All Episodes

Ep: Randall Grahm -California’s most visionary and influential winemaker.

Ep 320: Dimitri Karagiannis, Wine Director at Babbo, on the challenges he faced and his journey to the top.

Ep 319: Revisiting a great interview with Cathy Corison: Trailblazer, Wine Legend and Icon.

Episode 318: David Wright, Curator of the Wellfleet Historical Society: Oysters, Shellfish & the Banana Story You Won’t Believe.

Episode 317: Eulalie isn't trying to get you a reservation. They're trying to get to know you. It's not a restaurant built around technology. It's built around people, great food and wine.

Episode 316: Encore Ep,Legend James Shrum is retiring after 33 years behind the bar. He’s met Nelson Mandela, danced with Hillary Clinton, hung with Warren Buffet, Paul McCartney and many more stories.

Episode 315: A historical dive into where the wine world went wrong. Justine Belle Lambright and Kalche Wine Cooperative are on a mission to give wine back to the people.

EP 314:A DOTJ CLASSIC from the archives. Andre Mack is everywhere. Enjoy...

Episode 313: Author Robin Robinson joins me to discuss his new book, The History of Whiskey. Reading it is like experiencing a Ken Burns documentary—only in a glass.

Episode 312: Mathieu Sabbagh is distilling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Burgundy to create the award-winning SABS Gin, Marc de Bourgogne, and Fine de Bourgogne.

Episode 311: Demaison Selections celebrates Thirty years. Countless bottles. Endless stories. Director Ryan Looper has a big secret to share!

Episode 310: Pierre-Antoine Rovani has turned Maison Remoissenet into a serious terroir driven Burgundy house. Let’s talk Burgundy!

Episode 309: Emmy Award winning Chef Andrew Zimmern's new book, The Blue Food Cookbook is your seafood bible.

Episode 308:Two rooms, one great vibe: Café Mulberry and The Mulberry. Partner Justin Sievers on what it takes.

Episode 307: Cho Wines, Oregon—precision, soul, electricity in every glass.

Episode 306- L’erta…If Chianti had a Grand Cru village, it might be Radda. Real deal Chianti.

Episode 305: Philippe Guyonnet of Pierre Gravée Vouvray and the electric energy of Chenin Blanc.

Episode 304:Victor Schwartz is a hero. VOS Imports’ landmark victory over Trump’s tariffs! The back story starts here.

Episode 303:Peasant Restaurant—the city’s most exciting Italian wine list, the sexiest room in town, and its charismatic Wine Director, Michael Laudenslager.

REDUX: Zach Berger shares a pint and the fascinating history of Guinness.

Episode 302:Ari Sussman, Eric Church, and JYPSI Whiskey—what happens when you stop playing it safe and trust your gut.

REDUX: Jared Deery guarded an NBA star and stared down an armed mobster skipping out on a check—so opening a gallery and building an art community was a cinch.

Episode 301: Sardine Tasting with Two Legends of Wine—Eric Guido from Vinous and Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck

Episode 301: Raoul's Restaurant at 50: From the archives

Episode 300: A quiet Christmas reflection on love, memory, and human connection.

Discover the rich legacy of Keens Steak House with James Conley, historian and wine director.

The perfect NYC holiday trifecta—Rockefeller Center, the dazzling window displays, and a seafood feast at Oceana!

Episode 299- Scott Large built Provisions Fine Beverage into Oklahoma’s top importer—this is the wild story.

Episode 278:Andrew O’Reilly at the world-famous Hospices de Beaune auction!

Episode 297: Marquita Levy — dancer, wine rep, and a force in the New York wine scene.

Episode 296:Jean Garandeau, Managing Director of Champagne Jacquesson + Sales & Marketing Director at Artémis Domaines.

Episode 295: Billy Weiss, the man behind North Berkeley Imports.

Episode 293: Raj Vaidya: the sommelier who shaped America’s taste for fine wine.

Yannick Benjamin’s inspiring story and the success of Wine on Wheels.

EPISODE 292: Chef John DeLucie reveals the story behind Cook Unity. Bonus: Top 10 cooking tips you won’t want to miss!

Greatest Hits- Kyle MacLachlan on Dennis Hopper, David Lynch, cold beer and his amazing career!

Episode 291: Phillip Hunt – Chef, Wine Guru, and Co-Owner of Winslow’s Tavern in Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Episode 290: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, owner of Cecchi’s Restaurant — it’s more than dining, it’s an experience.

Episode 289: Michael Duffy — Corporate Wine Director, Rezdôra & Massara

Episode 288: Brad Nugent, co-founder of Innovative Beverage Strategies.

