The Wine CEO Podcast

What's actually in your glass of wine — and should wineries be required to tell you? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Michael Honig, President of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley, for a fascinating conversation about transparency, sustainability, and the future of wine labeling. Starting with its 2025 Classic Sauvignon Blanc, Honig is taking a major step toward greater transparency by listing the wine's ingredients directly on the bottle: grapes, yeast, and sulfites. It's a simple move that raises some much bigger questions for the wine industry. Why hasn't wine traditionally included ingredient labels? Do consumers deserve to know exactly what goes into their wine? And could greater transparency help wineries build trust with a new generation of consumers? Whether you're a wine lover, wine professional, sommelier, or simply someone who has wondered what's actually inside a bottle of wine, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🍷 Subscribe to The Wine CEO for approachable wine education, conversations with leading winemakers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the business of wine. Get my FREE food and wine pairing guide by subscribing to my newsletter: thewineceo.com Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/thewineceo Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KUUyCBjNt38 Today's guest: Michael Honig https://www.honigwine.com/ #Wine #WineEducation #NapaValley #HonigWinery #WineLabels #WineIngredients #WineIndustry #SauvignonBlanc #CaliforniaWine #WinePodcast #Winemaking #Sommelier #TheWineCEO

What does it take to turn an "impossible" piece of Napa Valley land into one of the region's most influential vineyards? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jan Krupp, founder of Krupp Brothers Winery and the visionary behind Napa Valley's legendary Stagecoach Vineyard. Jan shares the remarkable story behind his new book, "Forging Eden", including his journey from a successful career in medicine to the wine industry and the enormous risks, challenges, and perseverance required to transform hundreds of acres of rugged volcanic mountainside into a world-class vineyard. We also look at the wine industry today and where Napa Valley may be headed next. Jan shares his perspective on changing consumer behavior, the challenges facing the wine business, and why he believes the industry may be missing an important opportunity in the broader conversation around wine, health, moderation, and lifestyle. In this episode we discuss: • The incredible story behind Stagecoach Vineyard • Why Jan left medicine for the wine industry • Building a vineyard experts said couldn't be built • How consumer attitudes toward wine are changing • Wine, health, moderation, and the evolving wellness conversation Whether you're a wine lover, wine professional, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the people who helped shape modern Napa Valley, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Watch this episode on my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/6tAbWuvN0QM 🍷 And don't forget to subscribe to The Wine CEO for approachable wine education, interviews with leading voices in the wine industry, and conversations about wine, food, and travel. thewineceo.com (sign up for my newsletter for a free guide to food and wine pairing!) Today's guest: Dr. Jan Krupp https://www.kruppbrothers.com/ Pre-Order his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Forging-Eden-Impossible-Legendary-Vineyard-ebook/dp/B0HBRGN4L8/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgingedennapa #NapaValley #NapaWine #WinePodcast #TheWineCEO #JanKrupp #KruppBrothers #StagecoachVineyard #ForgingEden #WineIndustry #WineBusiness #CaliforniaWine #NapaValleyWine #WineEducation #Winemaking #Viticulture #cabernetsauvignon #winelovers #winelover #winevibes

Can Christians drink wine? Is alcohol inherently sinful? And if the Bible speaks openly about wine, why has drinking become such a controversial topic in parts of the American church? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Randy Frazee for a thoughtful conversation about the spiritual significance of wine and alcohol in Scripture. We discuss what the Bible actually says about drinking, the difference between alcohol and drunkenness, how Prohibition helped shape American church culture, and why faithful Christians can come to different convictions on this issue. Whether you enjoy a glass of wine or choose not to drink at all, this conversation offers fascinating historical and biblical context for a topic the church has debated for generations. Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GeXbyfjubUc ------ Subscribe to my newsletter on my website for a free guide to food and wine pairing! thewinceo.com ------ Today's Guest: Pastor Randy Frazee: https://www.randyfrazee.com/ New Book on Wine: https://www.randyfrazee.com/wine-in-the-word https://www.instagram.com/randyfrazee https://www.instagram.com/giselakreglinger/ #TheWineCEO #Christianity #Bible #Wine #ChristianLiving #Faith #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #AlcoholAndFaith #RandyFrazee

