I forgot her exuberance, energy, and love of wine and music. I'm so glad I had the chance to remember. The wine world needs more Stephanie Morton-Smalls; she helps us keep our eye on the ball.

If you’ve ever wondered why some wines taste better when paired with heartfelt stories or Adele ballads, “Wine Talks” with Stephanie Morton Small and Paul Kalemkiarian has your answer (and maybe your calling as an emotional sommelier). Stephanie, a four-time founder and true wine globe-trotter, dives headfirst into the intoxicating marriage of wine, song, and feeling. She shares how her new venture, Wine Whisper and Song, combines storytelling, original music, and wine in a way that makes your palate and your soul say “cheers.” Spoiler: This isn’t your typical stuffy Napa tasting—think less “essence of leather-bound books” and more “let the wine remind you of your first crush or last breakup.” Paul and Stephanie uncork witty wisdom about letting wine seduce you emotionally before you bone up on tannin types or the history of Madame Clicquot. It turns out that the most memorable wines are the ones that make you feel—and maybe cry (then laugh) at the table.

🍷 Lessons Learned:

🍷 If your wine isn’t making you feel something, maybe you just need a better story, a power ballad—or both.

🍷 Wine wisdom: Don’t worry about gauzy tannins or soil maps; just let that Pinot Noir take you on an emotional rollercoaster worthy of an Oscar.

🍷 You don’t have to pass a wine test to fall in love—sometimes, all you need is a generous pour, a good yarn, and the courage to ugly-cry in front of strangers.

Cheers to wine that smells like heartbreak, tastes like adventure, and lingers like a power chorus!

#WineTalks #WineWhisperAndSong #WineEmotions #WinePairing #WineExperience #WineAndMusic #WineStorytelling #EmotionalWine #WineTasting #WineCulture #MindfulWine #WineInnovation #WineJourney #WineIndustry #WineConversations #WineWithSong #WinePodcast #WineLifestyle #WineMemories #WineEntrepreneur

I keep an eye on this girl. She makes this happen. As a college athlete, mom and wine brand manager, Monika is always "shaking the tree."I am inspisred by her tenacity and I am impressed with her no-nonsense approach to branding wine.

Monika Elling doesn’t just swirl her wine—she stirs the conversation and upends what you thought you knew about what’s in your glass (and your grocery cart). She brings both a sharp palate and a sharper intellect to Wine Talks, joining Paul Kalemkiarian for an episode that pulls no punches on food, drink, and health. You’ll plunge into topics most winemakers and marketers avoid, like the disquieting truth that Americans are less healthy than ever before and what’s really behind those glossy ‘healthy’ labels in the supermarket aisles. Monika, part nutritionist, part entrepreneur, and always a provocateur, shares her journey from understanding food as fuel for athletes to scrutinizing every hidden ingredient in products she once trusted. Expect to learn why military-aged youth are falling short of basic health standards, what’s lurking behind the flavor in your favorite Gatorade and even your salt, and how family, convenience, and industrial-scale food have conspired to compromise our collective well-being. The conversation travels from the origins of breakfast cereal to government-mandated food pyramids, the controversial rise of GMOs, and the labyrinthine world of non-alcoholic wine—pulling back the curtain on marketing hype and voluntary misinformation. You’ll get the inside scoop on how Prosecco can be reinvented for health-conscious palates and why nutritional labels on vino might become a movement, not just a curiosity. If you’ve ever wondered how to really eat—and drink—for wellness in a sea of modern confusion, or if you’re curious how industry insiders are fighting back against processed “sugar bombs” in wine and food, listen in. By the end, you’ll come away not just with a new understanding of wine, but with the intellectual tools to decode what’s really going into your body, one label at a time.

✅ Are we really eating and drinking ourselves into a health crisis?
✅ Monika Elling joins Paul Kalemkiarian on Wine Talks podcast to unravel the hidden dangers in today’s food and beverage world.
✅ With her deep expertise in nutrition and decades in the beverage alcohol industry, Monika exposes what’s changed in our food, why our health is suffering, and how smart choices in wine—like her new zero-sugar Prosecco—can make a difference.
✅ Want to know what’s REALLY in your glass and on your plate? Listen to this episode and discover the surprising truth! 🍷✨

#WineTalks #MonikaElling #PaulKalemkiarian #PodcastEpisode #WineIndustry #HealthyLiving #Nutrition #BeverageTrends #LowSugarWine #Prosecco #ConsumerHealth #NonAlcoholicWine #WineMarket #FoodTransparency #WineLabeling #OrganicWine #WineInnovation #WineAndHealth #SmartChoices #WellnessLifestyle

Sometimes when you speak to a consultant, you get consultant gobeldy gook. I can't tell you how many consultants I hired along the way at the WIne of the Month Club, but suffice it to say, most did not perform as expected. Why? Because selling wine is different than anything else in the world.

