Wine Talks with Paul K.

• Family Philosophy Plays In The South Of Francee. Gerard Bertrand Credits His Father For The Passion.

  I am halfway through Gerard Bertrands new book: "Multidimensional Wine" and realize it is a must read for wine professionals and novices alike..get it here:  https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/multidimensional-wine   Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bringing the wines from the South of France to the notice of the wine world. He farms biodynamicaly but keeps his ear to the ground as to what the market place is asking for. I was fortunate enough to catch him with a spare 40 minutes before he was on-stage exposing the virtues of his families heritage. In this episode of "Wine Talks," host Paul K sits down with renowned French winemaker Gerard Bertrand to explore the philosophy, cultural significance, and future of wine. Bertrand shares insightful stories about growing up in the family wine business and the vital lessons he learned from his father, emphasizing wine as a multi-generational pursuit fueled by passion and patience. The conversation delves into the unique relationship between wine, terroir, and vintage—with Bertrand arguing that good winemaking is about capturing the “footprint of the vintage” and channeling the land’s unique character into every bottle. A significant portion of the discussion centers on biodynamic farming, which has dramatically increased soil vitality at Bertrand’s wineries and, in his view, has the potential to lead agriculture toward greater biodiversity and planetary health. The pair also reflect on wine’s profound connection to spirituality and cultural identity, exploring how wine brings people together in a shared experience like no other beverage can. Finally, the episode touches on the challenges and opportunities for wine in a changing world, from shifting generational tastes to the power of storytelling and experiential marketing. Bertrand concludes with optimism, viewing wine as an enduring conduit for connection, culture, and even diplomacy.   One particularly memorable anecdote from Bertrand is his explanation of how biodynamic farming changed the life in his vineyards. He shares a study showing that conventional farming fosters about 1,000 links between microorganisms and bacteria in soil, but biodynamic farming boosts this number to an astonishing 47,000. This, combined with observing new life forms like armadillos returning to the vineyard, affirmed for Bertrand that his approach was truly revitalizing nature. He jokes that while he owns sophisticated books on biodynamics—like Rudolf Steiner’s—he still finds them hard to understand completely, but he follows the principles because he sees the results in the harmony and vitality of his soil and vines. #WineTalks #GerardBertrand #BiodynamicWine #WinePhilosophy #SustainableWine #SouthOfFranceWines #WineCulture #WinemakingJourney  

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  37:32
• From IT To Wine. Garry And Joanne Brooks Could Not Shake The Dream Of A Winery

  Gary Brooks doesn’t just make wine—he turns the whole idea of winemaking on its head and brings it back down to earth, reminding us that, after all, it’s just “rotting fruit.” But don’t be fooled by the humility. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll discover how a man raised in Annapolis, guided by a career that veered from the Navy to IT management, ended up chasing Pinot Noir dreams in California’s Petaluma Gap. As Paul Kalemkiarian digs in, you’ll learn how Gary navigated the split between wine academia and hands-on “cellar rat” labor, why starting Brooks Note Winery took more grit and capital than sanity, and what it’s like to pour your soul—and your bottles—out of the back of your truck just to make ends meet. Gary shares candid stories about the hard business realities behind artisan winemaking, how texture and mouthfeel outshine flavor notes in the true art of blending, and why he thinks the grandest moments in wine come down to honest connections, not pedigreed grapes. You’ll come away with a new appreciation for the world of small-batch winemakers—their struggles to sell every bottle DTC, the tactical parties in living rooms far from California, and the ever-present quest to avoid pretentiousness in a trade often accused of it. Above all, you’ll grasp why a genuinely great wine experience is often about memory, friendship, and the joy of pure discovery, not just what’s in the glass. ✅ Wine: Just rotting fruit… or the ultimate art form? ✅ Hear Garry Brooks and host Paul Kalemkiarian tear down wine’s pretensions while sharing the REAL journey from the cellar to your glass. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, dive into stories of risk, resilience, and why Pinot Noir is the grape that changed everything for Brooks Note Winery. ✅ You’ll never look at a bottle the same way again—tune in and discover why wine’s magic goes way beyond what’s in your glass.   #WineTalksPodcast #BrooksNoteWinery #PetalumaGap #WinemakingJourney #PinotNoirLove #WineLessPretentious #DTCSuccess #WineAndStory  

