Episode #13 – Wine Tasting Basics & December Picks with Pablo Marlen & Brian Kusko

In Episode #13 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul is joined by Pablo Marlen and Brian Kusko for an episode focused on wine tasting fundamentals, education, and life inside the winery after harvest.Together, they taste four wines from the December tasting menu and break down why each wine was selected, how to properly taste wine, and the best way to introduce wine to new tasters. This episode is designed to be approachable for beginners while still offering insight for seasoned wine lovers.Paul also reflects on the end of harvest, the completion of December bottling, and the early stages of building the 2025 red blends. From maintaining empty barrels to managing malolactic fermentation, this episode gives a real behind-the-scenes look at winemaking after the grapes are gone.Pablo shares his path into the wine business and his thoughtful approach to presenting wine to guests, while Brian talks about creative storytelling, future video ideas, and reacting to the new 2025 Héroe Viognier back label, which honors the people behind the wine.The conversation wraps with discussions about routine, early mornings, vineyard snakes, and a nerd-out segment on red wine and well-being — before tasting four distinct wines to close the show.🕰 Episode HighlightsHow to properly taste wineIntroducing wine to new tastersDecember tasting menu selectionsPost-harvest winery lifeBuilding 2025 red blendsCreative storytelling and wine labelsVineyard animals: snakesRed wine and well-being🍷 Wines Tasted2023 Sculpterra Sauvignon Blanc2023 Sculpterra Grenache (served cold)2022 Sculpterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve2022 Sculpterra Petite Sirah#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WineTasting #WineEducation #WinePodcast#Winemaking #CentralCoastWine #WineLife #WineLovers #WineTalk #WineCulture#BehindTheScenes #WineryLife #WineBasics #TasteWine #DecemberTastingMenu