Unreserved Wine Talk

What does drinking Italian mean today? How has globalization impacted the Italian wine you drink? Do volcanic soils really make a wine taste different? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How does Emidio Pepe bring the past of southern Italy into the future? How is the way of life different in the Mezzogiorno? Why is lunch such an important part of the day in Italy? Which fascinating winemakers did Robert dine with at one of his most memorable Italian meals? Why does Robert love ​​Aglianico wine? How was star winemaker Elena Fucci inspired to become a first-generation winemaker? Do volcanic wines live up to the hype? What impact does volcanic activity have on terroir and ultimately wine? Are there distinct tasting notes common among volcanic wines? What makes Fiano wine special? What was it like to meet the renowned winemaker, Sabino Loffredo? What does drinking Italian mean today? Key Takeaways Robert's insights into how globalization impacted the Italian wine we drink were fascinating, including his example of how the granddaughter of sharecroppers is able to communicate with other wine lovers around the globe to sell her traditional wines and she no longer has to sell just to the local cooperative. That ability to go global while you're still a small producer adds to the diversity of the Italian wines we drink today. I loved his example of drinking a different Italian wine every night of the year without repeating yourself, such is the range of grapes and styles in the country. I agree with his take on how volcanic soils influence the taste of wine: it's more about drainage than anything else, although a new eruption every century or so certainly changes the landscape and the soils, literally. Old vines have a more profound impact on a wine's taste, wherever they grow, in volcanic or other soils around the world. 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 Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy's southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). As an American in Europe, Camuto has written for some of the world's best-known publications on food and wine culture and since 2008 he has worked as a contributing editor for Wine Spectator. In addition to serving as a key features writer responsible for many WS cover stories, Camuto writes a twice-monthly column for winespectator.com, called Robert Camuto Meets….which, like all his work, focuses on the human and cultural sides of wine. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism, Camuto worked as a news reporter, features editor and founding weekly newspaper publisher in Texas before moving to France in 2001. In 2015, he and his wife moved to their current home in Verona, Italy. In the Old World, he gravitated to wine as a way of exploring more than flavours—as a way to understand local histories, politics, agriculture, traditions and tastes told through colourful characters. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/165.

Are you curious about the hidden wine gems in southern Italy? Who are the colourful characters and winemakers who create them? What are the sumptuous flavours of the region and how well do they pair with wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. 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 Highlights What was the inspiration behind Robert's decision to become a writer? What was Robert's worst moment in his writing career? What does Robert love most about travelling around Europe? Which celebrity wines are worth trying? Why did Robert choose the title "South of Somewhere"? How is Italy's makeup different from other countries? What are some key facts to know about Southern Italy? What was the lethal "Methanol Scandal" about? Why does the south of Italy have more varieties of indigenous grapes? When did Robert fall in love with the Mediterranean? How has technology helped bring out the complexity that we find in modern wine? Which interesting Trebbiano innovation is Giampaolo Tabarrini responsible for? Key Takeaways I loved listening to Robert describe the vivid flavours and people of southern Italy. It makes me want to return there. In my second book, Unquenchable, I devote one chapter to Sicily and talk about how the active volcano Mount Etna influences both the wines and mindsets of the island. I highly recommend you visit this magical place, as well as drink the wines here. I'm drawn to stories about specific people, and Robert has many of them. I think the specific tells more about the universal than generalizations do. His mouth-watering descriptions of the food there make me yearn to taste them, if only in my own kitchen for now. About Robert Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy's southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/164.

