Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings

Nilu Afshar
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A podcaster, a sommelier, and a storyteller. californiatastings.substack.com

  1. The Heart Behind Kubani Wines

    Jan 13

    The Heart Behind Kubani Wines

    Rajeev, the proprietor of Kubani Wines is inspired by a timeless legacy. The art of wine and all things luxurious. Starting with his humble beginnings as an entrepreneur, his journey as a father as well as his experiences while traveling the world.He loves life, specially having an appreciation for the finer things, from growing organic tomatoes, eating farm to table or learning about wine & truly appreciating it. Their wines include varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Petite Sirah. The winemaker for Kubani Wines is a Sommelier and Winemaker by the name of Bobby Moy. He brings his expertise to the winemaking process to craft the elegant and approachable wines that Kubani wines are known for. Rajeev tells us that creating Kubani Wines is a culmination of his love for family, life, and passions, inspired by his children, Shibani and Kunal. "My wines express finesse, elegance, a subtleness, yet bold flavors. What a great journey for a family who knew that this was their passion and did not let anything stop them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    31 min
  2. Cooking Toward the Light | The Story of Chef Jeremy Cabrera

    Jan 13

    Cooking Toward the Light | The Story of Chef Jeremy Cabrera

    Chef Jeremy Cabrera came from humble beginnings and learned from an early age that food was equal to life itself. At the age of 14, he found himself working in a commercial kitchen and immediately he was hooked on everything gastronomy. By 21, he was working in Las Vegas as an Executive Chef. Although this was a short stint, he learned valuable lessons. A while later, he helped open Petras Greek Taverna in Las Vegas.Jeremy believes food should be art — that's why it is called culinary arts, not culinary jobs. To him, food should be a cartoon on a plate. He is currently creating that plate, and many more, at Little Saint Restaurant in Healdsburg, California. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    35 min
  3. Crafting Zero-Sugar Liqueurs at Above Board

    Jan 13

    Crafting Zero-Sugar Liqueurs at Above Board

    Above Board was co-founded by Nicole Slone and her husband, Brent Slone, a San Diego couple whose personal wellness journey sparked the idea.Frustrated by the lack of flavorful, low-sugar liqueurs in the market—despite growing demand from health-conscious drinkers—they launched the brand in 2021 to fill that gap.Everyone is looking for more healthy ways to drink alcohol and sometimes choosing to drink Non-Alcoholic all together. Most creations come from necessity, and that is exactly what pushed Nicole & Brent Slone to create zero sugar liqueurs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    33 min
  4. Mel Heim: Trailblazing Distiller to Whiskey CEO

    Jan 13

    Mel Heim: Trailblazing Distiller to Whiskey CEO

    I’m thrilled to introduce someone who’s redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in Spirits — Mel Heim, the co-founder and master blender of Big Nose Kate Whiskey. Mel is one of the first female master distillers and blenders in the United States, known for her fearless innovation and deep respect for craft. With Big Nose Kate, she’s created a whiskey inspired by one of the most legendary women of the Wild West — a spirit that’s as bold, complex, and unforgettable as its namesake. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    31 min
  5. Ripple in the Kitchen: Jessie Keilt's Sonoma Groove

    Jan 13

    Ripple in the Kitchen: Jessie Keilt's Sonoma Groove

    Welcome back to Beyond the Pour, where we explore the stories, passions, and creativity that flow into food, wine, and hospitality. For Episode 13, I’m excited to introduce today’s guest, Chef Jessie Keilt of Blue Blossom Catering.Jessie has built a reputation in Sonoma County for her thoughtful, seasonal menus that celebrate the bounty of Northern California. With roots that stretch across both British and American traditions—and a dash of artistic influence from her father, a songwriter for the Grateful Dead—her culinary journey is as layered and soulful as the dishes she creates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    30 min
  6. A young winemaker making Old World wine in Sonoma - Madelyn Hille of Schema Wines

    Jan 13

    A young winemaker making Old World wine in Sonoma - Madelyn Hille of Schema Wines

    We are talking to a young winemaker who already has her wine in a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant. Her label is Schema and she is all about showcasing her ability to create Old World Wine from Sonoma County grapes. I can attest she is doing exactly that as I got to get my hands on a few bottles. Join us in finding out what pushes someone to follow their dream at a time when the wine industry is not thriving they way it was a few years back. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    26 min
  7. The Coach to the Wine Experts - Jessica Waugh

    Jan 13

    The Coach to the Wine Experts - Jessica Waugh

    Today, we’re thrilled to have Jessica Waugh, a Las Vegas-based wine exam coach and the founder of JWaugh Education. With over 20 years in the beverage industry, Jessica’s journey took her from sommelier roles at top Vegas spots like Aureole and Gordon Ramsay Steak to becoming a powerhouse educator. She’s passed 27 high-level exams, including the Advanced Sommelier and WSET Level 3, and now uses her neuroscience-based coaching to help thousands ace their wine certifications. Get ready for her insights on mastering wine studies and embracing your unique learning style! Learning how to study is what we all need to figure out. Jessica can figure that out for us and that is why it is so interesting to listen to what her company offers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    44 min
  8. The Story of Cline Family Cellars with Megan Cline

    Jan 13

    The Story of Cline Family Cellars with Megan Cline

    Today, I’m excited to be joined by Megan Cline, a second-generation vintner carrying forward the Cline family legacy in Sonoma. She worked in a Wine Bar one summer in Santa Barbara and got pulled into the Sommelier world and proceeded to pass her exam at 21 years of age. Megan grew up surrounded by vineyards and winery life, but it wasn’t until 2015 that she officially returned to Cline Family Cellars to contribute her creativity and vision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com

    39 min
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A podcaster, a sommelier, and a storyteller. californiatastings.substack.com

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