The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
119 results across all types
podcast· 48:21· Ep 441From Australia to Paso: Jane Dunkley on Authentic Wine, Bezel, and California's New Wave
Wine needs a fresh face. Well, that is if you ask the pundits in the industry. I am not sure I agree. Certainly, any industry needs to keep up with the times, I suppose marketing ideas and packaging ideas would follow. I am not sure I even agree with that... however, one thing I do believe is bringing a contemporary viewpoint to the table is beneficial. Meet a contemporary viewpoint in Jane Dunkley of Bezel. eflecting on my conversation with Jane Dunkley of Bezel for the latest episode of Wine Talks, I'm left both energized and encouraged about where the wine industry is headed—and what truly matters in today's wine world. Our podcast's mission has always been to tell the real stories of wine, far beyond tasting notes and ratings. So, sitting down (virtually, at least) with Jane, an Australian-born winemaker who has worked on both sides of the world and now crafts wines for the Cakebread family's new Bezel brand in Paso Robles, was exactly the kind of exchange I live for. Jane's journe
- podcast· 49:01· Ep 440
Wine, Paris, and Power: Inside the Untold Story of Empress Eugenie's Legacy
You know the Kladstrups. Frankly, anyone interested in wine, whether through in the trade or as a consumer, should/must read their first book on wine: Wine and War. Since they have published 3 more books and just releasing the latest: Eugenie; The Last Empress of France. I was honored to get an advanced copy of the book and we had a chance to sit and laugh, recall history and talk wine. Petie and Don Kladstrup have a peculiar knack for stumbling upon history's best-kept secrets, usually while chasing a good glass of wine or a mysterious letter in a Paris archive. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll follow the Kladstrups as they unearth the remarkable story of Empress Eugenie—the last French Empress, a force of nature whose life is hidden in the shadows of her more famous male counterparts. Forget what you thought you knew about French wine and revolution; you'll come away not only with a fresh perspective on the grand cru vineyards of Bordeaux and the Champagne houses' enterprising w
- podcast· 17:57· Ep 439
From Internships to Iconic Glassware: The Many Faces of Wine: Behind The Scenes Of Wine Talks.
Sometimes, I just have to say my peace and get on with it. Though in this episode, I dig into the relationships that are forged like in no other industry. Hear me out. I would argue that the best stories in wine aren't just written in vineyards and cellars, but in the electric connections between people, places, and time—sometimes under the neon glow of a set piece scavenged from a Hollywood film. In this episode, I'm unabashedly turning the spotlight on myself and the tangled web of encounters that make up my journey through the wine world. You'll hear how my wish to inspire led one of my early show writers, Lisa K., to trade in her notes for studies in Bordeaux and how, through her, I've built connections I never would have imagined, including friendships with renowned professors and winemakers. I'll take you behind the scenes with the legendary Cladstrups, whose books have forever changed how I—and maybe how you—experience Paris, and with Maximilian Riedel, whose passion for glasswa
- podcast· 37:22· Ep 438
How the Right Wine Glass Changes Everything: Paul K Talks with Maximilian Riedel
Once I was asked to meet a vendor at a local diner...a diner like the one at the end of the movies Sideways. Complete with amber plastic tumblers. IN walked one of the old time great wine slaesman with his wares in tow. I must have looked cross-eyed because I was sure he would not want to taste his wines here, at this diner. I was wrong and he did. This is when I learned how important the proper glass is when tasting or drinking wine. I guess some of us learn the hard way. Prepare to be absolutely amazed and inspired by this deep dive into the world of wine glasses and the family legacy behind Riedel, the world's oldest glass-producing company! In this fascinating episode of Wine Talks, host Paul K sits down with Maximilian Riedel, the charismatic 11th-generation leader of Riedel, and the conversation will forever change the way you think about what's in your glass. Maximilian reveals that it's the DNA of the grape that determines the shape of the glass—how cool is that? Wine glasses a
- podcast· 55:40· Ep 437
Exploring Paso Robles: Rhone Varietals, Innovation, and Community with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek
Legacy in the wine trade is not guaranteed. Not every child wants to take on the wine trade. I have many stories of famed children of iconic brands setting out to carve their own path to only lnad back in this passionate business. Jason Haas of Tablas Creek came around a bit quicker. He saw what an honest glass of wine represents and is now the second generation owner of Tablas Creek. Jason Haas may be the only guest who can increase the world's acreage of a grape by 40% simply by planting half an acre. If that got your attention, prepare for a conversation filled with surprising truths about winemaking in Paso Robles, the deep roots of Tablas Creek, and the evolving landscape of California's wine industry. You'll learn how a partnership between the American Haas family and the French Perrins of Château de Beaucastel launched an early French "transplant" with a vision for Mediterranean grapes in California—long before it was fashionable. Jason offers an insider's perspective on why Pas