What's the smartest strategy you've never heard when it comes to visiting any wine region? More specifically, what's the best way to explore the wineries of Washington state or Burgenland in Austria? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What are the essential six stories about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. 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 Highlights Where would you find Burgenland in Austria? How does Burgenland's most well-known wine, Blaufränkisch, compare to other well-known reds? What are Lawrence's favourite food pairings for Blaufränkisch? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What does aged Grüner Veltliner taste like? How are Lawrence's best tips for planning a wine trip to Austria? Why is Lawrence excited about Austrian wine? Why does Washington state have diverse terroirs? How do the different soil types in Washington lend themselves to diverse wine styles? What are the wines of Washington's Red Mountain AVA like? Which Washington Syrah was Lawrence's most surprising wine ever? Why did Lawrence develop the six wine stories concept? How do the six stories fit into the bigger marketing picture for wine brands? Key Takeaways I love the strategy of starting a wine trip in a base city and talking to sommeliers and restaurant owners about which wineries you should visit. You also get to taste the wines and determine which houses make the styles you like. I agree with Lawrence about the dazzling array of complexity and flavour in Grüner Veltliner, one of the most undervalued white wines in the world and one of the most food-friendly. I liked Lawrence's essential six stories about wine, and especially how wine is not a spectator sport. You gotta get in there! 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 about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/163.

Why is Sherry one of the most complex wines on the planet and also one of the most misunderstood? What's it like to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. 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 Highlights What was the inspiration behind Lawrence's at-home podcast studio? How did Lawrence find his way from psychology to the wine industry? What is Hemingway's connection to the wines of Spain? What's it like to visit Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, where Cava is aged in caves under the city? What are some of the unique and interesting aspects of Cava and its production? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions? What makes the Copa Jerez International Competition of Gastronomy and Sherry Pairing so exciting? Which sherry and food pairing was most memorable for Lawrence? Why does sherry pair so well with food? Why should producers share more about grapes and terroir when talking about sherry? What makes sherry so complex? How do the alcohol levels in sherry compare to Port? What was the goal behind creating sherry cocktails? Why does Lawrence think we should be paying more attention to Madrid wines? How are the younger generations of Rioja winemakers changing the landscape? Key Takeaways Lawrence reminds us that sherry is one of the most complex, delicious wines on the planet, with its range from dry to sweet, and the myriad of nutty flavours and colours it creates. That also makes it so food-friendly, from tapas to seafood. It would be magical to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged. I enjoyed how he gave us an underground tour of the city of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in our minds. I can just imagine millions of resting bottles in those quiet caves. I found it helpful how he differentiated Prosecco, Cava and Champagne in terms of food pairing and occasion. 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 about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/162.

What makes wine and technology such a perfect pairing? Why should you try online wine classes? How is technology empowering wine consumers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Tanisha Townsend on her podcast, Wine School Dropout. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did I go from high tech to wine writing? Why do I find the pairing of wine and tech to be fascinating? What has changed about wine and the internet since my first article was published 20 years ago? Why are food and wine pairing classes so popular? What are some of the unexpected benefits of online wine courses? Which new creative intersections of wine and tech am I excited about How is technology empowering wine consumers? What advantages are there to using my mobile wine app? Why do I love podcasting? What makes a great podcast guest interview? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? Where do the concepts for my books start from? Which wine do I love to pair with my favourite snack? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Tanisha Townsend Tanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine. Credit Wine School Dropout Music is by Makaih beats To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/161.

