Vint Wine Podcast

Vint Marketplace

The Vint Wine Podcast offers an insider’s look into the world of wine and spirits through conversations with the people and producers shaping today’s food and drink culture. From Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine to acclaimed writers, winemakers, and growers behind some of the world’s most celebrated bottles, host Billy Galanko brings you thoughtful stories and expert insights. Whether you're a passionate enthusiast or work in the industry, you’ll enjoy learning more about the wines you love while gaining exclusive access to a wide range of voices and perspectives from across the wine world. Follow Billy on Instagram @billygalanko_wine_nerd for special bottles and behind the scenes clips. For partnership inquiries or guest suggestions, email Billy at billy@sommeliermedia.com.

  1. Unraveling Grape DNA with Dr. José Vouillamoz

    12/03/2025

    Unraveling Grape DNA with Dr. José Vouillamoz

    Episode Description (Optimized for Apple & Spotify) Grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with host Billy Galanko for a deep dive into the DNA, history, and origins of iconic French and Swiss grapes. Co-author of Wine Grapes, José has spent decades decoding grape lineages and uncovering where the world’s most important varieties truly come from. In this episode, we spotlight his new book Les Grands Cépages, exploring 12 major French grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Savagnin and Viognier, while also revisiting Switzerland’s native gems like Chasselas, Cornalin, Arvine, and Räuschling. We also dig into how DNA tools have evolved, why “grape patriotism” often clashes with science, and how nearly-lost vines have shaped modern wine. If you’re curious about grape origins, terroir expression, or the genetic stories behind classic varieties, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: What an ampelologist does and how José uses DNA, history, and vineyard archaeology to study grapevinesHow grape DNA research evolved from early markers to whole-genome sequencingThe true family trees of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot, and othersWhy some regions fiercely claim “ownership” of certain grapes, and when the science disagreesHow Swiss grapes like Chasselas, Cornalin, and Arvine express terroir and age in surprising waysWhy Swiss wines are hard to find but can be outstanding value at the top endWhat’s next for José: ungrafted vines, ancient clonal material, and future books on Italy and beyondEpisode Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 – Introducing Dr. José Vouillamoz 01:15 – French & Swiss Grapes Overview 03:50 – Inside the World of Grape DNA 08:59 – How DNA Techniques Have Evolved 14:08 – Switzerland’s Native Grapes 16:42 – The “Grand” French Grapes (Les Grands Cépages) 18:31 – Origins, Myths & Grape Stories 24:21 – Merlot’s Surprising Parentage 27:54 – Cabernet Franc’s Journey & Chenin/Sauvignon Origins 32:56 – Standout Swiss Varieties & Terroir 34:21 – Cornalin, Merlot Blanc & Chasselas 47:17 – Swiss Wines on the Global Stage 50:57 – Future Projects & Discoveries 54:12 – Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    55 min
  2. Five Questions with José Vouillamoz, Grape DNA Expert

    11/28/2025

    Five Questions with José Vouillamoz, Grape DNA Expert

    In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Dr. José Vouillamoz, one of the world’s leading grape geneticists and co-author of Wine Grapes. José is internationally known for his pioneering work using DNA profiling to trace the origins of grape varieties, revive forgotten heritage vines, and help wineries plan for a climate-challenged future. Across five questions, José distills decades of research into an engaging look at where wine comes from, where it’s heading, and why grape diversity matters now more than ever. What You’ll Learn How José became a global authority on grape DNA and originsWhy climate change and declining consumption threaten the wine worldTwo underrated wine regions: Switzerland & ArmeniaWhy José pushes back on certain trends—natural wine flaws, no/low-alcohol wines, and the “denormalization” of wineHis most meaningful recent wine experience and international recognitionEpisode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:19 Welcome to Five Questions 00:44 Meet José Vouillamoz: A Leading Oenologist 00:51 The Role of an Oenologist 03:14 Challenges in the Wine Industry 04:38 Underrated Wine Regions 07:20 Controversial Wine Trends 10:12 Memorable Wine Experiences 11:02 Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    11 min
  3. Inside Canadian Wine with Master of Wine Geoffrey Moss