- podcast· 59:38· Ep 436
Chasing Passions and Building Promise Winery: The Journey of Stephen and Jennifer McPherson
When I was approached by a PR firm to interview the Stephen and Jennifer McPherson, I gladly agreed not knowing a thing. Podcasts guests are not hard to find in the industry...but good podcasts guests...that is a different story. I am about the story. That is what I am pitching in the world of wine; innovation in marketing and packaging are important, but what is that innovation centered on? The story. And here is a story, what started as a promise between spouses, became a reality and one that they, as many life changes perform, they wish they had started earlier. If you ever wondered what happens when a top entertainment exec swaps red carpets for rolling vineyards, Stephen and Jennifer McPherson's journey will uncork your imagination. On this episode, you'll hear firsthand how passion trumped the allure of Hollywood glitz, beckoning Stephen from ABC to the grape-stained heart of Napa Valley—all because of a vow made to Jennifer on the eve of their wedding. You'll be invited into the
- podcast· 43:40· Ep 435
Why Wine Pairing Rules Are Made Up Tim Hanni Explains
This is absolutely incredible. During this conversation with Master of Wine Tim Hanni, I had to step back and take a breather. He speaks on such a level about wine and the errors of the industry and packs so much into a single sentence, one must just ask him to stop to let the listener regroup. And then you can't wait to get to the next subject. Tim Hanni has a knack for stirring up the wine world—and not just in the glass. Master of Wine, self-proclaimed neurodivergent, and recovering vertical thinker, Tim upends every rule you thought you knew about wine and food pairing. In this episode, you'll tumble down the rabbit hole of wine "education," learning why the very idea of a standardized language for wine is more myth than method, and why trying to force consumers into rigid tasting frameworks makes about as much sense as serving Château Yquem only after dessert. Tim invites us to step outside the vertical "vacuum" of tradition, where "experts" argue endlessly over points, metaphors,
- podcast· 54:12· Ep 434
Rethinking Wine Clubs, Loyalty, and Digital Marketing in the Modern Wine Industry. Polly Hammond.
Reaching out to Polly to have a chat about coming on Wine Talks, was like a breath of fresh air. Podcasting takes great effort and a conscious effort to be better and to look for guests that can add to the entertainment and education value of the show. I could have just as easily recorded our pre-call and published that as a podcast. I think you will find Polly intriguing, inspiring and knowledgable. Polly Hammond would be the first to admit she never gets nervous on podcasts—until, of course, she landed on Wine Talks with Paul K., reminiscing about youthful memories in Hermosa Beach and realizing just how close to home a conversation about wine could truly feel. In this episode, listeners are in for much more than a stroll down California's scenic, wine-soaked memory lanes. You'll dive deep with Polly, CEO and founder of Five Forests Wine Consultancy, as she shakes up entrenched ideas about what keeps wine regions—and the wider wine business—buzzing and relevant. Expect lively debate
- podcast· 57:13· Ep 433
Wine, Legacy, and Love: The Story Behind Zara Winery and Armenia's Boutique Wine Renaissance
Sometimes life is about timing. Just as I was inquiring about the wine of an Armenian wine maker, I received an email from a gentleman thanking me for the inquiry, and that he happens to be in LA...and would love to sit for a podcast. I was floored. When Vahagn sat down and began to speak, I knew we would hit it off. He had insight and passion. And it turns out that the winemaker, Zara Muradyan is his wife. What are the odds..lol. Oxford educated with a grounded outlook on wine, we hit it off and the conversation could have gone on for hours. Vahagn Voskanyan wants you to remember his name—not for its tricky spelling, but for the remarkable story behind every bottle he touches. You will come away with an entirely fresh appreciation for what it means to make wine in Armenia, where every sip is less about chasing trends and more about channeling centuries of heritage, family resilience, and pure emotion into the glass. As Vahagnn candidly shares, wine is a process—not just a result—and t
- podcast· 56:55· Ep 434
Wine Industry Insights: Hospitality, Consumer Trends, and the Power of Storytelling
