B for Bacchus

Farrah Berrou

Wine stories from the Fertile Crescent.

  1. 06/29/2022

    28. Mapping Out Wine's Origins with Dr. Patrick McGovern

    Farrah speaks to Dr. Patrick E. McGovern, the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia. He's the author of many books including Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture and Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer, and Other Alcoholic Beverages. They discuss the study of wine's origins and when Dr. McGovern's own origins in wine began. Oldest Evidence of Winemaking Discovered at 8,000-Year-Old Village Tapline: Trans-Arabian Pipeline Afikra: How did the Construction of Tapline Alter Life in the Middle East (and the World)? Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    57 min

  2. 05/12/2022

    27. Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself

    After a long hiatus, the podcast returns with the first episode of the long-awaited Season 3. This time, host Farrah Berrou is the interviewee and fellow writer, historian, and Twitter friend, N.A. Mansour, is the interviewer. They discuss the beginnings, the shifts, and the motivations behind the platform and podcast. Some work by N.A Mansour: What Is the Arabesque Kitchen? Instead of Asking “How Are You,” I Ask “What’re You Eating?” When the Non-Muslim World Flattens Me, I Run to Feel Human Again Hazine Blog Season 3 is dedicated to my late, hilarious friend and former colleague, Zeina Mokdad. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    57 min

  3. 08/16/2021 · BONUS

    26. LEBANON - Little Bible Land in the Crossfire of History

    Farrah shares some updates on Season 3 (returning in October!). Plus, she reads an article from a 1970 issue of National Geographic Magazine titled, "Lebanon, Little Bible Land in the Crossfire of History" by William S. Ellis.  Discuss the episode with listeners here. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    44 min

  4. 02/11/2021

    25. LEBANON - Politics can play a part; it doesn’t have to though

    Months after its release online, Farrah discusses the documentary Wine and War with Lebanese wine writer, Michael Karam, who was part of the project. The documentary tells the story of Lebanese wine "seen through the lens of war and instability." The Beirut Banyan with Michael Karam #230 Lebanon's 'Wine and War': An interview with filmmakers Mark Johnston and Mark Ryan Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    40 min

  5. 11/30/2020

    24. LEBANON - The story never stopped, it continued with us

    Back in July, Farrah had breakfast with Christiane Issa Nahas of Domaine des Tourelles. They discuss how one of the oldest Lebanese wineries was established by a French engineer, what it was like for her to work with her dad as the eldest and first of the 2nd generation to join the crew, AND who the artisans of Beit Chabeb are.  L'Atelier du Miel Green Glass Initiative of Lebanon Meet the last potter in Beit Shabab - Daily Star Lebanon Fawzi Fakhoury, the last potter of Beit Chabeb - L'Orient Le Jour VIDEO of Fawzi with L'Orient Le Jour Maison de la Vierge des Pauvres ***NOTE*** In the episode, Farrah said Fawzi Fakhoury was in his mid-80s but he is actually in his early 70s. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    48 min

  6. 11/04/2020

    23. LEVANT - Arak & mountains are like salt & pepper

    Over Zoom, Farrah speaks to Joseph and Marwan El Asmar about arak. Joseph, calling in from South Lebanon's Jezzine, is the author of The Milk of Lions, a book about the history of alcohol in the Middle East. Meanwhile, his son Marwan is based in NYC and continues his father's research on arak now that the book has been published.  The second half of the episode includes snippets from listeners across the world as they share their thoughts, memories, and tips on the aniseed-flavored drink of the Levant.  A Brief History of Alcohol Ancient Egypt’s Toxic Makeup Fought Infection, Researchers Say Jabir Ibn Hayyan Maria the Jewess Cleopatra: The ancient alchemist who quested for gold Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    1h 31m

  7. 10/21/2020

    22. LEVANT - The Abbasids love their glitter

    In this episode, Farrah chats with Joumana Medlej, a French-Lebanese artist based in London. They discuss Joumana's book, Inks & Paints of the Middle East, and whether or not she came across wine/grapes as an ingredient for such things. Joumana’s Illustrated Books Annals of the Caliph’s Kitchens by Nawal Nasrallah Folio from the Blue Qur’an Viticulture Copper Alternatives Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

    44 min

  8. 10/07/2020

    21. LEBANON - Only archeology can give us the right answers

    After exactly one year since the launch of the podcast, we're back with Season 2! For the first episode, Farrah speaks to Dr. Helene Sader from the American University of Beirut about the Tell el Burak Archeological Project and the Phoenician wine press discovered there. Some references: 2,600-year-old wine 'factory' unearthed in Lebanon by Tom Metcalfe, National Geographic The article in Antiquity The Daily Star article about Emir Maurice Chehab & Olga Chaiban by Peter Speetjens A Heritage to Restore by Kerry Abbott, Aramco World Support B for Bacchus on Patreon

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Wine stories from the Fertile Crescent.

Information

  • Creator
    Farrah Berrou
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2022
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Farrah Berrou