Vint Wine Podcast

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, hosts Brady Weller and Billy Galanko return with stories from recent wine travels through Burgundy, Rhône, and Bordeaux, followed by an in-depth conversation with Rod Smith MW, Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. This episode is perfect for wine professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts looking to understand the Master of Wine (MW) designation, how it differs from the Master Sommelier (MS) path, and the future of the global wine industry.✈️ Wine Travel Stories:Billy’s first-hand impressions from Burgundy, including visits to Domaine Dujac, Clos de la Roche, Chablis Grand Cru, and conversations with William Kelley.A dramatic visit to the Hill of Hermitage during a windstorm.Behind-the-scenes experiences in Bordeaux with MW students🍇 Inside the Institute of Masters of Wine:A clear breakdown of what the Master of Wine program entails, how it works, and how it contrasts with the Master Sommelier path—emphasizing academic rigor over service-focused knowledge.The MW blind tasting methodology and why it focuses less on precise identification and more on deductive reasoning, winemaking, and commercial application.🧠 Global Wine Trends & Industry Insight:Rod’s take on the future of fine wine, including the balance between luxury labels and undiscovered regions offering great value.The impact of changing consumer behavior and climate on wine production and business models.🏃‍♂️ The Marathon du Médoc:A fun aside as Rod recounts running this unique race through Bordeaux’s vineyards—complete with wine tastings along the route!📌 NEW: "Five Questions with a Winemaker" Series Coming SoonThe Vint Podcast is launching a short-form mini-series to spotlight winemakers in 5 questions. Look for these episodes dropping Fridays before full-length producer interviews.🛒 Explore Top Wines at VintMarketplace.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:52 Billy's Burgundy Adventures02:05 Exploring the Vineyards of Burgundy16:10 Roderick Smith Interview28:58 Comparing MW and CMS Programs31:42 The Unique Paths of Master Sommeliers33:10 Understanding the Tasting Approach37:31 The Global Reach of IMW38:59 The Marathon de Médoc Experience46:25 Current Trends and Future of 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, we sit down with Cristie Norman, the lead sommelier at Delilah in the Wynn Las Vegas and a 2024 James Beard Award nominee. Cristie shares how she built one of the most exciting luxury wine programs in Las Vegas, with a focus on large format Bordeaux, Champagne, and rare back-vintage bottles. She also discusses her early journey in wine, her role in co-founding the United Sommeliers Foundation, and the culture shift she experienced moving from LA to Vegas.Cristie offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to serve high-roller guests in a modern supper club setting—where six-liter bottles of Opus One and vintage Dom Pérignon are the norm. She walks us through how her team manages a massive inventory, executes top-level bottle service, and delivers a wine experience that balances club energy with world-class hospitality. Cristie also shares her top tips for decanting, preserving wine, and sourcing the best wines from birth-year vintages.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast01:19 Upcoming Bordeaux Trip and Wine Tasting Insights04:52 2024 Bordeaux Vintage and Market Trends07:30 Challenges and Dynamics of En Primeur System10:03 Introducing Guest: Cristie Norman14:27 Crristie Norman's Journey and Achievements17:56 Inside Delilah: A Modern Supper Club Experience31:42 Architectural Wonders and Wine Culture in Las Vegas32:51 Challenges of the Culinary Union35:39 Building a Motivated Wine Team38:19 Efficient Wine Service Techniques41:05 Managing Large Wine Formats49:33 Wine Preservation Tips and Tools53:29 Vintage Wine Recommendations and Final ThoughtsThe 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 Wine Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Peter Sisseck, the renowned winemaker behind Pingus, one of Spain’s most iconic wines. The conversation delves into Sisseck’s groundbreaking work in