When I reach out for podcast guests...I look for interesting backgrounds. Meaning, I would like to see a variety of experiences and someone who has a point of view. With the advent of the wine critic (many years ago) and the wine periodical, I wanted to have Susan on the show as she was the lead editor of the Wine Enthusiast. This puts her is a very small group of wine writers and by default, gives her a point of view. Susan Kostrvewa knows the wine industry like few others—after all, when she talks about effective messaging, wine authenticity, and the power of experience, it's with the insight of someone who shaped the narratives at Wine Enthusiast and now crafts strategy for brands craving a new audience. In this episode, you'll uncork more than just theories. You'll come away knowing how digital disruption, shifting consumer habits, and the revolution in direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales are rewriting the wine world. Is the key to survival expensive ad campaigns, or does it begin—quite
- podcast· 49:40
Authenticity in the Wine Business: Lessons from Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard
Despite being the son of a pharmacist turned wine professional, I did not know the purpose of an Entheogen. Ross Halleck set me straight,so much so, that after defining an entheogen, the value of the consumption of wine became clearer. Ross Halleck doesn't just make wine—he might just ask you to close your eyes and seek the divine within a single glass. In this episode of Wine Talks, you'll be swept past the typical vineyard tales and deep into the spiritual and mystical roots of wine itself. You'll learn how Ross stumbled into the wine trade not through family legacy or grand ambition, but with the curiosity of a seeker and a penchant for unearthing life's mysteries. Paul and Ross unravel why, for some, wine is more than a social lubricant or status symbol; it's an "entheogen"—a conduit to something sacred. Discover how the trappings of wine culture, from magazine scores to over-intellectualization, can miss the magic entirely, and why Ross is on a mission to return wine to its ancien
podcast· 48:26· Ep 432Violet Grgich on Wine as Emotion, Heritage & Rebellion | Wine Talks with Paul K
Proper winemaking takes humility. It takes a story. It takes risk. And I guess risk is relative. when you come from nothing or next to nothing and you plot a path and execute a path, that comes from and takes humility. Mike Grgich landed in Saint Helena with $32 dollars sewed in his shoe and landed in front of a faceless hotel. He wasn't sure at the point what to do next and certainly wasn't aware of what was to become of him. Sitting with Violet Grgich is in itself sitting with humility. Such a desirable trait in a human being. She immediately draws you in to her outlook on life; perhaps a piece of her fathers outlook. The Grgich name might conjure visions of Napa Valley legend, but Violet Grgich proves she's every bit as fascinating as the myth she continues. In this unforgettable conversation, you'll traverse the triumphant, tumultuous journey of her father, Mike Grgich—the man behind the "Judgment of Paris"—from a small, impoverished Croatian village to the heart of California wine
podcast· 55:13· Ep 431Napa Cabernet Reinvented: Kelham Vineyards' Ron Nicholsen on Releasing Decade-Old Wines
At a recent Cabernet Sauvignon tasting in Los Angeles at the famed Republique restaurant, I spied this cool cat pouring off some aged wines. In that I fancy myself as a off-beat jacket guy, I had to engage Ron as to the provenance of not his wines, but of his jacket. And that is when the story began to unfold. Naturally, on the next trip to Napa, I had to get the whole story on the podcast. And here it is. Ron Nicholsen is the kind of vintner who makes you wonder if patience truly is a virtue—or just a wild gamble in the wine world. In this episode, you'll uncork the remarkable journey of a winemaker who dares to hold back his Cabernet for a full decade before release and whose devotion to authenticity runs deeper than sediment at the bottom of a hand-aged bottle. You'll hear how Ron's childhood, shaped by a grape-growing family and the steady, idiosyncratic hand of his stepfather, set the stage for an unconventional, legacy-driven pursuit: crafting age-worthy Napa Valley wines that ar
podcast· 48:26· Ep 430August Sebastiani on Gen Z, Wine Innovation & 100 Years of Sonoma Legacy
If you have spent any time at all in the wine trade...even if you have just visited the wine section of your favorite market; you know, have seen and recognize the name Sebastiani. They are one of the original Sonoma county wine families and August is the 4th generation. He makes an interesting point that traditionally in the Italian culture, the firstborn son that gets the name of the founding family member, in this case, it was the 4th generation son. But don't let the family history fool you into thinking this is old school, archaic thinking wine approach; nothing could be further from the truth. Few winery names are as steeped in Sonoma lore as Sebastiani, but August Sebastiani himself is as approachable as a bottle of his family's famed Zinfandel. Tune into this episode and you'll discover why. You'll be privy to a firsthand account of American winemaking's intersection with immigration, family legacy, and relentless innovation, as August peels back the layers of his family's jour
podcast· 57:40· Ep 429Armenian-Mexican Fusion with Chef Ara Zada: From Lavash to Laughter| Wine Talks
