Best VL Caruso Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 201: The W25 Journey - What a Trip! (Finale) 41:01

5y ago41:01

41:01

This is the season/series finale of the Wine Two Five Podcast. In this episode we look back, laugh, and look ahead at what's next. We are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have learned and laughed along with everyone who has been a part of this effort. Cheers ~ Val & StephBy Val Caruso, Steph Davis, Wine Educators

1
Episode 200: Laura Catena - More than Malbec! 1:00:27

5y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Dr. Laura Catena of Bodega Catena Zapata and the Catena Institute of Wine joins us for some in-depth conversation about Malbec's heritage, Argentine wine, and so much more. [sponsored content] We tasted three of the Catena wines sent to us just for this occasion, and discussed grand cru vineyards, wine culture, and making a difference in the wine w…

1
Episode 199: Pinotage Grape Gab 24:18

5y ago24:18

24:18

Grape Gab about the Pinotage grape, drinking whisky and a whiskey cocktail, and swag.By Val Caruso, Steph Davis, Wine Educators

1
Episode 198: Coffee Liqueurs 26:56

5+ y ago26:56

26:56

What are coffee liqueurs, how are they made, and what are you supposed to do with them? Beyond breakfast and dessert, a little side trip into the history of liqueurs and coffee, and some brand tasting. Also, a hot tip from a listener and a 200th episode tease.By Val Caruso, Steph Davis, Wine Educators

1
Episode 197: Breakfast Wines 37:59

5+ y ago37:59

37:59

Breakfast wines extend beyond the Mimosa. Breakfast is just food. Wine goes with food. Whether you're having wine for breakfast or breakfast for dinner, we stand by breakfast with wine - any time. Also, a listener in Scotland knew last week's Pod Quiz & called in to school us on some more Dubonnet facts. Finally, as you all know, it's not five o'cl…

1
Episode 196: Ousia's Kamal Kouiri on Greek Wine 31:40

5+ y ago31:40

31:40

Kamal Kouiri joins us from New York to discuss Greek wines, history, styles, spirits, travel, and a funny frose' wine story. He is the Director of Operations for Ousia restaurant, and an enthusiast and advocate of Greek wines. Also, the new Pod Quiz, a bit about Dubonnet, and a hint at a surprise for our 200th episode releasing in Feb 2019. More at…

1
Episode 195: Bloopers, 2018, and Molasses in our Glasses 19:54

5+ y ago19:54

19:54

Our 4th annual cutting room floor fun and a look back on the podcasting year that was (and what wasn't in the show, for obvious reasons). Also in this episode, a new "Surviving Christmas" cocktail and a cheeky Pod Quiz. Happy 2019 and thank you for listening! Bloopers music: "You Um, I'll Ah" by Doctor Turtle https://doctorturtle.bandcamp.com/. lic…

1
Episode 194: High Tech Wine Education 36:20

5+ y ago36:20

36:20

A walking tour of MSU Denver's Hospitality Learning Center with a 4,000 bottle wine cellar, cooking demonstration theater, and sensory analysis lab with Dr. Michael Wray, Restaurant & Beverage Management Professor. Wine, beer, distillation, stemware, and more are all taught at the school, and your hosts were schooled as well. Photos, accompanying v…

1
Episode 193: Grape Gab - Cabernet Franc 35:00

5+ y ago35:00

35:00

Getting frank about cab franc, a grape gab, a pod quiz, and way too much fun! More at winetwofive.comBy Val Caruso, Steph Davis, Wine Educators

1
Episode 192: Pét-Nats With Michelle Miller of Reno's Esoteric Wine Bar 38:02

5+ y ago38:02

38:02

Michelle Miller of Reno's Esoteric Wine Bar joins us for some peppy pét-nat chitchat. Pét-nat is short for pétillant naturel, a type of sparkling wine based on an ancient, natural method of capturing the sparkle a bottle of fermenting wine. We also touch on natural wines, Michelle's journey from corporate world to wine bar manager, and a new Pod Qu…

