A Cork in the Road

Kelly
  • 5.0 (34)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

This award-winning Atlanta-based wine podcast shares engaging conversations with wine professionals and culture-shapers. Each episode makes wine human and accessible by featuring thoughtful discussions with winemakers, sommeliers, wine educators, and creative voices from across the wine world. The focus is on the people, journeys, and experiences that shape how wine fits into our lives. It highlights both local and global perspectives making it a go-to wine podcast for listeners who want authentic storytelling and enaging conversations. Named Hue Society's "Podcast of the Year" in 2023.

  1. Episode 178 - Why the Monticello Wine Trail in Virginia Is Bringing Wine and Golf Together

    10h ago

    Episode 178 - Why the Monticello Wine Trail in Virginia Is Bringing Wine and Golf Together

    What happens when the worlds of wine and golf collide? More than you might think. In Episode 178 of A Cork in the Road, we welcome two Virginia wine industry leaders - Stephen Barnard, the Winemaker for Keswick Vineyards, and Lance Lemon, the owner of Penny’s Wine Shop and Parallax Project Wines - for a lively and unexpected conversation about the parallels between the craft of wine and the game of golf. Recorded ahead of the 4th annual Monticello Wine Trail Winemakers Golf Tournament, this episode explores how both pursuits challenge us to keep learning, embrace imperfection, connect with nature and community, and find joy in the journey. From how a glass of wine might affect your golf swing to bigger conversations around wine tourism, collaboration, and creating memorable experiences, there is no shortage of entertaining insight. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire wine Q&A with both guests that delivers plenty of laughs and reveals the personalities behind the bottles. A special thank you to the Monticello Wine Trail for sponsoring this episode and empowering us to highlight the innovative ways Virginia’s wine community is bringing people together through shared experiences. For more information about all of the 2026 Wine Week festivities, you can visit www.monticellowinetrail.com/taste-of Recorded in June 2026 with generous suppport from our friends at the Monticello Wine Trail. ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    57 min
  2. Episode 177 - What Wine Pairs with Lemon Pepper Wings? Atlanta Sommelier Showdown LIVE at The Perlant

    May 20

    Episode 177 - What Wine Pairs with Lemon Pepper Wings? Atlanta Sommelier Showdown LIVE at The Perlant

    Episode 177 brings together two things Atlanta takes seriously: lemon pepper chicken wings and great wine. Recorded live at The Perlant, this episode features five Atlanta sommeliers taking on a pairing challenge to find the perfect wine combo for Chef Dene Lynn’s wings while a panel of culinary judges and media personalities share honest reactions, thoughtful insights, and plenty of lively debate along the way. For the event, Chef Dene (@chefdenelynn) prepared two distinct versions of her signature wings, highlighting both the bold flavor and cultural importance of one of Atlanta’s most beloved dishes. Beyond her work in the kitchen, Chef Dene serves as an Instructional Manager at the Navigate Foundation, where she helps train and mentor the next generation of culinary professionals through education, workforce development, and community outreach. Her work with Atlanta chef collectives, food security initiatives, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden has made her an important part of the city’s culinary community. From unexpected wine selections to conversations about flavor, hospitality, and Atlanta food culture, this episode captures the fun and spontaneity of a live audience experience. Whether you’re deep in the wine world or just love good food and good conversation, Episode 177 offers entertaining moments, surprising pairings, and a celebration of Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene. SOMMELIERS Eric Palmer, RNDC Distributing (@eric.palmr) Chris McLloyd, Tower Beer, Wine, & Spirits (@chrismclloyd) Jason Wilfore, The Perlant (@wilforejay) Jordan Traylor, The Chastain (@wandering_wino_) Peter Poulos, My Friend’s Bottle Shop (@therealchampagnepete) JUDGING PANEL Toni Williams, Blasian Bon Vivant (@blasianbonvivant) Dan Whalen, The Food in My Beard (@tfimb) Georgina Castellucci-Whalen, Consultant & Speaker (atl_georgina) Recorded May 1, 2026 with a live audience at The Perlant in Atlanta, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    58 min
  3. Episode 176 - California Wine History and Hip-Hop Music Pairings with Winemaker Matt Taylor LIVE at The Oenophile Institute

    May 6

    Episode 176 - California Wine History and Hip-Hop Music Pairings with Winemaker Matt Taylor LIVE at The Oenophile Institute