When I told my wife I was interviewing Chef Ara Zada...she was like..."I follow him!""He is great!" She never says that about me. I guess I need to learn how to make "fusion"cuisine with Mediterranean food!. Chef Ara Zada has a storied career and now turned food influencer. We had a blast together. Ara Zada is the kind of guest who makes you wish your phone had a "smell-o-vision" app—and by the end of this episode, you'll know why. Step into the kitchen-turned-studio where Ara, chef, content creator, and avid bow hunter, cooks up much more than what's on the plate. You'll discover what happens when the authenticity of Armenian-Egyptian family recipes gets filtered through French culinary training and the relentless demands of social media stardom. Ara dissects with candor the creative (and literal) balancing act behind daily content creation, sharing how his brand blossomed from a commitment to consistency, pressure, and staying "on message" while still keeping things decidedly fun. Be
podcast· 51:15· Ep 428She Is Bringing Back The Emotion Of Wine. Meet Stephanie Morton-Small
I forgot her exuberance, energy, and love of wine and music. I'm so glad I had the chance to remember. The wine world needs more Stephanie Morton-Smalls; she helps us keep our eye on the ball. If you've ever wondered why some wines taste better when paired with heartfelt stories or Adele ballads, "Wine Talks" with Stephanie Morton Small and Paul Kalemkiarian has your answer (and maybe your calling as an emotional sommelier). Stephanie, a four-time founder and true wine globe-trotter, dives headfirst into the intoxicating marriage of wine, song, and feeling. She shares how her new venture, Wine Whisper and Song, combines storytelling, original music, and wine in a way that makes your palate and your soul say "cheers." Spoiler: This isn't your typical stuffy Napa tasting—think less "essence of leather-bound books" and more "let the wine remind you of your first crush or last breakup." Paul and Stephanie uncork witty wisdom about letting wine seduce you emotionally before you bone up on t
podcast· 50:44· Ep 427Prosecco? Try Lo-Secco. Meet the brand strategest and Founder, Monika Elling.
I keep an eye on this girl. She makes this happen. As a college athlete, mom and wine brand manager, Monika is always "shaking the tree."I am inspisred by her tenacity and I am impressed with her no-nonsense approach to branding wine. Monika Elling doesn't just swirl her wine—she stirs the conversation and upends what you thought you knew about what's in your glass (and your grocery cart). She brings both a sharp palate and a sharper intellect to Wine Talks, joining Paul Kalemkiarian for an episode that pulls no punches on food, drink, and health. You'll plunge into topics most winemakers and marketers avoid, like the disquieting truth that Americans are less healthy than ever before and what's really behind those glossy 'healthy' labels in the supermarket aisles. Monika, part nutritionist, part entrepreneur, and always a provocateur, shares her journey from understanding food as fuel for athletes to scrutinizing every hidden ingredient in products she once trusted. Expect to learn why
podcast· 55:35· Ep 425If You Can Sell Coke, Can You Sell Wine? Courtney O'Brien Explains.
Sometimes when you speak to a consultant, you get consultant gobeldy gook. I can't tell you how many consultants I hired along the way at the WIne of the Month Club, but suffice it to say, most did not perform as expected. Why? Because selling wine is different than anything else in the world. Courtney O'Brien is different. She knows wine, she knows branding and she brings corporate America along for the ride. If you're looking for a lighthearted yet informative take on this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, here's a quick summary with a wink: This episode is like a masterclass in beverage branding—with a side of humor and plenty of entrepreneurial reality checks. Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Courtney O'Brien, a seasoned beverage veteran whose resume runs the gamut from water (Evian) to soda (Coca-Cola) and finally to wine (Gallo). She's done it all—from "chief bottle washer" to innovator and now, consultant helping wine brands rise above the "product" level to become true brands.
podcast· 55:55· Ep 425Admittedly Lazy Until She Found Wine And Hospitality. Meet Master Somm Stefanie Hehn
The Master Sommelier is a commitment to hospitality. So it makes you wonder what a young girl, who admittedly called herself lazy, would take on such a commitment. As life would have it, the challenges became clear to Stefanie Hehn, and each ladder rung became the next challenge. And I get it. I love hospitality. Here is her story on getting to the utmost revered degree in the subject. Stefanie Hehn—master sommelier extraordinaire from Hamburg's fabulous Fontenay Hotel—brings a whole philosophy to wine service that goes well beyond being just an order-taker. She tells her team their mission is to turn each guest into the superhero of their own wine story. That means memorable moments, not just pouring what's popular. From their conversation, we learn that German wine trends can be as surprising as a plot twist in a telenovela. Riesling's always beloved, but lately German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder, for the wine geeks) is stealing the spotlight, with guest explorations into lesser-known
podcast· 1h 24m· Ep 424With $25 In His Pocket, He Left Iran at 13 Years Old. This Is His Story. Zaya Younan.
