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It’s hard to imagine any European city with more iconic food, wine, art, and cultural attractions per capita than Bologna, Italy.  Home of the world’s first university, Bologna is a place of higher learning in almost any discipline you can imagine.  Behind every door and around every corner, the old world is displayed in vibrant living colors.  Present-day Bologna is as important culturally as it was hundreds of years ago.  It is an incubator of fine art, architecture, culinary innovation, the performing arts, and so much more.



On today’s show, you’ll meet a Bologna native, arguably one of the most engaged and insightful Renaissance men or women we have ever featured.  He is Robert Condello, a restauranteur, hotelier, and fine art dealer of the world’s most iconic masters, from Botticelli to Picasso.  He’s also remarkably humble, pouring as much passion into iconic Bolognese dishes as he does finding the most suitable collectors to provide unparalleled care for priceless canvases,



Today’s show was recorded at the Porta San Mamolo Hotel, which Roberto has managed and owned in partnership with family members for many years. This hotel is the perfect kind of place to stay when visiting Bologna. It's what we love on Grape Encounter. The hotel is just on the edge of the city's most important areas--in a wonderfully tranquil residential area--but it is a stone's throw from anything you could ever need or want. And if you want to hear the birds chirping, you can spend your entire day at this little garden paradise. And if you're hungry for the best food in Bologna, you can walk across the street to Roberto's restaurant, Antica Osteria Le Mura. This place is where Roberto has combined his passion for great food, wine, and incredible artwork.  best of all, you can enjoy everything at a very comfortable price. 

Once German Military HQ

Roberto has managed the hotel for 23 years and details the hotel’s strange history in this interview.  Originally a church, it became an important German military headquarters during the war. In the  1960s, it became a hostel for families with children in the nearby hospital.  In 2000, Roberto and his family acquired the property, added several rooms, making it one of the most charming hotels in the heart of the city.  Today, he and his brother-in-law own this remarkably tranquil oasis and continue to make improvements that set it apart from conventional hotels.  As you will hear, Roberto Condello is quite a preservationist who does all he can to ensure that Bologna remains one of Europe’s most extraordinary destinations.



David adds this footnote: "I spent nearly a week enveloped by the splendor of this lovely property.  Every morning, I would head down to the Orangerie, where I would savor my breakfast on the beautiful garden patio.  There is a lovely woman who has worked for the hotel for many years who would literally have the most thoughtfully prepared cappuccino ready for me before I could even get settled in.  By the second day, she had memorized everything I love at breakfast time. I want to be clear: I came as a normal pacing customer... not a comp.  Every guest received equally remarkable care.  She and the entire staff are a rarity in these times and I will return to this place as often as possible, to enjoy the care and conversations that set it apart from 99% of the places I have stayed on my journeys."

This week on Grape Encounters, we delve into the delightful harmony between two of life's finest pleasures: wine and coffee. If your day starts with the essential cup of Joe and ends with Chardonnay or Merlot, this episode is brewed just for you! Discover why aficionados of one are often enthusiasts of the other, as we explore how both wine and coffee are similarly savored and scrutinized for their complex flavors and aromas.



Join us as we venture into the intriguing world of pairing—not just wine with food, but wine with coffee. Imagine sipping on a robust espresso alongside a velvety Pinot. We’ll also whisk you away to Italy where you practically need an instruction manual when drinking café.  We'll also turn you on to some revered Italian coffee concoctions that blend wine directly into the brew, showcasing the innovative spirit of Italian café culture.



Italy is also the birthplace of the Moka pot, an Italian invention that revolutionized home coffee brewing since its creation in 1933. Adored across Italy and Europe for its ability to extract coffee with rich, full-bodied flavor, the Moka pot has become a symbol of Italian design and ingenuity in kitchens worldwide. In contrast, we’ll also explore the modern convenience of pod coffee makers which go far beyond the original Keurig pots, and now include some very nifty European devices that feature a variety of pod styles and sizes, such as Nespresso and Nescafé formats, which have transformed coffee consumption with their simplicity and variety, offering everything from classic espresso to intricate flavored blends at the touch of a button.  Even coffee purists are loving these convenient gems!  Joining Host David Wilson on this caffeine-spiked adventure is his delightful Italian assistant Marika, who helps him us to better understand why coffee may actually be more revered than wine in her native land.



