Afleveringen
-
Send us a text
The value of a great distributor is immeasurable. A distributor who truly understands the market, knows how to navigate it, provides meaningful support to their labels, and communicates clearly while setting realistic expectations can be a game-changer for successful market entry. Yet measuring a distributers impact is challenging â numbers shift with market trends, and intangible qualities like trust, relationships, and work ethic are difficult to quantify.
Occasionally, you meet someone who embodies what it takes to thrive in this space: someone with a sharp market IQ, a clear vision, and a genuine commitment to supporting their partners.
Enter Kosta Chernikov, founder of Saperavi Bros, an importer and distributor of Georgian wine. Despite moving to the U.S. at a young age, Kosta has stayed deeply connected to his Georgian roots. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunity inspired him to champion one of the worldâs oldest wine regions.
Ironically, despite Georgia's role as the cradle of winemaking, its wines remain niche in global markets. Many consumers know little about the country, let alone its rich wine heritage. Undeterred, Kosta has set out to carve a space for Georgian wine in the highly competitive U.S. market.
Our conversation was both inspiring and insightful. Kostaâs deep market knowledge offers valuable lessons for any producer or label looking to establish themselves in the U.S. While not every producer can have a guide as dedicated as Kosta, his advice provides a roadmap for rethinking distributor relationships and setting better expectations.
It was the perfect first recorded conversation for 2025, and Iâm deeply grateful to Kosta for sharing his wisdom.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Long time listeners of the show will remember back to Season 1 Episode 24, the story of the adventurous Michael Juergens and the founding of the Bhutan Wine Industry. Well, ladies and gentlemen - Michael is back, and heâs back with a bang to give both you and me an update on all things regarding the development one of the worldâs most exciting emerging wine scenes.
Michael has been busy, from managing the Bhutan Wine Companies first release, and gathering support for the project, including welcoming Jancis Robinson onto the Company board as a consultant, to ensuring he doesnât lose sight of his mission or of his passion for Bhutan.
Michael brings enormous amounts of color to all his conversation and he had me in stitches for the majority of this interview. So, sit back, imagine yourself going on an adventure to the far away Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, and then make a little room for some Orange County color â Michaelâs is one heck of an adventure, and this was one heck of a conversation.
Bhutan Wine Odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xf4waQ8uUk
A huge thanks to Michael for joining me.Support the show
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Send us a text
Welcome back to the Cellar Door Podcast! 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year with fresh guests, compelling topics, and plenty of excitement. As we kick off the 5th season of the CDP, we're starting by releasing the final conversations recorded in the U.S. during 2024.
I'm thrilled to begin with a truly inspiring discussion with Raj Parr. Born in Calcutta, Raj moved to the U.S. to attend the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His journey then took him to San Francisco, where he worked alongside the legendary Larry Stone. From there, Raj went on to become a trailblazing winemaker in California, renowned for his work with whole cluster fermentation.
In our conversation, Raj shares his rise through the restaurant world, the profound influence Larry Stone had on his career, and his candid thoughts on the changing landscape of the wine industry. A celebrated figure in his own right, Raj underscores the enduring importance of soul and passion in winemaking.
For anyone in the wine industry feeling disconnected from their spark, Rajâs insights are both grounding and inspiring. I can't recommend his words and perspective enough.
A heartfelt thank you to Raj Parr for joining me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
This conversation will likely close out what has been a fascinating 2024. Iâm still in Massachusetts immersing myself in the East Coast trade. The year is quickly coming to a close â itâs beginning to look a lot like Christmas â and its bloody cold. In fact, Iâve come down with a cold and Iâm struggling to fight it off. I honestly feel a bit mentally and physically challenged - No matter, there is one more important conversation to be had, with a distributor who has been championing Australian wine in the US for more than a decade. This conversation is with Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.
