Episode #35 – Mixology, Syrah & Paso Robles Hospitality with Ashley Harkey

In Episode #35 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by special guests Ashley Harkey and Brian Kusko for a conversation covering Paso Robles hospitality, mixology, Syrah winemaking, vineyard growth, Scottsdale adventures, and Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour event.The episode features a side-by-side tasting of Sculpterra’s 2023 Syrah versus the nearly sold-out 2022 Syrah, with discussions about vertical tastings, reduction in wine, oxygen exposure during fermentation, and why Syrah remains one of Paso Robles’ most underrated varietals.Ashley Harkey shares how she built her career in hospitality and bartending while also working as a tax accountant. She talks about creating craft cocktails at Bella Sera’s Enoteca restaurant, pairing wine with Mediterranean cuisine, building lasting guest relationships, and why sparkling wine has become her favorite style to drink.Brian Kusko returns to the show with stories from the Scottsdale Reptile Show, including his first ride in a self-driving Waymo vehicle. The group also discusses upcoming Sculpterra Shorts and social media videos, internet audiences from around the world, and the growing reach of the podcast online.Paul gives updates from the vineyard and winery, including:Recent bottling operations and PORT bottling challengesVineyard growth and canopy managementTendrils and how grapevines signal active shoot growthUpcoming vine planting projects at SculpterraThe episode also previews Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour in the Garden event, featuring detailed food and wine pairings throughout the sculpture garden, including Viognier, Rosé, Figurine, and more.Additional topics include:Wine label laws and “Estate Bottled” requirementsFood and wine pairing philosophyHospitality culture in Paso RoblesBobcats in vineyardsWhy certain Spanish food names sound “cute”🍷 Wines Featured2023 Sculpterra Syrah2022 Sculpterra Syrah📍 Featured GuestsAshley Harkey – Bella Sera Hotel / Enoteca Bar LeadBrian Kusko – Media Producer & Brand Manager#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Syrah#WinePodcast #PasoRobles #CraftCocktails #Hospitality#WineTasting #BellaSera #SculpterraWineryProduced by EZF Media, LLC