Are you curious about how a wine brand breaks through in a new market? Why is the wine category one of the most difficult to offer a great price/quality ratio? What unique challenges do women winemakers face in the industry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Beth Liston, a rebel winemaker from California who's just launched a new wine called Longshot. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Beth's interest in restoring vintage cars get started? When did Beth realize she wanted to become a winemaker? Which valuable lessons did Beth learn from working a harvest in South Australia? What's the most exciting aspect of being a winemaker? What does it mean to find your voice as a winemaker? What was the concept behind the creation of Longshot/Dark Horse wine? Why is it particularly difficult to maximize wine's price-quality ratio? How do the techniques used in making Longshot/Dark Horse help them to stand out in their category? What has Beth learned from her experimentation with blending grapes? How does Beth translate inspiration from trends in cocktails and beer into winemaking? What are the biggest trends currently dominating the drink industry? How can you identify thiols when tasting wine? What tasting experience can you expect from Longshot/Dark Horse Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? Which food pairings should you try with Longshot/Dark Horse Pinot Noir? What's the most rewarding aspect of being a winemaker? How does Beth navigate the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field? Key Takeaways My MBA brain loves the back story of how a new wine brand breaks into a new market. So many factors are at play from the product itself and packaging to getting consumers to try the wine and building loyalty through repeat purchases. The wine category is one of the most difficult to offer a great price/quality ratio given the vagaries of weather from year to year. As Beth notes, it's an agricultural product, unlike say breakfast cereal where you can control production. It's also capital intensive, from having to age wine so you're tying up your cash flow, to the substantial investment in equipment, from presses to bottling lines. And finally, I admire her approach to building credibility in the industry as a woman and as a winemaker, regardless of gender. It takes perseverance, a love of change and adaptability and a willingness to get down in the trenches, or should we say the cellar, and learn the job from the ground up. 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 Beth Liston Beth Liston discovered her interest in wine while growing up on California's Central Coast. During college, she worked in a local tasting room, developing a fascination for both the art and science that goes into making great wines. Beth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. After graduating, she completed graduate work in oenology and worked in wine sales in Austin, Texas before setting her sights on winemaking. With more than a decade of harvests behind her, Beth has acquired diverse winemaking experiences from the Limestone Coast of South Australia to Napa Valley. She's now the Director of Winemaking for Dark Horse wines in Modesto, in California's Central Valley. Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their two sons, relaxing with yoga and travelling to explore new cultures through food and wine. She joins us now from Modesto, California. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/160.

How did the Cosmopolitan become an iconic cocktail on the TV show Sex and the City? Did you know an illegal shipment of Champagne revolutionized the entire industry? Which women are responsible for America's increase in scotch and bourbon consumption after Prohibition? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Mallory O'Meara, the author of the just-published Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did the Cosmopolitan become the signature drink of Sex and the City? Which next-level Cosmo should you try for your next cocktail? What's the connection between Carrie Bradshaw and the oversized wine glasses we now see everywhere on TV? What's the strong female history behind the drinks we now think of as categorically masculine? How did Bessie Williamson and Margie Samuels revolutionize the scotch, whiskey and bourbon markets in America after Prohibition? What role did Veuve Clicquot's kitchen play in transforming the way Champagne is made? How did Veuve Clicquot and Louise Pommery completely change the Champagne market? Which drink does Mallory prefer while writing? Why is a daiquiri Mallory's favourite cocktail? What are Mallory's least favourite drinks? How did Mallory first get into wine? What impact does Mallory hope Girly Drinks will have? How has book and author culture adapted to Covid? What's the last great book Mallory read? Whose interesting story got left on the cutting room floor? My Tips for Navigating Wine During the Holiday Season How should you think about which wines to pair with Christmas dinner? Which wines will make great additions to your cocktail party? How can you pick the right wines for every gifting occasion? Key Takeaways I loved the story behind how the Cosmopolitan became an iconic cocktail on the TV show Sex and the City, especially since I loved that show when it first came out and am now gobbling up every episode of the new reboot. There are so many parallels in other industries: you may not be able to afford the multi-thousand dollar Versace outfit on the runway, but maybe you can buy the perfume. The Cosmo was and is an aspirational drink for many women and some men and non-binaries too. Veuve Clicquot is a classic kick-ass woman's story, from getting through the Napoleonic blockades to selling her jewelry to fund the business. I loved hearing about swash-buckling women responsible for America's increase in scotch and bourbon consumption after Prohibition. 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 Mallory O'Meara Mallory is an award-winning and best-selling author and historian. She lives with her two cats in the mountains near Los Angeles, where she is at work on her next nonfiction book. Bourbon is her drink of choice. Her first book, The Lady From The Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick, is a Los Angeles Times bestseller. It won the 2019 SCIBA Award for Biography, the Rondo 2019 Book of the Year and was nominated for the Hugo and Locus awards. Her second book, Girly Drinks: A Feminist History of Women and Alcohol, was just released. Every week, Mallory hosts the literary podcast Reading Glasses alongside filmmaker and writer Brea Grant. The show is hosted by Maximum Fun and focuses on book culture and reader life. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/159.

