Knowledge is the fuel that powers intelligent buying and selling. Fuel up with Wine Smart the 10-minute podcast from Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier the Director of Wine Education at Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits. Ron provides easy access, premium information for the beverage professional. Get Wine Smart anytime, anywhere so you can buy and sell better.
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Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of the beverage experts that bring your favorite spirits to your glass? Take a look behind the scenes of the spirits industry through candid conversations with masters on all things spirits and the art of sipping with intention. Hosted by Pablo Madrigal, Spirits Specialist for Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits,
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Text the Show Its immediate proximity to the Front Range of the Andes makes San Pablo GI wines different. Three influential wineries, Zuccardi, Bodega Tapiz, and Salentein, carefully defined the GI as this narrow strip of alluvial terraces and hills. Click play to find out why.By Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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The PKGD Group with Shawn Miller | Part 2
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1:04:50Send us a text In this episode Shawn and Pablo explore the PKGD portfolio. They have a well rounded offering of 'world class' spirits. Their current line up is comprised of G4 Tequila, Palomo Mezcal from Oaxaca, Ultramundo Mezcal from Durango and two Raicilla expressions from Jalisco. Dive deeper and find your favorite! ----------------------------…
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Text the Show Altamira is a hotbed of high-quality, expressive Uco Valley wines. The ancient work of the Rio Tunuyán formed an incredible place to grow more than just Malbec and make world-class wine. Invest 10 minutes in understanding how the individual characteristics of Altamira shape its wines. Explore: Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec Zuccardi Al…
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The PKGD Group with Shawn Miller | Part 1
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56:21Send us a text In this conversation, Shawn Miller shares his journey in the tequila business, detailing his partnership and long time friendship with Jeff Ernst and their experiences in marketing and brand advocacy. ---------------------------------------------------------- Shawn M. Miller is the co-founder of PKGD Group, a U.S.-based import compan…
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Text the Show Gualtallary is the home of one-hundred-point wines and a regal reputation. The district is waiting for official GI status based on high-elevation viticulture, with the interesting addition of caliche. These wines can be identified in a lineup of the same grape from the other areas of Uco Valley. Click play to find out why. Explore: Ca…
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Text the Show The Andes Mountains shape the Wines from the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This episode explores the major mountain influences of elevation, wind, alluvial fans, and slope. Invest 10 minutes in part one of a continuing series to reveal the secrets of the Uco Valley.By Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Fire and ice formed the geology of the Columbia Valley and much of Oregon. Knowing this history is key to understanding the uniqueness of these areas as wine regions. Invest 10 minutes in the story of fire and ice.By Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Chehalem Mountains AVA has the three major soils, a large range of elevations, and all the possible vineyard aspects. Invest 10 minutes of research on this diverse and historic part of Willamette Valley. Explore: Cooper Mountain Adelsheim Vineyard Elk Cove J. ChristopherBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Abruzzo offers a wide range of wine expressions through the lens of the Adriatic Coast, the valleys inside the coastal range, and the Apennines. Montepulciano alone ranges from elegant and fresh to dense and powerful, so imagine the possibilities with Trebbiano Abruzzese, Pecorino, and Passerina. Invest 10 minutes prepping your explor…
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Text the Show Cava is a wine, a style, and a tradition of Penedès since the 1860s. There is more to consider than the stacks of affordable bubbly at the end of a wine aisle. There is real substance to be found and great quality to be experienced alongside the Thursday night versions. Invest 10 minutes in knowing Cava.…
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Text the Show Montalcino is small in size but giant in reputation. These nine square miles of Tuscany boast some of the world's most sought-after wines, yet only fifteen percent of the territory is dedicated to vines. Invest 10 minutes exploring Montalcino, Italy, from Brunello to Moscadello. Explore Altesino Poggio di Sotto Tenuta San Giorgio…
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Text the Show Dry, high-quality Lambrusco is what the locals love. In Emilia-Romagna, the home of Lambrusco, the people recognize the charm and delight of drinking this red sparkling wine with their culinary treasures like Prosciutto di Parma, Parmagiano-Reggiano, and their generous drizzles of Balsamico di Modena. Invest 10 minutes so you can "Lam…