1
Episode 191: Grape Gab - Sauvignon Blanc 26:12

5+ y ago26:12

26:12

December's Grape Gab on the sassy Sauvignon Blanc, its color mutations, family members, and styles, history and other fun facts. Wild, and wily, perhaps like the vine itself, this episode is a fun exploration of one of the world's most important varieties. More - including a ridiculous amount of links and resources - at winetwofive.com…

1
Episode 190: Smokin' Hot Burning Wine Question Edition 50:26

5+ y ago50:26

50:26

This episode is all about answering questions you all have sent in about everything from how this podcast got started, finding (or starting) a tasting group, and ideas for new tasting room attendants. Wino Radar gives way to a Whiskey Radar, and we draw the November winner for a WTSO gift card. Happy 40th Birthday to our smokin' hot co-host, Steph!…

1
Episode 189: Thanksgiving, Sipping Jordan and Wino Radar 18:28

5+ y ago18:28

18:28

The Wine Two Five ladies are offering listeners a small token of of gratitude this week, as well as some Wino Radar edutainment finds. We also managed to finally open the wines from Jordan that were sent to us last year, and they are drinking so fine. And with that we raise our glasses to all our listeners. We will return next week with burning win…

1
Episode 188: Behind the Bottles With WTSO's Justin Kite 29:31

5+ y ago29:31

29:31

This week we are chatting with Wines 'Til Sold Out (WTSO) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Justin Kite. Not only is WTSO a relationship-based retailer, they have educational aspects of their business. Full disclosure: they are this show's sponsor, and we wanted to learn more about WTSO, Weekly Tasting, and how to navigate their offerings. Justin was k…

1
Episode 187: Regional Rap - Wines of Israel (featuring Golan Heights Winery) 41:25

5+ y ago41:25

41:25

The November Regional Rap features the wines of Golan Heights Winery by Victor Schoenfeld. These brands include Mount Herman, Gilgal, and Yarden. Many thanks to our friends at Gregory + Vine for sending them! Also in this week's episode: the difference between kosher and mevushal wine, and an animated account of thousands of years of grape growing …

1
Episode 186: Jessie "JABS" Birschbach, Managing Editor, The Somm Journal 28:51

5+ y ago28:51

28:51

This week we are chatting with The Somm Journal's Managing Editor, Jessie Birschbach, known as JABS. She is also the Senior Wine Editor at both The Tasting Panel and The Clever Root publications. JABS joins us from LA, and brings wit from her comedy background, knowledge from her Sommelier days, and her pups Ripley and Coyote. We talk everything fr…

1
W25LoCo1 - Bonacquisti Winery, Denver 13:46

5+ y ago13:46

13:46

This is the 1st episode of the W25 LoCo (Local Colorado) Edition! We are chatting with Paul Bonacquisti of Bonacquisti Winery in Denver, and Cha Cha Chavez, a broadcast industry veteran and Paul's partner in Denver Wine Radio podcast fun. Interview with Paul Bonacquisti & Cha Cha Chavez, Denver, September 2018…

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Episode 185: Grape Gab - Teroldego 27:07

5+ y ago27:07

27:07

We are talking Teroldego in October's Grape Gab. You may know it's an Italian original, but where else is it doing well? The answer may surprise you. It did us. We also draw the October winner of our monthly drawing for a WTSO gift card (sponsored by WTSO, thank you!), and have a new #W25Challenge update. Finally we dish on our new #W25LoCo mini-sh…

1
Episode 184: Master the World With Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein 44:08

5+ y ago44:08

44:08

A W25 exclusive! Evan Goldstein, MS, chats with us about his hottest new venture, Master the World, subscription-based and curated blind tasting kits. He is the President and Chief Education Officer of Full Circle Wine Solutions, and just the guy to explain ... where has this been all of our wine tasting lives?! Photos, links, vids and more at wine…

1
Episode 183: A Punch of Fall 29:15

5+ y ago29:15

29:15

This is our annual celebration of all that is fall! We talk flavors that find themselves into nearly all we eat and, yes, drink! Also, we toast #MerlotMe month, discuss post harvest winery activities, and fall cocktails. A potpourri of fall favorites, flavors and fun. Seasonal sips and entertaining tips. [ad] Photos, links & more at winetwofive.com…

