Best Winetasting Podcasts (2024)

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#24: Blood From a Stone (with Adam McHugh) 56:17

3d ago56:17

56:17

Click here to watch the episode on video. In this episode, we sit down with Adam McHugh, a former hospice chaplain turned sommelier and wine tour guide, as we dive into a fascinating conversation blending spirituality, personal transformation, and the world of wine. Adam, the author of the memoir "Blood from a Stone," shares his remarkable journey …

1
23: Farming 'Promiscuously' with Napa's Meghan Zobeck 26:58

13d ago26:58

26:58

A few days after winemaker Meghan Zobeck started her new job at Napa's historic Burgess Cellars, the winery burned down in the 2020 wildfires. With the help of owner Gaylon Lawrence and CEO Carlton McCoy, not only did Burgess bounce back, but Zobeck's followup 2021 Cabernets are outstanding. She tells us about her journey from the NFL to Chile's Cl…

1
#23: Living in Love (with Greg Boyd) 1:30:24

17d ago1:30:24

1:30:24

Click here to watch the episode on video. This week, we are joined by the insightful and influential Christian scholar Greg Boyd, who brings three decades of pastoral experience from Woodland Hills Church and a robust body of theological writings. In this episode, we dive into the intriguing concept of sensory bubbles, exploring how they shape our …

1
#22: From Ocean Waves to Rooftop Dreams (with Kevin Sweeney) 1:07:11

1M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Click here to watch the episode on video. Welcome to another episode of "Cabernet and Pray," where faith meets everyday life over a glass of fine wine. I'm your host, Jeremy Jernigan, and today, we're thrilled to have a thought-provoking and dynamic guest, Kevin Sweeney. Kevin, a pastor, podcast host, and author from Hawaii dives deep into the esse…

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22: Patz & Hall's James Hall Buys It Back 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

Patz & Hall co-founder James Hall is still pinching himself: After selling the iconic California Chardonnay brand in 2016, Hall was able to buy it back earlier this year. He tells us how he did it, and then takes us all the way back to landing his first winery gig in Napa … by pretending he could speak Italian?! Straight Talk host James Molesworth …

1
#21: Breaking the Stigma 44:45

2M ago44:45

44:45

Click here to watch the episode on video. Welcome back to another episode of Cabernet and Pray. Today, we pause our usual schedule to address a deeply personal and pressing topic that challenges many families: mental health. Our host, Jeremy Jernigan, explores a video of John MacArthur to dissect and debate the contentious views circulating within …

1
Disarming Leviathan (with Caleb Campbell) 1:09:20

2M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Click here to watch the episode on video. As we uncork the 20th episode of Cabernet and Pray, I'm joined by Caleb Campbell, not just to relish in our shared love for a fine Cabernet Sauvignon but to unpack the complexities of Christian nationalism. Caleb, a pastor and author, brings his upcoming book "Disarming Leviathan: Loving your Christian Nati…

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Personal Trials and the Alaskan Wilds 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

Click here to watch the episode on video. Pour yourself a glass and settle in as we embark on a journey through the peaks and valleys of life with unwavering gratitude. I'll pull back the curtain on the heart-wrenching journey my wife and I have navigated after a startling genetic revelation. With the discovery of her BRCA2 gene mutation, we've fac…

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21: Salvestrin's Natalie Winkler, Plus … the World's Strongest Wine Thieves? 24:49

3M ago24:49

24:49

Salvestrin Family winemaker Natalie Winkler struck a chord when the 2018 Salvestrin Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon earned a spot among Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2021. But it all started with a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir … Winkler represents a new breed of California wine pros specializing not just in winemaking or vineyard management…

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Embracing a Different Path (with Nate Ross) 1:11:41

3M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Click here to watch the episode on video. There's something magical about reconnecting with an old friend who’s walked a similar path, and that's exactly what unfolds when Nate Ross joins me for a soul-stirring exploration of faith, parenting, and personal growth. As fellow pastor's sons turned pastors, we traverse the memories of our past, from Na…

