What happens when two Russian entrepreneurs decide to start a winery in Tuscany? You get a story as bold as the wine they’re producing!

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Luca Vitiello, marketing and sales director of Bertinga Winery, a revolutionary winery in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region.

Founded in 2015 by two Russian wine enthusiasts, Bertinga Winery is breaking tradition by focusing on single-vineyard Merlot–a rarity in the Sangiovese-dominated region.

With deep roots in the wine import business, the founders have applied their expertise to create a truly bold, innovative, and terroir-driven wine experience.

Tune in now to discover why Bertinga is quickly becoming a rising star in the global market!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

The origin of Bertinga Winery and its Russian roots (02:18)

Focus on Merlot in Chianti Classico (08:30)

Creating IGT wines vs. traditional Chianti Classico DOCG (10:35)

Challenges of growing Merlot in Tuscany’s climate (14:19)

Chianti Classico’s subzones and their roles (18:13)

It takes a vision to be making wines (28:32)

Bertinga’s sustainability and organic farming practices (33:21)

Importance of terroir and minimal intervention winemaking (40:52)

Recognition of Bertinga’s Merlot in international tastings (42:48)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Connect with Luca Vitiello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-vitiello-b5288b67/?originalSubdomain=it

👉Learn more about Bertinga Winery here: https://www.bertinga.it/en/home.html

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸What Makes Château Cheval Blanc a PREMIER Winemaker with Pierre-Olivier Clouet: https://youtu.be/ANZISp-XFvc

🔸"The Audacity To Hire A Woman”—Says Veronique Sanders of Cht. Haut Bailly: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/the-audacity-to-hire-a-woman-says-veronique-sanders-of-cht-haut-bailly/

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How does a country with no native wine culture become a new destination for wine lovers? Panama is showing us exactly how.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by wine writer and historian Charlie Leary to discuss how Panama is quickly emerging as a wine destination despite its non-traditional wine-producing background. With a growing middle class and a thriving digital culture, the country’s wine scene is booming—driven by imports from Spain and South America.

Today, Leary takes us through Central America’s evolving wine market, shares his experience managing vineyards in Spain, and discusses how wine education is transforming places like Panama.

We also explore the balance between producing premium wines while catering to entry-level consumers, as well as the challenges posed by climate change.

Curious how wine markets evolve globally?

Let’s dive right in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Charlie Leary’s wine journey in Panama (01:20)

Panama's booming wine culture (04:12)

Managing vineyards in Spain’s Andalusia region (08:13)

How Charlie Leary got into the wine business (13:05)

The premiumization trend in wine and market trends (17:32)

Leary’s insights on wine innovation and trade (23:12)

Bordeaux wine history and its modern impact (28:10)

Entry-level vs. premium Bordeaux wines (38:17)

Emerging wine regions to watch out for (41:47)

Leary’s book on global wine education and scholarships (47:45)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Charlie Leary’s website for more information: https://www.charlieleary.com/

👉Grab a copy of his book, Leary’s Global Wineology: https://www.charlieleary.com/globalwineology.html

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸What Makes Château Cheval Blanc a PREMIER Winemaker with Pierre-Olivier Clouet: https://youtu.be/ANZISp-XFvc

🔸"The Audacity To Hire A Woman”—Says Veronique Sanders of Cht. Haut Bailly: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/the-audacity-to-hire-a-woman-says-veronique-sanders-of-cht-haut-bailly/

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever dreamed of starting something big–like planting a vineyard–in a place where it seemed impossible? Then this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephanie Franklin, founder of Franklin Vines, who is building her first ever vineyard in the historic yet lesser-known town of Shankleville, Texas.

Stephanie shares her inspiring journey of honoring her family’s legacy by creating a vineyard on her grandfather’s land, despite the harsh Texas climate and the rarity of vineyards in the area.