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Text the Show I'll have a Prensal Blanc to start and follow it with a lovely Manto Negro. If you aren't sure what those would be, then this podcast is for you. Take 10 minutes to find out about the island of Mallorca, where Prensal Blanc and Manto Negro are indigenous delights. Explore Ánima NegraBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show When we think of cider, we should think of wine. Pair it with food like wine. Sell it alongside wine. Drink it like wine. Don't treat quality cider like beer, but it is low in alcohol, which is a very popular concept right now. Explore: Wölffer 139 CiderBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Brandon Cummins with High N' Wicked Whiskey & Altamar Brands | Part 2
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1:01:31Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Brandon Cummins shares his journey through the world of spirits, discussing his experiences with tequila and whiskey, the importance of traditional production methods, and the exciting developments at High N' Wicked. He emphasizes the significance of blending and finishing techniques, the challenges of …
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Text the Show Jura is a calcareous geologic sibling of the Cote d'Or, separated by the Bresse Plain. No wonder the vineyards boast Chardonnay as the most-planted grape and Pinot Noir as the top red grape, but this semi-alpine region has individuality. Take 10 minutes to start the exploration of Jura. Explore Domaine Maire…
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Brandon Cummins with High N' Wicked Whiskey & Altamar Brands | Part 1
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1:02:25Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Brandon Cummins and I explore the world of spirits, blending, and the personal journeys that led us to our current roles in the industry. We discuss Brandon's emotional connections to his brands, and the impact of family and upbringing on his career. Brandon shares his experiences as the head of High N …
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Text the Show When it's perfect it's perfect and Dogliani is perfect for Dolcetto. Dolcetto is a bit finicky but it is so delightful in the right place and the right hands. It needs a Goldilocks climate and a soil that retains water but not too much. Exploring Dogliani opens up top-tier wines that are accessible on any given Friday. Invest 10 minut…
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Text the Show Is it Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or Castelli di Jesi Verdiccio? Yes. Invest 10 minutes in figuring out how the region of Castelli di Jesi is a DOC and a DOCG. In this case, the beauty is in the details. Explore PievaltaBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Mhairi Volsgen from Brovo Spirits | Part 2
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51:19Send us a text In this conversation, Mhairi delves into the story behind Brovo Spirits name and creative philosophy; emphasizing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and advocacy in the distilling industry. We talk about the personalities that became the core foundation of Brovo's bartender partnering ethos, which acts as a guiding star to …
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Mhairi Volsgen from Brovo Spirits | Part 1
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55:49Send us a text Mhair Volsgen, founder of Brovo Spirits shares her background and journey from architecture to the spirits industry. She discusses the most pivotal moments in her career and the moment she decided to start a distillery. Mhairi emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the soul of a place in the creation of spirits. Pablo talks jo…
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Jacopo Poli from Poli Distillerie | Part 2
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42:58Send us a text In this conversation, Jacopo Poli discusses the evolution of grappa production at the Poli Distillerie, combining traditional methods with modern technology. The distillery now uses three different technologies to distill grappa, allowing for experimentation and the creation of different spirits. Jacopo emphasizes the importance of u…
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Jacopo Poli from Poli Distillery | Part 1
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56:59Send us a text In this special episode, I get a rare opportunity to talk with Jacopo Poli in person. Jacopo shares the history of his family's distillery and the tradition of grappa production in Bassano de Grappa. He discusses the challenges faced by artisan distilleries in the face of industrial competition and the importance of quality and craft…
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Misty Kalkofen from Suro Imports | Part 2
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37:59Send us a text In this conversation, Misty Kalkofen discusses her role at Suro Imports and the importance of education and conversation in the spirits industry. She also talks about her work at Liquid Productions and her involvement in the Bar 5 Day program. Misty emphasizes the need for transparency and protection of traditional practices in the a…
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Misty Kalkofen from Suro Imports | Part 1
