About Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings
Welcome to my podcast and my journey. I grew up in England, mostly boarding schools. I moved to California when I was around 24 years old mostly because I needed the beach and the sun. I have dabbled in a few different things but the minute I began learning about wine and cocktails and pairings I was hooked. I started my own business with all things hospitality in 2019. I passed my Certified Sommelier exam in 2023 and my Certified Specialist of Wine a few years before that.
My goal is to learn and then help others understand the complicated world of wine and cocktails. At the same time I want to understand what those in the Hospitality Industry think and do. That is why I started this podcast last year in 2025. While I know we have a long way to go to get this show out there, I don't think I have enjoyed doing anything as much as this. I hope together we can see behind the pour, behind the mind, behind the thoughts of people who really do not have an easy job. They work like no other but once they are in front of the consumer, they put on a big smile and make it look easy. The life of anybody in Hospitality is certainly not easy and it takes a certain type of person to pull it off. I find it fascinating especially since I have been on both sides of the bar or table. Join me as I talk to more trailblazers in this world and I mean world.
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.
11 Aug 2026
The wine of Cotes du Rhone is a magical blend of 3 grapes, GSM
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?
11 Aug 2026
A Sommelier's journey finding her palate Down Under in New Zealand
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.
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