Unreserved Wine Talk

How has the pandemic positively impacted the wine industry? Why is the percentage of women buying online rising faster than men? How do consumers benefit when wine producers have access to more and better data?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Which interesting trends have been identified when it comes to Gen Z drinking habits? What can wine brands do to engage younger generations? Which positive trends stood out in the DTC report? How did the pandemic impact online DTC sales? Has the lifting of lockdown restrictions negatively impacted online DTC sales? Why should consumers be excited about the growth of the online side of the wine industry? What are the implications of the DTC report for the Canadian wine scene? How did Canadian wineries quickly adapt to the new environment of the pandemic? What would be the benefits of opening the borders to shipping wine across provinces in Canada? How does having more data and more granularity benefit everyone from wine consumers to producers? Why are more women purchasing wine online than men? What are Andrea & Cathy’s ideal settings for having a glass of wine? Which controversial wine opinions do Cathy & Andrea have? Which childhood foods would be fun to pair with wine today? What was Andrea’s worst food and wine pairing? Which great historical figures would Cathy & Andrea love to share a bottle of wine with? What message would Andrea & Cathay share if they could put up their own billboard downtown in a big city? Which wine would Cathy & Andrea want to be served at their funerals?   Key Takeaways At least there were some upsides to the pandemic on the wine industry in terms of moving it forward with selling online and tightening direct connections between those who make wine and those who drink it. I found it fascinating that the percentage of women buying online is rising faster than men. It makes sense though given women still buy most household items. Getting granular on the data means getting more personal with consumers in terms of their experience in buying the wine whether that’s in person at the winery or online.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers.  Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/178.

How have major events like the pandemic and the wildfires affected the way we buy wine online? Do younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, have different criteria for buying wine? What impact does storytelling have on wine sales?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What did Andrea’s previous career with Proctor & Gamble involve? Why did Andrea decide to move into a career in the wine industry? What was the realization Andrea had about wine being an agricultural business? How did Cathy fall in love with wine and wine writing? Why does Cathy consider herself primarily an issues writer? What’s the mission behind A Balanced Glass? Which key advice does Cathy wish she could tell her younger self, early on in her wine career? What do we mean by DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) wine sales? How does WineDirect serve wineries? Why was the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report created? What was the founding mission of Enolytics? What type of data was analyzed for the DTC Impact Report? How did the report track the impact of the California wildfires on the wine industry? What did the DTC Impact Report show about the impact of those wildfires? Why is the story behind the wine important to younger drinkers? Did the report reveal any insights about wine and gender?   Key Takeaways I found it fascinating to learn how the pandemic, the wildfires and other major events have changed the way we buy wine online. It’s interesting that younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, really want that in-person experience when buying wine. I would have assumed they’d be all about online only. We’re back to storytelling, whether it’s wine or books, it has a profound impact on sales and connection.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers.  Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/177.

Are you curious about the Australian wine scene and the latest trends and changes? How about tips on buying terrific Australian wines? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings you should try?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Are there any parallel trends in the beer and wine industries? Is natural wine gaining popularity in Australia? What is James’ controversial take on natural wine? What changes and trends have emerged recently in the Australian wine scene? How has Australian Chardonnay evolved and improved over the years? Which wine regions should you try for Australian cool-climate Chardonnay? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings? What are the biggest challenges facing the Australian wine industry? Which must-see site should you visit on a trip to Champagne? What did James love about his trip to Alsace? Which foods should you try on a visit to Alsace? Which wines does James like to pair with pizza? What barbecue and wine pairing surprised James? What’s James’ favourite wine book? Why is winesave James’ favourite wine gadget? Which vintage wine would James want to be served at his funeral? Which common red wine mistake can we easily avoid?   Key Takeaways His descriptions of Australian wines made me not only want to revisit the wine styles but also go back to Australia itself. It’s such a magical place. James makes some important points about cool-climate Australian wines and how elegant and balanced they are, to the point where they can easily be confused with Burgundian wines, especially when it comes to Chardonnay. I loved his iconic Australian food and wine pairing suggestions and can’t wait to try them.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/176.