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1:12:14Send us a text In this conversation, Misty Kalkofen shares her journey in the hospitality industry and how she discovered her passion for cocktails. She talks about her early bartending experiences in Boston and the influence of her mentor, Brother Cleve and the moving to the B-side lounge. The conversation highlights the importance of classic cock…
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Elena Urbani from Mancino Vermouth & Rinomato | Part 2
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39:57Send us a text This is the second part of my chat with Elena Urbani, the brand ambassador for Mancino Vermouth, Rinomato Aperitivo and Lucano Amaro. This time around. Elena shares her journey from bartending to becoming an ambassador. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the importance of repetition in mastering presentations, and …
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Text the Show The Catena family of wines is doing something new! Library wines from 2004 and 2014 will be available in September 2024. This episode reviews twelve Catena wines with an age range of 3 to 30 years. Explore: Winebow Insider Catena, Elevating Argentina Catena ZapataBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Elena Urbani from Mancino Vermouth & Rinomato | Part 1
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43:18Send us a text In this conversation, I interview Elena Urbani, the brand ambassador for Mancino Vermouth, Rinomato Aperitivo and Lucano Amaro. We discuss the popularity of vermouth in Italy and its different styles, the misconceptions about vermouth, the resurgence of vermouth in the last 20 years, and Elena's journey into the hospitality industry.…
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Text the Show Red Mountain, one of the smallest and warmest Columbia Valley AVAs will impress you with wines that blend power and deftness. Invest 10 minutes with me to look into the causes of this wonderful mix of intensity and refreshment. Explore Andrew Januik Wines Januik Wines Mark Ryan Wines Matthews…
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Text the Show Our resident spirits expert and Vice President of Wholesale Spirits Portfolio joins me with news of the coming Whisky Loch. What is it? Why is it happening? How do buyers navigate it? Invest 10 minutes with us to learn more.By Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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The Godfather of Winebow Spirits. Richard Driscoll | Part 2
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45:52Send us a text What are Richard and Pablo drinking? Is it green tea, whiskey, tequila, or both? They touch on the future of the industry, and the importance of staying ahead of trends. Richard shares insights on how Winebow is diversifying into spirits and the challenges of keeping salespeople engaged. Overall, the conversation highlights the need …
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Text the Show Why do all the geeks and winemakers talk about vineyard geology and soil? Invest 10 minutes with me to find out. There is a cause-and-effect relationship with the final wine and I offer a simpler way to approach it than trying to figure out if the chalk in the soil means a chalk taste in the wine.…
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The Godfather of Winebow Spirits. Richard Driscoll | Part 1
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50:11Send us a text Richard Driscoll, head of Spirits Business Developments and former EVP of Spirits for Winebow National, discusses his journey in the spirits industry and the growth of Winebow's spirits portfolio from it's inception more than 30 years ago. He shares how Winebow became a player in the spirits business and the importance of family-owne…
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Text the Show Valpolicella blends unique local grapes into a broad range of styles that cover almost every wine drinker. Invest 10 minutes with me to explore the styles and stipulations of Valpolicella DOP. Explore: Zenato Valpolicella ConsorzioBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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The Art of Tasting Spirits with Monique Huston | Part 2
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40:16Send us a text In this conversation, Monique and Pablo discuss the importance of tasting and how to drink like a professional. They highlight the challenges of controlling consumption as port of the job and the need for responsible drinking at trade shows with emphasis on the value of education and the variety of activities offered at these types o…
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Vinho Verde: Delightfully Crafted for Right Now
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12:10Text the Show Vinho Verde is a wine ready to satisfy the en vogue wish of fresh, lower alcohol, and authentic. Even so, there are a range of styles and a host of marvelous indigenous grapes to explore. Invest 10 minutes with me so that you can confidently explore and discuss Vinho Verde. Explore Vinho Verde DOP João Portugal Ramos Broadbent Vinho V…
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The Art of Tasting Spirits with Monique Huston | Part 1