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  54:31
• Robert Foye Has Worked All Across This Globe. Amazing Trek And Landed With The Love Of Wine

  On a podcast with Emilie Steckenborn of LVMH China, she insisted that I meet with Robert Foye to discuss a podcast appearance. She insisted. After 2 minutes on a call with Robert, I moved from chatting to scheduling. Despite conversations on the web about how the trade should be more innovative and rethink, Robert feels you need experience to move forward. How can you innovate without knowing the pitfalls of what came before?  With Robert Foye, it is about leadership and adaptability. Hear it here. Robert Foye doesn’t just bridge the world between Coca-Cola and Cabernet—he’s crossed it, mapped it, and poured a glass for the rest of us. If you think multinational beverage leadership and the romance of wine are oil and water, Foye’s the proof that sometimes, opposites blend perfectly. In this illuminating episode of Wine Talks, listeners embark on a journey through the tumultuous cycles and fascinating nuances of the wine business, as told by a leader who’s helmed both Accolade Wines and Treasury Wine Estates. You’ll learn why wine endures as a cultural ambassador, even as trends and consumption habits shift; how the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just pause the industry but rewrote its rules (and reawakened dormant talents at both the kitchen table and the boardroom). Foye deftly uncorks the challenges of marketing wine in today’s saturated landscape—offering a rare look at what works, and what falls flat, on the shelf and online. He’ll walk you through what sets wine apart from other consumer packaged goods, exploring the rich stories and personal connections that make sharing a bottle an experience unlike any other. Whether he’s recounting tales of adapting wine language for the next generation, weighing in on the role of private equity investments, or describing the unexpected kinship between a seasoned wine executive and the humble “second cheapest bottle,” Foye brings an insider’s wit and worldliness to every anecdote. You’ll come away not just with a deeper understanding of today’s wine market, but with a renewed sense of why, through its ups and downs, wine persists—linking land, language, and laughter with each pour. This conversation will leave you thirsty, not just for your next glass, but for the stories behind every label. ✅ Ever wonder why wine is so much more than just a drink? ✅ Dive into the art, business, and soul behind every bottle with host Paul Kalemkiarian and guest Robert Foye. ✅ From global industry shakeups to the magic of sharing a special glass, this episode of Wine Talks uncorks what makes wine irresistible—and why its story is far from over. ✅ Whether you’re a wine lover or business buff, you’ll leave with a new appreciation (and craving for the next pour). Listen now and sip on some real insights!     #WineIndustry #WineBusiness #WineCulture #WinePodcast #WineInnovation #Winemaking #WineStorytelling #WineLeadership

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  50:02
• Americans Don't Make Sake. Unless You Are Ben Bell. Unreal Story.