What's the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone? Which glass is best for properly appreciating great beer? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How did James land the opportunity to host wine royalty, Jancis Robinson, at his house? What aspects of James’ interview with Jancis Robinson stood out the most? How did James create an opportunity to interview a childhood idol on his podcast? How has rockstar winemaker Maynard James Keenan been influenced by Australian wine? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region? When did James know he wanted to be a professional drinks writer? What were the most difficult aspects of James’ pre-drinks writing career? Which aspect of James’ early career would he change if he had the chance? What are the differences between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier (cicerone)? How long can you keep beer before it goes bad? What’s the process like to become a Certified Cicerone? Which type of glass is best to properly appreciate the nuances of your beer? What’s James’ favourite beer and food pairing?   Key Takeaways I enjoyed learning about the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone. Even though I’m not a beer drinker, it’s good to know which glass is best for appreciating great beer. That tip will be handy for my partner Miles who loves local, craft beer. Arizona is an interesting up-and-coming wine region. I would not have thought viticulture would be possible in such a warm region. I look forward to trying the wines someday.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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/CB26262   About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/175.  

How can tuning into the retronasal aspect of smell take your wine tasting skill to the next level? What makes the sense of smell so fascinating? What does it mean to be a virtual wine brand? What do grapes & M&Ms have in common?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE.   Highlights What’s the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What’s it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What’s unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim’s inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags’ Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim’s biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard?   Key Takeaways I enjoyed hearing about what winemaker wannabes and everyday wine drinkers can learn from Jim’s podcast. Even if you don’t want to become a winemaker, understanding the process can deepen your appreciation of what you’re drinking. The retronasal sense of smell is a game-changer when it comes to detecting specific aromas in wine. It’s a subset, of course, within the fascinating world of smell that we’ll continue to explore on this podcast in future episodes. Jim’s comparison of grapes with M&Ms was helpful in understanding texture and ripeness. I also was interested in Jim’s explanation of virtual wine brands.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/174.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a winemaker and wondered what it takes? What’s it like to work a wine harvest without power? What makes Riesling the most difficult grape to ferment?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE.   Highlights What’s the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What’s it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What’s unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim’s inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags’ Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim’s biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard?   Key Takeaways Jim gives us a taste for what it’s like being a winemaker, but his podcast and courses will help you take a deep dive if you’re so inclined. His story about working a harvest without power was incredible. Pure grit and determination. And I guess that’s how they did it in the old days every year. Hard to imagine. I’m fascinated with all aspects of Riesling as it’s so diverse in style and food pairings, but Jim really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to make.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/173.

What does it mean to be a supertaster? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Do Canadians have different wine preferences compared to drinkers in other regions? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way to get into the world of wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How did I get started in my wine career? What motivated me to go from wine enthusiast to wine writer? What does it mean to be a supertaster? How do I manage my time between all my wine endeavours from books, to TV appearances, to the podcast? Would wine experts benefit from my wine and food pairing course? Why are "day in the life" stories often a better way to learn? What features do wine lovers around the world enjoy with my mobile wine apps? Are American wines well received in Canada? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Is there a distinguishable Canadian palate when it comes to wine? Which Canadian wines should you try next, outside of the icewine category? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way for beginners to ease into the world of wine? What's unique about Tim Hanni's perspective on food and wine? How has my business and my focus within it changed over the years? Why are wine scores helpful despite lacking nuance? What value is shared with subscribers through my newsletter? Why is visiting vineyards one of my favourite ways to learn about wine? What's the best way to learn more about Canadian wines?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is a wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/172.