Courtney O'Brien is different. She knows wine, she knows branding and she brings corporate America along for the ride.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet informative take on this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, here’s a quick summary with a wink:

This episode is like a masterclass in beverage branding—with a side of humor and plenty of entrepreneurial reality checks.

Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Courtney O’Brien, a seasoned beverage veteran whose resume runs the gamut from water (Evian) to soda (Coca-Cola) and finally to wine (Gallo). She’s done it all—from “chief bottle washer” to innovator and now, consultant helping wine brands rise above the “product” level to become true brands.

Key takeaways from their chat:

• Brand vs. Product: Courtney suggests most wines are “products”—not brands. A brand, she says, is more than the stuff in the bottle, it’s an idea that people can connect with and rally around. (If your wine label just says “red,” you might want to call Courtney.)

• From Big Beverage to Boutique Bottles: Courtney shares laughs and learnings from corporate giants (Evian, Coca-Cola) to navigating the regulation-laden world of alcoholic beverages at Gallo. Spoiler: Half her marketing tricks from soda didn’t work in wine because wine has A LOT more rules.

• What’s the hardest for wine entrepreneurs? It isn’t always what you expect. Sometimes longtime winemakers come to her saying, “Help! Sales are flat, my DTC costs are sky-high, and I don’t even know who’s drinking my stuff—other than my mom.” Courtney’s advice? Before you chase TikTok fame or try to ride every trend, ask yourself what you actually want to achieve. (Pro tip: “Sell more wine” doesn’t count until you know to whom, why, and how much.)

• Innovation means different things: Want to slap your fancy Napa cab in a can? Considering non-alcoholic offerings? Courtney says: it depends. Know your brand, your consumer, your goals—then you can decide if canned Merlot or non-alc Bordeaux makes any sense.

• The Experience Matters: Paul and Courtney agree that great wine is about more than taste—it’s about the memories made, the story told, and the setting. (Whether that’s a luxury tour in France or just a really fun dinner with friends and family.)

There are laughs about management consulting, fun asides about industry legends fronting bottles in grocery stores, and a nice splash of advice for anyone dreaming of turning their wine project into a lasting, meaningful brand.

In short: If you want your wine to be more than a commodity, make sure it tells a story, stands for something, and—above all—know who you’re talking to and why. And maybe leave the TikTok dances until after you’ve figured that out.

#winepodcast #winetalks #courtneyobrien #paulkalemkiarian #wineindustry #winemarketing #brandbuilding #winebusiness #corporatewine #wineinnovation #beverageindustry #winenews #entrepreneurship #brandstrategy #winelover #wineconsulting #dtcwine #winebrands #winestrategy #womeninwine

The Master Sommelier is a commitment to hospitality. So it makes you wonder what a young girl, who admittedly called herself lazy, would take on such a commitment. As life would have it, the challenges became clear to Stefanie Hehn, and each ladder rung became the next challenge. And I get it. I love hospitality. Here is her story on getting to the utmost revered degree in the subject.

Stefanie Hehn—master sommelier extraordinaire from Hamburg’s fabulous Fontenay Hotel—brings a whole philosophy to wine service that goes well beyond being just an order-taker. She tells her team their mission is to turn each guest into the superhero of their own wine story. That means memorable moments, not just pouring what’s popular.

From their conversation, we learn that German wine trends can be as surprising as a plot twist in a telenovela. Riesling’s always beloved, but lately German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder, for the wine geeks) is stealing the spotlight, with guest explorations into lesser-known varietals like Silvaner for adventurous diners. Stefanie is a champion of mixing the classics with hidden gems—she curates the hotel’s wine list with both her guests’ favorites and her personal discoveries from around the world.

And just so you know, being a master sommelier isn’t all swirling glasses and elegant pours—it takes a mountain of study, relentless passion, and sometimes the bravery to leave a steady job to pursue that next-level sommelier qualification.

On the floor, Stefanie loves when guests give her some direction (“here’s my budget, here’s what we like!”), but she’s also ready to whisk you away with a surprise pairing if you’re up for the adventure. Whether people want to talk organic, biodynamic, orange wine, or good old Bordeaux, the most important ingredient is always to create a special, personal moment—that’s what makes people come back (and maybe brag to their friends later).