Gordon launched Little Peacock Imports in 2011 â the same year I graduated from high school! So, heâs had plenty of time to succumb to market forces, the drop of the Australian dollar, the industry trends that appear to have punched the Australian export wine trade in the mouth â yet Gordon is still there, Little Peacock is still operating â and Gordon says there is lots to do. This was a great opportunity to quiz Gordon on what he considers to be the talking points for Australian wine in the US â I ask some questions and he gives some suggestions. Gordon acknowledges that there is lots of work to be done, but the challenge is worth the effort.
The Australian industry needs to focus on depth, consistency, and reliability. It needs to focus on building, maintaining then strengthening relationships â matters challenged by the tyrant of distance but there is more than one way to skin a cat â sorry cats. Gordon very much considers all these things to be worth it, and itâs a cause the Melbourne born expat is very passionate about. Whether you are on the tractor, in the shop or doing anything else, I hope you find this chat insightful â and I hope I didnât sniffle too much.
Also, given this is likely the last chat of the year, itâs been an incredible year for the CDP and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the show. Merry Christmas to all, and I wish you all the blessings of the season.
Now, letâs get on with the show. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Aaron Ridgway serves as Head of Market for Wine Australia in the Americas, overseeing efforts across the U.S. and Canada. Leading a team of four, his work focuses on education, business development, and market entry for Australian wine in the North American market. Since transitioning from Negociants to Wine Australia in 2016, Aaron has been at the forefront of promoting Australian wine and navigating its performance in a highly competitive landscape.
In my time in the U.S., Iâve interviewed various wine professionalsâsommeliers, distributors, and wine directorsâabout the state of Australian wine. A common theme has emerged: the challenges are many, but the opportunities are equally significant. To complement these private-sector perspectives, I turned to Aaron for his expert view, knowing his role gives him a unique vantage point on the successes and hurdles Australian wine faces.
Although our 50-minute conversation only scratched the surface, it was enough to reveal Aaronâs candid take on the current state of the market and the work needed to unlock its potential. Recent discussions with the Wine Australia team have also strengthened my belief in the opportunities ahead. Success in the U.S. fine wine marketâa massive and influential $60 billion industryâwill require a united push from all stakeholders. Consistent effort, collaboration, and sustained market engagement are key to building the traction Australian wine needs to thrive.
A big thanks to Aaron for sharing his invaluable insights.Support the show
-
Send us a text
Kate Webber bends over backwards to give strong representation to Australian wine on her restaurant wine lists. She presents legacy brands, through to brands that represent the unknown middle ground of Australian wine, where the true excitement, innovation and value propositions are to be found. She extends herself and fights to get wines on her lists that ordinary would not be available given the unique three tier system. Kates love affair with Australian wine dates back decades. She was invited to Australia in 2013 as the recipient of a Yalumba Scholarship, a trip allowing her to take a deep dive into Australiaâs wine landscape. Shock horror â the experience changed her life.
Kate laments the current state of Australian wine in the USA, while admitting the challenges are complicated. In this conversation we discuss what Kate considers to be the important backdrop to the problem, and the role for both Australian and US stakeholders in stepping up in fighting for Australiaâs place in the USA. The USA remains the worldâs largest fine wine market, valued at over $60 billion in 2023. For Kate, the time to tackle the market is now, when the times are tough, when the industry is struggling. The industry will bounce and it's important for Aus wine to be a pivotal player in that market when it does. There is so much food for thought in this conversation â what is really a call to action for those in the Australian wine market who want a piece of this very important pie.
At one point towards the start of the interview Kate and I had to manage two very loud patrons who decided to sit themselves right next to us in what was otherwise a very empty café. Kate and I soon relocated, so if you start to notice this, please stick with the interview as the listening gets much easier soon after.