Tune in now to hear about her bold vision for Franklin Vines, the unique varietals she’s cultivating, and how she’s honoring Shankleville’s rich history. Plus, discover how she’s breaking barriers as an African-American woman in the wine industry, and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

The rich history of Shankleville, Texas (00:55)

Why Stephanie Franklin planted a vineyard in Shankleville (04:23)

Agricultural challenges and choosing the right varietals (11:08)

Inclusivity in the wine industry (20:58)

Defining wine innovation (24:02)

From first Texas wine sip to winemaker (25:34)

Navigating Texas legalities to launch a winery (27:18)

What it’s like planting a vineyard in a historical place (30:04)

Achieving an organic vineyard in a Texas climate (32:48)

Progress updates on vineyard and winemaking process (39:38)

Episode wrap-up (46:43)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Connect with Stephanie Franklin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklin-vines-wine-maker/

👉Learn more about Franklin Wines here: https://franklinvineshtx.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸White House Wine Authority Reveals the UNTOLD Presidential Wine Secrets | Frederick Ryan: https://youtu.be/4M09rYbob6I

🔸How One BAD Wine Led to a Thriving Wine Business with a TWIST | Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/mmyguoWhsPY

🔸Regenerative Farming Is Revolutionizing the Wine Industry | Angelica Mabray: https://youtu.be/f14_Ib14Z-U

🔸May-Éliane de Lencquesaing Forever Changed BORDEAUX’S Wine History: https://youtu.be/vsMXAUtpNns

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever thought about what makes icewine so unique? You might be familiar with dessert wines, but icewine stands out on its own!

In the latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K chats with Randy Dufour from Arterra Corporation to break down the fascinating process behind this rare and extraordinary wine. Made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine and harvested at just the right moment, icewine is truly one of a kind!

Randy covers everything you need to know about icewine–from its rich history and meticulous harvesting method to the winemaking process itself.

Plus, he dives into what sets icewine apart from other sweet wines, including its strict regulations, serving tips, and more.

Are you ready to explore the world of icewine?

Don’t miss out–tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

The making of icewine and its unique flavor profile (02:14)

The history of icewine and its regulations (10:39)

Small yields from icewine production and its cost (12:40)

Differences between icewines and other sweet wines (15:11)

Sustainability in winemaking and packaging innovation (23:36)

The challenges of today’s wine industry (33:35)

How to serve and enjoy icewine (42:17)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Check out Inniskillin Wines: https://www.inniskillin.com/

👉Learn more about Niagara wineries here: https://wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/

👉Connect with Randy Dufour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-dufour-98b0bab/

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸Wine Talks with Angelica Mabray: https://youtu.be/f14_Ib14Z-U

🔸Wine Talks with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/mmyguoWhsPY

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What happens when a world-renowned luxury jewelry brand like Bulgari decides to create wine?

Giovanni Bulgari, the great-great-grandson of the iconic jeweler, has poured his heart into a different kind of craftsmanship–wine.

In this week’s episode, Paul K sits down with Francesco Poggi, export manager for Podernuovo, to explore the fascinating story of the Bulgari family and how Giovanni transitioned from luxury jewels to fine wine.

Francesco gives us an insider’s view of how Giovanni brought the same high standards of quality from his family’s legacy to his winery, creating wines that honor Tuscany’s unique terroir.

They also talk about the art and science of winemaking, the challenges of navigating global wine markets, the unpredictable nature of the wine business, and more.

Want to learn more about the story behind Bulgari’s winemaking venture?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Francesco Poggi's journey into the wine industry (00:42)

The Bulgari family’s history and their entry into winemaking (01:25)

Marketing the winery globally and building a brand (17:11)

The importance of patience and long-term vision in winemaking (19:52)

Reception of Podernuovo’s wines in the U.S. (27:31)

Podernuovo’s sustainable practices and the hidden design of their facility (34:09)

How Podernuovo is adapting to climate change (44:53)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Connect with Francesco Poggi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-poggi-45211a115/

👉Visit Podernuovo a Palazzone for more information: https://www.podernuovoapalazzone.com/

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸Wine Talks with Molly Bossardt: https://youtu.be/ZdqzjfBCHwM

🔸Wine Talks with Angelica Mabray: https://youtu.be/f14_Ib14Z-U

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Imagine a place where you can store your favorite bottles of wine, enjoy them with friends, and indulge in high-end dining–all in one location. Sounds too good to be true, right?

