In this episode, we chat through the region’s unique character, the role of the Gamay grape, and what makes Beaujolais so much more than its reputation. Together, we explore the famous Crus, highlighting what sets each one apart, with a special focus on the structure and depth of Moulin-à-Vent.

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Koenig IV to talk about his exciting new venture, George and Kin’s Diner—bringing a fresh diner concept to Napa, where you don’t see many spots like this. After 10 successful years running Heritage Eats with his wife Ali, Ben is taking things in a new direction while staying rooted in the same location. We dive into what inspired the shift, the challenges of evolving a well-loved restaurant, and what guests can expect from this new chapter. It’s a great conversation about risk, creativity, and redefining what a Napa dining experience can be. Give it a listen and let me know what you think...... By the way there may or may not be some croaking going on in the background, as Ben was running to an event, and stopped at a golf course to talk with me..... LOL! This is what makes our conversations so real, and raw because it is real life, and we are here for it! follow along and join the ride!

In Episode 21 of Season 2, I get a chance to talk to Erwan Leo, who opened a Tasting Room/Wine Shop in Paris, France, called "The Secret Wine Door" just before Covid. That did not stop him from pursuing his dreams! Online wine classes are where he started talking about France's small producers, and later back in his fun and cozy Tasting Room on the 15th Arrondissement. He only offers 2 classes a day, and these classes are held by Erwan himself, where he pours 6 different French wines, and pairs them with local cheeses. He told me reservations are made a good week prior to the date. Erwan is on his path to becoming a "Master of Wine" which means he would be one of approximately 400 people in the world to achieve this prestigious title. He is at level 4 and says he has to get through the last level to accomplish this. I learned his style of teaching, his views on Natural wine, and his unique Wine Club. He gave us some great tips on relaxing by the Seine River & the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of wine, cheese and of course a baguette or two. This conversation will take you to Paris and is one that invites you to grab a bottle of wine, stroll past quaint boutiques, and let the Eiffel Tower guide your daydreams! I hope you enjoy out chat as much as I enjoyed the conversation.

In this episode, we explore Derek Bromley's passion for crafting the perfect cup, how OHM got its name, his band "Mama Said" and how his background as a sommelier has allowed him to blend wine, coffee and guitar riffs. At Ohm Coffee, every roast strikes the perfect chord between craftsmanship and creativity. Founded by guitarist and sommelier Derek Bromley, the roastery is inspired by the world of vintage guitar amps — where tone, balance, and intensity matter just as much as they do in a great cup of coffee. Just as Derek carefully selects notes and nuances when playing guitar, he approaches coffee with the same refined palate he developed as a sommelier. Each blend is thoughtfully chosen and named according to its intensity — from smooth, low-voltage profiles to bold, high-ohm roasts — reflecting the depth, character, and complexity inside every bag. For Derek, roasting coffee is like composing music or pairing fine wine: it’s about harmony, structure, and feeling. Ohm Coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about flavor turned up to eleven. Derek says coffee amps you up! He and his wife, Jennifer Knight who is the Creative Director of OHM coffee roasters are bringing it all together from music, coffee and community!

Allo Gilinsky is a Sonoma County native and Certified Cicerone with 10 years of front-of-house hospitality experience. He has engaged people online and founded his own business, with a persona widely known as "The Craft Beer Concierge". His favorite thing about the world of beer besides the liquid itself, is the community it cultivates and stories behind the glass. He once worked at Russian River Windsor leading tours and credits his time there for spurring his beer education passion. You can almost always find him waxing poetic about lagers and sipping Saisons, and other great beers around Sonoma County. He is a Certified Cicerone, which is similar to a Certified Sommelier in the wine world. That means he has tasted a lot of beer and can distinguish the aromas and flavors between them.

🌟 About Vanessa Robledo | Vintner’s Diary 🌟 Vanessa Robledo and her daughter Jocelyn Robledo were kind enough to join us on this episode of Beyond the Pour by California Tastings. Vanessa Robledo is a trailblazing winemaker and entrepreneur. The fourth of nine children of Maria and Reynaldo Robledo, Vanessa helped found and manage Robledo Family Winery in Sonoma before becoming the managing partner of Black Coyote, a Black-owned winery in Napa Valley. In 2015, she helped her mother launch Maria de Luz Wine Company, selling premium grapes, and also founded Vanessa Robledo Wine Consulting. Today, she is the founder and owner of Vintner’s Diary, a brand dedicated to making wine simple and approachable. As Sonoma Woman Magazine says: "Vanessa is not only the American dream personified, she is reinventing that dream as she goes along, serving as a bridge over cultures, gender, wine industry, age, and family stereotypes."

Nilu, owner of California Tastings sits down with Henrik Poulsen of Release winery.

In our new series called "France in a Glass" we are hand-picking French wines that we have enjoyed in the past and tasting them together.

These wines are under $50. As we taste we like to talk about the area that the grapes come from, and how the soil and weather affect the final flavors in the bottle.

This conversation is about "Chablis" which is the northern part of Bourgogne. It is abut 80 miles away from Champagne and the soil is quite unique. It is rich in limestone and clay with fossilized oyster shells. That's why Chablis wines are known for their crispness, high acidity and distinctive minerality.

They often have notes of apple, citrus, and clean, pure finish. This unique combination makes Chablis wines stand out among Chardonnays of the world.

Rajeev, the proprietor of Kubani Wines is inspired by a timeless legacy. The art of wine and all things luxurious. Starting with his humble beginnings as an entrepreneur, his journey as a father as well as his experiences while traveling the world.He loves life, specially having an appreciation for the finer things, from growing organic tomatoes, eating farm to table or learning about wine & truly appreciating it.

Their wines include varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Petite Sirah.

The winemaker for Kubani Wines is a Sommelier and Winemaker by the name of Bobby Moy. He brings his expertise to the winemaking process to craft the elegant and approachable wines that Kubani wines are known for. Rajeev tells us that creating Kubani Wines is a culmination of his love for family, life, and passions, inspired by his children, Shibani and Kunal. "My wines express finesse, elegance, a subtleness, yet bold flavors.

What a great journey for a family who knew that this was their passion and did not let anything stop them.