  I was approached by a PR firm to put Ben Bell on the show. Certainly seemed like an interesting thought. Afterall, domestic Sake is a rarity and one from the heart of Little Tokyo, Arkansas! (that was a little tongue-in-cheek humour). There were so many questions and so little time. Some stories just require more questions and who wouldn't want to know how in the H-E double hockey sticks did he fall into making Sake in Arkansas. Ben Bell might be the only person you’ll ever meet whose journey to sake mastery began not in Tokyo, but in Hot Springs, Arkansas—and includes a failed job interview conducted entirely in Japanese. You’ll be entertained, surprised, and utterly engrossed as you discover how this Arkansas native went from stocking wine shelves in Little Rock to apprenticing at world-class sake breweries in Japan, all the while learning a language many would consider impossible to master. In this episode, Paul Kalemkiarian draws out the remarkable story of how Ben’s early fascination with wine sparked a lifelong pursuit of drinkable discovery, culminating with the founding of Origami Sake right in America’s rice heartland. You’ll learn how technique, not terroir, is the soul of sake—why craft and style choices shape every bottle more than the field the rice grew in. Ben breaks down sake’s renaissance in America: from hot, mass-market pours at sushi joints to the nuanced, premium sakes you should really be tasting chilled, not warmed. You’ll hear what truly sets sake apart, why it defies the rules of wine, and how its food-pairing versatility can elevate everything from Cajun shrimp and grits to Arkansas barbecue. Want tips on how to actually drink and serve sake? Ben’s got you covered, and he’ll tell you why a wine glass in your kitchen may be the best tool for enjoying the craft. Most of all, you’ll realize that America’s next great beverage story might just be unfolding far from the coasts, where passion meets persistence and the art of sake is rewritten, one bold, Arkansas-brewed batch at a time. ✅ Ever wondered how top-tier sake is being crafted in… Arkansas? ✅ Origami Sake co-founder Ben Bell joins host Paul Kalemkiarian on Wine Talks for a wild deep dive into the rise of American sake and his journey from wine geek to sake master. ✅ From mastering Japanese in rural Japan to winning international gold medals—all from Hot Springs, Arkansas—Ben shares what it really takes to create world-class sake outside of Japan, why rice matters, and how sake breaks the rules for pairing with food. ✅ Takeaway: If you think sake is just for sushi night, think again. This episode will change how you see (and drink) sake—grab a glass and tune in now! 🍶✨ 🎧 Listen to Wine Talks with Paul K. and Ben Bell—the story, the craft, the secrets of American sake pioneers!   #SakeCraft #WineTalksPodcast #ArkansasSake #OrigamiSake #DrinkCulture #SakeEducation #RiceToGlass #CraftBeverages

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  59:54
• Could Be One Of The Most Influential Restaurants Of Its Time. Meet Pat Terrail Of Ma Maison.

  If you were to reflect on the most influential restaurants during the renaissance of food in America, you could not exit the thought without thinking of Ma Maison. Not only a Hollywood scene of its own, the fresh take on French cuisine started the change in how Americans saw food. One of the most poignant contributions to the food scene was bringing the chef out of the "back-house" into the "front house" to glad hand the guests. And make the chef Wolfgang Puck and you have a recipe for success. In this episode of Wine Talks, I sit down with legendary restaurateur Patrick Terrail, famed for establishing the iconic Mamaison in Los Angeles. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of fine dining in America, exploring how Ma Maison revolutionized LA's restaurant scene with innovations like alfresco dining and a keen focus on both classical French and emerging California wines. Terrail shares vivid anecdotes about the opening years, the challenges he faced—including an infamous bad review—and how he returned to his French roots to refine his vision. A highlight is the pivotal role Wolfgang Puck played as Ma Maison's chef, and how their partnership helped shift LA’s culinary direction. Terrail also reflects on his storied family history, connected to Tour d’Argent, and the larger shift from the maitre d’-driven restaurants of mid-century France to chef-centric establishments in America. Beyond restaurant life, Terrail reveals the intensity the hospitality business demands, explaining that it consumed his life to the point of delaying marriage until he “divorced his restaurant.” The episode is filled with insights on the wine industry—past and present—punctuated by fascinating detours about old-school wine traditions, organic viticulture, and the art of running an iconic, people-centric restaurant in Hollywood’s golden age. ✅ What really happens when a legendary French restaurateur meets a true wine aficionado? ✅ Legendary restaurateur Patrick Terrail joins host Paul Kalemkiarian for an unforgettable deep dive into the stories and secrets behind fine dining in America. ✅ On this episode of Wine Talks, get a rare look behind the scenes of LA’s iconic Ma Maison, pioneering wine lists, culinary passion, and why good wine storytelling matters now more than ever. ✅ If you’re obsessed with food, wine, and the people who shape culture, this conversation will leave you hungry for more. Listen now! 🍷✨ #WineIndustry #RestaurantMasters #CulinaryHistory #FoodAndWine #HospitalityLeaders #WineCulture #FrenchCuisine #RestaurateurInsights    

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