Episode 287: David Lynch—author, restaurateur, and Italian wine authority—has shaped the way we think about and drink Italian wine.

Episode 286: Clos Cibonne, my rosé pick of the summer, and tariff talks with my favorite guest, Ryan Looper.

Episode 285: Sean Josephs, co-founder and Master Blender of Pinhook Bourbon

Episode 284: Steve Wells of Time & Direction Wines

Episode 283: Audrey Frick, Senior Editor and Wine Critic at JebDunnuck, offers a sharp update on Oregon's evolving wine scene.

Episode 282: Allie Prater-Besset, Owner of Entre Nous Wine Bar

Episode 281: Marc Davidson, owner of one of Lisbon’s top restaurants, Senhor Uva, pulls back the curtain.

Episode 279- Man-Laï - Associate Producer - Ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel (and Other Rock & Roll stories)

Episode 278: David Weitzenhoffer – Founder of Community Wine & Spirits

Episode 277: TEQUILA TROMBA- Master Distiller, Marco Cedano

Episode 276: Wunderground Coffee’s Founder & CEO Jody Hall

Episode 275: Hannah Selinger, author of "Cellar Rat," makes The New York Times Book Review.

Episode 274: Lebowski's Kool-Luah

Episode 273: Chris Matthews- Hardball

Episode 272: René Barbier Jr. of Clos Mogador in Priorat.

Episode 271: Cristiana Tiberio of Tiberio Winery makes world class wines from Abruzzo. It’s not opinion, it’s fact. Find them and drink them as soon as possible.

Episode 270: Michael Schmelzer’s Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico is a stunning example of Sangiovese at its best. This is why you have to seek these wines out.

Episode 269: Joe Tensley's Syrahs will be your favorite red wine. They're affordable, and every top wine critic agrees.

Library Release: Marcos Bairros and the lost wine region of Colares, Portugal.

Episode 268: Ryan Looper, Chief Growth Officer at Demaison Selections, shares insights on the Wine&Spirits business.

Episode 267: Christy Canterbury MW joins me as we uncover the hidden forces driving Burgundy's astronomical wine prices!

Episode 266: Legendary steakhouse Smith & Wollensky and cool wine guy Aaron Sagendorf.

Nicolas Joly: Winemaker, Pioneer, and Godfather of Biodynamic Wines

Episode 265: Restaurant Maison Sun's owner Carlos Gasperi took his underground dinner parties to culinary stardom. Learn how a PhD in German literature aided this amazing journey.

A Short Christmas Message- Be The Light.

Episode 264: Suhail Mandani is a multifaceted storyteller and entrepreneur, bridging creative writing and business strategy with an incredible passion for wine and coffee. Stop in to Saltwater coffee and have the best espresso in NYC.

Episode 263: Diego De La Vega, Founder and Partner of Zomoz Mezcal, joins me to explore the vibrant depths of Mexican culture and its ongoing renaissance. Zomoz stands out as one of the few certified organic Mezcals.

Episode 262: Eric Guido - The Kickboxing, Carnivore Critic of Vinous Fame - Shares Insider Travel Secrets, the Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine, and Spotlights One of Italy's Hottest Regions

Episode 261:David Kong is revolutionizing the wine industry on two fronts: his handblown Glasvin stemware graces tables at dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, while his platform Somm.ai has become the wine trade's go-to resource.

Episode 260: A Legacy Renewed: Step inside Delmonico's historic revival with owner Dennis Turcinovic. Experience centuries of tradition, then linger over Manhattan's finest cuisine, exceptional wines, and legendary service.

Episode 259: Kazumi Wines founder Michelle Sakazaki may be the fresh voice Napa needs. Her Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to classic styles, while her Koshu—a thousand-year-old Japanese varietal—redefines excellence in white wine.

Episode 258:Sixth-generation vintner Albéric Bichot leads Maison Albert Bichot, crafting organic wines from premier Burgundy terroirs, from Richebourg Grand Cru to Chablis. He also discusses Burgundy's place in today's wine market.

Episode 257:In the early 1900s, Bacanora—Sonora's legendary agave spirit—was forced into prohibition. Decades later, visionary Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours would introduce his single-estate Bacanora. Agave enthusiasts, this is one story you won't want to miss.

Episode 256: Tom Macy, co-founder of Social Hour RTD Cocktails, shares his "mad scientist" obsession with crafting the best cocktails on the market today. He takes us on an incredible journey to raise the bar and set a new standard for cocktails.