    Episode 176 takes us live to The Oenophile Institute for an engaging audience conversation with winemaker Matt Taylor, a third-generation Sonoma County native whose thoughtful approach to farming and winemaking has made him one of California’s most compelling voices in small-production wine. Known for crafting wines across several labels and portfolios, Matt shares how his deep connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA continues to shape his philosophy in the cellar that is rooted in biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and allowing the vineyard to speak for itself as naturally as possible. Throughout the conversation, we explore Matt’s diverse winemaking journey, from harvests and experiences in Argentina, Bordeaux, and New Zealand, to the unique energy he brings back home to California. We also uncover fascinating Napa Valley history connected to his Ink Grade project on Howell Mountain while discussing mountain viticulture, heritage vineyards, and the evolving identity of California wine. And because no live audience episode is complete without a few surprises, the night also ventures into the world of wine and hip hop pairings thanks to a special audience guest who specializes in connecting music, culture, and wine in unexpected ways. From farming philosophies to global winemaking experiences to soundtrack-worthy pairings, this episode is a vibrant look at the people, stories, and creativity shaping modern California wine. Recorded April 16, 2026 with a live audience at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    1h 10m
  4. Episode 175 - How to Train Your Palate for Blind Tasting: Celebrating 15 Years of the Annual “Somm Smackdown” Competition at Vino Venue with a Panel of Atlanta Wine Professionals

    Apr 26

    Episode 175 - How to Train Your Palate for Blind Tasting: Celebrating 15 Years of the Annual “Somm Smackdown” Competition at Vino Venue with a Panel of Atlanta Wine Professionals

    Step into the minds of sommeliers and wine professionals to discover what really happens when they sit down to identify wines in a blind tasting. In Episode 175, recorded live at Vino Venue, we bring together a panel of seasoned blind tasters who are veterans of Atlanta’s annual “Somm Smackdown” blind tasting competition. This conversation unpacks the art, intuition, and discipline behind identifying an unknown wine with nothing but your senses. What started as a question from someone who attended the competition as a spectator in the past – “how do you even train your palate to do this?” - evolves into an energetic, deeply insightful conversation filled with real-world strategies, personal stories, and the occasional myth-busting moment. As bonus dialogue and to provide full context for this discussion, we kick things off with Sommelier Ryan Mullins, the first-ever Somm Smackdown Champion, who shares the history and evolution of this competition along with some of his own philosophies for why he continues the pursuit of refining these skills. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned industry professional, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of wine’s most fascinating and humbling challenges. You can visit www.vinovenue.com for a list of all the past Somm Smackdown Champions as well as to discover information about their retail shop and full calendar of upcoming events. FEATURING: Ryan Mullins, Winebow Pepe Fundora, Casa Nuova Briana Pope-Pettis, Court of Master Sommeliers Joe Herrig, Georgia Crown Brian White, Epicurean Atlanta Emily Mendyka, Vino Venue Recorded April 13, 2026 with a live audience at Vino Venue in Dunwoody, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    1h 23m
  5. Episode 174 - Inside the World of Wine Importing and Opening a Jeroboam of Tissot with Thomas Meunier of Authentique Vin LIVE at The Vine Club in Atlanta

    Apr 9

    Episode 174 - Inside the World of Wine Importing and Opening a Jeroboam of Tissot with Thomas Meunier of Authentique Vin LIVE at The Vine Club in Atlanta

    Episode 174 of A Cork in the Road brings the energy of a live audience straight to your headphones with a dynamic conversation and tasting recorded at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA. We continue our mission of making wine more human and accessible this time through a behind-the-scenes look at the world of wine importing. In front of one of the largest audiences in the show’s history and a record-breaking impressive lineup of wines, we sit down with Thomas Meunier of Authentique Vin Selections, a French wine importer based in North Carolina. Originally from the Loire Valley, Thomas began his journey in wine working alongside his mentor, the late Frédéric Mabileau, where he developed a deep respect for vineyard-driven winemaking and the philosophy that wine is made in the vineyard. Now, through his import portfolio, Thomas champions organic and biodynamic producers whose wines express a true sense of place, personality, and purpose. This episode offers a rare, import-focused perspective on the wine industry, exploring the vital role importers play as storytellers and connectors between producers and consumers. The conversation also takes a creative turn, as guests are challenged to describe wines through emotions, memories, music, and movies moving beyond traditional tasting notes to uncover the deeper, more personal emotions wine can evoke. With a room full of Atlanta wine professionals, an electric atmosphere, and a tasting that turned into an unforgettable afterparty, this episode captures the joy, community, and storytelling at the heart of wine culture. You can learn more about the Authentique Vin portfolio and their distribution network by visiting www.authentiquevin.com. Recorded April 1, 2026 with a live audience at The Vine Club in Atanta, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    1h 23m
  6. Episode 173 - A Live Audience Tasting at The Oenophile Institute Celebrating 10 Generations of Sancerre with Arnaud Bourgeois

