Wine Talks with Paul K.

About Wine Talks with Paul K.

All you knew about wine is about to bust wide open… We are going to talk about what really happens in the wine business, and I'm taking no prisoners. Learn more at: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/. I am your host, Paul Kalemkiarian, 2nd generation owner of the Original Wine of the Month Club, and I am somewhere north of 100,000 wines tasted. How can Groupon sell 12 bottles for $60, and the wines be good? How do you start a winery anyway and lose money? And is a screwcap really better than a cork? Sometimes I have to pick a wine at the store by the label and the price... and I get screwed. Subscribe now and prepare to be enlightened.

Publisher

Paul K from the Original Wine of the Month Club

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Apr 2019

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

1 of 538 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Why Bordeaux Châteaux Are Embracing Experiential Wine Tourism; with Jean-Louis Carbonnier

   Jean-Louis Carbonnier may be the only man who can argue that Champagne is just what the doctor ordered—for both your heart and your spirits. From the heart of Reims to the vibrancy of New York City, his story uncorks more than just great wine; it uncorks the challenges, transformations, and opportunities that come with introducing French wine to the American palate. The episode kicks off with personal tales of language, family, and the culture shock that comes from swapping the vineyards of Champagne for the skyline of Manhattan, drawing listeners into an authentic, cross-continental adventure. The discussion quickly bubbles over into the world of wine law, where Jean-Louis found himself defending the identity of Champagne against American sparkling wine producers. The conversation focused on the high-stakes battle over geographic names, trademark struggles, and why a simple bottle of bubbly can trigger international legal disputes. Through stories involving everything from perfume bottles shaped like corks to the legacy of "grandfathered" American brands, listeners receive an insider's view of how region and reputation are meticulously guarded in the wine world. The conversation then decants layers of the wine business that most consumers never see: the evolution of Bordeaux hospitality and the modern PR strategies required to shine in an overcrowded market. One concept discussed was Bordeaux's shift from insularity to welcoming visitors, injecting warmth and experience into what was once seen as an inaccessible, even "arrogant" region. The discussion explored the rise of high-end tasting experiences, the importance of personal connections, and the relentless drive to make storied estates relevant for a new generation. A key theme that emerged was the power—and challenge—of storytelling. In a world where nearly every producer can claim "quality," narrative becomes the main differentiator, especially amongst Bordeaux's so-called "second labels." Several points were raised, including the responsibility of restaurateurs and sommeliers to elevate wine service and how, in a world of $20 glasses and crowded shelves, loyalty is won (or lost) in a single sip. Throughout, the episode threads together issues of changing consumer habits, the pitfalls and potential of influencer marketing, and the future of wine for younger generations. From nostalgic memories of wine as a daily ritual to bold insights on how the industry must adapt, you will come away with an intimate understanding of the challenges and charms that define French wine's present and future. What you will learn: 🍷 How Champagne's identity has been defended—sometimes in court—against misuse by American producers 🍷 Why Bordeaux estates are shifting from closed doors to high-end, immersive visitor experiences 🍷 The complex relationship between producers, négociants, distributors, and the PR world in today's wine business 🍷 How storytelling and heritage help Bordeaux second labels compete in a market full of lookalike brands 🍷 The impact of influencer marketing and social media, and why results are rarely what they seem 🍷 Why the first glass of wine often determines if a new generation will become lifelong enthusiasts—or miss out on the magic altogether PR is hard to pin down. And with the wine trade, even harder.  What is PR? and how does it benefit a Champagne house or a Bordeaux Chateau? Meeting up with Jean-Louis Carbonnier at the studio, cleared up some of these questions, but then again, created more questions. Jean-Louis knows his stuff... YouTube: https://youtu.be/FvzdN6UGFqw Sites mentioned in the podcast: Château Talbot: https://www.chateau-talbot.com (https://www.chateau-talbot.com) Château Palmer: https://www.chateau-palmer.com (https://www.chateau-palmer.com) Yves Saint Laurent: https://www.ysl.com (https://www.ysl.com) Veuve Clicquot: https://www.veuveclicquot.com (https://www.veuveclicquot.com) Kendall-Jackson: https://www.kj.com (https://www.kj.com) Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery): https://www.gallo.com Grgich Hills Estate: https://www.grgich.com (https://www.grgich.com) Château & Estates (historical, under Diageo, not an active consumer-facing website) Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux: https://www.ugcb.net Cité du Vin (museum in Bordeaux): https://www.laciteduvin.com Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits: https://www.southernglazers.com