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From Stoic Thought to Christian Action (with Mike Austin) 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Click here to watch the episode on video. When minds converge over the profound intersections of philosophy and the Christian faith, revelations emerge. Mike Austin, a philosophy professor with a deft touch in character development and spiritual formation, joins me to unravel the tapestry of truth that philosophies like Stoicism weave with Christia…

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20: The Blocking and Tackling of Wine with Dan Petroski 24:58

3M ago24:58

24:58

Winemaker Dan Petroski made news when he sold his boutique California white wine brand Massican to Gallo late last year. But that was just the latest step on a wine journey that started ignominiously as a Columbia University football player and began in earnest a decade later after an eye-opening dinner at Le Bernardin in New York. Petroski went on…

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Laughing at the Absurdity (with Rob Bell) 1:06:22

4M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Click here to watch the podcast on video. We sit down with the ever-inspiring Rob Bell, whose journey from founding Mars Hill Bible Church to penning New York Times bestsellers has captivated the minds and hearts of many. Rob's latest fictional escapade lures us into a world that mirrors our own, prompting self-reflection and an adventurous examina…

1
Honor and Prepare (with Keith Saarloos) 1:41:12

4M ago1:41:12

1:41:12

Click here to watch the episode on video. When Keith Saarloos swapped apple rows for vineyard vines, little did he know he'd be uncorking a legacy along with his bottles of 2021 Mayhem Grenache. As we sit down, glasses in hand, Keith takes us through the transformation of Saarloos and Sons, revealing how a family farm evolved into a vineyard with d…

1
19: Paul Hobbs on Making Opus One, a South American (Mis)Adventure … and Dixie Cup Yquem?! 25:40

4M ago25:40

25:40

From his teetotaling childhood home to Opus One's debut vintage to putting Argentine Malbec on the map, winemaker Paul Hobbs opens up to host James Molesworth about his career-defining moments with candid humor and insightful analysis in the season 2 premiere of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast! Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells …

1
French Winemaking and Spiritual Discovery (with Nicholas Martin) 56:59

5M ago56:59

56:59

Click here to watch the episode on video. Embark with us as we weave through the tapestry of France's rich vinicultural narrative alongside Nicholas Martin, a vintner whose stories are as robust as his Grenache Blanc. Picture yourself nestled in the picturesque Languedoc region, where every sip uncovers layers of heritage and innovation. We kick th…

1
Returning to Eden (with Heather Hamilton) 1:26:02

5M ago1:26:02

1:26:02

Click here to watch the episode on video. As we pop the cork on a bottle of conversation with Heather Hamilton, bestselling author of "Returning to Eden," our glasses aren't the only full things—our hearts and minds brim with insights into the ever-evolving journey of faith. Heather brings us her compelling story of transformation, from a rigid adh…

1
The Sacred Pause (with Libby Tedder Hugus) 1:06:44

6M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Click here to watch the episode on video. Reverend Libby Tedder Hugus and I have woven together the deep complexities of spirituality and wine's rich narratives. This episode is a tapestry of our life journeys, where Libby's roots in South Africa and the U.S. intertwine with her calling to forge a radically inclusive spiritual community. Together, …

1
The Death of Omnipotence (with Thomas Jay Oord) 1:11:54

6M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

Click here to watch the episode on video. Join our thought-provoking journey with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, where long-held Christian beliefs are questioned and reenvisioned. As we unravel the fabric of traditional theology, Dr. Oord introduces us to a divine love that's deeply relational and a God whose lack of omnipotence takes on a new, groundbreakin…

1
Questioning Conventional Living (with Jef Caine) 1:10:28

7M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Click here to watch the episode on video. Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Cabernet and Pray, where a glass of wine meets deep conversations. In the spotlight this time is Jef Caine, an intriguing personality who's journeyed from the confinements of traditional Christianity to the liberating realms of spirituality and non-materialism…

1
18: Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2023 and Year in Review 32:52

