Winemaker Interview with Daniel Brennan of Decibel Wines
From Philly to New Zealand: The Winemaking Adventures of Daniel Brennan
In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith welcomes Daniel Brennan, a Philly native and accomplished winemaker now based in New Zealand's Hawke’s Bay with Decibel Wines. The conversation covers Danny’s unique journey from cheesesteak pop-ups in Hastings to pioneering organic vineyards and making Malbec a new staple in New Zealand. They delve into the intricacies of terroir, the realities of selling independent wines in the U.S., and the vibrant winemaking culture. The episode also includes humorous anecdotes, like creating the perfect cheesesteak bread in New Zealand, collaborating with high-end butchers, and even some light-hearted jabs at Australians. Daniel shares insights on organic farming practices, climate change impacts, and the importance of being hands-on in the U.S. market. The episode wraps up with personal stories, including Danny’s experience with the Wine School of Philadelphia, discussions on distribution strategies in various U.S. states, and the challenges and rewards of making fine wine.
00:00 Introduction to Daniel Brennan and Decibel Wines
00:58 Cheesesteaks in New Zealand
02:42 Wine Culture and Global Hustle
04:31 Italian Influence and Family
07:27 New Zealand Wine Industry Insights
11:05 Challenges and Successes in Winemaking
12:49 The Evolution of New Zealand Pinot Noir
28:46 The Business of Wine
28:58 Understanding the Wine Industry
29:36 The Importance of Personal Presence in Sales
31:07 Distribution Across the United States
32:30 Challenges and Strategies in Organic Wine Growing
35:09 The Unique Nature of Wine
36:13 Historical and Cultural Significance of Wine
40:51 Climate Change and Its Impact on Vineyards
42:21 Organic Wine Growing Practices
45:23 Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
57:23 Innovations in Vineyard Management
58:27 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Winemaker Interview with Tom Gamble of Gamble Estates
Gamble Family Vineyards: A Conversation with Tom Gamble
In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace welcomes Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards. They delve into the rich history of Napa Valley, discussing topics from prohibition era challenges to the intricate relationship winemakers have with certain grape varieties like Charbonneau. Tom shares his experiences as a third-generation Napa farmer and the transition from grape growing to wine making, highlighting the economic and environmental aspects of the wine industry. The discussion also sheds light on the modern wine market dynamics and the passion required to sustain a legacy in wine. This episode is a blend of deep, funny, and honest insights into the world of winemaking in Napa Valley.
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:38 Meet Tom Gamble: Third-Generation Napa Farmer
01:18 Prohibition-Era Napa and Its Impact
01:58 Napa's Agricultural Evolution
03:00 The Struggles and Resilience of Napa Winemakers
04:07 Tom Gamble's Family Legacy and Early Vineyards
07:49 The Challenges of Growing and Selling Wine
15:25 Navigating the Wine Industry's Complexities
19:46 The Importance of Direct-to-Consumer Sales
24:23 Compliance and Legal Hurdles in the Wine Business
27:10 Challenges of Wine Making
27:31 Tasting the Sauvignon Blanc
29:34 Wine Production Techniques
31:29 Exploring Wine Clones
35:29 The Economics of Wine Making
40:43 Generational Shifts in Wine Preferences
47:46 The Passion Behind Wine Making
54:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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How to Train Your Wine Brain
Mastering Wine Tasting: Practical Tips and Personal Insights
In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, hosts Keith and Alana discuss techniques to enhance wine tasting abilities. They cover practical advice on developing your palate through mindful activities like grocery shopping, cooking, and exploring diverse aromas. They also share personal anecdotes about how authenticity in describing wine flavors and focusing on a single grape variety or region can deepen wine understanding. With insights on the evolving nature of taste preferences, they encourage listeners to enjoy the journey of wine exploration. The conversation is filled with humor and ends with a reminder to like and subscribe.
00:00 Introduction and Cringe-worthy Singing
00:17 Meet the Hosts and Sponsor
01:50 How to Hone Your Wine Tasting Skills
03:49 Mindfulness and Sensory Exploration
04:52 Cooking and Sensory Development
12:34 Wine Tasting Techniques and Tips
16:18 Authenticity in Wine Descriptions
22:09 Exploring Wine Regions and Varietals
25:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Student of the Year
From Slam Poetry to Somm Success: A Conversation with Anna Binkovitz
In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace interviews Anna Binkovitz, the newly named Sommelier Student of the Year at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They discuss Anna's unconventional journey from being a nationally ranked slam poet to becoming a service manager at one of the top restaurants in Philly. Anna shares insights into her career shift, her experiences with sparkling wine, and why she believes Philadelphia is an ideal city for wine enthusiasts. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and rewards of working in the restaurant industry, making poetry and hospitality accessible, and Anna's future aspirations in wine education and hospitality.
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:04 Meet Anna Binkovitz: From Slam Poet to Sommelier
02:50 Anna's Journey to Philadelphia
05:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Careers
06:22 Discovering the Wine School of Philadelphia
07:54 Anna's Rise in the Hospitality Industry
14:46 Comparing Poets and Chefs
15:57 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections
19:10 A Theologian's Household
19:23 Family Dynamics and Religion
20:11 Hospitality and Poetry
23:35 Restaurant Anecdotes
25:07 The Value of Restaurant Experience
34:45 Dreams and Aspirations
37:05 Conclusion and Farewell
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Keith and Alana Break Down The Wine Tariff Problem
Navigating Wine Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses
In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complex topic of wine tariffs and their impact on wine lovers and small businesses. They discuss past experiences with tariffs, offer insights on the current economic landscape, and explore the potential future scenarios for the wine industry. They highlight the interconnected nature of the wine supply chain, the unique challenges of state-specific liquor laws, and the potential opportunities that market disruptions can bring. The discussion also includes reflections on changing wine consumption trends, the resilience of small businesses, and the potential for growth in local wine production. Despite the difficult subject matter, they aim to provide a balanced perspective, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
00:00 Introduction to the After Wine School Podcast
00:25 Diving into Tariffs and Their Impact
01:32 Challenges Faced by Small Wine Businesses
03:18 The Unique Difficulties of the Wine Trade
05:32 Trends in Wine Preferences
10:13 The Interconnectedness of the Wine Industry
15:50 Preparing for Tariffs: A Historical Perspective
17:51 Changing Demographics of Wine Drinkers
18:15 Stockpiling Wine in Anticipation of Tariffs
19:21 Impact of Tariffs on Wine Prices
20:32 Business Strategies Amid Tariff Challenges
23:20 Opportunities in the Wine Trade
26:36 Potential Growth for East Coast Wine Production
30:08 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
”After Wine School” is an informal and fun podcast where wine school instructors discuss all things wine. You’ll hear stories from their classes, tips for wine tasting, and a touch of wine-inspired philosophy. The podcast is hosted by Keith, the free-spirited lunatic, and Alana, the brilliant and composed academic. Join them as they uncork lively discussions, share insider secrets, and help you find your next favorite bottle. Subscribe now and join the conversation!
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