So, fancy a glass of Champagne, Pinot Noir, or perhaps a pink Pinot Grigio with a story? Stefanie’s here to make sure you leave with a smile—and maybe a new favorite wine you’ve never heard of before.

If you’ve got more specific questions about Stefanie’s approach, the trends she’s seeing, or German wine culture, just ask!

#winepodcast #sommeliers #WineTalks #StefanieHehn #PaulKalemkiarian #Germanwine, #hospitality #MichelinStar #FontenayHotel #Riesling #PinotNoir #winepairing #winelover #wineeducation #wineindustry #finewine #winelist #organicwine #champagne #wineexperience #mastersommelier

I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St. Emilion. My curiosity required me to ask the wholesaler, "Maybe the Chateau owner will come on the show?" "Let me check." "He would love it"

So then I though I'd best look up the guest (this was one hour before his arrival). OMG..this Zaya Younan is a formidable businessman with over 1200 patents, 5 hotels, three golf courses, a fine cigar company, and now 2 Chateaux in France. I was humbled; for him taking the time to drive to my studio to be on the podcast, shows serious humility....but maybe I shouldn't be so surprised. This is often a trait of successful people: Do what it takes.

Zaya Yonan’s story is so cinematic, you’d think Spielberg had optioned it already—after all, how often do you meet someone who bought his ticket to America at age 13 by painting bicycles and hustled his way from Tehran’s crowded streets to the boardrooms of General Motors, before helming a global luxury empire of vineyards, hotels, and world-class spirits? On this episode, you’ll be invited deep into Zaya’s personal odyssey, where survival, vision, and relentless drive transform childhood struggle into the highest echelons of success. You’ll hear how a chance encounter with an American principal in Iran sparked the dream that shaped his life, how the hunger for opportunity forged discipline and resilience, and how an immigrant’s appreciation for the nuances of culture, flavor, and ambition blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Layer by layer, the conversation uncorks everything from engineering breakthroughs at GM—where Zaya’s after-hours tinkering changed the game—to his uncompromising standards in wine, cognac, and vodka; you’ll discover why he believes terroir and tradition trump short-cuts and quick profits every single time. Along the way, you’ll learn why luxury, for Zaya, is less about showmanship and more about a soulful, intellectual connection—whether you’re savoring a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru or admiring a watch. Listeners will leave with more than stories: you’ll gain rare insights into what makes a wine “talk,” how French winemaking culture prioritizes complexity over convenience, and how food, heritage, and even adversity can fuel an entrepreneurial spirit. Most importantly, you’ll reflect on how Zaya’s tale of grit and gratitude reframes both the immigrant experience and the real reasons we chase—and cherish—luxury.

Try the wines here: www.frenchconnectionwinespirits.com.

#winepodcast
#WineTalks
#luxurybrands
#ZayaYonan
#PaulKalemkiarian
#immigrantstory
#luxurywine
#Bordeaux
#SaintEmilion
#winemaking
#entrepreneurship
#successstory
#cognac
#wineeducation
#wineinspiration
#luxurylifestyle
#wineindustry
#podcastlife
#wineconversation
#storytelling

Investing in wine might seem risky. Might seem like a horizon uncrossed. There is growing success rate in wine investments and it takes a trained and experience broker/agent to know where and when.

Marc Lefleur might be the only man who can make a conversation about asset classes as delicious as a glass of aged Barolo. In this episode, you’ll travel from the sun-dappled slopes of Piemonte to the bustling banking circles of Geneva, all while unraveling the mysteries of wine investment with someone fluent in four languages and even more terroirs. You’ll learn why not every cellar-worthy wine turns to gold, and why the idea that you can just “buy pallets of wine and hope that in ten years you’ll sell them at a better price” is more myth than market truth. Marc demystifies the romantic shroud of Bordeaux, reveals the artisanal heart still beating in the hills of Barolo, and exposes how climate change is tipping the scales for Nebbiolo in ways that might surprise even the savviest collector. You’ll come away with an insider’s view of how global forces, tradition, and innovation intersect in the collectible wine market—and why terms like “scarcity” and “terroir” aren’t just marketing buzzwords, but real factors with measurable impact on the future value of your cellar. Whether you’re a collector flirting with investment-grade bottles or a curious sipper wondering what makes wine an “intellectual part of the meal,” this conversation will give you the tools to separate perception from reality, and help you rethink what it means for a wine—and its drinker—to stand the test of time.

Wine Investment: Reality vs. Misconception

• Not all wines appreciate over time: The idea you can buy any wine, store it, and expect profits is false—most wines won’t increase in value after 10 years.

• Investment-grade wines are rare: Only a very small percentage of wines are worth considering as investments; quality, pedigree, and rarity matter most.

