In this latest episode of "Wine Talks," I engage in a lively conversation with Zack Armen, the passionate force behind Storica Wines. Zack shares his vision to bring Armenian wines to the forefront of the U.S. market, emphasizing the rich history and unique qualities of Armenian viticulture. The discussion dives into the logistical nightmares of wine importing ("I thought 'Hand Sell' was a type of wine!"), the importance of storytelling in building a brand, and the challenges and triumphs of introducing unique Armenian varietals like Voskehat and Areni.

Amidst the serious wine talk, we lighten the mood with tales of Zack's relentless drive, likening his years in the finance trenches to boot camp for budding oenophiles. I wrap up by emphasizing that wine's power lies in its story—because who wants to swap tales about the $5 bottle from the corner store? Not us! 🍷

Three Lessons Learned:

🍷 Expect the Unexpected: Building a wine empire takes more than a good bottle—it demands passion, patience, and a penchant for pestering potential partners till midnight.

🍷 Marry Tradition with Modernity: Embrace ancient grapes but modernize those methods—the terroir may be old, but your marketing game shouldn’t be.

🍷 Storytelling Sells: Wine is the ultimate conversation starter. So, forget the price tag, and spill the story behind the bottle—because no one's cheers-ing to a boring beverage bio! Cheers! 🍷

Fun Facts:

1. Armenia is recognized as the first country where a facility for winemaking was discovered, dating back to over 6,000 years.

2. Storica Wines, an Armenian wine importer, has been involved in the rapid recognition of Armenian wine in the U.S., achieving sales in 26 states by 2024.

3. The rise of Armenian wines is partly attributed to modern winemaking techniques combined with ancient traditions, creating a unique product.

4. The film "Cup of Salvation," which tells the story of Armenian winemaking, was produced by the same team behind the original "SOMM" documentary, and was not initially tied to Storica's marketing efforts.

What does it take to turn a humble date into a game-changing, delicious spirit? Celebrity chef Elizabeth Falkner reveals her recipe.

Renowned for her diverse culinary skills and TV appearances, Chef Elizabeth shares her latest venture: creating a sustainable line of spirits using California dates.

In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Chef Elizabeth to explore the challenges of modern hospitality, the rise of bittersweet flavors in cocktail culture, the creative process behind crafting sustainable, terroir-driven products, and more.

Ready to discover the future of spirits? Tune in to hear how Chef Elizabeth is transforming the culinary and beverage landscapes—one date at a time.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Chef Elizabeth Falkner (00:33)

Shifting trends in the food industry (02:08)

Post-COVID challenges in hospitality (08:35)

Culinary and wine culture: parallels and trends (11:37)

Crafting unique date-based Amaro and spirits (15:45)

From culinary delights to distilled spirits (26:08)

What sets date-based spirits apart (32:20)

Navigating business challenges (35:10)

Sustainability in packaging and product design (39:24)

Blending tradition with innovation (41:23)

Mixology trends and the role of innovative spirits (57:14)

Episode wrap-up (1:01:49)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Follow Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s works here: https://www.elizabethfalkner.com/

👉Visit T’Maro Brands for more information: https://www.tmarobrands.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸He Reopened After COVID to a Packed House. Meet Jonathan Waxman: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/he-reopened-after-covid-to-a-packed-house-meet-jonathan-waxman/

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How would you reinvent a wine legacy that has already left its mark?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Cleo Pahlmeyer, former president of Pahlmeyer and now the founder of Wayfarer Vineyard, to explore how she reimagined her family’s rich wine legacy and carved a new path.

Cleo takes us through her journey of building Wayfarer from the ground up. She talks about the challenges of today’s competitive wine market while staying true to the artistry of winemaking.

They explore innovations in the wine industry, emerging market trends, and the impact of direct-to-consumer connections. Cleo also reflects on why wine remains to be a timeless source of joy, even amidst constant changes.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation filled with insights on wine, legacy, and the passion that drives it all.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How Cleo Pahlmeyer’s father founded Pahlmeyer (00:51)

The importance of hospitality in wine culture (11:08)

Challenges in today’s wine industry (12:34)

From Pahlmeyer to Wayfarer (15:58)

Cleo’s take on innovation in winemaking (23:04)

The ultimate metric of success in the wine industry (24:53)

Staying true to brand authenticity amidst trends (31:11)

Legacy winemaking vs. modern business strategies (42:23)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Wayfarer for more information: https://www.wayfarervineyard.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸This Couple Built Their Dream Winery in Tuscany From the Ground Up–Here’s How: https://youtu.be/WpC-CUglCu0

🔸Wally’s Wine Director Reveals Wine Intel You Won’t Hear Elsewhere | Robert Vardanian: https://youtu.be/smt2zY_rbtA

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!