What makes a dining or travel experience truly unforgettable?

Vannessa Scott-Allen, Executive Director of Always Practice Hospitality, believes the secret lies in one word: connection.

In our latest episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Vannessa explains how storytelling elevates wine from just a drink into a memorable experience. She emphasizes the growing need for genuine connections in a digital age where authenticity often feels lost.

Vannessa also explores how COVID-19 reshaped the hospitality landscape, forcing innovation and resilience, and discusses the critical role of self-care for those in service roles. And lastly, she highlights why creating new opportunities for connection is essential to reviving hospitality.

Tune in now and get inspired to see hospitality in a whole new way!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Vannessa Scott-Allen and her hospitality philosophy (01:29)

The role of storytelling in wine experiences (05:04)

How COVID-19 transformed the hospitality industry (10:58)

The need for genuine connection and sincerity in service (13:42)

Balancing personal challenges and professional roles in hospitality (20:34)

Challenges in attracting the younger generations to wine (29:00)

Vannessa’s inspiration for hospitality (33:03)

Importance of self-care to provide exceptional service (39:56)

How curiosity drives growth and excellence in hospitality (46:47)

Episode wrap-up (47:30)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Always Practice Hospitality: https://www.alwayspracticehospitality.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Innovation Expert Explains What Innovation in Wine Really Looks Like | Gerard Tellis: https://youtu.be/H0KWxCOqCIQ

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Does wine feel too complicated?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, the founders of Invivo Wines, to explore how they’ve transformed the wine industry.

Ditching the stuffy, aristocratic vibe traditionally associated with wine, Invivo has redefined the game with bold creativity and a focus on fun and inclusivity. They reveal the power of their celebrity collaborations with Sarah Jessica Parker and Graham Norton–partnerships that go beyond simple endorsements.

Discover how Invivo is pushing the boundaries of wine marketing, including launching their winery airline and hosting quirky blending sessions designed to craft the perfect wine bottle.

This episode is truly a masterclass in balancing authenticity with wine branding, navigating industry challenges, and rewriting the rules in a competitive market.

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Invivo’s “100% bullshit-free” wine philosophy (00:38)

Making wine accessible for younger consumers (02:16)

How Rob and Tim pioneered equity crowdfunding in wine (06:00)

Invivo’s founding story and innovative marketing (09:08)

Understanding consumer tastes and regional differences (12:06)

Invivo’s innovative celebrity collaborations (22:09)

Wine industry’s need for creativity and marketing innovation (44:17)

Episode wrap-up (48:13)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Invivo Wines’ website for more information: https://invivowines.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸BULGARI’s World-Class Winemaking Secrets Revealed! | Francesco Poggi: https://youtu.be/nAVaxHwuy1Y

🔸Wine Storage on STEROIDS? THIS is How Bottle Bank Does It | Damon Raque: https://youtu.be/U51rYIZ7wZU

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Bordeaux–a wine region synonymous with elegance, heritage, and traditional fine wines. But what happens when a 19th-century Bordeaux château boldly embraces modernity?

In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Thibaut Richard, the Commercial Director of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion.

Nestled within the city limits of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and countryside charm. Today, Thibaut explains how château preserves authentic Bordeaux values while adapting to a global market.

He shares his insights into the unique techniques that set the vineyard apart from others, uncovers what truly defines an “honest” wine, dives into the wine tourism scene in Bordeaux, and so much more.

If you’re curious about the transformation of a Bordeaux icon and what it takes to create an authentic wine experience in this modern age, tune in to this episode!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Thibaut Richard of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion (00:26)

The unique charm of Bourdeaux and Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion (09:16)

Consumer experience and wine tourism in Bourdeaux (12:22)

The importance of honesty in every glass of wine (23:49)

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s unique winemaking techniques (30:40)

Episode wrap-up (36:42)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion for more: https://www.les-carmes-haut-brion.com/en

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸THIS Russian-Owned Winery is BREAKING All the Tuscany Wine Rules–Here’s Why: https://youtu.be/lr_n9lJt0_M

🔸Why Panama’s Wine Scene is a Shocking Surprise with Charlie Leary: https://youtu.be/baGQqwIfIbE

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever dreamed of starting a small wine production? Nerses and Carol Bezdjian did more than just dream–they took the leap. With Qini Wines, they blend Armenian heritage and an entrepreneurial spirit into every bottle.

Nerses, with a background in wine logistics, made a fascinating detour to winemaking, driven by his desire to craft wines that tell a story.

In this episode of Wine Talks, we dive into the joys and struggles of building a boutique wine brand–from hand-harvesting grapes to mastering unique fermentation methods. Discover what it means to stay true to your vision while balancing the challenges of a competitive industry.

Tune in now and explore the artistry of small-batch winemaking!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Nerses and Carol Bezdjian of Qini Wines (00:35)

Challenges in small-scale wine production (04:52)

Transitioning winemaking from a hobby to a family business (15:16)

Wine trends and the role of boutique brands (19:41)

Exploring the hospitality aspect vs. maintaining a vineyard (23:34)

The struggle with wine sales and marketing (26:47)

Nerses’ experimental approach to winemaking (44:51)

Wine Q&A (48:32)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Qini Wines for more information: https://qiniwines.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Wine Storage on STEROIDS? THIS is How Bottle Bank Does It | Damon Raque: https://youtu.be/U51rYIZ7wZU

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What do today’s consumers really want in their glass? Are wine ratings the ultimate guide to wine enjoyment?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Aymeric de Gironde, CEO, president, and winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion, France.

