The Wine List

Hi, It’s Sam Benrubi, host of The Wine List and The Grape Nation. This isn’t the end — it’s a new chapter. We’re continuing the show with the same curiosity, depth, and best-in-class wine guests. Please take a moment to subscribe to our new feed so you don’t miss future episodes. So, for our next podcast, you can find us wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and IHeart, just hit subscribe. Thank you for listening, and I truly hope you’ll come with us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hi, It’s Sam Benrubi, host of The Wine List and The Grape Nation. After nine years and more than 300 episodes, this will be our final episode on this feed. We’re leaving Heritage Radio Network and relaunching independently. This isn’t the end — it’s a new chapter. We’re continuing the show with the same curiosity, depth, and best-in-class wine guests. Please take a moment to subscribe to our new feed so you don’t miss future episodes. So, for our next podcast, you can find us wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and IHeart, just hit subscribe. Thank you for listening, and I truly hope you’ll come with us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hi, It’s Sam Benrubi, host of The Wine List and The Grape Nation. After nine years and more than 300 episodes, this will be our final episode on this feed. We’re leaving Heritage Radio Network and relaunching independently. This isn’t the end — it’s a new chapter. We’re continuing the show with the same curiosity, depth, and best-in-class wine guests. Please take a moment to subscribe to our new feed so you don’t miss future episodes. You’ll find us wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening, and I truly hope you’ll come with us. This week on The Wine List we talk to Eric Asimov. Eric is the long-time Chief Wine Critic for the New York Times. His column “The Pour” appears online at nytimes.com and also in the print edition. He focuses, of course on the sensorial pleasures of wine, but also with a discussion of wine’s culture, history, social, scientific, and environmental dimensions. It has now become a tradition that Eric joins us at the beginning of each year to discuss the past and coming wine year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on "The Wine List" our guests oversee some of the hottest restaurants and wine programs in the country. Welcome Nikita Malhotra, Tira Johnson and Ian Krupp. Nikita Malhotra is a multi-award-winning Sommelier, the proprietor and beverage guru at Infatuation’s 2025 “Restaurant of the Year”, Smithereens. Tira Johnson, a back-to-back Star Wine List Awards winner, oversees the beverage programs at white-hot Chez Fifi, Sushi Noz, Noz Market, and Fooq’s in Miami. Ian Krupp is the Michelin Guide California Sommelier of the Year and Bev. Dir at the LA Times “Restaurant of the Year” Anajak Thai. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aldo Sohm is one of the most revered, decorated, and well-known sommeliers in the world. He has overseen the beverage program at 3 Michelin Star Le Bernadin for almost two decades and also runs his eponymous Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in NYC. He just published his second book, “Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings”. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emilien Boutillat is the Chief Winemaker at Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne. Born in Champagne to a vine grower, Emilien traveled the world to master his craft, with stops in Chateauneuf du Pape, Chile, S. Africa, Chateau Margaux, Peter Michael, Comtes and Armand di Brignac to name a few. He joined Piper Heidsieck in 2018, at that time, the youngest cellarmaster at 31. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Camille Lindsley is the co-proprietor and beverage person at Hag’s, NYC. Heading north from Atlanta, Camille, along with her partner in life and crime, Philly born chef, Telly Justice, came to NYC loaded with hospitality experience, only further sharpened by stints at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, Contra and Wildair to name a few. This queer couple, arrived with a vision to promote and mentor a community-based food and wine program. They opened Hags’ restaurant in 2022 with a chef driven tasting menu and and killer wine list. Hags is unapologetically queer, but for all people. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Isabelle is one of the most prolific and effective people in natural wine today. Growing up around grapes in France, she pursued her Master of Wine and in 2012 she fulfilled a mission by founding Raw Wine, the world’s largest community of low-intervention organic, biodynamic and natural wine, their growers, makers and those who love drinking them. She created the Raw Wine Fair, a year-round series of festivals in major cities spanning the globe. Isabelle is author of the seminal book, naturally called “Natural Wine”. She has joined us on the podcast every year since 2016 to talk about Raw Wine, the people, the wine and the fairs. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cha McCoy does it all, and there is a lot of "all" here! She is a true entrepreneur, with an MBA, a certified Sommelier, she is an educator, event producer, and founder of The Communion, a wine and food series. Think Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40, Adjunct professor at Syracuse, Sommelier in Portugal, Bev. Dir. At Charleston Wine and Food Festival and consultant to name a few. And now, author, Cha just published "Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond". A much-needed book in this wine world today. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Pearson is the Maison President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, now part of Moet Hennessy. David first studied fermentation science at UC Davis, but ultimately moved to key positions running Opus One for over 16 years and now legendary Napa winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, home of Napa icon Insignia. David answers "The Wine List" and talks about his mind-changing trip to Ardeche in France influencing him to permaculture and regenerative farming, now practiced at Phelps. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt is a fourth-generation family member of the House of Laurent Perrier Champagne. We start the show right off with Lucie answering our five "Wine List' questions, with an eye towards Champagne. We talk about LP history, her grandfather and his impact on Champagne. Lucie's role in the Champagne house. We taste and talk about two vintages of their luxury Champagne Grand Siecle and the story behind Heritage, a reserve only Champagne. