Vint Wine Podcast

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller dive into Canadian whisky with two brothers whose project, Found North, is the talk of the whisky world. We take a deep dive with founders Nick and Zach Taylor who together have built one of the most exciting new brands in North American whisky. We take a look into the differences between Canadian, American, and Scotch whiskies, and the guys give us the background on their inception, creative process, future vision, and perspective on where the Canadian whisky market is headed. From the Found North website: "Our mission is to make profound Canadian whisky. Using our access to mature stocks from a variety of grains, we blend whiskies that meld the heritage of Canadian distilling with the creativity of the modern age."If you want to learn more about Canadian whisky, and about the hugely popular Found North label, this is the place!The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller present two interviews with good friends of Vint. First, Billy is joined by Massican's Dan Petroski who recently sold his white-wines-only project to E&J Gallo. The short convo digs into the making of this deal and how an acquisition by a larger family wine brand will allow Massican to achieve its mission long term. We're excited for Dan and for the future of Massican under the Gallo Family umbrella!Then, Josh Entman, Founder and CEO of VINOHEAD joins the podcast for a conversation on wine culture, consumer interests, selling for the next generation of drinkers, and education as a means of driving intrigue in wine. Josh is a student of the wine industry and a fantastic advocate for wine enthusiasts and consumers through his platform, which provides exclusive wine recommendations, travel guides, reviews, wine and merchandise drops, and wine pop-up events around the country. The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller talk with Cristie Norman, Lead Sommelier at Delilah (Wynn Las Vegas & Encore). Cristie has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast as a 40 under 40 somm and Wine Educator of the Year. Her role throughout the pandemic in bringing together the LA wine community, as well as her position as President of the United Sommelier's Foundation, are examples of her passion for bringing somms, distributors, and producers together under one roof for learning and support. Cristie has also created online courses for wine beginners dubbed "Driver's Ed" for wine. Her unique role in shaping the wine community in one of the country's most influential wine towns, and her contagious energy for learning and excellence in her trade is palpable. Enjoy!The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Thomas Savre, winemaker at Lingua Franca, brings his rich experience from prestigious wineries like Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti. He discusses the evolution of Oregon Chardonnay, highlighting its potential and the movement towards finesse. Savre shares insights on how Lingua Franca's acquisition by Constellation enhances their mission without sacrificing quality. He also reflects on key winemaking practices learned in Burgundy, such as whole-cluster fermentation, and details the strategic growth plans for Lingua Franca's vineyards.

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller chat with long-time friend of Vint, Kevin Sidders. Kevin is the Founder and President of VinConnect, which "works with leading European wineries, creating and managing mailing list and club programs so U.S. customers can buy directly from the winery." After a career in Investment Banking, Kevin tapped his passion for fine wine and set out to solve the problem of access for those consumers looking to gain consistent access to the wines they love in other countries. Kevin's portfolio of winery clients has climbed to over 80 unique producers from Bordeaux to Italy and Spain, and even Lebanon. Listen in as we chat about the challenges that wineries and consumers have moving wine across the pond, the effects of changing regional climates, and the opportunity that wine brands have to gain life-long customer loyalty through stories and intentional relationships. Enjoy!The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller talk with High Wire Distillery (Charleston, SC) founder Scott Blackwell. Along with his wife Ann, Scott opened High Wire after selling his "Immaculate Baking Company" to General Mills. As connoisseurs of chocolate, coffee, and craft beer, this step into craft spirits was an exciting (yet challenging) endeavor.  Today, High Wire produces a number of Rye and Bourbon whiskies, and produce 100% Jimmy Red Corn (Jimmy Red Revival Project) and 100% Sorghum whiskies that are altogether unique in the spirits space. This year is High Wire's 10th anniversary, so it's fitting that Scott would join us to talk about heirloom grains, craft distilling, the challenges of growing a whiskey business, and their plans for celebrating their 10th year producing thoughtful and regionally inspired spirits. The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller explore the fascinating world of wine, from its rich history to its future amidst a changing climate with Alice Feiring. Billy shares five of his favorite wine books (links below!). Billy's list goes beyond bland reference books to include books with narrative and travel aspects that make them both entertaining and informative.Alice Feiring is a renowned wine writer who shares her unconventional methods of understanding wine and the stories behind each bottle. From war-zone vineyards to the hidden gems of post-Soviet nations, wine has a tale to tell, and we are here to share it.Alice, with her unique perspective on soil types and selected yeasts, brings to light the subtle influences that shape a wine's character. She takes us on a journey that goes beyond regions and into the very heart of terroir. We also delve into the significance of native yeast fermentation, the lasting impact of Robert Parker on the industry, and the evolution of natural wine. It's a spirited discussion that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of wine.But we're not stopping there. We also take time to explore the pressing issues currently shaping the world of wine. Climate change is altering the landscape and, with it, the fate of many vineyards. How are winemakers tackling this? What does this mean for wine enthusiasts like you? We discuss it all, and even touch on the exciting and often overlooked wines of post-Soviet countries and Chile. So, join us as we sip our way through the world of wine, one fascinating story at a time.Alice Feiring Books:To Fall In Love Drink ThisThe Dirty Guide to WineThe Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World from ParkerizationAll Books on Alice's Website: The Feiring LineBilly Referenced Books:Wine & WarAdventures on the Wine RouteGodforsaken GrapesAmber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange WineThe Dirty Guide to WineThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy host one of the world's foremost wine critics, William Kelley (Interview at 21:50). He is the Deputy Editor and reviewer at Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Madeira and English Sparkling Wines.  You can see his initials, comments, and scores next to the top wines in the world as well as some emerging producers in these storied regions. We discuss his approach to tasting and his advocacy for greater focus on the work of viticulture and the profound impact that diligent and resourceful practices in the vineyards have on the wines we love. Not only does William write about and review wine, he also makes his own wines from a small plot in Burgundy via Domaine William Kelley. The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy talk wine with the Director of Wine and Beverage at Frasca Hospitality Group, Carlin Karr. After a fantastic conversation with Frasca's Bobby Stuckey, Carlin joins to talk about building a wine list across multiple properties, cellaring wine for the future, the challenges of buying product, and her thoughts on today's path to leadership in high-end hospitality. Carlin is one of the most focused, attentive, and knowledgeable professionals that we've spoken to in the wine/hospitality business and we're thrilled to share our conversation with you! The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy talk wine with collector and New York wine scene veteran, Jay Hack. An attorney by trade, Jay is an avid collector of cult California wines and generally anything that isn't "tasteless swill". His exploits as a loyal New York Jets fan who famously tailgates while drinking first-growth Bordeaux and cult California wines are documented in a 2015 Wall Street Journal article. Jay is also a fixture of online wine groups, and tasting cohorts around New York (and the country). It was fun to talk with a tried and true collector who has just as many opinions about wine as bottles in his cellar! The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!