With a family legacy in the wine industry, Aymeric discusses the philosophy that guides his approach to winemaking: crafting wines that capture the essence of their terroir.

He shares his insights into the modern wine consumer’s preferences, emphasizing their desire for wines that are approachable yet complex, with vibrant energy.

Tune in to explore the nuances of terroir and learn how today’s winemakers are redefining wine for the modern palate.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Aymeric de Gironde of Château Troplong Mondot (00:26)

Gironde’s family background in winemaking (02:57)

The importance of consumer experience in wine (04:36)

Terroir’s role in defining wine character (07:40)

Modern consumer’s wine preferences (10:38)

Impact of climate change on Bordeaux vintages (16:29)

The role and relevance of Michelin guide (19:04)

Aymeric’s views on organic and natural wines (35:40)

Episode wrap-up (49:04)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Château Troplong Mondot's official website here: https://www.troplong-mondot.com/en/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸You Won’t Believe How ICEWINE is Really Made–The Truth Behind Its Flavor | Randy Dufour: https://youtu.be/TyVYOQPmEe8

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Wine isn't just a drink; it's a story, memory, and time capsule.

In this episode of Wine Talks, we explore the world of authentic, handcrafted wines with Keith Saarloos of Saarloos and Sons.

Keith’s vineyard journey began when his family transitioned from apple orchards to vineyards, fueled by resilience and a shared passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

With a rich family legacy and a commitment to quality, Keith reveals how each bottle captures specific moments and places, inviting people to savor something deeply personal.

This conversation highlights the contrast between the fast pace of corporate winemaking and the dedication of family-run vineyards like Saarloos and Sons.

Join us as we dive into what it takes to run a family winery in today’s market, Keith’s philosophy of satisfaction through hard work, and how Saarloos and Sons connects with its community.

Tune in for a warm, heartfelt discussion on wine, legacy, and the beauty of craftsmanship.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Keith Saarloos of Saarloos and Sons (00:34)

Keith’s approach to wine podcasting (02:29)

Wine as an experience, not just a product (05:53)

The analogy of wine as a time capsule of moments and places (09:33)

From apple farming to vineyard success (22:13)

Keith’s wife pivotal support in his wine journey (29:45)

Satisfaction vs. happiness in winemaking (35:58)

The importance of authentic storytelling (42:55)

Surviving for the love of the game (53:11)

Wine marketing’s new challenges and dynamics (58:10)

Maintaining the “soul” in winemaking–the terroir (1:10:06)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Saarloos and Sons here: https://saarloosandsons.com/

👉Listen to Saarloos and Sons’s An Idiot’s Guide to Wine Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NSkxqDA0N2MRKpnskOwQN

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Regenerative Farming Is Revolutionizing the Wine Industry, Here's How | Angelica Mabray: https://youtu.be/f14_Ib14Z-U

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What does it take to protect a 200-year-old winemaking legacy?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K speaks with Thomas Schlumberger about the historical and cultural legacy of Domaines Schlumberger, a renowned Alsatian winery.

Thomas, the seventh generation to manage this family estate, reveals how his ancestors preserved these vineyards during wars and the challenges that came with it.

As climate change presents new challenges and possibilities, Thomas also explains how his team adapts to continue producing authentic wines that express the unique terroir of Alsace and the difficulties of promoting terroir-focused wines in a saturated market.

If you’re curious about the intersection of tradition and innovation in wine, tune in now and discover how Domaines Schlumberger has stood the test of time.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Thomas Schlumberger of Domaines Schlumberger (00:30)

Challenges of this year’s harvest in Alsace (03:11)

The significance of multi-generational family winemaking (04:21)

German-French cultural mix in Alsace’s wine (08:09)

Taste and balance in an 80-year-old wine (15:09)

Growth of Pinot Noir in Alsace’s Grand Cru designation (21:24)

The versatility of Reisling in Alsace (24:57)

Current market trends for Alsatian wines (29:16)

Legacy impact on winemaking decisions (38:07)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Domaines Schlumberger for more information: https://www.domaines-schlumberger.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Regenerative Farming Is Revolutionizing the Wine Industry, Here's How | Angelica Mabray: https://youtu.be/f14_Ib14Z-U

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Innovation fuels success–even in the centuries-old wine industry. But what truly qualifies as an innovation in the wine trade?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K dives into the transformative power of innovation across all sectors with Gerard Tellis, the Neely Chair of American Enterprise at USC.

With over 35 years of expertise, Gerard shares invaluable insights from Tesla’s radical disruption of the automotive industry and incremental innovations shaping the wine trade. He highlights how companies can thrive by thinking outside the box.

Gerard also provides an expert perspective on why businesses often resist radical innovation and how the wine industry can continue driving innovation.

Whether you’re in a cutting-edge tech field or a traditional industry like wine, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Gerard Tellis (00:24)

The two types of innovation: incremental and radical (01:22)

The tragic story of Xerox–a once innovative company (05:07)

Is simply thinking outside of the box considered innovation? (09:40)

Incremental innovation in the wine trade (19:37)

How to drive radical innovation in the wine industry (22:18)

3 driving factors of radical innovation (27:16)

The future of wine marketing and innovation (36:44)

Experiential innovation in the wine trade (47:17)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉 Connect with Gerard Tellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardtellis/

👉Grab a copy of his books: https://gtellis.net/books/

👉Visit his website for more of his works: https://gtellis.net/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Anthony Rahayel Reveals How Modern Trends Are RUINING Authentic Flavors: https://youtu.be/VKsyxNCyX98

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!