What makes Burgundy wine so special—and why does terroir matter so much? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot to explore the philosophy behind one of Burgundy's most respected family-run wineries. With over 20 years of sustainability practices in the vineyards, Albert Bichot is leading the way in organic winemaking, low-intervention techniques, and environmentally responsible wine production—all while preserving the classical identity that makes Burgundy so iconic. As both an agronomist and enologist, Matthieu brings a rare, full-circle perspective to winemaking—ensuring that exceptional wine begins with exceptional grapes. In this episode, we discuss: what terroir really means in Burgundy wine, why you can't make great wine without great grapes, how sustainability and organic certification impact wine quality, and so much more! Whether you're new to Burgundy or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode will help you understand what makes these wines so elegant, expressive, and world-renowned. This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/i1OhEGzHTpE Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at thewineceo.com for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairings! https://www.thewineceo.com/ Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram for more wine content: ⁨@thewineceo⁩ Today's guest: https://www.albert-bichot.com/en Instagram: @bichotfamily #BurgundyWine #AlbertBichot #PinotNoir #Chardonnay #FrenchWine #WineEducation #WinePodcast #Terroir #OrganicWine #SustainableWine #WineLover #Sommelier #WineYouTube #PouillyFuisse #WineCEO

Discover why California Chardonnay is one of the most talked-about wines in the world—and why it shouldn't be so polarizing. In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Richie Allen of Rombauer Vineyards to break down what truly makes great wine: the right grapes grown in the right place. Richie shares his winemaking philosophy around typicity of region, explaining why understanding where grapes are grown is the key to producing exceptional wines. We also dive into the story behind Rombauer's iconic Carneros Chardonnay, explore why California Chardonnay has become so polarizing (and why it deserves a second chance!), and discuss how fear of failure shaped Richie's early career—and ultimately helped him succeed. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, this episode will help you better understand California wine, Chardonnay styles, and how to confidently choose wines you'll love. 🍷 In this episode, we cover: What "typicity of region" really means in winemaking, why the right grapes in the right place matters so much, the truth about California Chardonnay (and why it's misunderstood), the story behind Rombauer's signature Chardonnay, how fear of failure can actually drive success, and tips for choosing and enjoying Chardonnay with confidence ✨ If you've ever said "I don't like Chardonnay"… this episode might change your mind. Subscribe to my newsletter at thewineceo.com for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairings! https://www.thewineceo.com/ Watch this conversation on my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Ik18Vq8TzM4 ------ Today's Guest: https://www.rombauer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rombauervineyards/ TikTok (NEW!): https://www.tiktok.com/@rombauervineyards Visit Their Tasting Rooms 🍇 Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Tasting Room 🍇 Rombauer Vineyards Sierra Foothills Tasting Room ------ #Rombauer #Chardonnay #CaliforniaWine #NapaValley #WineEducation #WinePodcast #WineLover #SommelierLife #WineTasting #WineYouTube #Carneros #WhiteWine #WineTips #WineCEO #DrinkBetterWine

What happens when a wine brand focuses on just one wine and does it exceptionally well? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with winemaker Tristan Butterfield to explore ETHOS, a newly launched wine brand from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates that is taking a bold, focused approach: crafting a single, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the power and elegance of Columbia Valley. If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, want to discover emerging wine regions, or are curious about premium, small-production wines, this episode is for you. Watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/qYdrjqSwWRg Be sure to subscribe to my channel for more wine education, interviews, and insider access to the wine world! A nd sign up for my newsletter today for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Today's guest: https://ethoswine.com/ #WinePodcast #CabernetSauvignon #WashingtonWine #ColumbiaValley #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineLover #WinemakerInterview #LuxuryWine #FineWine #WineYouTube #TheWineCEO