Ribera del Duero, his philosophy on vineyard preservation, and the evolution of winemaking in the region.Peter shares his journey from Bordeaux to Spain, his unexpected decision to stay in Ribera del Duero, and how he built Pingus into a benchmark for Spanish fine wine. He discusses the importance of old vines in the region and his efforts to preserve them through the PSI project, working with hundreds of small growers to maintain traditional viticulture. The discussion also explores his innovative pruning techniques, biodynamic practices, and his belief in lighter extractions to enhance balance and aromatic intensity in his wines.Beyond Spain, Sisseck speaks about his projects in Bordeaux, including Château Rocheyron in Saint-Émilion, and his passion for Sherry, where he is pioneering terroir-driven Fino wines with Viña Corrales. He also touches on the influence of climate change and evolving vineyard management practices, as well as the future of Spanish wine classification.Throughout the episode, Sisseck provides fascinating insights into the science and artistry behind winemaking, his reverence for vineyard expression, and why he continues to push boundaries in multiple wine regions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to Spanish wines, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the most visionary minds in the wine world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast00:34 Billy's Upcoming Wine Adventures01:40 Interview with Peter Sissick: A Renaissance Winemaker03:28 Weekly Wine News Highlights03:55 Underrated Wines for 202516:00 Peter Sissick's Wine Journey26:17 The Future of Ribera del Duero32:00 Innovative Pruning Techniques32:19 Climate Change and Vineyard Adaptation32:53 Experimenting with Vine Training37:12 Exploring New Varietals and Techniques39:46 Oak Usage and New Vessels44:12 Sherry and Jerez Projects50:32 Challenges and Innovations in BordeauxThe 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 Wine Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Mary Gorman-McAdams, MW to explore the evolving world of white Bordeaux—a category that has long been overshadowed by the region’s celebrated reds but is now gaining recognition for its diversity, structure, and aging potential.Mary shares insights from her upcoming book on Bordeaux’s white wines, diving into the history, terroir, and winemaking techniques that define the category. The discussion covers everything from the classic barrel-aged whites of Pessac-Léognan and Graves to the fresh, stainless-steel-fermented styles of Entre-Deux-Mers and the emerging Médoc Blanc classification. She also highlights how top producers are experimenting with amphora, concrete, and larger oak vessels to refine texture and complexity.The conversation also delves into the rise of Crémant de Bordeaux, as the region’s sparkling wines gain traction both in local production and international markets. Mary provides an in-depth look at how winemakers are balancing traditional techniques with modern viticulture, including how climate change, evolving vineyard practices, and disease-resistant grape varieties are influencing the future of white Bordeaux.Additionally, the episode covers the latest Cru Bourgeois classification updates, the challenging yet promising 2024 Bordeaux vintage, and what collectors and enthusiasts should consider when exploring white Bordeaux for their cellars.🔗 Find Bordeaux wines at VintMarketplace.com🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to The Vint Wine Podcast to stay updated on the latest wine trends and insider stories. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast00:22 Rebranding and Listener Engagement01:37 Personal Wine Stories and Experiences04:37 AI and Technology in the Wine Industry09:59 Constellation Brands' Exit from Wine Business11:41 Interview with Mary Gorman McAdams16:31 Exploring White Bordeaux Wines32:35 Exploring the Ente du Mer Terroir33:21 The Rise of Bordeaux Whites34:10 Cremant de Bordeaux: Growth and Challenges40:00 The Evolution of White Bordeaux Winemaking47:10 Updates on Cru Bourgeois Classification55:12 2024 BDXVintage OverviewThe 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!

