VinePair Podcast

Zach is joined by Leon Bañuelos, Jr., to discuss his family's storied tradition in tequila production and their new venture, Tequila El Mexicano. As part of the third generation of tequileros in his family, Leon discusses the process of building a new distillery from the ground up, the specialness of agave sourced from the highlands, and the three expressions (Blanco, Blanco 90, and Reposado) that are available in the United States. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With more and more producers of scotch, bourbon, and other whiskies discussing the global and growing glut of product, Adam and Zach discuss how exactly we got to this point, whether it will be like previous whiskey crashes, and why the current instability of the global economic system and order will have additional, particular challenges for bourbon. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Zach is drinking: Tommy's Margarita, made by Julio BermejoAdam is drinking: Reeve Wines ChardonnayInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Joanna on jury duty, Adam and Zach discuss how some of the biggest drinks companies are launching or expanding into the canned vodka lemonade category, each betting not only that it will be the drink of Summer 2025, but that they can stand out in an increasingly-crowded category. What's driving this trend, and why does this kind of simple canned cocktail succeed where others fail? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Zach is reading: Jukebox Blues: The Songs Every Bartender Is Sick of HearingAdam is reading: Utopias, Nuclear Penguins, and the Quest for the World’s Strongest BeerInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts discuss the puzzling reluctance of big companies to acquire successful, affordable wine brands, despite their impressive sales. They explore the dynamics of the wine market, focusing on consumer loyalty and marketing strategies. The conversation reveals the challenges faced by startups in a landscape dominated by premium brands. Personal anecdotes about culinary adventures and balancing family life add a lighthearted touch, while reflections on seasonal delights round out the lively discussion.

With the team back together, Adam, Joanna, and Zach talk about why slumping wine sales at more upscale dining establishments should encourage wine producers to look at one area that does seem to have it together - casual restaurants that can offer a more affordable experience and also maybe not mark the wines up to eye-watering levels. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Zach is reading: The 30 Best Gins for 2025Joanna is reading: How America Ruined Its Enviable Position in Global Drinks CultureAdam is reading: The 40 Best Martinis in New York City 2025Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam and Joanna discuss whether the Trump Administration's trade war and tariff policies will do short-term harm to American wine abroad, with some countries, cities, and individual restaurants removing American wines from their offerings, and whether that harm might outlast these specific policies and this administration. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Joanna is drinking: Granville Wine Co. Pinot NoirAdam is drinking: 1980 Old Grand Dad BourbonInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam and Joanna take up a topic that's been bubbling up for some time: the impact of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs on the alcohol industry. As these drugs become easier to acquire and less stigmatized, are they having a noticeable impact on alcohol sales. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Please remember to enter VinePair's Best New Bartender Competition, presented by Luxardo - submissions are due April 18th.Joanna is reading: 8 Things We Learned From Trying 32 of NYC’s Best MartinisAdam is reading: Champagne Sales Are Slumping. Is Prosecco to Blame?Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts tackle the trend of restaurants prioritizing design over food quality, raising eyebrows about modern dining values. A hot take on American diners sparks a lively conversation about what operators can control. The impact of COVID-19 on customer expectations is explored, highlighting the importance of service in securing loyalty. Plus, an exciting competition for aspiring bartenders reveals the push for fresh talent in mixology. All this, accompanied by delightful drink choices, makes for a rich discussion on culinary culture!

Joanna and Zach are joined by VinePair contributing editor Dave Infante to discuss the many ways in which the United States' trade policy and whiplash tariff protocols are affecting and damaging the drinks industry. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Please remember to enter VinePair's Best New Bartender Competition, presented by Luxardo, by April 18th!Zach is reading: The World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2025Joanna is reading: If England’s Whisky Industry Is Thriving, Why Is It Still Struggling To Gain Recognition in the U.S.?Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the untapped potential of tequila in Asian markets, sparked by the trendsetting influence of K-Pop stars. They explore how cultural ties can shape tequila's appeal alongside Southeast Asian cuisine. Personal anecdotes reveal their own tequila preferences and wine adventures. Additionally, the conversation touches on the intriguing connections between Western entertainment and Asian celebrity culture, while highlighting the challenges of introducing tequila to new consumers. A delightful blend of insights and humor makes this discussion captivating.