What would you do if life forced you to stop waiting? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Debra Mathy, Proprietor of Dutcher Crossing Winery, to talk about the deeply personal moment that led her to leave the corporate world and pursue her dream of owning a winery in Sonoma County. After her father's stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, Deb made a bold decision—to stop putting life on hold. Just months after purchasing the winery, her father passed away, leaving her with a powerful symbol that still defines the brand today. In this episode, we talk about: What it really takes to build a successful winery from the ground up The challenges and opportunities of being a female winery owner How personal loss can shape your leadership and legacy The story behind Dutcher Crossing's iconic penny farthing logo Deb's newest venture and what's next in her winemaking journey Whether you're a wine lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating a major life pivot, this conversation will inspire you to take action on the life you truly want. 🍷 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow wine lover! Subscribe to my newsletter for a FREE GUIDE to Food and Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Today's guest: https://dutchercrossingwinery.com/ #WinePodcast #WineCEO #SonomaWine #WomenInWine #FemaleEntrepreneur #WineryOwner #WineEducation #WineLovers #EntrepreneurJourney #LuxuryLifestyle #WineBusiness #CaliforniaWine #SommelierLife #WineStories #WomenInBusiness

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Myisha Moore, Co-Founder and CMO of Saint Enzo—the modern luxury Lambrusco brand that sold out its first release in minutes. With a background leading marketing strategy for global brands like Nike, Ferrari, and Vogue Singapore, Myisha shares how she identified a massive gap in the wine industry—and turned an overlooked category into a culturally relevant, luxury experience. We dive into: ✨ How to build a luxury wine brand from scratch ✨ The psychology behind premium pricing and exclusivity ✨ Why Lambrusco is being reimagined for modern consumers ✨ What the future of luxury wine looks like Whether you're a wine lover, entrepreneur, or brand builder, this conversation will completely change how you think about wine, luxury, and consumer behavior. Watch our conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iVa5flSnYSc Subscribe to my newsletter for a free guide to Food and Wine Pairings: thewineceo.com And follow me on IG: ⁨@thewineceo⁩ Today's Guest: https://www.saintenzo.com/ #WineCEO #LuxuryWine #WinePodcast #Lambrusco #WineEducation #WineBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryBrand #WineLovers #Sommelier #WineIndustry #BrunchCulture #FemaleFounder #MarketingStrategy #PersonalBrand #WineInfluencer #ModernLuxury #ChampagneAlternative #FoodAndWine #YouTubeWine

In this special International Women's Day 2026 episode of The Wine CEO , I sit down with Namratha Stanley — French author, wine merchant, and founder of the Bordeaux wine brand Solicantus — to share one of the most powerful stories I've heard in the wine world. After surviving more than a decade in an abusive marriage in India, Namratha made the courageous decision to leave everything behind and rebuild her life. In 2017, she moved to Bordeaux, France , where she reinvented herself in the heart of one of the world's most famous wine regions. Today, she is a wine entrepreneur, brand owner, and author of the memoir Vineyard Melody — a deeply personal story of resilience, reinvention, and finding freedom through wine. In this episode, we discuss: 🍷 Her journey from India to Bordeaux 🍷 Escaping an abusive marriage and starting over 🍷 Building a wine brand in France as an outsider 🍷 The inspiration behind her memoir Vineyard Melody 🍷 Lessons about courage, identity, and transformation Her story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when women reclaim their future. If you enjoy wine stories, inspiring female entrepreneurs, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the wine industry , you'll love this conversation. >>>Watch this conversation on my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/HlHleGdcD3M 📚 Learn more about Namratha Stanley and her memoir Vineyard Melody *Enter a special giveaway before March 31st, 2026 to celebrate the launch of Namratha's new book! You could win a stay at a beautiful chateaux in Bordeaux! https://www.namrathastanley.com/home1#about-nam ------ Subscribe to The Wine CEO Newsletter to get a free guide to food and wine pairings: thewineceo.com Follow along on Instagram: @thewineceo 🍷 Subscribe for more interviews with winemakers, sommeliers, and wine experts from around the world. ------ #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #WomenInWine #WineIndustry #WineEntrepreneur #BordeauxWine #WineStory #FemaleFounders #WineCEO #WomenEmpowerment #Memoir #WineEducation #WinemakerStory