A huge thanks to Kate for joining me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
One of the most perplexing aspects of the American wine industry is its three-tier system. Introduced post-Prohibition in 1933, the system was designed to prevent monopolies and address tax irregularitiesâissues rooted in Mafia activity at the timeâwhile also aiming to reduce the social harm associated with alcohol consumption. In essence, the system mandates that alcohol reach consumers through three distinct tiers: producers, distributors, and retailers. For imported wine, the process begins with a licensed importer, who then passes the product to a distributor before it reaches retailers and, ultimately, consumers.
Over the years, this system has faced criticism for being outdated and overly complex. However, it remains the law of the land, making it essential for anyone entering the U.S. wine market to understand and navigate its intricacies. Distributors play a crucial role within this framework, influencing both sales and consumer education. Partnering with a skilled distributor can significantly impact success in the market.
I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Tryba, Portfolio Manager of the Connoisseur Division at Martignetti, one of New Englandâs oldest and most respected distributors. Our introduction took place at a Chester Osborn tasting event in Boston, organized by Martignetti. After an engaging conversation during the event, I was eager to explore Peterâs insights further.
Peter is passionate about championing exceptional labels through Martignetti, ranging from legacy brands to innovative new producers. With his deep understanding of the distributor's role, Peter brings a unique perspective to the industry. I was thrilled when he agreed to share his thoughts on Martignettiâs history, his own journey, and his views on the evolving U.S. wine market and the influence distributors have in shaping trends.
A heartfelt thanks to Peter for joining me in this fascinating discussion.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Jeronimo Ramales is the Wine Director at Prima, an acclaimed Italian restaurant nestled in Bostonâs historic Charlestown district. Originally from Mexico, Jeronimoâs journey into hospitality began after he moved to New York, where he discovered a world far removed from his non-drinking background. His curiosity was piqued by the intricacies of restaurant wine lists, sparking a passion for wine that would soon become his calling.
Jeronimo quickly advanced in the industry, taking on senior wine management roles for restaurants in New York then Boston where he has been director for both Capo and Prima restraurants. Our paths crossed during a DâArenberg tasting hosted by the vibrant Chester Osborn in Bostonâs North End, where Jeronimoâs enthusiasm for Italian wines was immediately evident.
In this episode, we sit down in Charlestown to explore Jeronimoâs story, the landscape of Bostonâs hospitality scene, and his approach to crafting the ideal wine list for Primaâs patrons. A heartfelt thank you to Jeronimo for sharing his journey and insights with us.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
In Season 3, Episode 9, I sat down with Doug Neal to cover the basics of oak in winemakingâa conversation that became a fan favorite. Doug's deep passion for oak is contagious; as a former history teacher turned wine maker and expert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the subject. So, naturally, I couldnât resist inviting him back for a deeper dive.
In this episode, we get into the finer details: the specific forests oak comes from, how itâs prepared for barrel making, its nuanced impact on different wine styles, and even the current state of the oak market. Doug's insights and stories are pure gold for any wine enthusiast, and he didnât hold back.
Grab your notepad, because youâll want to jot down Dougâs tips and tidbits. I hope you enjoy this fascinating exploration of oak with the ever-knowledgeable "Dougmeister" himself!
Support the show
-
Send us a text
They donât come much cooler than Chris Morisoli. He flies UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, heâs completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a MEDEVAC polite rescuing wounded soldiers out of firefights and flying them to safety, he has served more or less his entire life as a volunteer fire fighter and â oh yes â he is the latest generation of the Morisoli family who are custodians of some of the most magical vineyards in the Rutherford Bench, and the entire Napa Valley for that matter. One might say the Morisoli story is the story of Rutherford. It spans the Italian migration to the United States, prohibition and the rise of the Napa Valley. Chris was born in 1984 and has Rutherford Dust in his veins. He grew up running in and out of the vines and you might be forgiven for seeing his return to the vines post deployment as inevitable.