2. 

   29 Oct 2026

   Millennials, Myths, and Misconceptions: Henriot's Battle to Win Over the Next Generation. Meet Guillaume Deglise.

   Champagne is missunderstood. It carries the weight of being a wine of celebration...but in reality, it can be and should be part of any wine drinkers quiver of wines. Monsieur Deglise's manner is confident and demeur. Firmly confident in his approach to speaking with media guys like me, comes from an amazing history in the wine trade; including but not limited to the CEO of Vinexpo...a huge, international, wine event. Guillaume Deglise doesn't just pour Champagne—he detonates the myth that it's a one-note party trick best reserved for New Year's Eve. If you're expecting polite small talk and tradition-for-tradition's-sake, this episode will uncork so much more: the anxieties, the ambitions, and the bold, unsweetened truths inside every bottle of Champagne Henriot. Why does Champagne still chase its own shadow, haunted by its reputation as fuel for aristocrats while quietly fighting to seduce a new, skeptical, and hyper-curious generation? In this conversation, the industry's façade is peeled away, revealing the pressure, the innovation, and the occasional existential crisis fizzing beneath the surface. The conversation focused on the tug-of-war between heritage and relevance. Champagne Henriot, a house older than most revolutions, is now forced to seduce Millennials and Gen Z, who won't settle for glamour without substance. The talk goes deep: cellars aren't enough anymore; consumers want terroir in stereo sound, vintner's fingerprints on the glass, and hard data—not just stories—on the back label. Hospitality, once an afterthought, now edges toward the theatrical, and those crisp white cellars are having to make room for dusty boots and vineyard rocks under eager fingertips. A key theme that emerged was the worldwide arms race for sparkling supremacy. Global warming is rewriting the map—now English fizz is expensive and, annoyingly, sometimes good. Producers who used to dismiss sustainability as a fad are sprinting for certifications, and Champagne houses are improvising like jazz musicians to keep their bottles relevant, rare, and not just a decorative status symbol in Tokyo or LA. Henriot isn't afraid to reveal how few hectares they own or how many markets try to outmatch Champagne's centuries-old spell. The discussion explored the raw mechanics behind the romance. Forget marketing fluff—here's how blends are made, why disgorgement dates matter, and what happens when the bottle meets the glass (hint: it's not always a flute, and there might be a Syrah glass involved). While the big brands lock down shelf space and restaurant lists, smaller houses have to hustle differently, weaponizing authenticity, back-vintage power, and glassware debates to stake their claim. If you thought you knew Champagne, prepare to have your palate—maybe even your ego—challenged. This episode doesn't just serve a drink; it demands you taste the history, feel the climate, and question the label. What you'll learn in this episode: 🥂 Why historical Champagne houses like Henriot are re-engineering their narrative for new generations 🥂 The untold story of Champagne cellars—part tourist trap, part wartime fortress 🥂 How the "right" shape of a wine glass can make or break your bubble experience 🥂 Why sustainability certifications aren't just for marketing, and why organic isn't always practical 🥂 The real reason back labels are now packed with geeky winemaking info (and why sommeliers care) 🥂 How Champagne's global market is evolving—and what happens when Japan loves you but China's just flirting Expect the effervescence. Challenge the cliché. This pour is deeper, sharper, and a hell of a lot more candid than any toast you've ever heard. YouTube: https://youtu.be/c-5-YP-h7DA Champagne Henriot: https://www.champagne-henriot.com (https://www.champagne-henriot.com) Veuve Clicquot: https://www.veuveclicquot.com (https://www.veuveclicquot.com) Riedel (glassware): https://www.riedel.com (https://www.riedel.com) Coravin: https://www.coravin.com (https://www.coravin.com) Jean-Charles Boisset (glassware/brands): https://www.boissetcollection.com

3. 