1
Episode 182: Wine & Health With Dr. Matilde Parente, MD, CSW 1:00:59

5+ y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Dr. Matilde Parente joins us for a fun - but serious - discussion on wine and Health. From headaches and hangovers, science and sulfites, to biogenic amines and everything in between. How to distill conflicting headlines? How much should we really be drinking? We address all this and more. This could quite possibly change the way you drink. You're …

1
Episode 181: Regional Rap - Let's go Loire! 30:03

5+ y ago30:03

30:03

This month's Regional Rap is a virtual Loire lap in under 30 minutes! From the Muscadet of Pays Nantais, through Vouvray all the way to Pouilly-Fumé . Anjou and Haut-Poitou? Don't mind if we do! We explore "Saumur," grapes and styles galore, and hope this is an episode you will adore. Pics, links and more at winetwofive.com Loire Valley, French Win…

1
Episode 180: Grape Gab - Semillon in September 27:30

5+ y ago27:30

27:30

It's time for our monthly Grape Gab! We're sliding into September with Sémillon, its styles, and all those things that make it special. Is it an unsung hero(ine?) of the wine world? We think so, and we're happy to tell you why. We also pick a winner of our monthly giveaway. Photos, pics, links & more on winetwofive.com Semillon grape gab, Patreon d…

1
Episode 179: I Know What You Drank Last Summer 29:15

5+ y ago29:15

29:15

From Porto to Spain to the French Alps, this week is all about the beverage (and food!) finds from Steph's recent travels in Europe. Menorca was the #W25Challenge treasure of the trip. We thought you all would be interested to learn about Steph's special spirited summer and bring you along for the delicious ride. Photos, show notes, links, and more…

1
Episode 178: Burning Wine Questions and Arizona Wine With Clay Janson 45:54

5+ y ago45:54

45:54

Clay is bringing the heat this week from Phoenix, AZ, as he flips the scripts and drops burning wine questions for Steph and Val to answer. A long-time patron and show supporter (oh, and Steph's big brother!), Clay won his own show co-hosting opportunity several months back, so he took full advantage of the chance to put the ladies on the hot seat.…

1
Episode 177: Wine Camp in New York 33:42

5+ y ago33:42

33:42

We're in a "wine camp state of mind," having just returned from our 5th Society of Wine Educators (SWE) conference in the Finger Lakes, NY. We affectionately refer to the annual gathering as "wine camp," and are happy to share our highlights, factoids, and favorite moments. (Note: we experienced some audio technical difficulties with this recording…

1
Episode 176: Back to (Wine) School With Cru Artisan College 1:08:18

5+ y ago1:08:18

1:08:18

This episode is about the Cru Artisan College experience! Full of factoids, embarrassing stories and so much more, this edition contains four incredible interviews that we hope will be the perfect late-summer vacation before heading into September. We also announce this month's giveaway winner of a WTSO gift card. [This episode was recorded over a …

1
Episode 175: Wine Tasting Potpourri Podcast Party 48:30

5+ y ago48:30

48:30

We Like Drinking Podcast host Jeff E. & die-hard supporter Diane H. enthusiastically join us to taste some unusual wines & spirits. For this episode, we popped some crazy, unusual bottles, & got some unfiltered input from around the table. Not our usual format, but we really wanted to share some bottles with hard core local supporters & see what ha…

1
Episode 174: Tasting the Past With Author Kevin Begos 23:50

5+ y ago23:50

23:50

Kevin Begos, author of the new book Tasting the Past: The Science of Flavor & the Search for the Origins of Wine, chats with the W25 ladies. Fresh off his book tour, he shares the "tasting notes" on a 10-year wine grape journey ... that all started in a hotel room minibar in the Middle East. [This episode was recorded on 30 July 2018.] Show notes, …

1
Episode 173: The Great August Albariño Grape Gab 23:43

5+ y ago23:43

23:43

Roll out those crazy Albariño days of Summer! In this episode we are Grape Gabbing about Albariño. Also we announce our July Patron drawing at the end of the show. [sponsored content] #MakeItAnAlbariñoWeekend #AlbariñoFiesta Pics, links, and more at winetwofive.com Albarino grape gab, summer sips, Wine Education, sponsored content…