7M ago32:52

32:52

It's our season 1 finale and our year-end roundup of the most exciting wines of the year! In this episode, host James Molesworth is joined by senior editor Bruce Sanderson, counting down our Top 10 Wines of the Year, including an exclusive interview with the man behind our 2023 Wine of the Year! Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us abo…

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Sipping on Social Issues and Spirituality (with Danielle Strickland) 1:21:23

7M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Click here to watch the episode on video. Pour yourself a glass, and prepare to savor an enticing blend of faith, creativity, and life's joys with a hint of pressing social issues. We were thrilled to invite the remarkable Danielle Strickland to our table, an author, speaker, and self-proclaimed 'Ambassador of Fun.' With her latest book, "The Other…

1
17: Bernard Arnault and Holiday Champagnes 29:11

7M ago29:11

29:11

What's in the cellar of the world's second-richest man? Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us all about LVMH founder, chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, the man behind not just fashion house Louis Vuitton and the Möet & Chandon Champagne house (including Dom Pérignon), but also brands like Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Hublot, Bulga…

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Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies (with David Gushee) 1:23:22

8M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Click here to watch the episode on video. Pour a glass of wine and pull up a chair. Our latest conversation with esteemed guest, Dr. David P. Gushee, carries us through a fascinating journey into the intersections of faith, ethics, and politics. A seasoned scholar, Dr. Gushee unpacks the implications of Christian authority within the political land…

1
16: The 2023 Wine Experience with Chefs José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Eric Ripert 29:59

8M ago29:59

29:59

We're live at Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience in this special episode of Straight Talk with host James Molesworth. He's joined by senior editor for news Mitch Frank, podcast director Rob Taylor and a cast of wine and restaurant industry all-stars that includes chefs José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Eric Ripert, Hollywood legend Rich Frank,…

1
Bonus Mini Episode: Dr. Vinny's Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Tips 5:30

8M ago5:30

5:30

What wine pairs best with turkey and sides? Straight Talk podcast director Rob Taylor made an emergency appointment with Wine Spectator advice columnist Dr. Vinny (aka senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec) for some tips on Thanksgiving wine pairing, including pumpkin pie! And don't miss Episode 16: Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience with Chefs Jos…

1
Rethinking Love and Grief (with Jonathan Foster) 1:13:54

8M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Click here to watch the episode on video. Can love be redefined through understanding mimetic theory? Find out as we chat with Jonathan Foster, a multi-faceted father, husband, writer, and former church planter. He shares his unique insights on mimetic theory and how it can shape our approach of understanding culture and religion. We dive into the …

1
On the Edge of the Inside 51:16

9M ago51:16

51:16

Click here to watch the episode on video. Ready to set sail on a unique journey through the world of Christianity, wine, and pirates? We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on faith as we uncork a delectable 2015 Chateau Monteil D’Arsac Bordeaux blend, discuss the creation of pirates, and delve into the theology of being on the edge of the insi…

1
Uncorking Passion (with Clayton Steffen) 48:06

9M ago48:06

48:06

Click here to watch the episode on video. Ever wonder how a wine hobby could transform into a thriving business? My conversation with Clayton Steffen uncovers his intriguing journey into the wine world, the joy he finds in introducing others to new varieties, and the challenges he faces in this industry. We also walk you through our collective jour…

1
15: The Chuck Wagner Interview with Marvin R. Shanken, Plus California Cabernet with Maya Dalla Valle 28:30

9M ago28:30

28:30

Don't miss this Straight Talk podcast exclusive: Never-before-heard highlights from Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken's one-on-one interview with Napa Cabernet legend Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards. Host James Molesworth also welcomes Napa winemaker Maya Dalla Valle to the studio. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnis…

1
Bonus Episode: The Maya Dalla Valle Interview 34:47

9M ago34:47

34:47

Episode 15 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast is all about California Cabernet, and host James Molesworth's interview with Napa winemaker Maya Dalla Valle was too fun not to share the whole thing. Enjoy the full, uncut Dalla Valle interview, and don't forget to listen to Episode 15 of Straight Talk for our exclusive interview between Wine Sp…