🍷 Inside Kopke: How Port Wine Is Made | Styles of Port Explained | Oldest Port House in Portugal In this exclusive interview filmed in Portugal's Douro Valley, I sit down with the viticulturist and marketing manager at Kopke, the oldest Port wine house in the world, founded in 1638. Together, we break down the basics of Port wine production, including how Port is made, why fermentation is stopped early, and how fortification shapes its signature sweetness and structure. If you've ever wondered what actually makes Port different from still wine, this episode is for you. We also explore the main styles of Port wine, from Ruby and Tawny to Colheita and aged Ports, and explain how aging, barrels, and time create dramatically different flavor profiles. Whether you're new to Port or looking to deepen your wine knowledge, this conversation gives you a clear, approachable foundation. Finally, we talk about what makes Kopke truly special—its legacy as the oldest Port producer, its focus on single-harvest Colheita Ports, and how tradition and innovation coexist in one of Portugal's most historic wine houses. 📍 Filmed on location in Portugal 🎙️ Featuring insights from Kopke's viticulture and marketing teams 🍇 Perfect for wine lovers, students, and anyone curious about Port wine If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more wine education and behind-the-scenes conversations from historic wine regions around the world. For the best experience, watch this episode on my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/5_TY29L-mnY ------ thewineceo.com Subscribe to my newsletter for a free wine pairing guide! ------ https://kopke1638.com/store/category/port-wines/ #PortWine #Kopke #DouroValley #PortugueseWine #HowPortIsMade #PortWineStyles #WineEducation #WinePodcast #WineYouTube #SommelierLife #WineTravel #OldestPortHouse #ColheitaPort #TawnyPort #RubyPort #FortifiedWine #TheWineCEO

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the wine lover in your life? In this video, Sarah from The Wine CEO shares her 2025 Holiday Gift Guide featuring elegant wine accessories, must-read wine books, fun wine-themed gifts, and travel-ready wine finds that elevate entertaining at home and on the road. Whether you love cooking with wine, hosting dinner parties, planning wine-focused travel, or simply want smarter gift ideas for the holidays, this curated guide is designed for adults who want to enjoy wine with confidence and style. From decanters and preservation tools to picnic baskets and Champagne-inspired reads, you'll discover thoughtful, experience-driven gifts perfect for every wine enthusiast — plus links to shop the full guide online. Watch this video on my youtube channel for pictures of each gift: https://youtu.be/ScuiMmea6xc ------ https://www.thewineceo.com/blog/2025-holiday-gift-guide https://benable.com/thewineceo/2025-holiday-gift-guide ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Episode mentioned in today's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1g3QCatqEcgO9WEe4cSOwT?si=pBcI8_STRLqwmpbOn9ZbJQ Want to learn more about wine? Check out my podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaeQnNyqq1s_WqHWYojfrwB3a777U12Ey #WineEducation #WineLovers #WineGifts #HolidayGiftGuide #GiftsForWineLovers #FoodAndWine #EntertainingAtHome #WineTravel #CookingWithWine #LuxuryLifestyle #TheWineCEO #AdultLifestyle

Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Or maybe you've just listened to my show for months now and you want a behind the scenes look into why I started @thewineceo? Then today's episode is for you! With over 4.5 years of podcasting and 200 episodes, I'm sitting down for the first time on the show to not talk about wine! I'm sharing the biggest lessons I've learned in my podcasting journey and some helpful tips that may help you if you are starting any big project in life ;) You can still grab a glass while you listen to me open up about some honest learnings from this journey! ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Episode mentioned in today's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AHlwv9YxcauWdWtlKLbVe?si=FllxUxV5R3SFDLgWAblA-Q

Did you know that Portugal is only 1/4 the size of California, but has over 250 indigenous grape varieties? This country is most known for the production of the fortified wines Port and Madeira, but there's so much more to this amazing wine region! Watch the full video to learn everything you need to know about Portugal and the amazing wines coming from this region! ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ #portugal #visitportugal #portugaltravel #winetravel #wineeducation #wine #wineries #wineregions #winery #port #fortifiedwine #winetravels #sommelier #travelvlog #portuguesewine #winestudies #winestudent

This last week I traveled to Miami for one of North America's largest wine conferences and I got to speak with over 50 winemakers, producers, and industry professionals in 2 days. Today I'm sharing 5 interesting things I learned from the conference! Don't forget to hit subscribe so you don't miss my travel content as I explore a new wine region this summer! ------ Watch this episode on YoutTube: https://youtu.be/kq5pWTHbi28 ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo