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ed Szymanski, is the chef, owner, and head wino at Lords, Dame, and Crevette restaurants in NYC. Hailing from across the pond in London, Ed, along with his wife Patricia, in less than half a decade have created some of NYC’s most beloved and critically acclaimed restaurants and wine programs, each with their own identity. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Wine List by becoming a member! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elaine Chukan Brown is an author, journalist, sought after speaker, consultant and a champion of diversity and inclusion in the wine biz along with her mentorship. Their footprint is global and their work is ubiquitous. Elaine currently works with Wine Enthusiast, wrote a column for Decanter, was a contributing writer for Wine & Spirits, the executive Editor/US for Jancis Robinson.com and contributed to both the “Oxford Companion to Wine” and the “World Atlas of Wine”. Elaine also focuses on California wine, leaning into the intersection of sustainability, climate action and reducing gatekeeping in the wine industry, Elaine Chukan Brown’s new book, “The Wines of California” from Academie du Vin Library is now available. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Straight outta Sonoma, Braiden Albrecht grew up around wine. His parents have been friends with his viticulturist since he was a kid! With a degree in Viticulture from UC Berkley and extensive travel to New Zealand and Australia, Braiden came back to California to dig in. He joined legendary and historic Mayacamas Vineyards in 2013, becoming only their third winemaker in 2018, working for new owners, the Schottenstein family. He is committed to tradition, the Mt. Veeder terroir, and a low intervention approach to his farming and winemaking. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annie Shi is the Beverage Director and partner at beloved NYC restaurants King and Jupiter. She defied her Chinese parents by leaving her Yale education and a career in finance to work in the restaurant biz. Annie balances work/life as a mom and restaurateur. She just had her second child, so, to make life easier, she is opening her own wine bar in Chinatown called Lei. Lei features low intervention wines from established and up and coming producers from around the world along with a tight Chinese menu. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Taylor is a third-generation Sonoma Coaster hailing out of Occidental Cali. Extensive world travel to Argentina, New Zealand, Spain and France along with learning Biodynamic farming in Switzerland, helped him formulate his winemaking and vineyard skills, along with stints at Joseph Swan, the Araujo’s, Reuling, and Dujac. Fourteen years ago, Matt acquired property close to his childhood home to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for his Matt Taylor Wines at his Komerabi Vineyard. He is also the winemaker at Ink Grade, an historic vineyard on Howell Mtn. producing high elevation mountain grown Cab Sauv, Merlot and Sauv Blanc. Matt makes wine that honestly reflects the land and climate of the site while keeping an eye on the long-term health of the land. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1992, Stella di Campalto received a parcel of rugged, abandoned farm land for her wedding, located in San Giuseppe, near Montacino in Tuscany. Stella, a fiercely independent soul, with no wine experience, went on to start her own eponymous winery. She has created a Manifesto of Diversities, quotes Emmanuel Kant, and was an early adapter of Biodynamic farming in the region. Along with her daughter, Beatrice, they follow their own path and make the most sought-after Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino’s anywhere. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rarely do I sit down with three guests at one time for the podcast, today we are talking with Stephanie Mercier Voyer, a Montreal based writer and author. She has edited magazines, is now a freelancer and the driving force behind “Spilled” Zev Rovine is not just a wine importer, but an OG in the natural wine world. He put all is chips on one bet almost two decades ago and founded Zev Rovine Selections, with a curated, diverse portfolio of the best winemakers in the world. David McMillan is a former chef/restauranteur, you may know him from Joe Beef in Montreal and his cookbooks. He is now a farmer at his Hayfield Farms in Quebec, a viticulturist, winemaker and now a fellow podcaster. Along with their friend/photographer, Xavier Tera, they have just published “Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes”, a fusion of a wine book, cookbook and reference book that more importantly tells the story of not just the wine, but the people and culture that make it. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our 300th Episode- Raj Parr has been a friend of The Grape Nation podcast from the beginning. He has been on multiple times to talk about his wines, books, and new projects. He is an award-winning Sommelier, author, winemaker and the most soulful and spiritual guy I know in wine. He also has the greatest uncertified palate on the planet! Raj makes thoughtful wines at Phelan Farm, now part of the Parr Collective at Stolo Vineyards in Cambria, California, along with Stolo, Brij Wines, Scythian Wines and Colete, each unique wineries. Raj Parr pursues his love of the most interesting varietals from around the world at Phelan Farm, while practicing regenerative farming in his own permaculture. Thank you to Eric “Benny” Bloom and Ryan Zoidis from the world’s greatest funk band “Lettuce” for composing The Grape Nation theme song. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Texas born Jeff Porter and Jersey Boy Raj Vaidya have spent over 4 decades in wine and hospitality. Jeff at Tra Vigna, Babbo, Del Posto, Raj at Gary Danko, Per Se and over a decade at Daniel to name a few. Jeff went on to consult while Raj joined Pressoir, responsible for La Paulee, La Fete du Champagne, La Tablee, Pressoir Events and now with Jeff Porter, Convivio del Vino. Jeff currently resides in Turin Italy, while Raj is based out of New York. Convivio del Vino, coming up the end of April, is an Italian wine fair dedicated to a curated list of winemakers from historic family estates to a new generation of growers. The inaugural Convivio del Vino will feature over 30 winemakers pouring over 150 wines, including themed dinners during the week. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member! The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.