Episode 29 is super fun as we spend all day visiting wineries in Sonoma Valley which is basically the Carneros area.

The trolley does a number of tours but this one was really different with a full sit down lunch at one of the wineries.

I feel like I am always visiting wineries because I need to stay up to date but there are still so many I have not got to.

Listening to the history and driving throught the backroads on a beatiful summers day, really emphasizes the beauty of Sonoma County. Of course there is so much more to see than just wineries, but they are truly a piece of art.

Also if you are thinking of booking with them use PROMO: Californiatastings to get 10% off at checkout for a day tour.

While you are here, don't forget to take a 2 Hour wine class with us so you feel like a pro when you visit the wineries.

Cheers and don't forget to subscibe to our channel as we would love to bring you more fun experiences.

In this episode, Nilu Afshar, the host of Beyond the Pour podcast chats about French wine with our guest, Henrik Poulsen. This is another episode of France in a Glass and for this episode I pick up a bottle of 2023 Gabriel Meffre, Cotes du Rhone Village, Saint Mapalis, Plan de Dieu.

This is that blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. We talk about the area, how the climate affects the vines and what a great price point this bottle has.

As always we are tasting and talking about a bottle of French wine that to us is very well priced and tastes great.

So next time you are out at the store, you may want to grab a bottle and show off a little of your French label knowledge because why not?

In this episode, Nilu Afshar, host of Beyond the Pour podcast gets to chat with an up and coming Sommelier in New Zealand. Her name is Samira Kakh and she completely immersed in the world of wine education and moving up the ladder of difficult exams.

She talks to us about Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and what New Zealanders want to be known for. They do not like to be called Laid back and want to be known to be intense. They are pretty serious in whatever they do.

We talked about a number of restaurants being awarded Michellin Stars and what it means for the country.

When you listen to this episode you see what hard work looks like and what dedication to become one of the top Sommeliers in New Zealand looks like.

In this episode, Nilu Afshar, the host of Beyond the Pour podcast gets to chat with Jason Kho who owns a liquour licensing business. What Jason and his team do is maneouvre around all the obstacles and paperwork you would need to get permits for wine, beer, and spirits. It is a job that none of us want to do and he does it with ease and grace.

Asking him about what he sees in 2026 as problems for the wine world and what it will take to change for the better.

A great conversation that you do not want to miss!

Hosted by me, Nilu Afshar the host of Beyond the Pour podcast, and my guest is Henrik Poulsen of Release Winery.

We explore the elegance, structure, and global influence of Burgundy. Our goal as always is to find really great bottles from France, that are very well priced. We also want wines we can find in California.

We like to compare what we see in Napa and Sonoma with what we see in France.

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.

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.

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!