This episode is packed with laughter and lively stories, including the 21st birthday experience that triggered David's long love-affair with coffee in the south of France—a memory steeped in the unforgettable taste of local espresso and cappuccino, served by a genuine French maid in an otherwise forgettable hotel. It's a tale of how great coffee can make any moment memorable.



Tune in to Grape Encounters for an episode that promises not just insight but a good dose of humor and heart. Whether you're a wine lover, coffee fanatic, or both, this is one gathering you won't want to miss!  This episode of Grape Encounters is brought to you by Total Wine and More.  Find what you love and love what you find and Total Wine and More!

Although most people might not give it a second thought, there can be no doubt that we are living in an era of human exceptionalism unparalleled in history. In nearly every field imaginable—science, technology, the arts, business, medicine, you name it—humans are achieving what was once thought inconceivable. Consider space exploration: Nearly every month, new spacecraft are launched on potentially decades-long missions with little or no fear of failure. Rocket launches have become so routine that they seldom make headlines. Yet, the satellites these rockets deploy are crucial to our global connectivity, enabling us to interact with the world in previously unimaginable ways.



This connectivity means that when a political figure or celebrity posts a cryptic message at 8 PM, it can go viral by 8:05 PM and become the lead story on the 11 PM news. And this simply wouldn’t be possible without the determination of the people behind these projects. Determined people like Taylor Swift, a seemingly ordinary girl-next-door, who breaks down boundaries and sets new records practically every week. It’s not magic, but it is certainly the result of making a determined effort to understand the full potential of how new tools and technology might be used in ways that even their developers hadn’t fully considered.  As a result, Taylor has been able to conceptualize and execute a concert tour that significantly boosts the economy of every city she visits. At barely 30 years old, Swift marries her song and dance talents with technology to generate billions in economic impact. Her ability to connect with audiences in more vastly intimate ways is surprisingly similar to what is occurring in the world of space exploration, where the celestially-curious can literally climb aboard any number of spacecrafts on deep space exploration missions and enjoy a front row experience that is nothing short of life changing.



Of course, while we love discussing space exploration and Taylor Swift, this is, after all, a wine show. So, you might be wondering, "What does all this have to do with wine?" Well, you're about to see the connection, as we introduce someone we believe could be called "The Taylor Swift of Wine." She made an unforgettable impression on us as a guest last year.  In fact, host David Wilson described it as one of the most enlightening and enjoyable episodes of all time.



We've often discussed the disconnect among wine producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers on this show. Wine is incredibly complex, with an overwhelming array of flavors produced worldwide. Unlike the limited selections available to previous generations, there are now tens of thousands of wines in the US alone, which can be frustrating for consumers trying to navigate this abundance. Enter Jessica Kogan, one of the most acclaimed brand builders globally, known for her extraordinary ability to connect consumers with products.



Jessica Kogan has been a formidable presence for decades, shaping major brands like Donna Karan, Hill+Knowlton, Razorfish, Elizabeth Arden, Urban Decay, and Giorgio Armani. In 2004, she co-founded Cameron Hughes Wine, which quickly gained critical acclaim. Following the acquisition of Cameron Hughes by Vintage Wine Estates in 2017, Cogan joined as Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she tripled direct-to-consumer sales from $30 million to over $90 million. Her innovative strategies have expanded the Vintage brand beyond traditional retail, embracing direct-to-consumer and e-grocery platforms, alongside initiating digital programs like refer-a-friend, shareholder passports, virtual wine tastings, and digitally enhanced estate tasting rooms.