Is there really a difference between a $10 bottle of wine and a $100 bottle of wine? Or what about a $40 bottle of wine? And if there is a difference, what determines price point for a wine? Join Sarah as she dives into this hot topic that makes every wine consumer curious! Watch this episode on YoutTube: https://youtu.be/5mDP6-5JmYw ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo Bordeaux Episode mentioned in today's show: https://youtu.be/L1c7mmRhwwA #price #pricing #wine #wineeducation #winetasting #sommelier #winestudy #winestudies #winelover #winelovers #market #competition #luxury #affordable

Thinking about becoming a sommelier? Or maybe you are just really into the wine world? I've been in the beverage industry for 15 years and a sommelier for almost 8, so in today's episode I'm share about the top 5 things I wish I had known at the start of my journey. Hopefully these tips will help you as you begin studying wine and enjoying this world of vino! Press play now and don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more wine & travel content. This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/2sR3gTxL0ZE ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo

If you love wine and massages (who doesn't, right?) then today's episode is for you! Today, I'm sitting down with Kelly Lewis, CEO of The Wine Spa - America's first vintherapy spa. Kelly has curated treatments that integrate the healing antioxidants and medicinal properties of the grape vine with modern practices of massage, facials, and more. Vintherapy spas are common around the world, but this concept is new to the US and Kelly has big plans to expand while staying true to the local wine regions where she partners with wineries to upcycle discarded wine. So grab your favorite glass of wine and press play on this new episode! This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/r8sdUQNylQI ----- Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Today's Guest: Kelly Lewis The Wine Spa Website: https://thewinespapdx.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winespa_pdx/ #podcast

If you are only drinking sake with sushi (or not at all), then today's episode is for you! Join me as I chat with Ben Bell, co-founder of Origami Sake, an American craft sake company out of Arkansas.....and yes, you heard that right - AMERICAN sake. Ben actually moved to Japan for 2 years to learn how to make sake and then came home to open an outstanding craft sake business in the heart of America's rice land. So grab your favorite glass of wine and learn about sake and why you need to be drinking it this spring! This episode is best enjoyed on my youtube: https://youtu.be/XbC9xQWNQcQ ------ Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Today's Guest: Ben Bell, Co-Founder Origami Sake Origami Website: https://drinkorigami.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/origamisakeco/

Why are wine trade shows important? Join me today in an interview with the Marketing director of Vinexposium, one of the largest providers of wine industry events around the globe! In early May I'm attending the Vinexposium event for North and South America in Miami and I'm so excited to network with over 3,000 brands and beverage professionals. Press play now to learn more about this awesome event! This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/y1ynpU8_Lw8 ------ Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Today's Guest: Vinexpo America 2025 – Miami The must-attend Wine & Spirits event of the year! 📅 May 7-8, 2025 📍 Miami Beach Convention Center ✨ Meet industry leaders | 🍾 Discover top brands | 🤝 Expand your network 🎟 Claim your FREE badge now! Use code FMEDVAM to register. 👉 Sign up here: https://vinexpo-america.com/newfront/page/practical-information?utm_source=chilled&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=media #expo #tradeshows #wineeducation #wine #winelovers #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hotels #restaurants #beverage #beverages #miami #miamibeach #convention #2025 #winetasting

Have you ever tried to purchase wine from a winery but the minimum to ship prohibited you from completing the sale? Winemakers and distributors are limited by shipping costs, import taxes, and fees that make it impossible to sell single bottles to consumers around the globe. BUT, one tech company is looking to change that. Join me as I sit down with WINEing Co-founder, Moshe Weizman as we discuss his new platform and how it's encouraging collaborative wine buying. It's an exciting change coming to the wine industry and you need to know about it! So grab a glass of wine and press play now! ------ This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/OdcPl6_J29Q ------ Sign up for The Wine CEO newsletter and get a free guide to Food & Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com Instagram: @thewineceo ------ Today's Guest: Moshe Weizman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosheweizman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moshe_wineing/ Website: www.wineing.net Article mentioned in the interview: https://transformingwine.substack.com/p/marketplaces-eat-markets