The Stories Behind Wine

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Andrew Jefford to have a deep conversation, with a focus on Andrew’s recent book, “Drinking with the Valkyries”. Andrew speaks with conviction on finding pleasure in affordable wines while championing wines from lesser known regions like Liguria, Bandol and Georgia. You will find yourself deeply involved in the people and places in his stories, and each story is a lesson in a wine or a wine region you must know. Andrew weaves must-know wines and regions into human stories that touch on personal lives, regional strife, hidden gems, and more.

In this episode, Peter Marks and Christian Oggenfuss chat with Steven about his book, “A Life in Wine”, his memories of the Judgment of Paris, and the Pinot Noir grape variety. Sadly, Steven Spurrier passed away soon thereafter, yet not before regaling us with a bounty of historic stories and fun facts in this inspiring session.

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a dynamic force in wine for over 60 years. His books and publications speak for themselves with the seminal World Atlas of Wine and annual Pocket Wine Books being required reading for any wine student. Hugh not only wrote about wine throughout his career, but he was ensconced in the industry, visiting every major wine region and meeting, seemingly, with every iconic producer. If anyone knows the deep dark secrets of the industry, it is Hugh Johnson! This interview looks into Hugh’s new book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”.

In this episode, our very own Catherine Bugué interviews the world’s best selling wine writer, Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a prolific wine writer since 1960, penning classics such as “The World Atlas of Wine” (8 editions) and “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Book of Wine” (published annually since 1977). In this interview, Hugh delves into his latest book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”, regaling us with his stories of reinvigorating Tokaj, his love of lists, writing his many books and why the Chinese prefer Lafite over Latour.Link to membership: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/nvwa-membership/ Link to his book: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/the-life-and-wines-of-hugh-johnson/

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with the irrepressible Oz Clarke. Oz has been a positive force for wine for decades, writing and speaking with both wit and lucid prose. He was a big part of England’s wine revolution in the 90s and 2000s and an early flag bearer for the wines of Australia. The interview delves deeply into Oz’s new book, “Oz Clarke on Wine: Your Global Companion”. See if you can keep up with Oz as takes viewers through a fast-paced whirlwind of wine stories and wine facts.

In this episode of Wine, Work & Passion, we’ll talk to Peter Marks, Master of Wine, Instructor, and partner in Napa Valley Wine Academy.

In this episode of Wine, Work & Passion, we’ll talk to Curtis Mann, Master of Wine, Group Vice President – Alcohol (Wine, Beer & Spirits). Curtis shares insights about working on the retail side of the wine industry and provide actionable advice to help you in pursuit of your wine industry career. He’ll also share his experience as one of only 52 Masters of Wine in the US/Canada.

In this special episode, we’ll talk to Morgan Bailey, Hospitality Director at Quintessa Winery, about the surge in available wine jobs as wineries reopen and the busy season approaches. Morgan will share her experience and expertise and offer advice on how you can find and secure a job right now in wine hospitality.

In this inaugural episode, you’ll meet Christian Oggenfuss, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Napa Valley Wine Academy. He’ll inspire you with his amazing journey on his way to becoming the CEO of America’s Premier Wine School, and I’ll share my story as well. We’ll also expert advice on how you can enter our exciting industry.

In this episode, we catch up with wine legend, Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been one of the wine world's most read and influential authors over a 60-year career. He has inspired so many to pursue further wine education and helped transform how we think about wine writing. His story is complex, thrilling, and inspiring much like many of the finest wines of the world.

In this special episode, We have the opportunity to chat with one of the wine industry’s most storied and accomplished figures, Steven Spurrier, perhaps best known for organizing the 1976 Paris Testing that helped catapult Napa Valley onto the world wine stage.

In this episode, Christian Oggenfuss sits with Michael Karam, the author of Wines of Lebanon and contributor to the new wine documentary Wine and War, about the rich and often war-torn history of Lebanese wines. This is their story.

In this episode, Christian Oggenfuss sits down with Giammario Villa an Italian native, Master Taster, sommelier, author, and ambassador for the Consorzio Franciacorta. We discuss Gammario’s journey and explore the origins of Italy’s premier sparkling wine region. This is their story.

In this episode, Christian Oggenfuss has the opportunity to sit down with Peter Mondavi, Jr. of Charles Krug Winery. Christian explores Charles Krug and the Mondavi family's rich and fascinating history and influences shaping the Napa Valley. This is their story.

In this episode, Christian Oggenfuss has the opportunity to sit down and reconnect with Rodrigo Soto a native of Chile and a passionate proponent of organic and biodynamic viticulture. Christian explores Rodrigo’s early years in Chile and how a chance meeting at a dinner party propelled him to introduce biodynamics in Chile and become one of the most respected Chilean winemakers. Today he is general manager for one of the most well-known winery groups in the US

Episode 16, About a month ago, Christian Oggensfuss sat down with Vanessa Conlin, the Head of Wine at Wine Access to record this podcast. Since the recording, Conlin received the biggest news of her life—she had become a Master of Wine, one of just 467 in the world, and one of only 138 women to ever earn the credential.

In Episode 15, we sit down with Paul Mabray, the digital godfather, to the wine industry. We discuss his career and metamorphosis from young beer salesman to one of the leading proponents of the transformation of the wine industry from one that has historically been technology adverse to an industry that needs to embrace the power of digital and social marketing and new routes to the consumer.

In Episode 14, we sit down with Dr. Paulo Lopes, a Portugues scientist and one the foremost experts on cork closures. We explore his journey from being a forest engineer to studying with some of the most influential wine minds at the University of Bordeaux, leading to his Masters and Ph.D. He has conducted some groundbreaking research that has dispelled some of the myths and long-held beliefs of the role of corks in the aging of wine.

In episode 13 of our ongoing podcast series, The Stories Behind Wine we speak to recovering wine shop owner, founder of Dawson Wine Advisors, and Napa native Dan Dawson. Dan's story starts with waiting tables, traveling to the midwest to sell Vouvray, to becoming the French Laundry's first sommelier, and founding Napa's most respected wine shops, and ultimately abandoning retail to stake his claim in the digital wine recommendation space.

How did Lisa Strid, a Wyoming native, go from working for a wine industry behemoth to making wine in the high desert of Arizona? Find out on our next Stories Behind Wine podcast as we take you to one of America’s unexpected wine regions.