Not only a master of digital transformation, Jessica Kogan also leads the way for women in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, earning nominations and accolades such as Innovator of the Year by Wine Enthusiast...

In the enchanting world of wine, where the romance of tradition meets modern innovation, Grape Encounters Radio invites listeners to tune in to a very special installment of the show, Episode #772. This week, host David Wilson welcomes Allison Jordan, a long-time favorite guest.  As is the case with any of her appearances on Grape Encounters, David never misses the opportunity to tease Allison about her super-sized job title, “Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Vice President of Environmental Affairs for the California Wine Institute.”

It’s a well-deserved title because Allison wears a lot of hats, doing the work of three or four mere mortals.  Accordingly, it would not be an exaggeration to say that sustainability in the California wine industry is as far along as it is because Allison Jordan is who she is; a remarkable leader with vision and drive who has enabled California winemakers and grape growers to achieve a level of sustainability that most would’ve deemed unthinkable just a few years ago. Who better to unveil the winners of the Tenth Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards? Allison is easily one of the most pleasant and entertaining wine experts in the country. But beyond that, she is also able to explain the subject of sustainability as it pertains to the gigantic California wine industry, in a fascinating and understandable way, without dumbing things down. This episode of Grape Encounters is 100% dedicated to the pioneers who blend heritage with foresight in the quest for sustainability.  There are four different categories, and the stories behind each recipient are absolutely mesmerizing.  Let’s take a brief look at each winner to whet your appetite, then you can hear the full story in Allison’s words.

The Leader Award: LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards

The prestigious Leader Award honors LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards for their exceptional dedication to sustainability that spans decades. Since the 1970s, LangeTwins has been the sustainability standard bearer with their eco-friendly practices, including habitat restoration, energy-efficient designs, and solar power advancements. Their community-oriented initiatives, like youth engagement and local collaborations to manage pests sustainably, demonstrate a profound commitment to the environment and the future of viticulture.

The Environment Award: Gloria Ferrer

Gloria Ferrer captured the Environment Award with its regenerative organic practices across 330 acres in Sonoma's Carneros region. By integrating technology like AI to optimize vineyard care, introducing biodiversity through cover crops, and fostering wildlife habitats, Gloria Ferrer not only enhances soil health but also ensures that its vineyards contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem. Their dedication to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing wine quality sets a benchmark in sustainable wine growing.

The Community Award: Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms

The Community Award is deservedly won by Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms, located in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. This vineyard distinguishes itself not only through sustainable agriculture but also through its profound impact on the local community. Initiatives like the Firewise Community program and extensive community involvement in local causes exemplify their role as a pillar of societal support and environmental stewardship.

The Business Award: Vino Farms, LLC

Vino Farms, LLC, earned the Business Award for demonstrating that sustainability can go hand in hand with astute business practices. Located in Lodi, Vino Farms employs advanced technologies for water and soil management, utilizes renewable energy sources, and focuses on employee welfare. Their innovative practices ensure operational efficiencies, cost savings,

In the latest episode of Grape Encounters Radio, host David Wilson takes listeners on a deep dive into a culinary revolution that's been quietly simmering for over fifty years. This isn't just another cooking show; it’s a journey into how embracing a particular kitchen technology—the sous vide cooker—can not only reclaim the joy of cooking but also drastically cut household expenses by as much as $10,000 per year.



David begins by addressing a trend that has many Americans stepping away from traditional cooking—increasing reliance on meal kits and pre-prepared entrées from popular stores like Trader Joe's and Aldi's. He outlines the myriad reasons for this shift: the rising cost of ingredients, the time constraints of modern life, and the mess associated with cooking at home. But then, he presents a solution that could entice anyone back into the kitchen.



The Unintended Journey of the Sous Vide Cooker: A Tale of Serendipity and Culinary Innovation



The centerpiece of this week's episode is the sous vide cooker, a device about the size and weight of a hairdryer that has never seen the widespread adoption it deserves. David takes the audience through the fascinating history of this cooking method, marked by serendipity and innovation.