    Mar 24

    Episode 173 - A Live Audience Tasting at The Oenophile Institute Celebrating 10 Generations of Sancerre with Arnaud Bourgeois

    This episode features a live audience conversation and tasting at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA with Arnaud Bourgeois, the General Manager of Domaine Henri Bourgeois in the Loire Valley of France. For 10 generations, his family has been helping people discover and appreciate the unique terroirs of Sancerre. He shares his passion for being in a role as an ambassador for the region, and we collectively discuss the role of wine education in helping people unlock the beauty of the wines from the Loire Valley. Following in the footsteps of his family of winegrowers, Arnaud studied viticulture and oenology in Mâcon for two years before going on to study wine sales, marketing, and commercialization at the Tecomah center in Paris. He also worked for several estates in the Rhône Valley and traveled to South Africa several times during the harvest season, so we talk about how his winemaking has been influenced by various locations throughout his studies. His versatility allows him to be in contact with production, professional customers, and journalists in order to constantly improve the wines from the vine to the glass. His heart is clearly anchored in his role within the vineyards, but he also recognizes the importance of his business decisions in distribution and production, especially within the current political and social climate. You can visit https://famillebourgeois-sancerre.com/en to learn more about their family history, their wines, and their philosophy in the vineyards. Recorded March 4, 2026 with a live audience at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    1h 20m
  7. Episode 172 - A Live Audience Exploration of Madame Pommery’s Legacy and Bubbles from Around the World with Pauline Vranken, the CEO of Vranken-Pommery America

    Mar 10

    Episode 172 - A Live Audience Exploration of Madame Pommery’s Legacy and Bubbles from Around the World with Pauline Vranken, the CEO of Vranken-Pommery America

    This episode features a live audience conversation and tasting at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA with Pauline Vranken, the Chief Executive Officer of Vranken-Pommery America. This was Pauline’s first ever visit to Atlanta, and she brought a variety of sparkling wines for us to taste from California, England, and Champagne. Our friends at Georgia Crown Distributing Co. had the brilliant idea of pairing this eclectic lineup of sparkling wines with a variety of pizza flavors throughout the night. We talk about the historical legacy of Madame Pommery, her connection to the arts, and how carrying on her innovative spirit still grounds a lot of the work being done in the company today. Pauline earned her Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with a Concentration in Real Estate, Construction and Finance from Columbia University and is currently based in New York City. She says Champagne runs in her veins, so we ask her to also shed light on the significance and current status of the sparkling wine category in the wine industry as a whole today. You can follow @champagnepommery on Instagram and visit www.maisonpommery.com to learn more about their history and current portfolio. Recorded March 3, 2026 with a live audience at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

    58 min
  8. Episode 171 - Planting Seeds for Wine’s Future: Community, Access, and Oeno Camp in Virginia

    Feb 25

    Episode 171 - Planting Seeds for Wine’s Future: Community, Access, and Oeno Camp in Virginia

    Episode 171 of A Cork in the Road explores how access, education, and community can reshape the wine industry through the lens of Oeno Camp, an annual immersive multi-day program designed for BIPOC wine professionals and enthusiasts based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Created through a partnership between The Veraison Project and Oenoverse, Oeno Camp blends vineyard visits, cellar experiences, tastings, and workshops with a strong focus on equity, representation, and real-world industry navigation. This episode weaves together three interviews with former campers to highlight several resonating themes and calls to action. You’ll hear from Janelle Freeman, Assistant Director of the Eastern Area for The Veraison Project, alongside two recent campers: Brion Cephus, a wine event curator based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Demi Elder, a sommelier at Bridges in New York City. Together, these conversations reflect on why Virginia wine country is the perfect classroom for this type of programming, how experiential learning can unlock confidence and opportunity, and why community-centered programs matter at a pivotal moment for the wine world. This episode is simultaneously a celebration of Virginia wine and a closer look at resource mechanisms that can widen pathways, invest in people, and build a more inclusive future for the wine industry. For the latest insights related to these efforts, you can follow @oenoverse and @theveraisonproject on Instagram, and you can visit www.twoupwinedown.com for more information about the programming. ----------------- *** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support this Atlanta-based wine podcast, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and press releases

    41 min
See All (178)

5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

This award-winning Atlanta-based wine podcast shares engaging conversations with wine professionals and culture-shapers. Each episode makes wine human and accessible by featuring thoughtful discussions with winemakers, sommeliers, wine educators, and creative voices from across the wine world. The focus is on the people, journeys, and experiences that shape how wine fits into our lives. It highlights both local and global perspectives making it a go-to wine podcast for listeners who want authentic storytelling and enaging conversations. Named Hue Society's "Podcast of the Year" in 2023.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kelly
  • Show Website
    A Cork in the Road

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