I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St. Emilion. My curiosity required me to ask the wholesaler, "Maybe the Chateau owner will come on the show?" "Let me check." "He would love it" So then I though I'd best look up the guest (this was one hour before his arrival). OMG..this Zaya Younan is a formidable businessman with over 1200 patents, 5 hotels, three golf courses, a fine cigar company, and now 2 Chateaux in France. I was humbled; for him taking the time to drive to my studio to be on the podcast, shows serious humility....but maybe I shouldn't be so surprised. This is often a trait of successful people: Do what it takes. Zaya Yonan's story is so cinematic, you'd think Spielberg had optioned it already—after all, how often do you meet someone who bought his ticket to America at age 13 by painting
podcast· 57:04· Ep 423Investing Part Of Your Portfolio In Wine? Speak With Marc LeFleur First. He Gets It.
Investing in wine might seem risky. Might seem like a horizon uncrossed. There is growing success rate in wine investments and it takes a trained and experience broker/agent to know where and when. Marc Lefleur might be the only man who can make a conversation about asset classes as delicious as a glass of aged Barolo. In this episode, you'll travel from the sun-dappled slopes of Piemonte to the bustling banking circles of Geneva, all while unraveling the mysteries of wine investment with someone fluent in four languages and even more terroirs. You'll learn why not every cellar-worthy wine turns to gold, and why the idea that you can just "buy pallets of wine and hope that in ten years you'll sell them at a better price" is more myth than market truth. Marc demystifies the romantic shroud of Bordeaux, reveals the artisanal heart still beating in the hills of Barolo, and exposes how climate change is tipping the scales for Nebbiolo in ways that might surprise even the savviest collector
podcast· 39:22· Ep 422Make The Best That Represents New Zealand. Meet Josh Hammond of Tiraki WInes.
When you hear a New Zealand accent, what do you try and do? I try to figure is it Aussi or English? Maybe South African. Regardless of where you land with this interpretation, you always settle into a nice comfort zone with New Zealanders. There is a certain warmth and instant camaraderie. Tiraki wines are new to the United States and it was an honor to sit with Josh and hear his plans. On today's episode of Wine Talks, I sat down with Josh Hammond of Teraki Wines, who's redefining what it means to build a family wine brand with global reach. We dove into the challenges of launching in the US market, how sustainable and organic farming are at the heart of New Zealand wine, and why authentic storytelling and quality are key to standing out in a crowded industry. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship and the future of wine, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. ✅ Ever wondered how a Kiwi winemaker broke into 32 countries—including China and the U.S.—in just 5 years? ✅ Paul
podcast· 59:07· S10E11The Man. Steven Spurrier. No Longer With Us, But His "Judgement of Paris" Has Changed Wine Forever..
I had the distcint honor to know Melvin Masters; responsible for some iconic imported brands of wine that you would see everywhere. Unfortunately, we lost him a year or two ago and I has saddened me ever since. As a friend, he would reach out to his A-list of friends to encourage them to come on the podcast. Literally, just weeks before Steven Spurrier, yes, the one and the same of the famed Steven Spurrier, came on the show. I was humbled and honored. Stephen Spurrier was never one to swirl around the status quo—he preferred to shake the bottle and see what poured out. In this captivating episode of Wine Talks, you will gain a front-row seat to the origins and aftermath of the iconic 1976 Judgment of Paris, as told by the man who orchestrated it all. Spurrier, ever the adventurer, recounts his youthful, risk-taking days in France with a mischievous twinkle, transforming a Parisian wine shop into an international hub and launching L'Academie du Vin, all before single-handedly upending
podcast· 56:57· Ep 421The Passion For Armenian Wine. Meet Armen Ghazikhanian
Armen Ghazikhanian didn't so much dive into the wine business as wander in with curiosity, a keen palate, and a spreadsheet in his back pocket. You'll come away from this episode with more than just a newfound respect for Armenian wine; you'll discover how a career in finance can lead to the art of curating bottles that carry centuries of culture and a whisper of volcanic terroir. Armen reveals how his passion-driven side gig, Cork and Bottle, was forged as much by personal connections and boots on the ground in remote Armenian villages as by business school savviness—only to discover that the wine industry plays by its own rules entirely. Along the way, you'll learn about the surprising renaissance of Armenian winemaking after the Soviet era, why indigenous grape varieties like areni and voskehat are turning the heads of wine judges and sommeliers, and what happens when you take a risk importing unknown bottles to the US, hoping they don't just satisfy your friends but spark conversat