Wine is really about history. What other product do you deliberately wit 20 years to explore, what other product can you take half way around the world and say "This is who we are and when we are" I was thinking about the phrase after my conversation with Kira and with picture perfect recollection of wine history, the saying needs to be "This is who were and when we were before that." Meaning, the history of the culture if wine rolls up to secure a place in the next bottling. For Kira, her vast knowledge of the history of wine has created a mindset with making wine that, in my opinion, is reflected in her wines. I think you will find the conversation stimulating, fascinating, and inspiring.

What is fascinating about the Italian wine scene is the variety and distinct differences between their primary wine regions. And don't look over the fact there are over 2000 wine varieties in Italy, some still being discovered today. Emiliano Morando visited Wine Talks to walk us through the history of this wine region in the north west of Italy. the geography of Piemonte hosts many influences to create wines of grit to wines of elegance. Have a listen.

The minute she walked into the studio, the crew knew this conversation would have little restraint. A practice communicator of not only all things wine but wine with the Latin market. Her tag is The Modern Pour and she is dynamic and funny. Her tagline is "not a pale male stale giving wine advice" and that she ain't. You will be educated and entertained by Elle and her outlook on wine… and life! Have a listen.

Understanding Italian wines takes study and patience. With over 2000 wine grape varieties in the country, it is hard to sort them out. When you break down the country, there is a bit more clarity with grape varieties but little local varieties will confuse you. Umbria, just south of Tuscany, follows suit. Unlike its northern neighbor, it does not grow Sangiovese as the mainstay red grape but grows Sagrantino instead. Valentino Valentina will sort it all out for you.

There is so much to know and understand about the wine diversity just between the two islands, let alone the wine diversity among each island, that New Zealand is recognized with exemplary wines. Simone Kelly stopped in for a conversation and helps us get the lay of the land as we start in the North and work our way down. The Seresin wines are firm in structure and give great insight into where they are grown. Have a listen.

This is where wine is so interesting. When you find regions of the world where wine is life and the passion of the people who make these wines transcends the business of wine, things start to get interesting.

Up in the northeast of Italy as it borders Slovenia is the region of Friuli. The stories that emanate from this obscure part of the wine world are fascinating. The stories of the Prussians during WWI, the proximity to the Dolomites, and the crazy rocky soil, all contribute to the wine in the bottle. We had a good time with the conversation.

Walking the aisles of the Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, a gentleman stuck a sparkling wine glass in my face and said "Do you like wine?" I responded, "Is this a joke?" He went on to tell me that this was an Italian non-alcoholic sparkling wine that he and his wife had created. I have tasted many non-alcoholic wines and they all suck. With trepidation, I tasted it. This was a decent wine. I was shocked and impressed. Come on my show I said…turns out he is in So Cal and I met Marco Marano.

Wine Talks first sat with Rex in 2021 as he was pondering a Sideways musical. In just a few years, the musical is touring Spain to sold-out crowds and he is holding Sideways concerts in Napa Valley. We caught up with Rex in Napa Valley recently to find out what he had up his sleeve and to recapture some of the great moments in the movie. Rex explained the complicated relationship between the author and screen writer and more importantly tells us of the new stuff coming down the pike. I, for one, am anxious to read the next story. Have a listen.