Grape Encounters Wine Radio

By: David Wilson
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  • Summary

  • Join us for a completely different, irreverent and refreshing perspective on wine.
    ©2022 Grape Encounters
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Episodes
  • Episode # 795 – World-Class Culinary Education, From Behind Bars

    Episode # 795 – World-Class Culinary Education, From Behind Bars
    Oct 28 2024
    Today's Topic: Chefs in Prison. It's one of the most endearing cliches of all time... men and/or woman doing hard time in prison, spending all of their waking hours fashioning car license plates from sheets of steel. It may be that we will never know who came up with that imagery, but the truth is, incarcerated persons, which number about 2 million people, now have the opportunity in many prison facilities to learn new skill that will pave the way to a job with income that almost anyone would be proud to take home. All over America, prisoners are enrolled in very serious training courses that cover all aspects of the food and wine industries, and, best of all, inmates who enroll in these courses are very unlikely to return to a life of crime after they have served their term. It truly is a remarkable partnership, rich with rewards for both the inmates and those who administer the programs. That being said, join us as we share some of these remarkable programs with you.
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    40 mins
  • Episode #790 – Celebrate Most Awesome Ever California Wine Month’s Events, Festivals, and Sustainable Wine Adventures

    Episode #790 – Celebrate Most Awesome Ever California Wine Month’s Events, Festivals, and Sustainable Wine Adventures
    Sep 12 2024
    Episode 790 of Grape Encounters Radio is the celebration of a true milestone; our 20th Wine Month Celebration Episode. On this episode, Host David Wilson is joined by one of the most beloved and influential guests in Grape Encounters history, Allison Jordan, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for the Wine Institute and Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. In this episode, David and Allison take a deep dive into California Wine Month, a spectacular, month-long celebration held every September that shines a light on the state’s remarkable wine regions. From vineyard tours to grape stomps, wine festivals, and culinary events, California Wine Month offers more than 70 activities throughout the state, making it a dream come true for wine lovers of all kinds. Allison Jordan brings her extensive knowledge and passion for California wines to the conversation, offering listeners a detailed look into the growth of this celebration over the past 20 years. The discussion highlights how wineries across the state have evolved into dynamic, family-friendly destinations that offer much more than wine tasting. From vineyard hikes and bocce to grape juice tastings for kids and wine-centric concerts, California wineries provide an immersive experience that blends culture, outdoor activities, and of course, world-class wine. David and Allison discuss the significant role sustainability plays in California’s wine industry, with a staggering 90% of the state’s wine now produced in certified sustainable wineries. You’ll learn how California’s leadership in sustainable winemaking has influenced agriculture globally and how visiting these sustainable wineries during Wine Month provides a unique opportunity to see these practices in action. The show also delves into some of the most exciting events happening during Wine Month, including: • Wine festivals in the Sierra Foothills, Santa Clara Valley, and Mendocino Coast, offering a chance to explore a wide variety of wines and enjoy live music, local food, and more. • Family-friendly activities like vineyard walks, grape stomps, and bocce tournaments. • A spotlight on lesser-known wine regions such as Temecula, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills, encouraging listeners to explore these hidden gems. • Sustainability in action, with examples of wineries offering unique harvest experiences and eco-friendly practices, including falconry demonstrations and vineyard tours. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about the world of wine, this episode is packed with valuable insights, fun stories, and a comprehensive guide to making the most of California Wine Month. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to plan your next wine adventure—listen now or download the episode for future enjoyment! Take a deep dive into California's ultimate wine event, all September long with show host David Wilson and the Wine Institute's renowned adventure seeker, Allison Jordan!
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    43 mins
  • Episode #782 – She is to E-Commerce What Peanut Butter is to Jelly! Why the Wine World Adores Jessica Kogan!

    Episode #782 – She is to E-Commerce What Peanut Butter is to Jelly! Why the Wine World Adores Jessica Kogan!
    Jul 18 2024
    Trust us when we tell you that Jessica Kogan is the queen of wine e-commerce. Although most people might not give it a second thought, there can be no doubt that we are living in an era of human exceptionalism unparalleled in history. In nearly every field imaginable—science, technology, the arts, business, medicine, you name it—humans are achieving what was once thought inconceivable. Consider space exploration: Nearly every month, new spacecraft are launched on potentially decades-long missions with little or no fear of failure. Rocket launches have become so routine that they seldom make headlines. Yet, the satellites these rockets deploy are crucial to our global connectivity, enabling us to interact with the world in previously unimaginable ways. This connectivity means that when a political figure or celebrity posts a cryptic message at 8 PM, it can go viral by 8:05 PM and become the lead story on the 11 PM news. And this simply wouldn’t be possible without the determination of the people behind these projects. Determined people like Taylor Swift, a seemingly ordinary girl-next-door, who breaks down boundaries and sets new records practically every week. It’s not magic, but it is certainly the result of making a determined effort to understand the full potential of how new tools and technology might be used in ways that even their developers hadn’t fully considered. As a result, Taylor has been able to conceptualize and execute a concert tour that significantly boosts the economy of every city she visits. At barely 30 years old, Swift marries her song and dance talents with technology to generate billions in economic impact. Her ability to connect with audiences in more vastly intimate ways is surprisingly similar to what is occurring in the world of space exploration, where the celestially curious can literally climb aboard any number of spacecraft on deep space exploration missions and enjoy a front-row experience that is nothing short of life-changing. Of course, while we love discussing space exploration and Taylor Swift, this is, after all, a wine show. So, you might be wondering, "What does all this have to do with wine?" Well, you're about to see the connection, as we introduce someone we believe could be called "The Taylor Swift of Wine." She made an unforgettable impression on us as a guest last year. In fact, host David Wilson described it as one of the most enlightening and enjoyable episodes of all time. We've often discussed the disconnect among wine producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers on this show. Wine is incredibly complex, with an overwhelming array of flavors produced worldwide. Unlike the limited selections available to previous generations, there are now tens of thousands of wines in the US alone, which can be frustrating for consumers trying to navigate this abundance. Enter Jessica Kogan, one of the most acclaimed brand builders globally, known for her extraordinary ability to connect consumers with products. Jessica Kogan has been a formidable presence for decades, shaping major brands like Donna Karan, Hill+Knowlton, Razorfish, Elizabeth Arden, Urban Decay, and Giorgio Armani. In 2004, she co-founded Cameron Hughes Wine, which quickly gained critical acclaim. Following the acquisition of Cameron Hughes by Vintage Wine Estates in 2017, Cogan joined as Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she tripled direct-to-consumer sales from $30 million to over $90 million. Her innovative strategies have expanded the Vintage brand beyond traditional retail, embracing direct-to-consumer and e-grocery platforms, alongside initiating digital programs like refer-a-friend, shareholder passports, virtual wine tastings, and digitally enhanced estate tasting rooms. Not only a master of digital transformation, Jessica Kogan also leads the way for women in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, earning nominations and accolades such as Innovator of the Yea...
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    43 mins

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