Chrisâs story and the Morisoli story is one of the most genuine and remarkable stories one will find. And yes â like most special things â you have to find it â tucked away in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountain range, just off Highway 29, down Niebaum Lane, here lies a historic charming little house surrounded by historic vineyards that whisper memories and stories. This is Chrisâs home and the home of the Morisoli legacy. Like most who are part of small family businesses, Chris spends most of his time on the tools, in the vineyard, in the winery or in the car, so cornering him for a chat is no small thing. Hence my elation when we finally settled on a time. This was a truly special conversation to have. My sincerest thanks to Chris for joining me.Support the show
-
Send us a text
Iâve been living in the USA since April, with April through July immersed in the vibrant Santa Barbara Wine Country alongside Wes Hagen and his wife, Chanda. Longtime listeners will know Wes as a foundational figure in this region, notably for his work in establishing many of Santa Barbaraâs AVAs. But next to Wes stands Chanda, his steadfast partner and inspiration, whom he met at a Grateful Dead cover band gigâhow Californian! Together, they welcomed me into the heart of Santa Barbara, offering an insiderâs view of its history, personality, and the essence of its young and dynamic wine industry. After my deep dive into Santa Barbara, Wes had a unique idea: flip the script and put me in the hot seat. Though it took some persuasion, I finally agreed to let Wes give me a taste of my own medicine. We share a passion for wine, history, and the bigger questions of meaning, which fueled hours of effortless conversation. In this episode, we focused on our shared love of wine and the color it channels. I owe a big thank you to Wes for hosting this lively conversation and to both Wes and Chanda for their generous hospitality. Enjoy this special episode!
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Fraser Mackenzie is the Group General Manager at Artisans of the Barossa, a collective of artisan producers dedicated to showcasing the unique diversity and heritage of Australiaâs Barossa Valley. The Artisansâ mission is to dispel myths and redefine perceptions by highlighting the region's remarkable rangeâfrom ancient vines and rich soils to the innovative techniques of the families and winemakers who craft its wines.
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Fraser has a dynamic background in marketing and selling wine across the globe, from New Zealand to the USA and even the Middle East. His journey eventually led him to Australia, where he guided Montalto through the challenges of the COVID era. Joining Artisans of the Barossa in late 2022, Fraser has since been steering the groupâs vision and message, with a focus on celebrating the exceptional character of the Barossa Valley.
In this episode, Fraser shares his insights on navigating market challenges, the nuances of wine marketing, and the deep joy he and his team derive from sharing the Barossaâs beauty with the world. A heartfelt thanks to Fraser for joining me for this conversation
Support the show
-
Send us a text
What is blind tasting? Why do it? Who benefits from it? To explore these questions, I sat down with two exceptional guests: industry veteran and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and dynamic wine student Cokie Ponikvar. Bobby brings seasoned wisdom to the table, while Cokie offers her trademark passion and fresh insights that make her a standout voice in the industry.
In this episode, we dive into the world of blind tastingâdemystifying a practice that some might see as needlessly complex, yet one that Bobby and Cokie champion as a powerful tool for honing wine knowledge, curating wine lists, and deepening oneâs appreciation for wine. My heartfelt thanks to Bobby and Cokie for sharing their perspectives on this invaluable aspect of wine education
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Robert Joseph is a wine industry luminary. Heâs been in the game for a long time and has observed and considered a great many things. He has launched wine labels, heâs had a decorated career as a wine journalist and along the way he found time to launch the international wine challenge considered by many to be the most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition, yet interestingly Robert decided long ago to leave the world of wine criticism and pursue more innovative projects including launching French label Le Grand Noir, and his experimental Georgian label K'AVSHIRI. In todayâs conversation, Robert shares his candid thoughts on the state of the wine industry. He firmly believes that weâve forgotten that wine is part of the entertainment worldâan industry meant to captivate and delight consumers. With too much noise and confusion, consumers are left bewildered, and this has had serious consequences. Robert challenges the industry to reexamine its purpose, starting with the fundamental question: Why? Every action, every label, every marketing decision must have a clear reason behind it which is communicateable and hence communicated to consumers. Robertâs passion for the industry shines through his sharp insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do to. A huge thanks to Robert for joining me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Some time back a friend graciously gifted me a bottle of wine from a label I had only a distant familiarity with. A quick glance at the bottle set my mind racing. It was a Grenache crafted from Barossa vines over 150 years oldâan 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache from Cirillo Wine Estate in the Barossa Valleyâs Nuriootpa sub-region.
