and unraveling the intricacies of food, wine, and social connection in the world’s most populous country. You will come away from this episode with a front-row seat to Emilie’s striking journey from Toronto to Asia’s fine wine circles, and you’ll learn how Western and Chinese culinary myths feed both perceptions and markets. She’ll shed light on why most "Chinese food" in North America bears little resemblance to dishes in Beijing or Guangzhou, how social media platforms like Xiaohongshu change what’s in your glass and on your plate, and why the Chinese DTC (direct-to-consumer) model leaves American wine buyers in the dust. You’ll also get a candid look at the role of women in China’s wine scene, why brand is king (or queen) from Yellowtail to Lafite, how fake wine scams erupt and vanish, and what it really takes to build—and protect—a luxury wine label in one of the world’s most challenging markets. Emilie’s passion for connection glues it all together, whether she’s navigating bottles at 50-table banquets or forging authentic stories through her own "Bottled in China" podcast. Expect to leave with a new appreciation for the complexities of selling, sharing, and savoring wine across cultures—and the secrets behind the conversations that only a great glass can unlock.

✅ Ever wondered how wine, culture, and business blend together in China’s booming scene? ✅ Host Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Emilie Steckenborn—wine industry leader, podcast host, and all-around trailblazer—for a globe-spanning conversation you won’t forget. ✅ From myth-busting Chinese cuisine to insider stories on luxury wine brands, social media’s impact, and the secret sauce behind wine’s magic, Wine Talks uncorks big ideas and bigger stories. ✅ Discover why wine isn’t just a drink, but a bridge for connection and innovation—and why the next “aha moment” in your own wine journey might be just one sip away. Listen now to Wine Talks with Paul K!

#WineTalks #WinePodcast #EmilieSteckenborn #PaulKalemkiarian #WineBusiness #BottledInChina #WineCulture

What I didn't expect when we first logged into Riverside.fm for the podcast...was his opening remarks.

"I am a bit bi-polar, dyslexic, a recovering alcoholic, and diagnosed with ADHD." and my response was "Is that it?"

Then that turned into what I expect to be a series of episodes because forty-five minutes just ain't enough time.

In this engaging episode of "Wine Talks," I sit with Tim Hanni, a Master of Wine, to delve into the fascinating world of wine. Tim reveals historical insights, such as the original negative meaning of "terroir," and explains how wine education often overlooks the diverse perceptions and preferences of consumers. Tim shares his unconventional path to becoming a Master of Wine, highlighting his personal challenges with dyslexia and alcoholism. The conversation shifts to address the wine industry's failure to adapt to modern consumers, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of sensory individualism and adaptive marketing strategies. Tim critiques the industry's elitism and disconnect from wine’s rich history, pointing out that even acclaimed wines like those from Bordeaux were traditionally sweet. This episode is a thought-provoking critique of the wine world, stressing the importance of embracing diversity in wine perceptions and learning.

1. The term "terroir" originally had a negative connotation, referring to "soiled wine" which was of poor quality, much like soiled diapers.

2. Tim Hanni, the guest of the podcast, is a Master of Wine who became one of the first two Americans to earn this prestigious title, despite having dyslexia, ADHD, and being a recovering alcoholic.

3. Master Sommelier and Master of Wine programs differ substantially, with the latter focusing more on the business and science aspects of wine rather than purely service.

4. Historically, French champagne was incredibly sweet, sometimes even sweeter than Coca Cola, challenging modern perceptions of what "fine" wine should be.

Have at it folks...this really is some crazy stuff.