The Chronicle
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podcast· 40:03· Ep 287Episode 287: Premiere Napa Valley
One of the biggest events in wine has just concluded in Napa Valley: the Premiere Napa Valley auction. Each year, top winemakers craft one-of-a-kind wine lots to be auctioned, creating an energy that has to be seen to be believed. Today, we speak with winemaker John Skupny, renowned winemaker Cathy Corison, and Stacey Dolan Capitani of Napa Valley Vintners to break down Napa’s past, its future, the competition between winemakers, and how an entire region comes together to position itself on the world stage. You can also watch extended interviews and see the auction on SOMM TV, our video streaming service. To get tickets to the upcoming Napa Barrel Auction use this link and get 3 tickets for the price of four! http://www.nvv.li/sommtv
podcast· 31:55· Ep 286Episode 286: How to turn a pig farm into a world class pinot noir - the story of Beaux Frères
What is harder, making wine or family? Today we tell the incredible story of Beaux Frères, a pioneer in American Pinot Noir. When Michael G. Etzel and his brother in law Robert Parker jr. (yes, that Robert Parker) found an old pig farm in Oregon, they had a hunch there might be something there. Today Beau Frères Vineyard is a staple of wine collectors and great restaurants, but it wasn't easy and it still isn't. Vinexpo Americas is coming April 29-30 in Miami, Florida and you should be there! If you work in wine, spirits or beverages in the Americas, Vinexpo Americas is where business happens. Register now and secure your free trade badge. https://vinexpo-americas.com/newfront/about-the-show?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=relais
podcast· 40:17· Ep 285Episode 285: There is no perfect in the kitchen
One of America’s best chefs shares what it takes to stay alive in one of the hardest professions. Philip Tessier has trained under the best won incredible awards and learned how to fail. In this candid conversation, he talks about hopes, dreams, controling anger, and the relentless pursuit of something impossible: Perfection. Vinexpo Americas is coming April 29-30 in Miami, Florida and you should be there! If you work in wine, spirits or beverages in the Americas, Vinexpo Americas is where business happens. Register now and secure your free trade badge. https://vinexpo-americas.com/newfront/about-the-show?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=relais
podcast· 35:45· Ep 284Episode 284: Tim Mondavi explains it all
Tim Mondavi, the former winemaker of Opus One, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Continuum - One of America’s most important voices in wine joins the show to talk everything from premiere Napa Valley, the Judgment of Paris, spending 50 years in wine, and the future of drinking, to the importance of eating dinner together. If you work in wine, spirits or beverages in the Americas, Vinexpo Americas is where business happens. Register now and secure your free trade badge. https://vinexpo-americas.com/newfront/about-the-show?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=relais Today’s episode is brought to you by
podcast· 50:03· Ep 283Episode 283: This is your brain on wine - with Cokie’s world of wine & Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly
Two of the most influential, important, and funniest wine communicators join Jason today to have the ultimate conversation about being creative and obsessed about wine. Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly, and Cokie of Cokie’s world of wine discuss everything from obsession, ADD as a super power, social media, AI, and how to balance life and connect it all together with wine. Make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch our new documentary on Casa Madero, the new world’s oldest winery.
podcast· 1h 31m· Ep 282Episode 282: The wine draft: Islands that make wine
The wine draft is back! The SOMM TV team is joined by a famed winemaker, an expert sommelier, and a wine expert to draft the best islands that make wine around the world. Who will be the winner of this new episode of the SOMM TV wine draft? Remember you can watch this episode on SOMM TV and when you are finished go here to vote for the winner: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMYtAIEv1k/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
podcast· 33:10· Ep 281Episode 281: The scientists changing wine
For over 100 years, UC Davis has produced some of the most important figures in wine. Today we talk to Dr Ben Montpetit, one of the world’s leading scientists working in advancing and expanding wine to find out the history of UC Davis’s wine program and what may be next to change wine for farmers and drinkers. Today’s episode is brought to you by our blind tasting card game “SOMM BLINDERS”. Go to blindersgame.com to get yours today.
