Unreserved Wine Talk

Why is Vermentino such a great wine to pair with food, and which dishes pair best with it? What are the markers and nuances in wine that are tied to a specific place? How is the wine industry changing when it comes to diversity, and what still needs to be done? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sommelier of the Year, Tonya Pitts. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Why is mentoring so important to Tonya and which organizations is she involved with? How is the wine industry changing when it comes to diversity? Why did Tonya create Women in Wine? How can each of us help to move the wine industry forward with diversity and inclusion? What makes Château de Chamirey Mercurey Blanc so refreshing? Why does Tonya especially love Vermentino? Which types of wine pair best with food? How do zesty whites stimulate the tastebuds? Which controversial opinion does Tonya have about terroir and tasting? Which unexpected red wine pairings pleasantly surprised Tonya?   Key Takeaways I have so much respect for Tonya’s leadership in the wine industry on so many dimensions from diversity to mentorship. She walks her talk. It’s surprising that women still comprise only 20% of winemakers in the industry. Tonya has some great suggestions on how the industry needs to continue its efforts for inclusion. I can’t wait to try Tonya’s suggested pairings for Vermentino, my mouth is already watering thinking of this zesty white Italian wine.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Tonya Pitts Tonya Pitts is the Sommelier and Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and she has been crowned 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Sommelier of the Year. Tonya has been a notable mogul within the wine industry for over 30 years. Outside of her Wine Enthusiast recognition, she was recently inducted into the Hall of Femmes (an award that requires being nominated by other women), awarded membership for Les Dames D’Escouffier, added to the advisory board of Women in Wine’s Leadership Symposium, and has become an integral contributor to Wine Unify.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/227.

Are you curious about what it takes to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America’s best restaurants? Why is wine so powerful in creating memories? What is the most important role of the sommelier? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sommelier of the Year, Tonya Pitts. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How did art play a major role in Tonya’s life growing up? Why is wine so powerful in creating memories? What motivated Tonya to switch from pursuing a career in law to becoming a sommelier? What was Tonya’s introduction to working in restaurants? Why is smell such a significant part of Tonya’s tasting process? What’s in Tonya’s mental wine Rolodex? What was it like to taste a 1900 Rothschild? How did a tasting of the 1976 Chateau Lafite compare to the 1900 Rothschild? What makes older wines so special? What does it take to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America’s best restaurants? Why is it even more powerful to visit the place wine comes from? How did Italy win Tonya’s heart? What does Tonya love about the service aspect of being a sommelier?   Key Takeaways I found Tonya’s insights into what it takes to manage a list of 500 different wine labels at one of America’s best restaurants fascinating. She also shares some great behind-the-scenes observations on the role of the sommelier. My favourite part is when she talks lyrically about how she’s transitioned from the artist’s canvas to using a plate of food and wine to tell a story and paint a picture for someone. I also think she’s bang on when she says, “Wine takes you on a journey, you can go anywhere in the world, with a bottle of wine. The reason I still do what I do, and why it means so much to me, is that I can actually smell a glass, it transports me right back to that time and place when I originally had that bottle of wine. It's amazing.”   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Tonya Pitts Tonya Pitts is the Sommelier and Wine Director at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco and she has been crowned 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Sommelier of the Year. Tonya has been a notable mogul within the wine industry for over 30 years. Outside of her Wine Enthusiast recognition, she was recently inducted into the Hall of Femmes (an award that requires being nominated by other women), awarded membership for Les Dames D’Escouffier, added to the advisory board of Women in Wine’s Leadership Symposium, and has become an integral contributor to Wine Unify.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/226.

Which aspects of the Beamsville Bench make it particularly suited for growing grapes for wine? Why is Pinot Noir called the heartbreak grape? What are some ways for wine professionals and wine lovers to moderate their consumption? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What makes podcasting such a powerful medium? Which aspects of the Beamsville Bench make it particularly suited for growing grapes for wine? What does Thirty Bench Small Lot Pinot Noir taste like and which food pairings work well? How does Trader Joe's Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir stack up as a $10 wine? Why is Pinot Noir my heartbreak grape? How did my taste in wine evolve over the years? How does climate impact the acidity of grapes? What will you learn in my free wine and food pairing class? How can you pair foods with wine according to the texture? What intrigued Sandy about the Oregon Wine Company's Rascal Pinot Noir label? How could all wine lovers benefit if wine labels had ingredient/nutrition labels? What are the benefits of QR codes on wine labels? What can you expect from Oregon Wine Company's Rascal Pinot Noir? What do you need to consider when tasting multiple wines? How did I use a “do the thing” approach when writing my first two wine books? Which simple tip can you use to find excellent wine at bargain prices? What can you expect from my upcoming memoir centered on the worst vintage of my life? How is wine marketed differently to men versus women? Why is it important to me to take a closer look at my consumption and participation in the negative aspects of wine culture?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester The Wines To Find Podcast was created after the two hosts, sisters Sandy and Michelle, travelled together to France and Italy in 2019. Both sisters are wine enthusiasts that have tracked their wine purchases, palates and pairings for years. As a way to continue the thrill of their European trip and to document their wine journey, they created the Wines To Find Podcast with the goal of spending time together, further growing their palates, and sharing wine stories from guests. Wines To Find features two new wines tasted for the first time by the sisters & guests, who span the spectrum of the wine industry from winemakers, owners, growers, sommeliers, fellow enthusiasts and more.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/225.