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42:02Send us a text In this conversation, Pablo and Monique discuss the art of tasting and drinking with intention. Monique shares her journey in tasting, starting with her first experience of tasting a 40-year-old Scotch that opened her mind to the possibilities of flavor. They discuss the importance of developing a sensitive palate and the role of sme…
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The Past, Present and Future of Spirits with Dan Searing | Part 2
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35:51Send us a text On the second part of our conversation, Dan Searing and I look at our primary topic through a whiskey soaked lens. The conversation explores the evolution of whiskey in the consciousness of modern consumers and utilizes rye whiskey as a key example on how awareness and palates evolve. One key topic is the influence of social media pl…
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The Past, Present and Future of Spirits with Dan Searing | Part 1
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49:29Send us a text In this conversation, Dan Searing discusses his journey in the spirits industry and the evolution of the industry over the years. He shares his background in music and how it influenced his passion for spirits. The conversation explores the evolution of spirits in bars and stores, the rise of small brands and the influence of bartend…
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Text the Show The elevated plain of the Duero River valley offers deep, textured Tempranillo wines. No Spanish wine selection is complete without this region. Invest 10-minutes with me to find out the special attributes of this great wine region. Explore: Consejo Regulador Bodegas PortiaBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show The Royal Slope AVA has tremendous growing conditions for all your favorite grapes due to elevation changes and geology variations. Invest 10 minutes with me to dive into the realities of Royal Slope. Explore Further: Novelty Hill Januik Winery Matthews JaineBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Long Island is a source of wine with elegance and balance. Invest a little time with me to find out why this emerging region deserves your attention. Explore: Wölffer EstateBy Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Sustainability is more than just pesticide reduction and water conservation. LODI RULES was born out of ten years of farmer-led research and development and has only gained converts year after year. Invest 10 minutes with me to begin to understand this powerful certification born from farmers wanting to think multi-generationally. Mor…
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Text the Show Wait! Before you buy that awesome-sounding new spirit brand, can you guarantee it is an authentic, quality-focused beverage? Take 10 minutes with Monique Huston, VP of Spirits Portfolio, and me to hear about the risks associated with the surge of new brands in the market. Added Resource Tequila Matchmaker…
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Text the Show It is essential to understand how each country's appellation system works. You also need to understand what labels are telling you and sometimes what they are not telling you. Invest 10 minutes to build or refresh your knowledge of the DO (Denominacíon de Origen) system of Chile and label terms that may not mean what you think.…
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Text the Show Bolgheri has one of the oldest wine histories in Italy, but the regional rise to greatness is very recent. Home to super stylish Bordeaux variety wines that fill the experience gap between the style of classic Bordeaux and lush Napa Valley. You should definitely invest 10 minutes into how modern Bolgheri came to be. Explore more: Grat…
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Text the Show Montecucco may not be on the tip of your tongue when you talk about Tuscan wines, but it should be. It is dependent upon Sangiovese but includes other delightful grapes like Vermentino and Ciliegiolo for fun. Invest 10 minutes to find out a little bit more about this region with ancient roots and modern success. More Info: ColleMassar…
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Text the Show A local or seasonal wind likely impacts your favorite wine. Wind has the potential to be a blessing and a curse to viticulture and it is a driving force in some wine regions. Invest 10 minutes with me to understand more about how the wind influences the wines we love.By Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits
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Text the Show Three volcanic wine specialists join me in part three of this three-part series to explore the relationship between volcanic soils and minerality in wine. Enjoy the perspectives and research of Meri Tessari of Suavia, Santi Natola of Cantine Nicosia, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos Ph.D. of Gai'a Estate. Invest 15 minutes with me to under…
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Text the Show Three volcanic wine specialists join me in part two of this three-part series to explore the relationship between volcanic soils and minerality in wine. Enjoy the perspectives and research of Meri Tessari of Suavia, Santi Natola of Cantine Nicosia, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos Ph.D. of Gai'a Estate. Invest 15 minutes with me to underst…
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