This is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring David Bower and Sarah Bowman of the Shelton-Badgett NC Center for Viticulture and Enology (https://ncviticulturecenter.surry.edu) at Surry Community College! When we first sat down with David several years ago (http://ncwineguys.com/index.php/exploring-viticulture-enology/), we discussed the Center’s role in supporting North Carolina’s wine industry through education, research, and hands-on training for growers and winemakers. As one of the region’s leading resources for viticulture and enology education, the program has continued to evolve alongside the rapidly changing Southeastern wine industry.
In this update, we reconnect with David and welcome Sarah to the podcast for the first time. Together, they share how the program has expanded its research into muscadines and other sustainable grape varieties, new approaches to vineyard management, and ongoing efforts to prepare students for careers in the wine industry. We also discuss new wine projects coming out of the teaching winery, including expanded rosé and sparkling wine programs, student-led experiments under the Surry Labs label, and the upcoming Southeastern Grape and Wine Symposium. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, grower, or industry professional, this episode offers a fascinating look at the innovation and education happening right here in North Carolina.
If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.
This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org (https://www.ncwine.org)
(https://ncwine.org)
16 Sept 2026
Best of Cork Talk: Elevating Wine – Dynamis Estate Wines
This is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Matheson Worrell and Katy Kidd of Dynamis Estate Wines (https://www.dynamisestatewines.com) in Jonesville, NC! When we first sat down with Mat and Katy (original 2023 episode: Elevating Wine (http://ncwineguys.com/index.php/elevating-wine-dynamis-estate-wines/)) they shared their vision of creating a luxury brand while helping redefine perceptions of North Carolina Wine on a national state. From their commitment to estate-grown fruit to their focus on vineyard site expression, it was clear they had ambitious goals.
In this update, we reconnect to learn about how their vision has continued to take shape. Mat and Katy discuss the recent 94 and 95 point wine scores for Dynamis Wines. During the discussion we also talk about the national recognition Dynamis received with the nomination of Wine Enthusiast’s North American Winery of the year. After we recorded the episode, it was also revealed that Mat and Katy were nominated for Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year as well! In this episode you’ll learn about the growing reputation of Dynamis Estate Wines and how they are truly elevating their wines to a national stage.
If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.
This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org (https://www.ncwine.org)
(https://ncwine.org)
18 Aug 2026
50 Years of Duplin Wine
In this episode we feature Johnathan Fussel of Duplin Winery (https://www.duplinwinery.com) in Rose Hill, NC! As Duplin Winery prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Jonathan joins us to share the story of how his family helped establish North Carolina’s first modern winery and build one of the most recognizable brands in the Southeast. During our conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind starting Duplin Winery, what it was like making wine in North Carolina before a commercial wine industry truly existed, and the challenges that came with building a winery when there was no established roadmap for success.
Duplin Winery has grown tremendously over the past five decades, but its roots remain firmly planted in eastern North Carolina. Jonathan reflects on the milestones, obstacles, and defining moments that shaped the winery’s journey while also discussing Duplin’s contributions to grape growers, wine education, tourism, and the growth of the North Carolina wine industry as a whole.
Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Pinot Gris! We also feature a special guest in this episode, food and travel writer Heidi Billotto as she talks to us about the upcoming NCRLA Chef Showdown! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ (https://www.winemouths.com/) or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime (https://soundcloud.com/joshtime).
For more information about the NCRLA Chef Showdown and to purchase tickets, head to: https://ncchefshowdown.com (https://ncchefshowdown.com). Use Promo Code NCWineGuys to receive 10% off your ticket price!
If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.
This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org (https://www.ncwine.org)
(https://ncwine.org)
Who has been a guest on Cork Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sofia Lily
Erik Martella
Dave Nirshi
Arthur Barham
Natalie Hampton
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
20 ratings
Spotify
4.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
84
Contact Cork Talk
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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Questions about Cork Talk
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unknown host the show. Published by Cork Talk.
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The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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