Best Paul K from the Original Wine of the Month Club Podcasts (2024)

1
I Think You Can Say His Family Invented Provence Rosé. Meet François Ott. 48:42

6d ago48:42

48:42

In an engaging moment on the "Wine Talks" podcast, host Paul K shares a fascinating anecdote from his early days as a wine taster. Reflecting on his extensive experience in the industry, Paul recounts how he began tasting wines in 1988. He notes the significant evolution of rosé wine over the decades, particularly in the 1990s when rosé barely made…

1
Boot Strap Might Be A word, But I Think Tenancity Is Better To Describe Charles Smith. 30:00

8d ago30:00

30:00

Each of us has had one of his wines...somewhere, somehow. Charles Smith is an acclaimed winemaker renowned for his authentic and refreshing approach to the craft. Starting with humble beginnings, Charles personally transported his wine, driving an overburdened van filled with 84 cases to his first potential buyers. His genuine personality and hands…

1
With His Insight And Enthusiasm, South African Wines Are On An Upward Trajectory. Meet Henrich Venter. 52:55

13d ago52:55

52:55

The wine trade is about passion. From vineyard management to marketing, without the passion, one could never overcome the headwinds. Multiply the headwinds by 10 when trying to open new markets for smaller wineries and lessor known districts. Heinrich Venter tells us all about those headwinds...couple with the passion to get it done. Embracing Trad…

1
Jamie Ritchie Has Storied History In Wine And Spirits. Now Is COO Of BlockBar. Crazy Stuff. 52:46

15d ago52:46

52:46

During the episode, Jamie shares a riveting story from his auction days at Sotheby’s. One of the most memorable moments was auctioning the Romney Condy 1945, which fetched an astounding $558,000. This bottle's value was bolstered not just by its rarity and exquisite quality, but also by its unique provenance - it originated from Robert Drouin's cel…

1
So You Want To Buy A Winery In CA.? Speak (or listen) To Carol Collison First. 49:31

22d ago49:31

49:31

When the Original Wine of the Month Club was ready for a new chapter, they turned to Carol Collison to make sense of the landscape of selling a wine club. In this episode, we peel it back on a number of fronts: Challenges in the Wine Business: - This episode dives deep into the financial and operational challenges faced by those in the wine busines…

1
Sparkling Wine From South Africa? Yes, Please. Meet Danielle Coetzee. 1:00:21

27d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Wine Talks was honored to speak with Danielle Coetzee, who is coaxing elegant sparkling wines from the Cap Town appelation in South Africa using the traditional Champagne method and grapes. 1. Cap Classiques is the South African version of traditional method sparkling wines with specific legal requirements. 2. Danielle's family background influence…

1
Make The Best Possible Wines With The Least Intervention. Meet Taylor Serres. 53:57

29d ago53:57

53:57

The Serres Family ranch is multi-acted...in fact, it is most likely you have seen Serresbluleberries at your local store. Taylor is the 5th generation (which is a veritable reign for a California family in the wine trade) and is grooming the next generation to take over. 🍷 Embrace the Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Taylor Serres emphasized the …

1
South Africa Wine Making Is On The Move. He Is One Of The Reasons. Meet Petri Venter 49:00

1M ago49:00

49:00

As part of the South African invasion that tool place here at Wine Talks, Petir Venter came to the studio ready to promote the wine of South Africa. And he did in a very humble way. 1. During COVID-19 lockdowns, some wineries in South Africa turned their wine shops into delis to stay operational and adapt to restrictions. 2. Petri Venter was introd…

1
Persistance Is Grit. Monika Has Grit. Meet Monika Elling. 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

The word grit carries many forms in this podcast: the guest has grit, her ideas have grit, her discipline has grit, and her approach to the beverage industry has grit. Find out what grit means in a modern day setting. 🍷 **Adapt or Taste Your Own Dust**: Monika Elling highlighted the critical importance of adapting to consumer trends and interests, …

1
South Africa Needs A Gavin Slabbert. He Believes In The Soil. Hear Him Here. 54:56

1M ago54:56

54:56

An in studio visits from 4 delightful South Afrinca winemakers began with this incredible conversation with Gavin Slabbert and Josh Raats of Raats Family Winery. 1. The increasing percentage of women winemakers in America inspired a former intern to pursue enology school. 2. Gavin makes an analogy between wine and golf, emphasizing inclusivity. 3. …

1
She Knows The Consumer. I Want Her On My Team. Meet Jessica Kogan. 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

Jessica Kogan knows it. Listen to her, and you will know it. I did. 🍷 **Embrace the Blend of Digital and Physical**: One of the standout themes from the show was the vital intersection between digital engagement and physical presence. Jessica highlighted how integrating digital tools can lead to significant physical world interactions, like finding…

