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!

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of marketing and operations in the wine industry?

In the competitive world of wine, keeping up with the ever-evolving marketing and operational challenges can feel overwhelming. But what if generative AI could be the game-changing tool your winery needs?

In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Stephen Mok, founder of New Vintage Labs, to discuss the rise of vertical AI agents, how these tools can automate your tasks, and why AI is a must-have for staying competitive in today’s market.

Discover how AI can help wineries tell better brand stories, improve sales, and create unforgettable customer experiences.

Tune in now to learn why embracing AI is no longer optional for modern wineries!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Stephen Mok’s journey into AI solutions (00:35)

An overview of generative AI (07:17)

Exploring vertical AI agents and their potential (12:52)

Navigating content overload in the AI era (21:17)

What every winery must know about AI (26:13)

Overcoming AI adoption challenges (31:01)

Boosting efficiency gains for small wineries with AI (42:48)

The crucial role of experiential innovation in wine marketing (48:05)

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

👉Connect with Stephen Mok on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moktech/

👉Visit New Vintage Labs for more information: https://newvintagelabs.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸Is Hospitality DONE For Good? The Truth About Modern Service Culture | Vannessa Scott-Allen: https://youtu.be/WPJRNUnfoH4

🔸How a Former Wall Street Pro Grew a Successful Champagne Brand Organically | Marvina Robinson: https://youtu.be/UiLaKoOog7Q

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!

What would it take for you to leave a successful career to start a wine company?

Marvina Robinson had it all–a 20-year Wall Street career and a clear path forward. But her heart was elsewhere. What began as casual champagne nights with friends turned into a journey of passion and resilience.

In this episode, Paul K sits down with Marvina, CEO and founder of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, to discuss her remarkable journey in the wine industry.

Marvina reveals how she built her champagne brand organically (without PR or investors), the unique challenges she faced as a woman of color, and the rewarding art of crafting champagne experiences. Plus, she offers an insider’s look at the intricate processes that make champagne so special.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a leap into the unknown, this episode is for you.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

From Wall Street to champagne (00:42)

The art of champagne and its cultural significance (07:55)

Champagne pairings and industry perceptions (10:18)

Overcoming the challenges of starting a champagne brand (18:11)

Growing a champagne brand organically (26:52)

Experiential innovation in wine and other industry trends (30:35)

Addressing sexism and racism in the wine industry (33:49)

The importance of community connection (45:51)

Rapid-fire questions answered (49:16)

Episode wrap-up (52:21)

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 B. Stuyvesant Champagne for more information: https://www.stuyvesantchampagne.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸How One BAD Wine Led to a Thriving Wine Business with a TWIST | Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/mmyguoWhsPY

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!

Cognac isn’t just a drink–it’s a story of history, people, and craftsmanship.

This week on Wine Talks, Paul K takes you to the Double Barrel Whiskey Tavern in Beverly Hills for a deep dive into the world of cognac. He’s joined by Eric Le Bouar and Charles Bertrant from Maison Delamain, one of the most renowned names in the industry.

Together, they’ll uncover the artistry behind crafting high-quality cognac, from its roots in France’s unique terroirs to the meticulous process that sets Delamain apart.

Learn how tradition and innovation shape the world of cognac, discover the evolving trends in fine spirits, and gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the cognac industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious, this episode will deepen your appreciation for premium spirits.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

What makes cognac unique (02:30)

The importance of appellation and tradition (05:22)

Consumer trends in fine spirits (09:35)

Delamain’s craftsmanship and legacy (13:53)

Understanding cognac labels and education (21:10)

Cellars as the second terroir (25:15)

The role of passion in selling cognac (27:10)

Challenges and opportunities in the cognac market (32:49)

Understanding cognac’s appellation and terroir (34:39)

The impact of historical events on cognac (38:30)

Innovation in cognac production (42:45)

Episode wrap-up (49:41)

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 Delamain Cognac for more information: https://www.delamain-cognac.com/en/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸May-Éliane de Lencquesaing Forever Changed BORDEAUX’S Wine History, Here’s How: https://youtu.be/vsMXAUtpNns

🔸"The Audacity To Hire A Woman", Says Veronique Sanders of Chateau Haut Bailly: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/the-audacity-to-hire-a-woman-says-veronique-sanders-of-cht-haut-bailly/

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!

What if your wine could tell a story of integrity and experience rather than just taste?

In our latest episode of Wine Talks, Paul K talks to renowned winemaker Charles Smith, who takes us behind the scenes of his unique approach to winemaking.

Known for his organic winemaking practices, Charles explains the importance of commitment to native fermentation, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and making wine with integrity.

This episode also covers the shift in the wine industry towards a more experiential approach, where creating an immersive wine experience is as important as the product taste itself.

Tune in now and hear Charles Smith’s inspirational journey of crafting wines with integrity and experience.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

The experiential side of wine (01:29)

Charles Smith’s wine journey and early challenges (02:29)

Importance of quality and integrity winemaking (08:10)

Wines reflecting terroir (16:08)

Challenges in today’s wine industry (22:56)

An honest glass of wine (26:44)

What’s next for Charles Smith? (28:08)

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 Charles Smith Wines for more information: https://charlessmithwines.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸South Africa Needs A Gavin Slabbert. He Believes In The Soil: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/south-africa-needs-a-gavin-slabbert-he-believes-in-the-soil-hear-him-here/

🔸May-Éliane de Lencquesaing Forever Changed BORDEAUX’S Wine History, Here’s How: https://youtu.be/vsMXAUtpNns

🔸She Knows The Consumer. I Want Her On My Team. Meet Jessica Kogan: https://youtu.be/AvBzLf3UN9w

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!

Do you ever feel like a glass of wine could shift perspective?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Robert Vardanian, Director of Wine Purchasing at Wally’s, to explore the intellectual and emotional depths of wine.

From evolving retail trends to the rise of emerging wine regions like Armenia, this episode also unpacks the complexity of wine culture. Robert sheds light on the evolution of hospitality post-COVID and the growing popularity of non-alcoholic wines in dining experiences.

Whether you’re curious about how wine tells a story or want to hear the future of wine, this episode is packed with must-know wine intel.

Let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Online vs. in-person wine retail trends (00:31)

Wine as an intellectual and emotional pursuit (04:57)

The enduring mystery of wine and terroir (14:26)

Robert’s role at Wally’s and the latest consumer wine trends (17:16)

What hospitality should look like (22:06)

Breaking down wine’s complexity for the public (27:17)

What innovation in the wine industry means (35:35)

The potential of non-alcoholic wines in dining experiences (38:30)

How retail can support lesser-known wine regions (43:28)

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

👉Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-vardanian-82795689/

👉Visit Wally’s official website for more information: https://www.wallywine.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸How One BAD Wine Led to a Thriving Wine Business with a TWIST | Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/mmyguoWhsPY

🔸Why Premium Non-Alcoholic Wine Varieties Are Winning Over Consumers w/ Rachel Martin: https://youtu.be/eQ5vZXqlUkk

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!