podcast· 45:48· Ep 280Episode 280: The wine region Championship Belt: Europe, with Master SOMM Ian Cauble
What is the best wine region currently in Europe? Today we make some very difficult choices, but there can only be one: the greatest wine region currently standing at this moment. Jason Wise and Master Sommelier and star of the first SOMM Film: Ian Cauble give you the inside baseball from two people who have done more wine travel than almost anyone else. You can watch this episode right now on SOMMTV.com and all of our apps. This episode is brought to you by Wine Paris. Wine Paris 2026 is coming. From February 9–11, the global wine, spirits, and no/low community meets in Paris for three days of discovery, business, and trend-shaping conversations. More than 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 professionals from 155+ markets will gather under one roof — including a major U.S. presence across wine, craft spirits, and emerging categories. Join the industry in Paris. Register for your trade badge Link: https://wineparis.com/newfront/page/why-visit?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rel
podcast· 31:36· Ep 279Episode 279: The oldest winery in the New World: Casa Madero
A crown jewel in the wine world’s history and heritage, Casa Madero is not only the oldest winery in the New World, but also the cornerstone of Mexican wine. On this episode we discuss the incredible history of this property originally deeded by the king of Spain in 1597 and talk to the family bringing this one of a kind property into today’s wine world. This episode is brought to you by Wine Paris. Wine Paris 2026 is coming. From February 9–11, the global wine, spirits, and no/low community meets in Paris for three days of discovery, business, and trend-shaping conversations. More than 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 professionals from 155+ markets will gather under one roof — including a major U.S. presence across wine, craft spirits, and emerging categories. Join the industry in Paris. Register for your trade badge Link: https://wineparis.com/newfront/page/why-visit?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=relais
podcast· 29:30· Ep 278Episode 278: Confessions of a wine bar owner
One of Los Angeles’ best wine bars has just closed its doors for the final time. On today’s episode we speak to Rebecca Phillips about her time behind the bar as the owner of Vintage, a place that defined a neighborhood through bottles and laughter. She shares some of her craziest experiences, and we attempt to understand what disappears when we lose a local watering hole. Today’s episode is brought to you by Wine Paris. If you work in wine, spirits, or beverages in the U.S., you should be at Wine Paris 2026 February 9-11. Register online now and secure your trade badge. February is coming fast. Link: https://wineparis.com/newfront/page/why-visit?utm_source=lealb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=relais
podcast· 29:18· Ep 277Episode 277: Iran & Wine: memories of the future
Today Jason talks the current events happening in Iran with Persian - American winemaker Darioush Khaledi of Darioush vineyards in Napa. Iran is one of the birth places of civilization and with that had a major hand in discovering and spreading wine across the world. The country is in the middle of generational upheaval that may change everything from geopolitics and freedom to It’s place in the global tourism, food, and wine space and millions hang in the balance. Let’s dig in to the history, the potential, and the “what ifs” of Iran. To watch our brand new episode on the upcoming 2024 Napa vintage free, go to https://sommtv.vhx.tv/videos/napa-valley-vintage-update-2024
podcast· 27:22· Ep 276Episode 276: The inside story of Cognac
The cellar master of Martell Cognac, the oldest of the historic large cognac houses still operating, tells the story of this iconic drink. SOMM TV subscribers can watch this episode right now on SOMMTV.com, not a subscriber? Get 50% off by entering sommtv50 at checkout and enjoy hundreds of episodes on all things food and drink found no where else.
podcast· 24:20· Ep 275Episode 275: The Sound of Wine with Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal of Château Angélus
Stéphanie de Boüard grew up in the French medieval village of Saint-Émilion and had a big decision to make when it was time to decide who would take over one of the most famous and respected wineries in the world. She tells the story of what it was like to step into her father’s shoes and why she pursued a different career first. You can watch this episode on SOMMTV.com right now with over 500 hours of the best content on tje culinary world.
podcast· 31:31· Ep 274Episode 274: The top wines of 2025! Plus the regions you need to visit in 2026
Introducing SOMM TV’s top wines of the year. We have argued, laughed, debated, and ultimately agreed—without major injury. Winemakers, sommeliers, writers, and the SOMM TV staff narrowed an entire year of tasting into ten wines that define our shared love of flavor, story, and value. For deeper dives, listen to the podcast, but here are the wines that defined 2025 for us. Congratulations to the wines that made our list! To learn more about our picks, watch the collection on SOMM TV: https://sommtv.vhx.tv/top-wines-of-2025 For the full list: https://www.sommtv.com/2025wines
podcast· 28:08· Ep 273Episode 273: The Story of Egg Nog
Egg Nog, that creamy, boozy, sweet drink people either love or hate makes its way down the chimney this time of year to remind us all why we have a gym membership. Where did this drink come from, and why does it hold such a nostalgic place during the holidays? On today’s episode join Jason Wise & Forbes writer Jessica Dupuy as they dive into the story of this holiday drink we call Egg Nog. For the base recipe by Morgan Weller of Marfa Spirit Company ( https://www.themarfaspirit.com/ ) mentioned in the episode go here: https://jeffreymorgenthaler.com/egg-nog/ For Morgan’s Yoakum Egg Nog mentioned in the episode: 5 egg 2 cups bourbon 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup heavy cream 2 oz. sorghum vinegar (2:1 ratio Muddy Pond Sorghum and Steen’s Cane Vinegar) 2 oz. corn husk simple syrup* Nutmeg to garnish Be sure to chill all ingredients well before making. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in remaining ingredients until frosty. Pour into a pitcher and serve with a dash of nutmeg. *Corn Husk Simple Sy
podcast· 45:31· Ep 272Episode 272: More Wine cameos in movies and TV!
