In Episode 6 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes longtime friend, John Henson — Carolina Basketball legend, former NBA player, and now sports broadcaster.

Marcus and John take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their years playing together at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the brotherhood formed during their time in Chapel Hill, and the experiences that helped shape their careers on and off the court.

The conversation also turns to the evolving wine culture in the NBA, as John shares how players around the league have embraced wine as a way to unwind, connect, and build camaraderie. Along the way, Marcus and John reflect on the years of friendship they’ve shared — from college basketball to life after the game.

This episode is full of stories, laughter, and the kind of conversation that happens when old friends sit down together with a glass of wine.

Pour something you enjoy and join us. 🍷

In Episode 5 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with friend, mentor, and business leader Vaughn Moore, Chairman and CEO of AIT Worldwide Logistics and a 2025 Distinguished Alumnus honoree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Marcus and Vaughn talk about how meaningful relationships are built — often around a shared table and a glass of wine — and how those connections can shape both personal and professional life. Vaughn shares stories from his career in business, the lessons he’s learned through leadership, and why mentorship and investing in people have always been central to his success.

They also discuss his commitment to charitable work and his continued support of the university community, along with a more personal side: how fatherhood has influenced his perspective, priorities, and purpose.

This episode is about leadership, gratitude, and the importance of taking time to connect with others.

Pour a glass and join the conversation. 🍷

In Episode 4 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes hospitality legend Gary Crunkleton, founder and owner of The Crunkleton in Chapel Hill.

Gary shares his journey into the spirits and restaurant industry, the lessons he learned along the way, and the passion that led him to create one of the most beloved bar experiences in the area. More than just cocktails, Gary explains his philosophy on hospitality — why a great bar is really about people, conversation, and genuine connection.

Throughout the episode, he tells unforgettable stories from behind the bar, showing how meaningful relationships can grow from a simple drink and a welcoming environment. This is a conversation about craftsmanship, community, and the art of making others feel at home.

Pour a glass and pull up a chair — you’ll feel like you’re sitting at the bar with us. 🍷

In Episode 3 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes Amy Hallett, founder and Chief Adventure Officer of The Olive Road, for a conversation about travel, wine, and the experiences that bring people together.

Amy shares how her journey into wine began while studying abroad in France, where she discovered not just wine itself, but the culture, meals, and relationships that surround it. From there, she built a career creating immersive travel experiences centered around food, community, and connection.

Marcus and Amy also dive into their shared love of champagne and great food, and talk about an exciting upcoming trip they are planning through The Olive Road to the Champagne region and Alsace in September 2026 — a journey focused on authentic experiences, unforgettable meals, and incredible wines.

This episode is all about slowing down, gathering around a table, and discovering the stories behind what’s in your glass.

Pour something you love and join us. 🍷

In Episode 2 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with Inez Ribustello for a powerful and deeply human conversation about hospitality, resilience, and life’s unexpected turns.

Inez is the owner of On The Square and Tarboro Brewing Company, and also serves as Head of Hospitality for The Frankie Lemmon School, an organization dedicated to education and enrichment for preschool-aged children with and without disabilities.

In this episode, Inez shares her journey into the restaurant world, how she built community-centered businesses, and what hospitality truly means beyond food and drink. She also opens up about her personal experience living in New York City during the tragic events of September 11, 2001—and how that moment shaped her outlook on life, people, and purpose.

This is a conversation about leadership, service, and showing up for others—even in the hardest moments.

Pour a glass, take a breath, and join us. 🍷

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Wine With Friends Podcast!

In our very first episode, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with former North Carolina Tar Heel great Deon Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about basketball, life, and wine.

Deon takes us through his journey playing professional basketball all over the world, sharing stories from competing overseas and experiencing wine culture in different countries along the way. He also reflects on what it truly meant to wear Carolina blue, his time at UNC, and the moments that shaped him as a Tar Heel.

To wrap it up, Deon gives us his all-time Carolina Basketball starting five—a must-hear list for any UNC fan.

Pour a glass, pull up a chair, and enjoy the start of a new conversation where great stories and great wine come together. 🍷