   27 Oct 2026

   From Beirut To Bordeaux; Who Does That And Why? Ask Gabriel Asseily!

   What other Beirut based wine story to you know? Well, there is the Daou story...look it up. And there is the Chateau Biac story; a serendipitus way into the wine business and Bordeaux. If you think persuading your partner to splurge on a fancy dinner is bold, try convincing them you "accidentally" bought a vineyard in Bordeaux. That's the kind of edge and unpredictability you'll find in today's episode, where the lines between fate, family drama, and a fast-learning curve in winemaking all blur delightfully together. You're invited into the world of Château Biac, a once-overlooked property that's now buzzing with stories of Lebanese hospitality, English wit, and the French knack for a well-timed strike. The conversation focused on the true heart of wine—not its acclaim or price tag—but its power to anchor a table, spark joy, and remind us all why we gather in the first place. You'll hear how a family's roots in Beirut and London ultimately flowered in Bordeaux, weaving together tales of resilience, humor, and more than one accidental encounter with greatness. One concept discussed was the tension between modern winemaking methods and the messy reality of weather, soil, and intuition that still rules the vineyard. Through a candid recounting—no sugar-coating here—listeners learn that the road from clueless city dweller to competent vigneron isn't just about swapping ties for muddy boots. It's about showing up honest, learning what you can't control, and having a laugh at the moments when the "plan" unravels. A key theme that emerged was authenticity: putting the soul back into wine by valuing storytelling, hard work, and a willingness to make mistakes—sometimes on a grand scale. The discussion explored why every vintage is a new adventure, why chasing a "perfect" wine is overrated, and how sometimes the most memorable moments happen over simple meals and spontaneous gatherings, not at the world's flashiest tasting rooms. Several points were raised, including the economics of wine as both a business and a passion project, and the calculated risk (and occasional divine luck) it takes to revive a struggling estate. This is not a story about splashy investments or chasing points—it's about rediscovering gratitude, grit, and the raw pleasure of an honest bottle shared with friends. Tune in and you'll: Learn what happens when your parents nearly divorce over a summer vacation—and later sign a deed for a château instead. Discover how "soil nirvana" is achieved after 16 years of obsession…and why it might taste better than you ever imagined. Hear how legendary winemakers can show up at your table (and nearly fall out of their chairs with surprise). Find out why the most "honest" moment on a vineyard rarely involves a grand cru, but more likely cheese, overalls, and a late-night cellar hang. Uncover the real reasons wine shouldn't be a status symbol—but sometimes is, despite everyone's best intentions. Get the inside scoop on how to tell if you're an "expert" in wine—and the one, brutally simple rule to follow. Prepare yourself: after this episode, you may seriously rethink what goes into the glass, what comes out in conversation, and what it truly means to savor both. YouTube: https://youtu.be/rPGR5cwjGB8

Inside a recent episode

He can eliminate the effects of alcohol. Meet Dr. Nayav Patel

Published 2 Sept 2021 · Transcript excerpt

[…] It's difficult to do so on an ongoing basis, but you need to so high, right when you consume alcohol that your body's not able to produce every single thing that you need in the next 30 minutes or so. So that's the time you say, hey, what are my options? Well, options are you can take a pill of glythione. […]

Who has been a guest on Wine Talks with Paul K.

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ron Nicholsen
• August Sebastiani
• Chef Ara Zada
• Stephanie Morton-Small
• Monica Elling

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

490,856

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

139 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 83 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

97

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

84

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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