A brief dive into the history of Cirillo Estate revealed that the winery is the custodian of some of the oldest surviving vines in the Barossa. In the 1970s, the Cirillo family relocated to Light Pass in the Barossa Valley, where they inherited and began working with ancient vinesâsome as old as 170 yearsâthat miraculously survived the Great Australian Vine Pull of the 1980s.
Naturally, I set out to track down the elusive Marco Cirillo, elusive because he is perpetually engrossed in the daily demands of the winery. Whether tending the vines, crafting wines, or driving sales, Marco is the force behind nearly every facet of Cirillo Estate. What I discovered was a family man of Calabrian descent, part of a lineage with over 400 years of winemaking tradition in Southern Italy. Itâs no surprise that Marco was destined to become a winemaker. And if over 400 years of wine making pedigree were not enough, Marco is married to Annika Lehmann (the Lehmann name needing no introduction in Australian wine circles). She is Marcoâs driving force, supporting him in every aspect of the business and doing what Marco describes as the âsmart stuffâ behind the scenes.
What strikes me most about Marco is how much he avoids the spotlight. It took quite some time to pin him down, but when you ask him a question, you get a straightforward answerâsometimes delivered with both barrels. Marco acknowledges that his directness can be mistaken for arrogance, but he views it as a reflection of his passion for wine and a deliberate effort to tune out the noise of wine politics and undue criticism.
The Cirillo brand has recently ignited global interest, especially following its success at the 2024 Vinous Icons event in New York City, where Marcoâs Grenache became a talking point. Marcoâs philosophy is to let his viticulture and winemaking speak for themselves, and it seems this approach is yielding significant rewards. I was fortunate to have Marco join me on the Cellar Door Podcast, where he shared his personal journey, insights on working with some of the worldâs oldest Grenache and Semillon vines, the Barossa Old Vine Charter, and his overall winemaking philosophy. A heartfelt thank you to Marco for taking the time to join me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
In or around 2013 three Aussie mates conspired to create the ultimate digital wine playground in a bid to make it easier for everyday Aussies to access great Australian wines. Today the DifferentDrop acts as one of the premier platforms for and supporters of domestic Australian wine. They keep an eye on the trends and form relationships with great Aussie producers to get access to the best wines. But thatâs not all. They also want to share their experiences and what they learn along the way, and this has resulted in them creating one of the most engaging and educative online media presences in the Aussie landscape, particularly with their YouTube content. Co-founder Tom Hollings sat down with me to share the story of DifferentDrop and his perspectives on the wine game across Australia. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Get ready for an inspiring tale thatâs guaranteed to warm your heart! Itâs a story about passion, community, and a group of remarkable students at Upper Yarra Secondary College who are taking a bold step into the world of viticulture, winemaking and hospitality. Under the expert guidance of their dedicated teacher and mentor, Marcus Cook, these students have been hands-on in farming their very own school vineyard. The result? The inaugural 2023 Junction Road Pinot Noir, a wine crafted with hard work and determination, which went on to make waves at the prestigious Yarra Valley Wine Show.
Not only did this student-made wine score an impressive 95 points, but it also took home the award for Best Small Batch Wine â a massive achievement for a school project! Marcus Cook joins me on the Cellar Door Podcast to share the incredible journey of these young winemakers, as they forge a unique path through the world of viticulture, gaining invaluable skills and confidence along the way.
This is more than just a feel-good story â itâs a testament to what can happen when passion, education, and community come together. I canât wait for you to hear all about it. A huge thanks to Marcus for joining me!