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Episode 172: Tangled Vines - Smokin' Summer Book Club With Meg Hansen, CSW, CSS 49:08

6y ago49:08

49:08

Smokin' hot summer edition of the #W25BookClub. This week, die-hard listener, Meg Hansen, CSW, CSS, joins us to discuss "Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California" by Frances Dinkelspiel. But of course there is one prevailing theme: wine. Photos, links, more at winetwofive.com "Tangled Vines: Greed, Murd…

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Episode 171: Wines of Mexico With Sommelier Sandra Fernandez Gaytan 52:34

6y ago52:34

52:34

Joining us from Mexico City is superstar sommelier & owner of SFG Public Relations for Premium Wine & Spirits, Sandra Fernández Gaytán. Not only did she guide us on an audio tour of the Mexican wine producing states, geography, history, wine styles & grapes, but she brought lessons in coffee & tequila! Bonus! She's been recognized for her outstandi…

1
Episode 170: Barbera Banter - A Midsummer Grape Gab 25:50

6y ago25:50

25:50

We love Barbera. It responds well to different wine making processes to result in a great variety of styles. We hate to put it in a style box, but we love to sip it in its many forms. Also, what is a cherry bounce, and what does it have to do with George Washington? Yes, a history lesson too. Much to learn and love in this episode! Pics, links & mo…

1
Episode 169: Anise Spirits and a Nice (Wine!) Surprise 27:16

6y ago27:16

27:16

This spirited discussion focuses on the flavoring, characteristics, and botanical foundations of anise or licorice-based spirits. What's fascinating is the variety of plants, seeds, roots and fruits that make up these beverages, as well as the lore, culture and traditions behind them. We also share some hot news for our wine lovers to take the summ…

1
Episode 168: Tour de Provence 29:25

6y ago29:25

29:25

Provence. Bucolic images of lavender fields, stone farmhouses, Pastis, bowls of mussels … or Russell Crowe slowly unrotting his soul in uncle’s vineyard in the movie "A Good Year" may come to mind. But there is more to the story. Sun, a patchwork geology, and that wind - along with a magic blend of innovation and tradition - aid the vines in the va…

1
Episode 167: My Wine Society 50:27

6y ago50:27

50:27

Just when you think the online wine community couldn't get any cooler, the ultimate online wine community comes along - and it's pretty darned cool. We're talking with CEO of My Wine Society, Sean Evans, and the Director of Channel Content and Brand Ambassador - Christine Havens to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek and preview of the My Wine Socie…

1
Episode 166: Grape Gab - Getting to Know Nebbiolo 38:20

6y ago38:20

38:20

We are getting to know Nebbiolo in June's Grape Gab. Also, we deliberate a Burning Wine Question on knowing when to open your bottles versus saving them for future enjoyment. Photos, links & more on www.winetwofive.com. June Grape Gab on Nebbiolo, Wine Education, Wine Podcast, Burning Wine Question, Aging Wine…

1
Episode 165: Rhone Wine & Art - A Feast for the Senses 38:28

6y ago38:28

38:28

Côtes du Rhône wines were recently paired with London artist Joe Cruz's art for a creative tasting. Sommelier, wine writer, educator & prophet, Jonathan Cristaldi, & Rhône Valley Wines Trade Marketing Manager, Eileen Fabunan, were the orchestrators of this feast for the senses, & they joined forces us to take us all behind the scenes. This was a un…

1
Episode 164: Pearls of Wine Wisdom With Jameson Fink 43:59

6y ago43:59

43:59

Jameson Fink, creator of Wine Without Worry, joins the Wine Two Five ladies for some conversation about Chablis, oysters, and learning about wine when you're just beginning. Then he lays down a brilliant, convincing defense of the Champagne flute that you won't want to miss. This? Was way too much fun! Cheers ~ Photos, links, and more on winetwofiv…

1
Episode 163 : Grape Gab - Getting Geekio With Verdicchio 28:31

6y ago28:31

28:31

We are geeking out on the Verdicchio grape in May's Grape Gab. Verdicchio is important to Italy's Le Marche, and makes diverse, interesting styles of wine. There were also some fun tidbits that emerged from this discussion. What else emerged? This month's giveaway winner! Show notes, links, photos & more at www.winetwofive.com. Wine Podcast, Grape …

