Unreserved Wine Talk

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.

How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? Should you add wines from Uruguay to your must-taste list? What's the difference between flavour and taste? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and 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 Which shocking discoveries did Nell make while researching The Great Stewardess Rebellion? What do you need to know about wines from Uruguay? How can our other senses impact our perception of the taste of food and beverages? What's the difference between taste and flavour? How does sound affect our perception of what we're tasting? What do we know about how supertasters experience taste and flavour differently from others? Why should you use the retronasal smell? What simple trick can you use to amplify your experience of dark chocolate? What impact does our knowledge of a specific wine have on the tasting experience? What simple strategy can we use to improve our dinner party guests' experience? How do extrasensory cues impact flavour and enjoyment? Why should you add a squeeze of limes or lemons to your food? Why do ice cream companies add certain scents to their packaging? What effect does loud music or noise have on your sense of taste? Should you serve your best wine first or last at a dinner party? Key Takeaways I love Nell's advice to share a few details about a wine with your dinner party guests as it will dramatically change their perception of its taste. I'm more keen now to taste more wines from Uruguay, especially Tannat. I found Nell's explanation of the difference between flavour and taste fascinating. 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/217.

What's the tradeoff between flavour and alcohol? How does Chardonnay lend itself to unusual food pairings? Where do you find great value in California wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chuck Cramer, host of On The Road With Mr CA Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Who were Chuck's most memorable podcast guests and why? Who would be Chuck's dream guests for his podcast? Why does Chuck consider Lodi to be the most underrated California wine region? How does the style of The Federalist Chardonnay differ from Sanford Chardonnay? Which non-traditional food pairings could you try with The Federalist Chardonnay? What's the weirdest wine and food pairing Chuck ever had? Which classic childhood food would Chuck pair with The Federalist Chardonnay? What's Chuck's controversial take on the natural wine movement? Why are low-alcohol wines less flavourful? Why is The American Vintage Chuck's favourite wine book? How can you keep your wine fresh when you don't want to finish the bottle? Which unlikely celebrity trio would Chuck like to share a bottle of wine with? If Chuck could have a billboard in California, what would it say? What wine would Chuck want to be served at his funeral? Key Takeaways Chuck gives a great explanation for the tradeoff between flavour and alcohol. I love Chuck's unusual pairings for Chardonnay. Chuck gives some great tips about finding excellent value in California 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 Chuck Cramer Chuck Cramer is a 4th generation Los Angeleno, living in London for the past 22 years. In addition to hosting a wine podcast dedicated to CA wine, On The Road With Mr CA Wine, Chuck is the director of European sales & marketing for Terlato Wines, managing a gorgeous portfolio of CA wines across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He's also the proud dad of two beautiful women, plays tennis four times a week and bleeds Dodger Blue! To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/216.

Are you curious about California wine, especially the differences between the various regions? What big trends have changed the California wines you drink for the past 5 years? What would surprise you most about the Napa wine region? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chuck Cramer, host of On The Road With Mr CA Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was it like for Chuck to do stand-up comedy for the first time in London? How does California's Terlato Wines gain access to small European markets that can't ship directly from California? Why does Chuck love changing people's minds when it comes to Chardonnay? Why Chuck did start his podcast, On The Road With Mr CA Wine? How did Chuck integrate a signature California vibe into his podcast? What's behind the huge value and opportunity created by having a podcast? What do you need to know about the California wine industry? Which California wine regions should you be aware of? Which California wine trends have emerged over the last 5-10 years? Key Takeaways California has an incredible number of wine regions that exhibit a diverse range of climates and soils. Several big trends, such as more regional specificity and lower alcohol wines, among others, have changed the California wines we drink over the past 5 years. Although the Napa wine region is renowned, it represents only 4% of all California wine produced. Now that's great brand marketing and quality. 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 Chuck Cramer Chuck Cramer is a 4th generation Los Angeleno, living in London for the past 22 years. In addition to hosting a wine podcast dedicated to CA wine, On The Road With Mr CA Wine, Chuck is the director of European sales & marketing for Terlato Wines, managing a gorgeous portfolio of CA wines across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He's also the proud dad of two beautiful women, plays tennis four times a week and bleeds Dodger Blue! To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/215.