Can you imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine? And what is synthetic wine anyway? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steven Laine, award-winning restaurateur, hotelier, and author. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Can you imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine? What can you expect from Steven’s upcoming books, Jupiter’s Blood and The Somm? How did Steven end up working at two fantastic wineries during the pandemic? Which surprising insights did Steven learn from working the harvest? Why is a vineyard the ideal setting for enjoying a glass of wine? What is it about Torres Natureo Syrah that makes it a great non-alcoholic option? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting profile of wine? What makes English sparkling wine a great alternative to Champagne? Why should you add Quails' Gate Estate Winery Dry Riesling to your “wines to try” list? Which unpopular wine belief does Steven hold? Which wine would Steven pair with his childhood favourite, lasagna? What are some of Steven’s favourite wine books? Which writers would Steven like to share a bottle of wine with? Why has travelling been a boon to Steven’s writing? What wine message would Steven put on a billboard? Which wine would Steven want to be served at his funeral, and why? Why does Steven believe it’s important to drink what you enjoy drinking? What’s on the horizon for Steven’s writing?   Key Takeaways I enjoyed more nightmare scenarios from Steven this week. I can’t imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine. Wine is both art and science, but it’s also natural and an extension of the earth. His insights into how removing alcohol impacts the tasting experience were interesting. I have to agree, given the sheer labour intensity of producing wine, much of it is underpriced.     Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Steven Laine Kirkus Reviews called Steven Laine’s first wine thriller, Root Cause, “An entertaining, wine-soaked mystery.” The Washington Post wrote; “If Michael Pollan and Dan Brown sat down over a bottle of Barolo and brainstormed a novel based on the neuroses of the natural wine movement, they might have come up with something like Root Cause.” As an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier, Steven has travelled the world working in luxury hotels such as The Ritz, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Pan Pacific. He developed his passion for wine as a Sommelier and Beverage Director in London, England. Since then, he has visited hundreds of wineries around the world.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/224.

Can you imagine a world without wine? How did an author create a new genre of wine thriller based on a winemaker’s worst nightmare? What if the root louse phylloxera that destroyed most of the European vineyards in the 1850s returned but was even more destructive? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steven Laine, award-winning restaurateur, hotelier, and author. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What about the experience of travelling that motivated Steven to live in nine different countries? How did Steven become involved in the wine industry? Where did Steven’s inspiration to write thrillers come from? How did the root louse Grape phylloxera impact European vineyards in the 1800s? Which surprising facts did Steven learn about phylloxera while researching Root Cause? What’s the best moment of Steven’s writing career so far? Do beta readers play a role in Steven’s writing process? What can you expect from Steven’s book Root Cause? Who are Steven’s favourite mystery writers? Why are stuck fermentations a winemaker's worst nightmare? Why does Steven love to read widely? What was the inspiration for Steven’s second book, Dragon Vine?   Key Takeaways The premise of Steven’s novel, can you imagine a world without wine, hooked me from the beginning. I can’t imagine erasing all those great times I’ve shared with friends and family over a glass or two, let alone not doing the work I love in this field. I love how he takes a winemaker’s worst nightmare and up the ante by having the root louse phylloxera come back as even more destructive. This doesn’t seem to be an impossibility with today’s climate change as well as the mutation of viruses that spread around the world quickly. I enjoyed Steven’s insights into how travel changed his perspective. I think each trip, each location brings out a different piece of us.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Steven Laine Kirkus Reviews called Steven Laine’s first wine thriller, Root Cause, “An entertaining, wine-soaked mystery.” The Washington Post wrote; “If Michael Pollan and Dan Brown sat down over a bottle of Barolo and brainstormed a novel based on the neuroses of the natural wine movement, they might have come up with something like Root Cause.” As an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier, Steven has travelled the world working in luxury hotels such as The Ritz, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Pan Pacific. He developed his passion for wine as a Sommelier and Beverage Director in London, England. Since then, he has visited hundreds of wineries around the world.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/223.

Adam McHugh, a wine tour guide, sommelier, and author of 'Blood from Stone,' shares fascinating insights on the intersection of wine and religion. He discusses the historical roles of figures like John the Baptist and Dom Pérignon in winemaking. The conversation delves into why French and American oak affect wine differently and the allure of Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. Adam highlights why the Santa Ynez Valley is worth a visit, showcasing its charming family-owned wineries and insider tips for wine enthusiasts.