Are you curious about British wines and their history that dates back to King Henry VIII? How is wine made in the driest place on Earth and where is that exactly? Are stemless wine glasses better than traditional stemware?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How are English wines connected to King Henry VIII and the Domesday Book? Which wine makes a great pairing with classic English fish and chips? What English wine brands should you look for on North American shelves? How do you use Coravin wine preservation systems? What does Janina love about Hush Heath Estate Balfour Luke's Pinot Noir? What are suitcase clones and where do they show up in the wine world? Which hallmarks should be present in a good quality Pinot Noir? Can you pair Pinot Noir with fish or chicken? What critical tip should you keep in mind when choosing a corkscrew? How can you open your wine like a professional? How did the Pais grape variety end up in Chile? What’s the tasting profile of Ventisquero País Moscatel like? Why shouldn’t you chill an oaked wine? How is viticulture possible in the driest desert on Earth? What features should you look for in a good wine glass? Why does Janina prefer stemless wine glasses? Which wine would Janina now pair with her favourite birthday cake from childhood? Which person outside of the wine world would Janina most want to share a bottle of wine with?   Key Takeaways British wines have a fascinating history dating back to King Henry VIII. Now that was a man who enjoyed his food and drink. It was interesting to hear how wine is made in the driest place on Earth in Chile. I look forward to trying some of those wines. The debate about stemless wine glasses versus traditional stemware continues.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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   Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together.   How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/171.

What’s it really like to work at a winery during the harvest? What is the magic behind blended wines versus single grape or varietal wines? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What’s it really like to work at a Chilean winery during the harvest? Why does Janina find it so fascinating to participate in the winemaking process? How did Janina nearly lose an eye while in a winery experimentation room? What hidden danger lies in bottles of bubbly? What’s it like to blend Malbec wines in Argentina? What makes Bodega Catena Zapata a must-visit winery for every wine lover? What made Janina’s trip with her father to Rioja, Spain one of her most memorable wine experiences? Which experiences should you try when visiting Rioja? Why did Janina’s first trade wine tasting end in disaster? What’s the difference between English and British wine? What do you need to know about English wine? Which English wine does Janina recommend for you to try if you’re new to the category? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne? What sort of tasting profile would you experience with Bacchus grapes? What is the “Nyetimber Effect”?   Key Takeaways I enjoyed Janina’s stories about what it’s really like to work at a winery during the harvest. As she mentioned, many people think winemaking is so glamorous and they have no idea how dirty it is and how many accidents happen and how hard it is. I call it fancied up farming. She made some great points about blended wines, including the fact that Malbec, though it’s a single variety, is often a blended wine. Janina shared some great insights into the differences and similarities between English sparkling wine and Champagne. I was surprised to hear that the English wine industry has grown by 70% in the last five years.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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   Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together.   How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/170.

Why is Santa Maria BBQ different from other types and which wines pair well with it? What does it take to earn a living as a full-time wine writer? Why does grammar really matter? Why is passion not enough?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jaime Lewis, a fabulous food and wine writer, journalism professor and host of her own podcast, CONSUMED.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How can you become a full-time wine writer? What does it look like to focus on your strengths? Which unrealistically high standards are placed on wine writers? Why does Jaime distinctly separate her writing from her journalism? What are Jaime’s top tips for improving your writing? What makes Santa Maria-style barbecue unique? Why is Santa Maria-style barbecue important to California’s history? How did the Santa Maria Club get its start? Why has Pinot Noir become a popular accompaniment to Santa Maria barbecue? Which wine would Jaime pair with her childhood favourite dish? What’s Jaime’s favourite wine gadget? Which quick trick can you use to aerate a bottle of wine? What are Jaime’s favourite wine books?   Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Jaime’s description of how Santa Maria BBQ is different from other types, from the various cuts of meat to preparation and cooking, as well as, of course, the wines that pair well with it. She gives a realistic picture of what it takes to earn a living as a full-time wine writer. Gotta love that phrase, marry up. I love that she’s a grammar nerd like me and my mother and her mother. For me, a dangling participle is as disturbing as pouring wine into a dirty glass. Just don’t do it.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/169.