• Speculation vs. investing: Speculation is chasing quick financial gains, while true wine investment is a long-term horizon (10–20+ years).

• Cycles and market timing: The wine market, like any other, is cyclical; there are favorable and less favorable periods for investment.

The Importance of Rarity & Scarcity

• Perceived vs. actual scarcity: Even top Bordeaux first growths, like Mouton Rothschild or Margaux, produce large quantities (hundreds of thousands of bottles)—they’re not as rare as people often think.

• Burgundy & Piedmont (Piemonte) are where true scarcity lives: Top Burgundy and Barolo/Barbaresco producers may release just a few barrels (sometimes less than 5,000 bottles) from single sites.

• Demand for top wines is shaped by volume, pedigree, and market cycles.

#WineInvesting

#FineWine

#WineCollection

#WineTalksPodcast

#MarcLefleur

#BordeauxWine

#PiedmontWines

#WineEducation

When you hear a New Zealand accent, what do you try and do? I try to figure is it Aussi or English? Maybe South African. Regardless of where you land with this interpretation, you always settle into a nice comfort zone with New Zealanders. There is a certain warmth and instant camaraderie. Tiraki wines are new to the United States and it was an honor to sit with Josh and hear his plans.

On today’s episode of Wine Talks, I sat down with Josh Hammond of Teraki Wines, who’s redefining what it means to build a family wine brand with global reach. We dove into the challenges of launching in the US market, how sustainable and organic farming are at the heart of New Zealand wine, and why authentic storytelling and quality are key to standing out in a crowded industry. If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship and the future of wine, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

✅ Ever wondered how a Kiwi winemaker broke into 32 countries—including China and the U.S.—in just 5 years?
✅ Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Josh Hammond of Taraki Wines on the latest "Wine Talks" for an insider’s look at the hustle behind global wine sales, sustainability, and family legacy.
✅ From farming sheep in New Zealand to launching a premium wine brand during lockdown, discover what it takes to stand out in the world’s toughest markets.
✅ Find out why making truly great wine is only half the battle—and why the human connection is what really matters. Listen now for the full story! 🍷

#WineTalksPodcast

#NewZealandWine

#MarlboroughSauvignonBlanc

#WineIndustry

#SustainableWine

#FamilyWinery

#WineSales

#WinePairing

I had the distcint honor to know Melvin Masters; responsible for some iconic imported brands of wine that you would see everywhere. Unfortunately, we lost him a year or two ago and I has saddened me ever since.

As a friend, he would reach out to his A-list of friends to encourage them to come on the podcast. Literally, just weeks before Steven Spurrier, yes, the one and the same of the famed Steven Spurrier, came on the show. I was humbled and honored.

Stephen Spurrier was never one to swirl around the status quo—he preferred to shake the bottle and see what poured out. In this captivating episode of Wine Talks, you will gain a front-row seat to the origins and aftermath of the iconic 1976 Judgment of Paris, as told by the man who orchestrated it all. Spurrier, ever the adventurer, recounts his youthful, risk-taking days in France with a mischievous twinkle, transforming a Parisian wine shop into an international hub and launching L’Academie du Vin, all before single-handedly upending the world’s assumptions about French supremacy in wine. Listeners will peel back the layers on his unlikely journey: from London’s wine trade to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, onto the gilded streets of Paris—where, armed with little more than entrepreneurial zest and a deep love for French culture, he made his mark. You will eavesdrop on the serendipitous conversations, chance encounters, and contrarian choices that led to the famous blind tasting; witness the cultural tremors it sent through both California and France; and learn the lasting impact it had, not just on wine markets, but on how the world approaches tasting and educating itself about wine. Along the way, Spurrier’s stories will reveal why he believed communication, trust, and story are the true soul of a great bottle, why the legacy of the Judgment of Paris is less about winners or losers and more about opening doors for unknown regions everywhere, and what he thinks about today’s wine trends, from natural wines to screw caps and beyond. Prepare to uncork more than just the tale of a contest—you’ll understand what it takes to change an industry and kindle a global love affair with wine, one bold decision at a time.

✅ Ever wondered how a single tasting changed the world of wine forever?
✅ Hear the inside story of the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris—the day California wines stunned the French—told by the man who organized it himself.
✅ On this can't-miss episode of Wine Talks, host Paul K sits down with Stephen Spurrier for a revealing dive into wine history, risk-taking, and what really matters in your glass.
✅ Don’t miss the episode that uncorks the secrets behind modern wine, why storytelling trumps scoring, and how your next bottle could make history. Listen now and become part of the conversation! 🍷