How did one man make a complete career pivot from working with dying in hospice care to living among the vines and writing about them? Why is French oak so treasured and so expensive? Which historical events led to the development of what we now know as the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam McHugh, author of Blood from Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you will win a personally signed copy of Adam McHugh's terrific book, Blood from Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights What’s it like being a hospice chaplain? How did wine help Adam to connect and become more grounded? How did Adam find the balance to lighten - but not trivialize - the serious topics he covers in Blood from Stone? What was it like to transition out of being a hospice chaplain? Why is grieving an essential part of many life transitions? What’s the difference between change and transition? How did a trip to France inspire Adam to turn his love for wine into a career? What’s behind the book’s title, Blood from Stone? How were the iconic rounded stones found in the Rhone region formed? Which historical events led to the development of what we now know as Châteauneuf-du-Pape? What are the multiple meanings behind the term “blood of the vine”? Why is Adam fascinated by the process of fermentation? Why did France plant the forests that have now become the source of some of the most prestigious oak barrels? Why is French oak so treasured and expensive?   Key Takeaways I loved hearing how Adam made a complete career pivot from working with dying in hospice care to living among the vines and writing about them, especially his insight into the renewal and the miracle in the phrase “blood from stone.” The ancient connection between blood and wine was interesting as was his observation that grief is not just about big losses like death. We grieve lots of smaller things throughout the course of our lives. I also found his discussion of why oak from different forests in France creates different seasonings for wine. The tighter the grain in the oak, the more subtle the impact in the resulting wine. Then fermentation unlocks a lot of aromatics we revel in with wine. The history of the popes and the development of the Chateuneuf-du-Pape region were also intriguing.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Adam McHugh Adam McHugh is a wine tour guide, sommelier, and Certified Specialist of Wine. He is the author of The Listening Life and Introverts in the Church and a regular contributor to Edible Santa Barbara & Wine Country. He lives in California's Santa Ynez Valley.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/221.

How can you learn more about food and wine without the intimidation factor? Why does exploring outside of your arena often drive inspiration and innovation? Why is writing a memoir like living your life twice? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Why do wine podcasts attract an international audience? Why do I focus mostly on wine in my content? How did I get started with TV appearances, and how has that evolved? What trends and strategies have been used in wine communication since the start of the pandemic? What kind of feedback have I gotten on my courses from beginners and industry professionals? How have I incorporated elements into my online courses to help students feel more comfortable in an environment that can often be intimidating? Which podcasts are currently on my list of favourites? Why does exploring outside of your arena often drive inspiration and innovation? Why did I write a memoir after publishing two very different books? What can you expect from my upcoming third book?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He’s been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he’s now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/220.

What’s behind the power of podcasts and how they evoke the theater of the mind? How can you use a hook to improve your communication skills? Why do stories help us remember what we learn about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Which bottle kickstarted my passion for wine? How did I find the confidence to write about wine? Why do stories make it easier to learn about wine? How has my wine career evolved since my first freelance article submission? Why did I shift my mindset on being a wine educator? What’s behind the power of podcasting for connecting people? How do podcasts help people learn about wine in the best way for them? Why is communication such a valuable skill for wine lovers? How can you improve your communication skills?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He’s been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he’s now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/219.

How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat? How can you use your music playlist to complement your menu? Which types of songs can make your wine taste more acidic? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Nell McShane Wulfhart's terrific book, Off Menu. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the book. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!   Highlights How can you help guests to feel more comfortable at a gathering? What simple tips can you use to avoid lingering guests at your next dinner party? How can you use lighting throughout a party to influence guests’ experiences? Which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic? Why does music have a bigger impact on complex beverages like coffee and wine? How can you use your music playlist to complement your menu? Why do our palate and preferences change when we’re on a plane? Can we hear the difference between various types of beverages just from the sound of the pour? Why are white wine glasses better than flutes for drinking bubbly? How does the shape of the table in a restaurant affect our dining experience? How do the shape and texture of food affect how satisfied you feel? Which wine bottle characteristics make the most impact on wine buyers? How does the choice of bottle and packaging affect the environmental footprint of wine? How do health claims on food and wine packaging influence our perception? How is scent marketing being used outside of the food and beverage industry?   Key Takeaways I loved finding out how the shape of a restaurant table impacts how much we eat and how long we stay in a restaurant. I also found it interesting how I can use my music playlist to complement my menu. I like knowing which types of songs can make my wine taste more acidic.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Nell McShane Wulfhart Nell McShane Wulfhart is a decision coach and author. She has written for The New York Times, The Wall St. Journal, The Guardian, and many other outlets. Her most recent book, The Great Stewardess Rebellion - about how flight attendants in the 1960s and 70s staged a revolution for working women everywhere. The Wall Street Journal described it as exhilarating and wrote that “Wulfhart is a vivid storyteller who writes with energy and style.” Nell’s audiobook, Off Menu, is about the secret science of food, drinks, and the dining experience.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/218.