Did you know that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra has her own, private wine club and that it was used against her to bring down her empire? Are you curious about the first people to make beer? They were women called alewives, but the church didn't like that. Did you know that the first bars were created for women? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Mallory O'Meara, the author of the just-published Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Mallory's thirst for knowledge take her from filmmaker to writer? What has been the best moment in Mallory's wine career so far? What was it like writing about world history during lockdowns and the pandemic? Why were libraries so important in Mallory's research for Girly Drinks? What can you expect from Girly Drinks? How did Mallory's curiosity lead her to write Girly Drinks? Why did Mallory decide to put so much research into the writing of Girly Drinks? What is a micro-history? How does Girly Drinks take you on a journey from the beginning of civilization to the present day? What was Cleopatra's connection to wine and what surprising role did it play in her downfall? How did the social stigma associated with women who drink begin? What important role did alewives play for a significant time in our history? What role did the nun Hildegard of Bingen early church play in the shifting attitudes toward women and alcohol? How did the nun Hildegard of Bingen revolutionize the beer industry? How did Catherine the Great harness the people's love of vodka in her rise to Empress? Why were bars originally a marker of feminized drinking? What made Gertrude "Cleo" Lythgoe the most successful bootlegger during Prohibition? What was Ada Coleman's impact on cocktails as the first female celebrity bartender? Key Takeaways I was surprised to learn that the first known depiction of someone drinking was a woman, but not so surprised that men thought she was playing a horn from the wrong end. I love the story about Cleopatra's drinking club with Mark Antony called the inimitable livers and her intoxication ring. I need to get one of those. It's fascinating how the gendered perceptions of alcohol consumption was used against her to bring down her empire. It was also interesting to discover that women made most of the alcohol back in the day from beer to wine as it was considered a domestic art. Again, not surprised that the church cast alewives cauldrons and brooms as symbols for witches. 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 Mallory O'Meara Mallory is an award-winning and best-selling author and historian. She lives with her two cats in the mountains near Los Angeles, where she is at work on her next nonfiction book. Bourbon is her drink of choice. Her first book, The Lady From The Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick, is a Los Angeles Times bestseller. It won the 2019 SCIBA Award for Biography, the Rondo 2019 Book of the Year and was nominated for the Hugo and Locus awards. Her second book, Girly Drinks: A Feminist History of Women and Alcohol, was just released. Every week, Mallory hosts the literary podcast Reading Glasses alongside filmmaker and writer Brea Grant. The show is hosted by Maximum Fun and focuses on book culture and reader life. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/158.