1
Moving Beyond the Medium (with Mike Goldsworthy) 1:29:46

9M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

Click here to watch the episode on video. Picture this; you're leading a megachurch and suddenly, you decide to make a shift. A shift from preaching to coaching, from the pulpit to facilitating high-capacity leaders. This is the intriguing journey of Mike Goldsworthy, our guest for this episode and the founder of Live Contrarian. Mike shares his ex…

1
14: Sarah Jessica Parker's New Zealand Wine Journey 27:46

10M ago27:46

27:46

We're welcoming the one and only Sarah Jessica Parker in this episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. If you only know her as an award-winning actress and producer, let us show you her winemaking side! Host James Molesworth welcomes back senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec for a look at the New Zealand wine scene, and senior editor Bruce Sand…

1
God, Grapes, and Grit (with Chad Preston) 1:03:44

10M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Click here to watch the episode on video. Ever been curious about the fascinating world of winemaking? Then strap in for an inspiring journey with Chad Preston, the founder of Birds and Barrels Vineyards and partner in Cochise Wine Company. From being a wine enthusiast during his college days to now standing at the helm of a flourishing vineyard in…

1
13: Whisky for Wine Lovers with Jonny McCormick 26:56

10M ago26:56

26:56

We're detouring to Scotland for a look at our Oct. 15 issue cover story: Whisky for Wine Lovers. In episode 13 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast, host James Molesworth welcomes back Wine Spectator executive editor Jeffery Lindenmuth, along with Whisky Advocate senior taster Jonny McCormick, for a lively discussion on how and why whisky hold…

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Start With the Feet, Not the Head (with Tyler Johnson) 1:07:04

10M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Click here to watch the episode on video. In this episode, I talk with my friend Tyler Johnson. Until recently, Tyler was the Lead Pastor of a ten-congregation multisite church. He recently decided to step away from that and is now a spiritual and social entrepreneur entering into the marketplace. He's a man of many convictions and recently started…

1
Great Vintages and Bad Winemakers 39:19

11M ago39:19

39:19

Click here to watch the episode on video. Get ready to uncork your understanding! This week on Cabernet and Pray, we're swirling together two unlikely passions - Christianity and wine. We'll be sipping on a 2017 Sokol Blosser Big Tree Block Pinot Noir and unraveling the wisdom of Richard Bohr as we savor the intricate connection between God, wine, …

1
Bonus Episode: The Greg Brewer Interview 24:06

11M ago24:06

24:06

Episode 12 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast is all about California Pinot Noir, and host James Molesworth's interview with Santa Barbara Pinot Noir star Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton was too fun not to share the whole thing. Enjoy the full, uncut Brewer interview, and don't forget to listen to Episode 12 of Straight Talk for James' intervi…

1
12: California Pinot Noir All-Stars Mark Aubert and Greg Brewer 28:42

11M ago28:42

28:42

California Pinot Noir is the star of the show in episode 12 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. Host James Molesworth welcomes Sonoma winemaking legend Mark Aubert and Santa Barbara Pinot Noir star Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny explains vine clones, and stay tuned til the end for Jam…

1
11: 2023 Restaurant Awards with Thomas Keller 29:15

12M ago29:15

29:15

We're celebrating our annual Restaurant Awards with an exclusive interview with chef Thomas Keller and Wine Spectator executive editor Jeffery Lindenmuth. Straight Talk host James Molesworth also welcomes senior editor for news Mitch Frank to catch us up on the latest dining trends. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny explains…

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10: California Chardonnay All-Stars with Larry and Chris Hyde 30:54

1y ago30:54

30:54

We're welcoming summer with wall-to-wall California Chardonnay! Straight Talk host James Molesworth welcomes senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec and an all-star cast of winemakers and grapegrowers, including Larry and Chris Hyde, Kistler's Jason Kesner and Arista and Ferren's Matt Courtney. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny walks…