1
A Wine Influencer Extraordinaire. Meet Lucia Palm. 1:05:51

2M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

A seredipitous conversation with a real estate broker, landed a successful wine influencer in the studio. Meet Lucia Palm. 1. Lucia Palm gained significant popularity after her viral videos about Trader Joe's wines. 2. Paul K plans to take a group on a wine country tour, highlighting his role as an influencer in the wine industry. 3. Lucia Palm wan…

1
A Very Cerebral Wine Approach Delivers Thoughtful Wine. Meet Winemaker Reid Kinnett. 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

So, who is Reid Kinnett....and what makes him passionate? 1. Reid Kinnett uses DNA testing to confirm the authenticity of indigenous Vitis vinifera grapes. 2. Reid swapped 15 cases of wine for his first ton of grapes in 2021. 3. Reid Kinnett blends a little Petite Syrah with his Zinfandel to enhance its profile. 4. Reid Kinnett is involved in makin…

1
She Walked Into My Office And Made A Difference. Meet Julie Hernandez. 56:24

2M ago56:24

56:24

Julie started as a representative for a major wine player in America. I thought she would never make it. Oops. She became an executive in the trade. Incredible conversation. 1.) Julie Hernandez had a "light bulb" moment about the power of wearing a suit in a male-dominated business setting, which positively impacted her career trajectory. 2. Despit…

1
Making Wine Beverly Hills!...Paul Warson Does. Find Out How. 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

Fun Facts About This Episode: 1. Los Angeles County was a major agricultural area for vines with almost 200,000 acres planted in 1893, and it was even featured on the city seal. 2. Moraga Vineyard in Bel Air has a unique terroir with various elevations and exposures, with maritime influence from Santa Monica Bay. 3. The winery at Moraga focuses on …

1
She Has The Passion And The Experience. Meet Wanda Mann 57:02

2M ago57:02

57:02

"Wine Talks with Paul K" dives into the vibrant world of wine with the featured guest, Wanda Mann, who brings her extensive knowledge and passion to the conversation. In this not-to-be-missed episode, the main points covered are: 1. **Demystifying Wine Talk**: Paul K and Wanda Mann tackle the complexity of wine terminology, deliberating on how it c…

1
Wine and The White House. Fascinating. The Authority; Fred Ryan. 57:22

2M ago57:22

57:22

In this episode of Wine Talks, we delve into the noble tradition of wine in the corridors of the White House. With the aid of Frederick J. Ryan, whose impressive tome "Wine in the White House: A History" serves as our guide, we explore the nuanced role of wine in American presidential history. Here are 7 points I pulled out of the conversation. 🍷 T…

1
Behind the Bubbles: Rodolphe Taittinger Discusses Champagne and French Bloom 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Our latest episode of Wine Talks features the discerning Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger, CEO of French Bloom, and co-founder of Frerejean Frere Champagne. A scintillating conversation that dives into champagne history, non-alcoholic wine innovation, and the passion driving the family's legacy in winemaking. Here are your 3 key takeaways: - 🏰 **Artis…

1
Claude Has Worked In The Greatest Wine Districts In France. How Did He Get To Napa? 35:39

3M ago35:39

35:39

In the latest episode of 'Wine Talks,' host Claude Rouquet is joined by guest Paul K to delve deep into the world of viticulture, exploring the nuanced journey from grape to glass. The conversation opens with a glimpse into Claude’s background, which was not traditionally rooted in the wine industry as his family came from the medical field. Howeve…

1
The Temecula Wine Region Is Growing, Meet Vito La Fata...He Is Moving The Needle. 53:32

3M ago53:32

53:32

Welcome back to another episode of Wine Talks! In today’s conversation, we uncork the fascinating story of Vito La Fata, a man whose winemaking roots are as deep and rich as the vineyards of his Sicilian heritage. With the clink of glasses and the pour of a vintage, Vito takes us on a journey through his family's tumultuous history, from wars and t…

1
The Wisdom Of George Walker III. Dwayne Wade Cellars is His Passion. 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

George Walker III, a recipient of the Roots Fund scholarship, shares his incredible journey and the impact it has had on his education and career in the wine industry. The Roots Fund, founded in 2020 by Carlton McCoy, Aikimi Dubeau, and Tahir Habibi, aims to provide opportunities for black individuals in the wine industry. George expresses his grat…

1
MJ Towler Has It All Goin' On. Meet Fellow Wine Podcaster MJ Towler. 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

He calls himself the Black Wine Guy....but never has been too happy with that name. And Wine Talks gets it. MJ Towler has covered virtually all the bases when traversing the wine industry landscape. He has a rounded viewpoint on all things wine. And his take on the plight of BIPOC in the world of wine is pragmatic and right on. Having worked the fl…