What's it like to experience a piece of Dom Pérignon history? Has the legendary California Chardonnay Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay held up in the years since the Judgement of Paris? How can you pair wine with your Zodiac sign? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer, Gina Birch and broadcaster Julie Glenn, hosts of the Grape Minds podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What makes Spain a great destination for wine lovers? How did Julie finally become a Lambrusco fan? Has the legendary Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay held up in the years since the Judgement of Paris? What can you learn through comparative tastings? What was it like to experience the history of Dom Pérignon through St. Hilaire Abbey in Limoux? How can you pair wine with your zodiac sign? Which controversial Grape Minds interview almost didn't make it to air? How has cancer affected Julie's experience with wine? What are my favourite Pinot Noirs? Why does Julie believe consolidation of the wine industry is bad for wine? How can you pair your favourite childhood foods with wine? What are Gina and Julie's go-to wine books? Which of Gina and Julie's favourite wine gadgets should you try? How long should you save "special" wines? Key Takeaways I loved Gina's story about experiencing a piece of Dom Pérignon history. That's the magical connection between wine and place. I'm impressed that the legendary California Chardonnay Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay held up in the years since the Judgement of Paris. I enjoyed Julie pairing wine with your Zodiac sign. It's uncanny that she picked Pinot Noir for Libras even before we met. As you know, it's my go-to vino. 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 Gina Birch and Julie Glenn Gina Birch grew up in Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and public relations from Troy University, in Alabama. Her first job was in radio news, which eventually led her to Fort Myers, Florida, where she hosted a top-rated morning show for almost 15 years. She also started writing about food, wine, spirits and travel for USA Today, the Napa Register and the Fort Myers News-Press. Julie Glenn earned her Master's degree in communication from the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont, Italy and is fluent in Italian. She also has an undergraduate degree in Mass Communication from the University of Missouri. She began her broadcasting career as a reporter/anchor/producer for both CBS and NBC affiliates. Before becoming the News Director at WGCU, the NPR affiliate for southwest Florida, Julie was the regular wine columnist for the Naples Daily News. Gina and Julie had been friends for years and together they created Grape Minds, a wine podcast that's also broadcasted on NPR. They talk about the people, culture, and history behind the wines, as well as wine travel and food pairings. They've also interviewed some of the best-known people in the wine world and as they note, have only destroyed one soundboard while tasting in the studio. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/157.

Are you curious about slow food and wine? What's special about the Alto Adige region of Italy? Why should you consider Portugal and Dubai for your next wine-fueled trip? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer, Gina Birch and broadcaster Julie Glen, hosts of the Grape Minds podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Gina and Julie first meet? What is it about Gina and Julie's styles that complement each other in their work? What is a "ride with" in the wine industry? What was Gina's most memorable "ride with" experience? Which California-based faux pas left Julie mortified on a "ride with" with an important producer? What's Julie's approach to talking about wines she doesn't like? Which embarrassing lesson did Julie learn about Pinot Grigio while living in Italy? What makes the Naples Winter Wine Festival a unique and extraordinary experience? Who were some of Gina and Julie's favourite interviewees at the Naples Winter Wine Festival? What can you expect from a visit to the Alto Adige region in Italy? Which wines first tempted Julie and Gina to go deeper into the world of wine? What's the worst food and wine pairing that Gina has tried? Why did a seven-course Champagne dinner leave a lasting impression on Julie? What great, casual foods should you try pairing with Champagne? What brought Julie to her studies in Italy? Which chance encounter led to Julie meeting her husband in Italy? Why should you add Portugal to your must-visit list as a wine lover What was it like to attend the Expo 2020 World Expo in Dubai? Does Dubai have a big wine scene? Key Takeaways I loved learning more about the Alto Adige region of Italy, and Julie's story about Pinot Grigio. I'm adding those wines to my shopping list. I'm fascinated with Dubai and what it would be like to visit that city. I'll put that one on my bucket list. I agree that wine is both subjective like art and at times embarrassing, and we can learn so much if we open ourselves up to those experiences. 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 Gina Birch and Julie Glenn Gina Birch grew up in Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and public relations from Troy University, in Alabama. Her first job was in radio news, which eventually led her to Fort Myers, Florida, where she hosted a top-rated morning show for almost 15 years. She also started writing about food, wine, spirits and travel for USA Today, the Napa Register and the Fort Myers News-Press. Julie Glenn earned her Master's degree in communication from the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont, Italy and is fluent in Italian. She also has an undergraduate degree in Mass Communication from the University of Missouri. She began her broadcasting career as a reporter/anchor/producer for both CBS and NBC affiliates. Before becoming the News Director at WGCU, the NPR affiliate for southwest Florida, Julie was the regular wine columnist for the Naples Daily News. Gina and Julie had been friends for years and together they created Grape Minds, a wine podcast that's also broadcasted on NPR. They talk about the people, culture, and history behind the wines, as well as wine travel and food pairings. They've also interviewed some of the best-known people in the wine world and as they note, have only destroyed one soundboard while tasting in the studio. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/156.