1
9: 2022 Bordeaux Preview and Pinot Pioneer Tony Soter 25:26

1y ago25:26

25:26

Is the 2022 Bordeaux hype for real? Straight Talk host James Molesworth just returned from the Médoc, where he tasted hundreds of these young wines; don't miss his take on this highly regarded new vintage. Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank introduces us to Auberge Resorts Collection CEO Craig Reid, and legendary California and Oregon Pinot N…

1
8: Kings of France with Aubert De Villaine, Gérard Bertrand and Tony Parker 31:49

1y ago31:49

31:49

Burgundy's legendary Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti joins us for an exclusive rare interview covering his auction-darling Pinot Noirs, his first encounter with Robert Mondavi, and his role in the 1976 Paris Tasting. Plus, southern France wine star Gérard Bertrand and NBA Hall of Famer turned (multiple) winery owner Tony Parker. S…

1
7: Wine & Wellness with Marcus Samuelsson 32:59

1+ y ago32:59

32:59

How do some of the world's most successful chefs, somms and winemakers balance wine and health? Red Rooster chef-owner Marcus Samuelsson and Frasca somm-owner Bobby Stuckey join the latest episode of Straight Talk to share how they keep perspective—and how they keep fit. Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator senior editor Kristen Bieler take a c…

1
6: Bordeaux, Napa and the Future of Wine with Dan Petroski, Nicolas Glumineau and Mathieu Chadronnier 32:22

1+ y ago32:22

32:22

Napa Valley winemaking iconoclast and Massican winery founder Dan Petroski pulls no punches in this hard look at the wine industry’s newest obstacles and trends. Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator contributing editor Suzanne Mustacich look at the 2020 Bordeaux vintage and speak with Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande director Nico…

1
5: The Rhône, Port and Our Value Wine of the Year with Philippe Guigal, Adrian Bridge and Rupert Symington 31:31

1+ y ago31:31

31:31

Straight Talk kicks off 2023 with a star-studded trip to France's Rhône Valley, a closer look at Port with two of the region's biggest names, and we reveal Wine Spectator’s Value Wine of the Year for 2022. Host James Molesworth and senior editor Kristen Bieler share tales of their recent trip to France's Rhône Valley, and we're joined in the studio…

1
4: The Top 100 Wines of 2022 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

It's our year-end roundup of the most exciting wines of the year! In this episode, Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth is joined by senior editor Bruce Sanderson, counting down our Top 10 Wines of the Year and much more! The winemaker behind our Wine of the Year joins us to share how he found out they'd won … and what happened next. Plus senior edito…

1
3. Champagne for the Holidays with Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and Alexandre Chartogne 31:00

1+ y ago31:00

31:00

Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth is poppin' off with a Champagne spectacular in this episode of Straight Talk. He's joined by Wine Spectator's lead taster for Champagne, senior editor Alison Napjus, and a wide-ranging lineup of sparkling wine stars headlined by Roederer's Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, maker of Cristal. We’re also joined by grower Champ…

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2: The Robert Mondavi Legacy with Tim Mondavi and Paul Hobbs 36:10

1+ y ago36:10

36:10

Host James Molesworth takes us on a deep dive into the Robert Mondavi legacy, with exclusive interviews with Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken, Continuum Estate co-founder and Robert's son Tim Mondavi, international winemaking star and Mondavi winery alum Paul Hobbs, Mount Veeder winery founders and former Mondavi winery tour gu…

1
1: Napa Cabernet All-Stars with Thomas Rivers Brown, Helen Keplinger and Andy Erickson 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

In the debut episode of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk podcast, James Molesworth hosts an exclusive roundtable discussion with three of Napa Valley’s most in-demand winemakers: Thomas Rivers Brown of Schrader Cellars and Rivers Marie, Andy Erickson of Favia, Mayacamas and the new To Kalon Vineyard Co., and Helen Keplinger of Grace Family, her Kepli…

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