Our story begins with two men, Georges Pralus and Bruno Goussault, who in the mid-20th century, each sought to solve a culinary problem unrelated to what sous vide would eventually become. Pralus, a French chef, aimed to cook foie gras without losing too much fat, while Goussault, a scientist, wanted to enhance the tenderness of beef and address storage and stability issues that frequently plague institutional food producers.  Their separate quests converged as they realized the potential of their methods—cooking food sealed in airtight plastic bags in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. This technique, which they refined collaboratively, emerged not only as a method for preserving taste, texture, and nutritional value but also as a significant leap in culinary efficiency and convenience.



The Happy Accident That Changed Cooking



David eloquently describes sous vide as a happy accident—an innovation that neither inventor initially aimed to create but which has revolutionized cooking. The benefits are numerous: precision cooking ensures perfect results every time, sealed bags lock in flavor and moisture, and the process itself requires less energy and greatly reduces kitchen clean-up.



However, despite these advantages, the sous vide cooker remains underutilized, often perceived as too complex or costly for home use. David dispels these myths, promoting the sous vide method as not only accessible but also a transformational tool that simplifies cooking, reduces costs, and enhances the culinary experience.



A Call to Action: Embrace the Future of Cooking



David concludes by urging listeners to open their kitchens and minds to the sous vide cooker. He emphasizes that this technology, once embraced, can save significant money, reduce cooking and cleaning time, and elevate the quality of meals—enabling anyone to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.



This powerful episode of Grape Encounters Radio not only educates but also inspires, promising listeners that they can realize most of these benefits in just a single day—a potential game changer for any home cook.  Grape Encounters is brought to you by Total Wine & More!  Find what you love, and love what you find, at TotalWine.com!

It’s back!  We don't run many repeats, but when we do, they have to be mighty special... and this hour-long kitchen table conversation with #1 best-selling author Natalie MacLean--arguably America's finest wine and food author--is just a click away. Natalie’s new release, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much, is our most downloaded episode of Grape Encounters this year.

HOST DAVID WILSON SAYS:

For many years, I have been telling you that Natalie epitomizes what a great food critic and author is. From her poignant and profoundly insightful wine reviews to her mesmerizing best-selling epistles, Natalie MacLean is essential reading for anyone who calls themselves a foodie or wine enthusiast.  In all that she does, this beloved author is spot on... and once you start reading any one of her works, it's nearly impossible to set it down. But it's one thing to read her words and quite another thing to listen to her insights straight from her lips. That's why this deeply intimate conversation with Natalie was such a tremendous privilege and treat.  The only thing that I can recall looking forward to as much was my first trip to Disneyland at age 6.

Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much… is easily the summer’s number one read in the food and wine category, but don’t let the whimsical title lead you to believe this is a lighthearted tribute to your favorite drink.  Quite the opposite.  Natalie’s latest work is raw, daring, and deeply disturbing at times, as she shares experiences that most people in her shoes would keep tightly bottled up and stashed in the darkest corner of the cellar, where it is to remain unopened for an eternity. Sadly, there has long been a dark side to the wine business, and as one of the industry's most revered critics, she often had to face the full force of foes determined to dethrone her.

Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much (Dundurn Press) is a powerful memoir of how one woman resurrects her life and career in the glamorous but sexist wine industry. The story begins with her husband of twenty years, a high-powered CEO, demanding a divorce. Then an online mob of rivals comes for her career.

Wavering between depression and determination, she must fight for her son, rebuild her career, and salvage her self-worth using her superpowers: heart, humor, and an uncanny ability to pair wine and food. Natalie confronts her insider role in the slick marketing encouraging women to drink too much while she battles the veiled misogyny of the wine world. However, Natalie eventually prevails after all the misery that others put her through, and she joins us to tell her story with the warmth of a lick on the cheek from a Golden Retriever puppy! Grape Encounters is brought to you by Total Wine & More!  Find what you love, and love what you find, at TotalWine.com!