On today's show, Mark and Jessica celebrate October as Texas Wine Month with a recap of the 5th annual Texas Vintner's Cup. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Uncork Texas Wines program, Jessica along with Master Sommeliers Jack Mason and Steven McDonald have judged hundreds of Texas wines to come up with a full case of the top 12 wines from this year. Plus, there are an additional 30 wines that received honorable mention.

Listen in as Mark and Jessica dive into the trends, surprises, and the fun from behind the scenes of this year's judging. Also, Mark and Jessica kick off this episode by talking about Jessica's forthcoming book Italianality, due to hit shelves in March of next year.

Useful links:

Preorder Italianality by Jessica Dupuy and Andrea Lonardy

Full article on the Texas Vintners Cup at Texas Monthly

Online article on the Texas Vintners Cup

Sevenfifty Daily: Jessica's article on Volatile Acidity

On today's episode, Jessica is joined by the Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, the current owner and managing director of Tenuta San Leonardo in Trentino. Over 1,000 years ago, San Leonardo was founded as a monastery, but it has served as the residence of the Marchese Guerrieri Gonzaga family for over three centuries. Anselmo elaborates on the winemaking traditions of the estate, starting with his father the Marchese Carlo being drawn to Bordeaux and eventually working with the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at San Guido (before Sassicaia was made).

Anselmo is such an advocate for Trentino and the Bordeaux varieties in Northern Italy vs the coastal Bolgheri. Additionally, he breaks down the fascinating history of Carmenere in the region and his uncompromising attitude to creating an honest and drinkable style of wine. So many great stories in this episode, please enjoy!

Fact checking:

The weather is actually cooling off in Austin; we’re currently experience a delightful Texas fall.

Bordeaux and Coonawarra Australia are both Region II on the Winkler scale of ‘Growing Degree Days’ with Trentino being Region III on the valley floors and Region II on the higher elevation vineyards.

Links:

San Leonardo Website

On today's show, Jessica interviews Yannick Benjamin, a wine industry veteran who is outspoken about the injustices and inequities of the wine and restaurant industries. Yannick's thoughtful approach to hospitality and inclusion is an inspiration to so many people who work in beverage and beyond.

Born into a family of French restauranteurs, Yannick has worked at The University Club, Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton. In 2021, he opened Contento, a barrier-free restaurant accessible to all. Today, he is owner of Beaupierre Wine and Spirits in NYC and runs the non-profit Wine on Wheels, which strives to enhance the quality of life for people living with disabilities. The annual Grand Tasting and Silent Auction brings together Yannick's passion for hospitality and awareness for people with disabilities. At this event, hundreds of esteemed sommeliers come together to pour over 200 wines from around the world for the charity.

Discover more about Yannick Benjamin:

Yannick's non-profit Wine on Wheels

This year's Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting and Silent Auction- September 28, 2025

Yannick's wine shop: Beaupierre Wines

Yannick on Instagram