1
Episode 162: Ice Wine & Chill 30:36

6y ago30:36

30:36

As the weather warms up, it's a good time to chill down with some ice wine - or Eiswein - or Icewine. Believe it or not they are not all the same thing. Also, we are announcing the next #W25BookClub book and upcoming educational events. Show notes & links at www.winetwofive.com Eiswein, Ice Wine, Icewine, wine education, podcast, Germany, Canada…

1
Episode 161: Magic of Mallorca - Martin Ward, Wine Educators International 38:43

6y ago38:43

38:43

Martin Ward is the owner of Wine Educators International, a company focused on touring, learning about, and enjoying the finer aspects of food, wine, and culture. In this episode Martin gives us an overview of Mallorcan wine and food, as well as his inspiration for introducing these wines and wines of the world through entertaining presentations an…

1
Episode 160: From Government to Grapes: An American Wine Dream 39:34

6y ago39:34

39:34

From inside the beltway to outside in wine country - wine grape growers Clark and Bonny Lystra talk with us about finding their dream home in the Russian River Valley. There was only one small add-on: 35 rows of Pinot in Siduri's Betty Ann Vineyard. In this episode we sat back and sipped along. This interview has something for everyone - including …

1
Episode 159: A Good Old Gewürztraminer Grape Gab 35:24

6y ago35:24

35:24

It's time for the April Grape Gab, and we are getting down and gabbing Gewürztraminer. This white grape has been described as everything from spicy to grandma, to fussy and even "brassy in the glass." Either way, we're happy to grab a glass and get to know our good friend, Gewurz. Show notes, links, pics and more at www.winetwofive.com…

1
Episode 158: New Season, New Stuff 27:23

6y ago27:23

27:23

We're ushering in Season 4 of the Wine Two Five Podcast with a podcastiversary celebration, bourbon and bubbles! Have no fear, there are factoids galore throughout the show, but we've got some surprises as well. Thank YOU for being part of the Wine Two Five community of hard core wine lovers and learners, and let's raise our glasses to a 4th year! …

1
Episode 157: Eric V. Orange of LocalWineEvents.com 28:40

6y ago28:40

28:40

The Juice is in the house! Eric V. Orange, creator of localwineevents.com and "The Juice" newsletter joins the W25 ladies for an afternoon chat about the number one website for consumers who are actively seeking out wine and food events in their area. Show notes and links at www.winetwofive.com. Wine podcast, local wine events, wine culture…

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Episode 156: Oh yes we Can! Craft Wine Coolers & Bringing the Mayhem 43:10

6y ago43:10

43:10

This episode explores canned wine beverages, and features the craft wine coolers of St. Mayhem. Those of us who came of drinking age in the '80s & '90s? Well, these are not the wine coolers that we were drinking in our acid washed jeans, spiral perms and parachute pants. Actually, those wine coolers of synthesized music days gone by were a whole di…

1
Episode 155: Keeping it Real With Arthur Black of the Shift Drink Podcast 57:46

6y ago57:46

57:46

Wine and Spirits Education Specialist, and host of the Shift Drink Podcast, Arthur Black joins the ladies for an incredibly spirited discussion. Strap in, listeners, this episode is a straight, cask-strength pour with no chaser. Arthur's a dedicated educator, speaker, and is very generous with his time and advice for anyone seeking the gospel of ga…

1
Episode 154: Port & Adrian Bridge, CEO, The Fladgate Partnership 41:39

6y ago41:39

41:39

A super special episode in which we were charmed and educated by the CEO of the Fladgate Partnership, Adrian Bridge. Adrian is the brains behind Taylor's, Fonseca, and Croft Port brands, and we were fortunate to have him share some valuable information about enjoying Port, as well as travel tidbits about the region. Show notes, pics & more info at …

1
Episode 153: A Port Primer 32:16

6y ago32:16

32:16

In preparation for a special guest that will joining us from Portugal in the next episode, we thought it would be appropriate to polish up our Port knowledge. This week we are popping off with a Port primer to get the party started. We cover styles, service, and try to get a jump on those burning fortified wine questions. Port, Fortified Wine, Port…

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