1
Yves de Launay Knows Luxury Goods. He Found His Home At Chateau Angelus. 43:03

3M ago43:03

43:03

When you have sold some of the most luxurious brands in the world, what does adding Chateau Angelus to the list mean? Actually, it means quite a bit. Chateau Angelus was awarded Premiere Cru Classee "A" when the Right Bank of Bordeaux began classifications in 1955. This puts the Chateau at the top of the region's rankings, which is a significant ac…

1
George Mardikians Legend Should Never Be Forgotten. Hear From His Son Haig. 1:08:33

3M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

The late, great, George Mardikian was restauranteur extraordinaire, philanthropist, and an inspiration to his family and employees. Hear from his nephew/son Haig Mardikian wine, Ohmar Khayyams, immigration and philanthropy. George Mardikian represents all that is good as an American immigrant. He fled Turkey ahead of the Armenian genocide and made …

1
She is a force of nature for African American Vintners. Try and keep up with Angela McCrae. 51:37

4M ago51:37

51:37

The Association of African American Vintners started in 2002 with 4 vintners; now there are over 200 members. Thanks largely to the efforts of Angela McCrae and her associates. Diversity is an important subject in the wine trade. The industry is light on BIPOC and women in the workforce; both labor and executives. But that is all actively changing.…

1
Farmer, winemaker, philosopher; Meet Wine Brian Talley 1:01:16

4M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In the wine trade there is a lot of idle talk. Opinions on the longevity of the industry, opinions of consumerism, opinions of packaging trends...let's face it Wine Talks has it's opinions too. But it takes fortitude to stay the course; pick a philosophy and run with it. Talley Farms does just that. Guests come on this show to tell their stories. T…

1
Wine In Romania? Meet The Expert And Wine Comtessse, Marinela Ardelean. 58:53

4M ago58:53

58:53

In 1988, Paul K Sr. featured a Romanian wine in the Original Wine of the Month Club. The wine was Premiat Sauvignon Blanc and was $2.50/bottle on reorder. It was a very nice wine. Turns out, according to Marinela, that wine was purchased from Romania during the USSR rule. Long before the value and complexity of freedom was real. It is so interestin…

1
Wine makers are philosophers, the good wine makers that is. Meet a good one, Chris Phelps. 49:33

4M ago49:33

49:33

Off the main highway that runs through Napa Valley and specifically through Saint Helena, one can make a hard left turn after passing the cute gas station that doubles as a coffee shop (yes, new meaning to the question "leaded?". Make the next right and travel a block or two and you will find a hidden gem of a tasting room. Understated and doubling…

1
Dream Job In Bordeaux And The Passion To Do It. Meet Matthieu Bordes of Cht. Lagrange. 54:28

4M ago54:28

54:28

Chateau Lagrange was in Los Angeles. Matthieu Bordes presiding. On a recent visit to the WIne Talks studios, we caught up with all things Bordeaux. Matthieu considers it a dream job. Maybe "job" isn't the best adjective. When you love to do something and have the passion to do it every day at the best you can offer, maybe it is no longer a job. Thi…

1
From Grandma's Kitchen to Working the Line. A book from Chef Frederic Castan. 1:00:15

4M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In his new book "Facing the Heat; From my grand mother's kitchen to cooking on the line." Chef Castan has peeks around just about every corner of the chef business. After all, he has worked for some of what would be considered the best restaurants in France to being head Chef at one of the largest hotel chains in America and just about everything i…

1
Fine Wine Defined. Pauline Is On A Mission. Pauline Vicard of Areni Global. 1:00:22

4M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

The Areni Global group is on a mission. They want to protect the flanks of fine wine. What is fine wine? Pauline Vicard defines it here. Areni Global was named after the famed Areni-1 cave found in Aremia; the oldest known in-tact winery ever unearthed. The founding of the group was to create a think tank of industry leaders who, well, maybe not pr…

1
Have camera and plane, will travel. Meet Dr. Higgins I presume. 1:00:18

5M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Michael Higgins is quite unique in the world of wine. He has published three photo journals on three popular wine-growing regions of the world. Starting in Argentina, he sets out to bring to the readers a comprehensive view of the region, people and wineries. But he adds an important twist to his books. He explains where, who and what each winery i…

1
This is the story. Hear exactly what he was thinking when he created Direct to Consumer wines...Paul K. Sr one on one 1:15:45

5M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Unaware he was creating the $3B Direct to Consumer wine industry, Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. explains how the idea evolved and his thoughts on business. In 1969, a time where California wine was barely recognized to the world. a pharmacist who was born in Cairo, bought a liguor store in the quaint beach town of Palos Verdes Estates. As a good merchant w…

7M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

When wine was barely a conversation in the United States, when there was no internet, cell phones or cable...there was Dennis Overstreet. When The French Laundry was just an idea brought to him by Thomas Keller, Dennis was there to help make it happen. When the Judgement of Paris pitted California wine against the French counterparts, Dennis carrie…

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Paul K From The Original Wine Of The Month Club Podcasts

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