In Search of Flavor Liz Caskey

In this episode, we sit down with Seba Zuccardi, the pioneering force behind some of Argentina's most distinctive and terroir-driven wines hailing from the Uco Valley in the Mendoza province. While the Zuccardi family winery was established by his grandfather in Mendoza's Maipú region in the 1960s, it's Seba who has spearheaded an audacious exploration of the Uco Valley's high-altitude vineyards in sites like Altamira, La Consulta and Gualtallary in the mid-2000s. Through intensive soil mapping, he has revealed a treasure trove of grand cru-caliber terroirs formed by the varying elevations, topographies and impact of the Andes Mountains. Zuccardi's decidedly non-interventionist approach produces transparent, fresh, intense yet balanced "mountain wines'' that clearly convey a powerful sense of place (and have garnered international attention like the iconic 100-point Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec). He's a pioneer of vibrant expressions of Chardonnay from high altitude Guallatary and other varieties through innovative techniques such as fermenting in concrete eggs. In this conversation, Seba shares his passion and drive to redefine what's possible from the Uco Valley as a world-class wine region.

(Re-release & Updated commentary / Episode 13 with Guiliana Furci)

“Without fungi, no plant on earth would live because no plant is able to live outside of an aquatic system without the fungi.” - Guiliana Furci

Soil is life. Without it, we cannot sustain ourselves on Earth. We are losing it, poisoning it, chopping it up with tilling, and with it, depleting the fungi which are integral to it, an intricate system, a web, that connects the plants, micro-organisms, digests carbon dioxide, and so much more. In this re-release of Episode 13, we learn about the world of fungi with one of Chile’s foremost experts, Guiliana Furci, to understand this area of the plant kingdom and how it touches every corner of our lives.

Giuliana is the director of Fundación Fungi and one of the most notable promoters of the Fungi Kingdom. Her dedication to fungi has helped make Chile the first country in the world to include the Fungi Kingdom in its General Environmental Law, which is essential for the study, protection and recognition of a species. Giuliana and I discuss the importance of fungi, its staggering diversity, and how it naturally seeks harmony to work with ecosystems.

I also share how the newly released documentary Common Ground, tied together this conversation around regenerative farms and the soil, the future of our ecosystems, and climate change in a way no other film has.

South America's Southern Cone exudes an irresistible summer siren song during the end-of-year travel season. While the days get cold, rainy, or snowy in the North, the weather is all sunshine and gelato in the South. It’s no wonder why it’s a favorite winter destination, from Patagonia's glaciers to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza and the bohemian chic of Jose Ignacio's beaches. In this spirited episode, Liz Caskey gives the real skinny on how to approach planning a journey to the Southern Cone at this ultra peak time of the year and invaluable advice for hacking the nuances - flipped seasons, high demand, minimum hotel stays, Patagonian lodges, and holiday closures. Tune in for expert tips, destination highlights, and practical advice to make your end-of-year getaway stress-free.

Shouldn’t your face cream be as clean as the food you put in your body? Ideally yes, but it’s not always the case. In today’s episode, Emily Yeston, co-founder of Doré, joins us to talk about clean skincare and how her company is bringing that to French pharmacy staples in a safe way. Emily discusses her journey transitioning from digital media into the beauty industry with her French business partner Garance Doré and how her own skin challenges inspired her to create effective yet gentle skincare products. She delves into the formulation process, providing insights into common problematic ingredients and how Doré formulates with safety and efficacy in mind. Most importantly, the results speak for themselves. Much like seeking out authenticity and terroir in a fine wine, Doré takes the same approach to clean eating–for your face, which ultimately leads to a glowy complexion.

There’s simply “something” about Colombia. It has that yo-no-sé-qué quality. So deliciously alluring, seductive to your senses, and a joyous nature that's infectious. Colombians also happen to be among the most hospitable folks on the planet. It’s a country full of robust rhythms where the cadence of the people and life is so alive and palatable. In this energetic episode, Liz takes us on an immersive journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Colombia offering invaluable insider insights and expert tips for travelers seeking to explore this diverse South American gem, which is the gateway to the region. From the hip arts, fashion & food of Bogotá to the green mountains of the Coffee Triangle, and romantic colonial charm of Cartagena, she delves into safety, culture, activities, climate, travel logistics, and strategic itinerary planning to give you the inspiration and confidence to plan an amazing trip to Colombia.

In this episode, Ted Lemon, the founder of Littorai Wines and a true master in the language of wine, shares his wisdom, years of experience, and passion for making wines of character that showcase the land--specifically Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. We delve into his journey, whose passion for wine was ignited during his formative years in Burgundy. Ted shares his story of how he stumbled upon winemaking and became one of the few Americans to ever lead a Burgundian estate, and then upon returning to the US soon was drawn to the Sonoma Coast. He discusses the challenges of launching a self-financed wine business, his deep reverence for terroir-driven wines and a commitment to minimal intervention, along with with his decision to transition into a biodynamic estate and how this has influenced every aspect of his wine growing. He also talks about how wine truly is a language and an aesthetic medium, capable of being heard–if we can learn to listen.