Exploring Rioja: Spain’s Timeless & Evolving Wine Region 🍷Rioja is one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, known for its rich history, diverse terroirs, and exceptional value. But beyond its iconic reds, there’s a world of white, rosé, and even sparkling wines waiting to be explored. In this episode, we uncover the past, present, and future of Rioja, from its Bordeaux-influenced roots to the exciting innovations shaping its next century.In this episode of The Vint Podcast, we dive deep into Rioja, one of Spain’s most historic and dynamic wine regions. Our guest, Peter Arijs from the Consejo Regulador de la DOCa Rioja, shares insights on Rioja’s storied legacy, evolving winemaking trends, and why the region continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.Highlights:The influence of Bordeaux and how it shaped Rioja’s winemaking traditionClassic Rioja styles – Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva & how aging defines themSingle-vineyard wines & the new focus on terroirThe rise of Rioja whites & rosés – hidden gems that overdeliver on quality & valueWhy Rioja is a must-visit wine destination with world-class wineries, food, and landscapesPlus, Peter shares details on Rioja’s centennial celebrations and how you can explore Rioja wines through the free Rioja Wine Academy.Explore Rioja wines at VintMarketplace.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast01:02 Wine Tasting Adventures03:34 Exploring Unique Wines09:53 The Charm of Rioja16:21 Introducing Peter Arijs29:57 Exploring the Vast Rioja Region31:32 Understanding Rioja's Unique Climate33:00 Classic and Modern Rioja Wines35:05 Red, White, and Rosé: A Deep Dive59:50 Celebrating 100 Years of Rioja Consejo Regulador#Rioja #WinePodcast #VintPodcast #WineLoverThe 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, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller welcome Liz Thach MW, a leading expert in wine market research and President of the Wine Market Council. Thach’s work focuses on understanding U.S. wine consumers, analyzing how trends like premiumization, sustainability, and alternative wine styles are shaping the industry. Thach also highlights the challenges facing small wineries, the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies, and the role of storytelling and education in building stronger connections with buyers.Key Topics:Premiumization: Consumers are drinking less but spending more on quality.No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: A growing segment driven by wellness trends.High-Alcohol Sweet Reds: Unexpected popularity among younger consumers.Big vs. Small Wineries: Large brands leverage distribution, while small wineries focus on direct engagement.Consumer Engagement: Storytelling and education are key for brand loyalty.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast02:19 Vint Marketplace News 06:42 Interview with Liz Thach: Master of Wine24:48 Major Trends in Wine Consumption26:36 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales27:03 Eco-Friendly Wine Study27:45 Current Trends in the Wine Market29:05 The Rise of Alcohol-Free Wines30:39 High Alcohol Sweet Wines46:20 Alternative Packaging and Eco-Friendly Initiatives48:30 Challenges and Strategies for WineriesResources & Further Reading:Vint Marketplace – Your destination for premium wines from top producers around the world.Wine Market Council – Research on U.S. wine consumer trends.Liz Thach MW on Forbes – Articles on wine business and industry insights.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, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller welcome Sarah Heller, Master of Wine, wine educator, and artist. Sarah shares her deep expertise on Italian wines, particularly her work with Vinitaly International Academy, where she plays a key role in advancing Italian wine education worldwide. Sarah also provides an insider’s perspective on Asian wine markets, drawing from her years in Hong Kong, where she witnessed China’s rapid rise as a fine wine powerhouse and its recent shifts towards diverse wine styles and natural wine trends. In addition, Sarah discusses her Club Oenologique writing, where she covers key Italian regions , as well as her Visual Tasting Notes—a unique series of paintings that translate wine into sensory-driven artwork. She is now working on an immersive historical exhibition exploring wine’s cultural journey from East to West and back.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast01:25 Exploring Italian Wines07:21 News in the Wine World07:30 Burgundy Vineyard Inheritance Tax Update09:09 Penfolds and Grange Collaboration15:05 Interview with Sarah Heller15:40 Sarah Heller's Journey into Wine24:57 Challenges and Opportunities in Southeast Asian Wine Trade28:21 Introduction to Vinitaly and Vinitaly International Academy30:24 Favorite Italian Wines and Their Unique Characteristics36:36 The Richness of Italian White Wines44:16 Integrating Culinary and Cultural Context in Wine Education47:16 Art and Wine: A Creative IntersectionFeatured Wine News 🍷 Penfolds & Jaboulet CollaborationPenfolds and Jaboulet have joined forces to create a Syrah blend combining Australia’s Grange with Northern Rhône’s La Chapelle, that Jane Anson awarded 99 points.🏰 Burgundy Vineyard Inheritance Tax UpdateBurgundy’s inheritance tax exemption has increased to €20 million, helping family-owned vineyards remain intact and preventing forced sales to large corporations.