Episodes
What It Takes to Be the World’s Top Sommelier: Aldo Sohm, Wine Director of Le Bernardin
Aldo Sohm, Wine Director of NYC’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin, shares insights on fine dining, wine pairing, hospitality, and balancing health, humility, and pressure. Learn why Aldo was recognized as one of the greatest sommeliers in the world.
From Stage Lights to Wine Flights: The Reinvention of Amanda McCrossin, aka @Sommvivant
Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and wine personality, shares her inspiring story of reinvention — from stage lights to wine flights. She’s built a powerhouse wine brand rooted in education, storytelling, and approachability, bringing a refreshing and accessible energy to the world of wine.
Laura Catena on the Future of Wine, Old Vines & New Discoveries
Dr. Laura Catena explores the fascinating world of Argentine Chardonnay, the Catena family’s winemaking legacy, and the intersection of wine, wellness, and culture. Laura shares her journey from medicine to viticulture, the science behind terroir, and why old vines hold a special place in winemaking.
Jane Lopes, Australian Wine Expert, on The Court of Master Sommeliers & Vulnerability
Jane Lopes shares her experiences at world-renowned restaurants like Attica and Eleven Madison Park. She also explores the importance of mental health in the industry, the challenges women face in wine, and the mission behind her import business, Legend.
Paul Hobbs On The Future of Wine: From Opus One to Crafting Ten 100-Point Masterpieces
Legendary winemaker Paul Hobbs shares his journey from aspiring doctor to global pioneer, shaping wine regions in California, Argentina, and Armenia. Learn how he elevated Malbec, revived ancient winemaking traditions, and impacted the global wine scene, while offering insights into the challenges and future of the wine market.
NBA Champion Channing Frye On Choosing Wine and Sipping with Lebron & Kevin Love
NBA Champion Channing Frye trades the hardwood for the vineyard in this insightful episode, sharing his journey from basketball star to president of Chosen Family Wines.
Inside Domaine Dujac: Secrets, Family, and Climate with Jeremy Seysses
Jeremy shares the secrets behind Domaine Dujac's rise, the art of navigating family dynamics in winemaking, and the critical decisions shaping the estate's future.
Jancis Robinson's Senior Editor US, Samantha Cole-Johnson, Talks Wine Trends, Tariffs & New Regions
Samantha Cole-Johnson, Senior U.S. Editor at JancisRobinson.com, discusses her wine career, FTC rules, volume discounts, and the future of wine distribution. This engaging conversation uncovers the technical, cultural, and regulatory layers that shape the world of wine.
From the French Laundry & Per Se to Bon Appétit’s Leading Wine Pro, Andre Mack's Journey (Part 2)
In this inspiring episode, Andre Mack takes us through the unexpected twists and turns that led him into the world of wine and sommelier work. From a game of phone tag to a life-changing encounter at the renowned Cafe Annie, Andre recounts how his chance meeting with Paul Roberts—Texas' only Master Sommelier—altered the course of his career. Along the way, Andre shares valuable insights into navigating the wine world as a Black man, including the challenges he faced and the opportunities he seized.
From Michelin 3 Star French Laundry to Maison Noir Wines; Sommelier Andre Mack's Journey (Part 1)
In this insightful episode, Andre Houston Mack @andremack7643 opens up about his incredible journey from finance to the dynamic world of wine, sharing invaluable insights on hard work, delegation, and following your passions. He reveals the unique challenges of being a Black man in an industry steeped in tradition, while also crediting his military upbringing for shaping his relentless work ethic. Houston also discusses the transformative power of tasting and learning in the wine world, the role of humor in dismantling pretension, and the importance of having a clear vision in pursuing your goals.
Is Napa Wine Really a Luxury? Malek Amrani’s Take on Accessibility
Discover the untold story behind Napa Valley's latest wine revolution!" In this episode, Malek Amrani, the Moroccan-born winemaker of @thevicewine takes us on an incredible journey from representing @domperignonofficial for Moet Hennessy to reshaping Napa’s wine landscape. Learn how his experience in luxury wine sales fueled his mission to make high-quality, small-batch wines more accessible to all. Malek’s bold vision, for example his use of concrete egg fermentation, is challenging traditional notions of luxury wine. From his rise in the world of Moet Hennessy to launching Vice Wines, Malek shares how cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and a fresh perspective are transforming the Napa Valley wine scene.
Raj Parr A Wine Legend
In this engaging conversation, Rajat Parr, a renowned figure in the wine industry, shares his journey from being a celebrated sommelier to becoming a farmer in Cambria. He discusses the unique terroir of the region, the importance of natural and regenerative farming practices, and the future of wine education and commercial success. Rajat emphasizes the significance of understanding the origins of wine and the role of sommeliers in enhancing the dining experience. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the wine industry and the need for a more personal connection to food and wine.
The Mistress of Merlot, Kimberlee Nichols of Markham Vineyards
In this episode of The Wine Centric Show, host Matthew Weiss speaks with Kimberlee Nichols, a prominent winemaker at @MarkhamVineyards in Napa Valley. They discuss Kimberlee’s journey in winemaking, the rich history of Merlot, and the importance of terroir and sustainability in producing quality wines. Kimberlee shares insights on the challenges faced by Merlot in the market, the role of women in the winemaking industry, and her experiences during harvest celebrations. The conversation also touches on the future of Napa Valley in light of climate change and varietal diversity, concluding with Kimberly's Thanksgiving wine selections.
Understanding The Wine Critic With Eric Asimov
In this inaugural episode of The Wine-Centric Show, host Matt Weiss engages with Eric Asimov, the wine writer for The New York Times, discussing various aspects of wine culture, including the evolution of wine tasting, the role of critics, the rise of natural wines, and the impact of climate change on wine production.