We are back with another episode spotting wine that appears in movies and streaming! Jonah Beer of Gabriel glass and Pilcrow wine joins Jason to discuss wines found in: The Sopranos, The Insider, Weekend at Bernie’s, Curb your enthusiasm, The Wire, and the Coen Brother’s film “A serious Man”. To take advantage of our Black Friday deal of 50% off our blind tasting game - go to blindersgame.com and to get an astounding 70% off a year of SOMM TV ~ a year for only 17.99!!! (do not wait on this deal it ends soon!) go to https://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=industrysommtv&plan=yearly and don’t forget you can watch this episode right now streaming on SOMM TV
podcast· 1h 00m· Ep 271Episode 271: Pressing Matters: The story of cider & the American Dream
The simple apple - it is in our lunches, on our teacher’s desk, and occasionally made into a delicious alcoholic drink called Cider. Did you know that the apple and the drink made from its fruit is hiding one of the greatest stories ever told? On today’s episode we tell the tale of how America was founded and built using Cider. The incredible origins of the apple, how cider pushed us westward and kept us together as a nation, and how it tore us apart. We also try to find the long lost apples the founding fathers grew hundreds of years ago. Join Jason Wise & author Ben Watson as we tell the story of Cider and the American Dream. If you love this podcast, please be sure to leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of our blind tasting card game at blindersgame.com and make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch our films and shows.
podcast· 38:36· Ep 270Episode 270: The family behind a billion bottles
The stars of our brand new original film “Verticals: The Laithwaites” - now streaming on SOMM TV are on the podcast today. A husband and wife who have lived and breathed wine for over 50 years look back on their lives and gaze forward to the handover of their accomplishments to their children. Barbara and Tony Laithwaite, one of the most influential couples of wine in the last century as they look inward at the industry, and their legacy. Make sure to stream our new film about these two on sommtv.com right now after listening.
podcast· 34:25· Ep 269Episode 269: The Halloween Episode
Why does our Halloween candy taste so different now? How much Chocolate is needed in a fun size chocolate bar to still be able to call it chocolate and what the heck is the rest of it? On today’s episode we speak to a food scientist to answer those questions and more. Then Jason talks to the founders of “Final Girl wines” a winery founded on horror films. Happy Halloween and make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com and rate and review this podcast wherever you listen.
podcast· 34:31· Ep 268Episode 268: Wine, Art, & Films
Is wine art? Not long ago, people wondered if films were art. How important is the moment or the age we were when we drank or saw a film? Can someone from a different countries taste a wine the same or feel the same things from a movie? Today famed winemaker Alban Debeaulieu of Abbot Claim and Jason Wise turn what was a late night conversation over too much wine into a discussion about how we internalize things people call art and why. You can watch episodes featuring this winemaker and many more on sommtv.com
podcast· 41:20· Ep 267Episode 267: Harvest is a B1tch
Harvest… a time for hard work and big rewards and occasionally utter chaos and mayhem. On today’s episode we talk to three winemakers with three very different perspectives on the monster that is harvest. Steve Matthiasson from Napa Valley, CA - Amy Christine MW from Santa Barbara wine country, CA - Travis Todd of the Willamette Valley in Oregon join Jason Wise to share how 2025 has gone and also some hilarious stories of how harvest can go wrong. Don’t forget the holidays are coming up and you can get our blind tasting card game for 50% off at blindersgame.com
podcast· 31:46· Ep 266Episode 266: The 9 greatest bottles of my life with Raj Parr
During the course of a life in wine there are special truly great bottles that change you and guide you towards the future of your career and tastes. On today’s episode, famed sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr discusses the 9 bottles that define his life in wine. This episode is brought to you by sommtv.com - the world’s leading streaming service in wine and food. For incredible discounts on bulk subscriptions, email hello@sommtv.com
podcast· 35:36· Ep 265Episode 265: Take a deep Breath! Wine will be fine… w/ Steve Matthiasson
Feeling a little anxious about things in the wine and food world? Maybe the current situation is as much a matter of perspective as it is real. On today’s episode Jason & winemaker Steve Matthiasson hold a mirror up to the wine business and cut through the BS & noise to figure out where we really stand and hopefully find some positivity. This episode is brought to you by our blind tasting card game “SOMM BLINDERS” which is 50% off in time for the holidays. Go to blindersgame.com to get yours!
podcast· 38:56· Ep 264Episode 264: The mad Doctor of wine
For over 200 years, the Loosen family at DR Loosen has made Riesling in Germany - it pumps through their veins and that can lead to some hilarious stories. On today’s episode Jason talks to Ernst Loosen, who since the 1980s has run the growing empire of wine in their family and they have one of the funniest conversations you can have about white wine! Make sure to subscribe to SOMM TV AT SOMMTV.com to watch over 30 hours about everything you can imagine about Riesling. For 50% off enter SOMMTV50 at checkout on a monthly subscription.