Episode 255:Jason Wise, acclaimed for his wine documentaries and award-winning films, is set to release his latest project-Ghosts of Napa Valley- this week. This spine-chilling film delves into the eerie history of abandoned wineries and their spirits.

Episode 254: Brian Talley of Talley Vineyards joins me to explore the true meaning of sustainability—and how Wine Can Save The World! After 38 harvests, he certainly has a few words of wisdom to share.

Episode 253: Brandi Bowles, Co-founder of Boss Molly Bourbon, shares the story of how three women met at a poker table, created a fantastic whiskey and went on to win a Double Gold Medal.

Why are Wellfleet Oysters so wicked good?! Let’s go to the source with two local heroes and talk merrior.

Episode 252: Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine, interviews Jesse Katz from Aperture Cellars. He has learned from the best producers in the world—Pétrus and Screaming Eagle to name a few, and is ready to share his story.

Episode 251: Guest host Audrey Frick, top wine journalist for Jeb Dunnuck, interviews wine making pioneer Dan Petroski of Massican. Two wine stars under the same sky.

Episode 250: Kate Webb is the CEO/Co-Founder of Sun Moon Rising. She’s a Certified Sommelier and Astrology lover, bringing together two ancient arts: astrology and winemaking.

Episode 249: Pascaline Lepeltier is not just a Master Sommelier; she is a globally recognized authority on wine. Beyond her extensive expertise, she truly understands the power of human connection.

Episode 248: Nick Mautone is an Author, Hospitality Guru, and mentor to many—from Gramercy Tavern to the Rainbow Room, he has seen it all.

Episode 247: How does a kid from Champagne become the Senior Winemaker at Stags' Leap Winery? It's an incredible, winding journey to one of Napa's most iconic wineries.

Episode 246: Two Loire legends, Lise Jousset and Sebastien David, join me to discuss why the Loire Valley continues to offer some of the most incredible wines in the world and still affordable. Chenin Blanc and Cab Franc lovers this is your show.

Episode 245: Woody Hambrecht is a third generation farmer and winemaker based in Dry Creek Valley. Woody and his friend Justin Kan decided to launch a family of non-alcoholic wine. What’s the secret to its success? Take a listen.

Episode 244:Here’s a secret, LaRina is the best Italian food in New York. Incredible pasta, grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, insane wine list and the service is like a hug from an old friend.

The Redux: The Black Wine Guy Experience Podcast Host MJ Towler joins me to talk wine, race in America and our love of music.

Episode 243: Kimberly Cavoores is the Wine Director for Family Meal at Blue Hill. Her journey began unconventionally, as a self-educated wine connoisseur who traveled the globe. She reminds us all to embrace the joy of wine and ditch the pretentiousness.

Episode 242: Scott Eddy is an Innovator, Trend Setter, Globe Trotter, Entrepreneur and Brand Builder. He lives outside the lines and has a life most people would envy.

Episode 241: SF Chronicle named Laura Brennan Bissell a winemaker to watch for her Inconnu wines. I see a legend in the making. Her new Columbia Gorge wines, Aitia, are about to launch and are stunning. Watch out world. You heard it here first.

Episode 240: Dominick Purnomo, owner of Dominick Purnomo restaurant group, wanted to bring a world class wine program to Albany. He’s done that and more. His accolades are too many to list. Albany is in the house!

Episode 239:From Couture to Head Sommelier at Michelin-starred Marea, Liz Nicholson embodies hospitality, she now owns Frankly Wine & Spirit Shop and the remarkable wine bar Della’s. Let’s start at the beginning.

Top pick:New York Times wine critic, Eric Asimov, reminisces about his famous '$25 And Under' column, the death threats he received and the gritty nineties.

Episode 238: Guest host Mr Pete steps in and interviews Ken Dashow, a disc jockey at New York City's WAXQ "Q104.3" classic rock radio station. We got some stories to tell.

Redux: Brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery gives us a Master Class on Brewing and fermentation.

Episode 237: Director of Sales Georgy Zaydenman explains why Empirical Spirits is a Flavor Company and making some of the most creative spirits in the world!

Episode 236: Stephen Kurpinsky is the US Brand Ambassador for Mr Black Cold Brew  Coffee Liqueur.  Your search too make the best Espresso Martini is over and your Cold Brew gets taken to another level!

Episode 235: Actor, musician and poet Ciarán Tyrrell discusses his deep Irish roots and his success at being the General Manager of the legendary Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group.

Episode 233: Can you help save the planet one cork at a time, help low-income populations transform our cities? Allison Scollar believes so, and that’s why she is a Board Member at RETI Center. Raise a glass, save the cork. Climate, Community, Justice.