In this week’s episode, Paul K chats with Damon Raque about his exciting new concept in Atlanta–-Bottle Bank.

Bottle Bank isn’t just wine storage; it’s a wine lover’s paradise!

Whether you’re looking to enjoy your collection in a luxurious setting or explore new wines with like-minded enthusiasts, Bottle Bank has you covered.

Learn more about Bottle Bank’s curated selection process, the challenges they have to overcome, what sets them apart, and more.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Damon Raque of Bottle Bank (00:25)

The concept behind Bottle Bank (01:28)

Georgia’s wine laws and challenges for businesses (02:32)

Damon’s living philosophy and the creation of Bottle Bank (08:11)

Bottle Bank’s wine curation process (14:49)

Crafting a wine experience beyond just selling bottles (18:35)

How wine tastes evolve with time (20:38)

The value of wine flights and education for customers (25:27)

Growing demand for wine storage facilities (28:59)

The generational differences in wine consumption (46:45)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Connect with Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-raque-21128213

👉Visit Bottle Bank for more information: https://www.bottlebank.com/

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸Wine Talks with Frederick Ryan: https://youtu.be/4M09rYbob6I

🔸Wine Talks with Jimmy Richie: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/jamie-ritchie-has-storied-history-in-wine-and-spirits-now-is-coo-of-blockbar-crazy-stuff/

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What makes South African wines stand out in the global wine industry?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Jacques Viljoen, Cellar Master at Boschendal Wines, to uncover the secret behind South Africa’s great-tasting wines.

With a unique balance of old-world tradition and new-world freedom, Jacques explains how South Africa’s winemakers are using diverse terroirs and cutting-edge winemaking techniques to produce wines that are both elegant and timeless.

If you are curious to know more about what sets South African wines apart or are interested in the art of winemaking, tune in now to this insightful conversation.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Jacques Viljoen and his role at Boschendal Wines (00:38)

South Africa’s unique terroir and climate explained (04:22)

Boschendal Wines’ end goal of making timeless, balanced wines (11:32)

Changing wine trends and the global palate (16:21)

Balancing old-world and new-world winemaking (22:35)

The future of wine as both a cultural and economic product (31:00)

Final thoughts (39:58)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Follow Boschendal Wines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boschendalwines/

👉Visit Boschendal Wines’ website for more information: https://boschendalwines.com/

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸Interview with May-Éliane de Lencquesaing: https://youtu.be/vsMXAUtpNns

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are we losing the authentic flavors of our food, or are they just being masked by modern food trends?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Anthony Rahayel, founder of NoGarlicNoOnions–a YouTube sensation for food lovers worldwide.

Today, Anthony shares his incredible journey from being a dentist to traveling the world in search of authentic food stories.

With over 8,500 videos to his name, Anthony explains why he’s on a mission to preserve traditional Lebanese culinary techniques and how modern cuisine often loses its way through today’s food trends.

Tune in now to discover how these trends are affecting our food and how we can strike a balance between tradition and innovation in the culinary world.

Let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Anthony Rahayel and his brand, NoGarlicNoOnions (00:32)

Evolution of American cuisine and its influence on Lebanese food (02:29)

Anthony’s take on how food connects people globally (04:16)

How Anthony’s YouTube journey started (05:55)

What you need to know about Lebanese cuisine (10:55)

Modern food trends and its impact (16:05)

Anthony’s transition from dentistry to food blogging (32:31)

Importance of equipment and production quality in food blogging (37:04)

The secret sauce to Anthony’s success (43:12)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Subscribe to Anthony Rahayel’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCACicNDQx-HA5MFnl75a-OQ

👉Connect with Anthony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogarlicnoonions/?hl=en

Watch or listen to this episode:

🔸How One BAD Wine Led to a Thriving Wine Business with a TWIST | Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/mmyguoWhsPY

🔸This Missouri Winery is Crafting Wines Like You've NEVER Tasted Before | Jerry Eisterhold: https://youtu.be/Y5mv4wghyWc

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!