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 Vintage Podcast,  Billy and Brady are joined by Jess Druey, the founder of Whiny Baby, a wine brand designed to resonate with Gen Z drinkers. From her early career at Red Bull to winning Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, Jess shares how she built a wine brand that breaks the mold. They dive into the challenges of the wine industry, how younger consumers engage with wine, and why brands need to rethink their marketing strategies. Jess also teases new developments for Whiny Baby—including an upcoming orange wine—and shares insights into making wine fun, accessible, and relevant to a new generation.Topics Covered:How Jess got into the wine industry despite no formal backgroundThe inspiration behind Whiny Baby and why it stands outHow Red Bull influenced her approach to wine brandingThe importance of storytelling, packaging, and cultural relevanceThe rise of Gen Z wine drinkers and what they actually enjoyThe challenges of launching a wine brand and scaling nationwideHow to make wine fun while maintaining qualityThe future of Whiny Baby, including a new orange wine releaseWhere to Find Whiny Baby Wines:Now available at Target, Total Wine, and BevMo in select states.Follow Jess & Whiny Baby:Instagram | WebsiteChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Podcast00:49 Stage One Master of Wine Program Insights04:31 Napa's 2023 Vintage and Wine Tasting09:02 Introducing Jess Drury of Winey Baby12:33 Creating a Wine Brand for Younger Consumers16:01 Winey Baby's Unique Marketing Approach28:10 Whiny Baby's Next Steps28:55 Challenges and Adaptations30:33 Pricing and Market Strategy35:51 Strategic Partnerships40:20 Innovative Marketing Tactics44:33 Navigating Industry Regulations56:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe 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 and Brady are joined by James Cluer, Master of Wine (MW) and founder of Fine Vintage Ltd., a leading authority in wine education, luxury travel, and fine wine collecting. With over 30 years in the industry, Cluer has shaped how enthusiasts and professionals engage with fine wine—whether through WSET courses, exclusive wine tours, or high-end collecting.Cluer dives into the origins of Fine Vintage Ltd., how the company has expanded from WSET education into luxury wine travel, and what goes into crafting world-class wine experiences. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from leading exclusive tours through Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, discusses the dynamics of hospitality at top estates. Plus, the hosts and Cluer reflect on wine trends, the future of the industry, and what to watch.🏰 Behind the gates of Bordeaux – how Fine Vintage secures access to the châteaux that rarely welcome guests📖 Wine education done right – the difference between studying wine and truly experiencing it🥂 Stories from 20+ years of luxury wine travel – from Michelin-starred dinners to unexpected late-night chaosThe future of fine wine – trends in collecting, the shifting landscape of wine appreciation, and why storytelling matters more than everIf you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great bottle with an even better story, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast08:54 Antonio Galloni's 2022 Bordeaux Report10:18 James Cluer's Wine Education and Tours13:44 Fine Vintage's Global Wine Education17:45 Cultural Differences in Wine Education19:24 Evolution of Fine Vintage Wine Tours28:06 Typical Itinerary of a Bordeaux Wine Tour32:21 Unique Experiences on Wine Tours33:27 Wine Tours in Emerging Regions39:31 Future Trends in the Wine Industry48:38 Conclusion and FarewellThe 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, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Tony Gullikson, an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, runner-up in the Best USA Sommelier Competition, and a competitor in multiple high-level sommelier contests. They discuss Tony’s journey from Sonoma to the South, his experience in rigorous sommelier competitions, and the challenges of curating an innovative wine program in a non-traditional wine market. The conversation also explores industry shifts, how sommeliers can adapt to declining wine sales, and why blending is making a comeback in fine wine.The hosts open the show with a discussion on the art of blending, examining its rise in prominence and how the term has evolved in the wine market. They explore how winemakers are shifting their messaging to highlight blends, moving away from a past era dominated by single-vineyard and varietal labeling. Highlights:Tony’s path from Sonoma to Savannah and how he found his passion for wineCompeting at the highest level, including the Best USA Sommelier CompetitionThe structure of sommelier competitions and how they prepare candidates for examsThe intricacies of running a wine program in the SoutheastHow sommeliers can shape the future of wine cultureChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast05:01 The Art of Wine Blending13:00 Interview with Tony Gullikson: A Sommelier's Journey29:53 Exploring the Beverage List at Fitzroy30:59 Deciding on Sparkling Wines for the Menu31:59 Understanding the Clientele and Seasonal Trends33:17 Crafting a Classic Wine List34:09 Selling Unique Wines and Educating Customers37:49 The Role of Cocktails and Bourbon at Fitzroy38:27 Insights into Sommelier Competitions46:15 The Importance of Service in Competitions50:33 Challenges and Trends in the Wine Industry55:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe 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!