Support the show
-
Send us a text
According to the World Health Organization, âany level of alcohol consumption is associated with preventable net harms due to multiple health conditions such as injuries, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), liver diseases, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as harms to persons other than drinkers.â According to Dave Parker of Benchmark Wine Group, that statement is demonstrably false. Dave Parker is the CEO and founder of Benchmark Wine Group, one of the worlds leading curators of rare and fine wine selections for retailers, restaurants and collectors. Dave also runs a data analysis company. It was Daveâs passion for wine and details that lead him into the conversation in defense of wine against the growing voice of those who Dave considers making the baseless claim that all alcohol is in any amount is bad for a persons health. According to Dave, its all about the J Curve, a data analysis, which plots that moderate consumption of alcohol is actually overall a health benefit for the average person â a J curve that recent critics claim to be outdated. I sat down with Dave Parker for close to an hour, during which he explained the basics of this topic and the importance of it to the wine industry at large. Given the complexity of this topic, Dave and my conversation is far from a complete analysis of the issue, so I have included links in the show notes to some of the resources Dave provided me. A huge thanks to Dave for joining me.
Article from Wine Business Monthly: www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284944
Article from Christopher Snowden: https://snowdon.substack.com/p/cherry-picking-the-evidence-on-alcohol
Support the show
-
Send us a text
This episode features none other than Joe Fattorini, a true force in the world of wine. Many of you know him as the co-presenter of The Wine Show, where he takes viewers on a journey through vineyards and wine cultures across the globe. But Joeâs influence reaches far beyond the screen. Heâs a seasoned wine merchant, expert, educator, and marketer who has spent decades passionately sharing his love for wine, whether through writing, speaking, or consulting.
My introduction to Joe came through an article he penned on the anti-alcohol lobby and the complex challenges the wine industry faces in countering its relentless influence. His sharp insights and vibrant personality were evident, and I knew I had to get him on the show. While I wasnât entirely sure where our conversation would lead, one thing was clear â with Joe, we could dive deep into just about anything.
In this episode, we talk about his fascinating journey in the wine industry, his thoughts on building consumer engagement, and the ongoing battle against the anti-alcohol lobby. A huge thank you to Joe for joining me.
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Tom Kline writes about wine. He has written for publications including Decanter Magazine, Wine Spectator, Halliday Magazine, Winepilot, and the much-loved Gourmet Traveler Wine of happy memory. Yet most recently Tom has embraced the challenge of writing as the Australian contributor to Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy, Jasper Morris MWâs online database dedicated to showcasing the very best of Burgundy to an audience of Burgundy tragics. According to Tom, Jasper senses the importance of identifying and presenting real alternatives to Burgundy given the practical realities that make Burgundy inaccessible to many. This is the perfect assignment for Tom. A clear brief to cover the very best of pinot noir and chardonnay across the Australian landscape, while affording Tom the scope and creativity to project his own voice and style through his work. You can clearly see this in Tom's recent reports on Mount Mary, Bannockburn and less recently on Giaconda.
Tomâs childhood was spent in North East Victoriaâs pristine wine country, his father working for Brown Brotherâs and Tom absorbing a love of wine by osmosis. Yet, Tomâs first passion was music. I have discovered a link between wine and creativity, particularly music. Tom Kline is no different. Tom eventually discovered that wine writing afforded him both increased stability and an avenue through which to channel his natural creativity.
In our conversation, Tom and I discussed his recent work and more generally the role that wine writers play in an industry in a state of flux while also touching on the responsibility that attaches to being part of the cohort of opinion leaders who influence consumer perceptions and decision making. Tomâs approach to this is simple, though no doubt difficult. Mold your own distinct and independent voice, then scrupulously work to maintain it. Tom shares a trove of insights in this conversation which was as fascinating as it was enjoyable to engage in. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
Support the show
- Laat meer zien