    11/26/2025

    Inside Canadian Wine with Master of Wine Geoffrey Moss

    Quality is rising, challenges are mounting, and interest in Canadian wine has never been higher. In this episode, host Billy sits down with Okanagan-based Master of Wine Geoff Moss to explore the regions, grapes, and decisions shaping Canadian wine today. Geoff shares how he moved from political science into winemaking, how production experience informs his work in branding and DTC strategy, and why his négociant label Søren Wines serves as a live test case for the advice he gives wineries. We dig into the styles Canada does best, from Syrah and Cabernet Franc to Chardonnay and Riesling, and how recent extreme winter freezes (including 2024) are reshaping what gets planted in BC. We also look at the realities behind bulk wine logistics, export limitations, and the economic pressures facing premium Canadian producers in a soft global market. In this episode, you’ll learn How Geoff Moss MW built a career across production, branding, and direct-to-consumer work.Why the Okanagan is both diverse and climate-challenged, with styles ranging from cool-climate Pinot to warm-climate Syrah.How recent deep freezes devastated BC’s vineyards, particularly Syrah, and what growers are replanting now.Why Niagara shines with cool-climate Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.How Søren Wines sources fruit from BC to Eola–Amity Hills and operates as Geoff’s “proof-of-concept” brand.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meet Geoffrey Moss, MW 01:53 Canada’s Wine Landscape: Regions, Climate & Industry Insights 04:14 Geoffrey’s Path Into Wine & the Origins of Søren Wines 13:24 Production Realities: Logistics, Sourcing & Winemaking Challenges 16:11 Deep Dive into the Okanagan: Style, Diversity & Key Varieties 23:09 Evolution of Okanagan Wines: Merlot, Syrah & Climate Impacts 30:32 Market Dynamics: BC Exports, Ontario’s Cool-Climate Identity 35:18 Niagara’s Standout Grapes & Signature Styles 41:25 The Future of Canadian Wine 46:07 Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    47 min
  4. Five Questions with Geoffrey Moss, MW

    11/21/2025

    Five Questions with Geoffrey Moss, MW

    In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Geoffrey Moss, MW, marketing strategist, DTC specialist, founder of Lithica Wine Marketing, and the mind behind his own wine label, Søren Wine, to explore the ideas shaping today’s wine industry. Geoffrey shares how he helps wineries grow direct-to-consumer channels, the climate challenges facing the Okanagan Valley, the surprising magic of Baja California wines, why “organic but not certified” claims drive him crazy, and a recent vineyard hike in the Douro that reshaped his perspective. As both a Master of Wine and a producer himself through Søren Wine, Geoffrey brings an insider’s view from both the business and cellar sides of the industry. What You’ll Learn How Geoffrey Moss approaches DTC sales, digital marketing, and wine club strategyThe two biggest issues threatening the wine industry todayWhy the Okanagan and Baja California deserve more global attentionThe problem with “organic” claims, and what he wishes wineries would do insteadWhat mouse taint is (and why he never wants to taste it again)How a hike through Portugal’s Douro Valley vineyards reshaped his understanding of the regionA powerful recent wine experience that renewed his optimismEpisode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast 00:19 – Welcome to Five Questions 00:44 – Meet Geoffrey Moss 00:53 – Geoffrey’s Role in the Wine Industry 01:28 – Key Issues in the Wine World 03:10 – Underrated Wine Regions 05:35 – Wine Trends Geoffrey Dislikes 09:02 – Memorable Wine Experiences 10:49 – Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    11 min
  5. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW on The Wine Palate & the Future of Fine Wine

    11/19/2025

    Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW on The Wine Palate & the Future of Fine Wine

    Master of Wine Lisa Perrotti-Brown returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with a new chapter in her career. Known for her influential tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Wine Advocate and decades of reviewing top estates across Bordeaux, Napa, Australia, and New Zealand, Lisa has long blended deep technical expertise with approachable, consumer-focused insight.  After co-founding The Wine Independent, she’s now launched TheWinePalate.com, a modern, data-driven platform built to personalize wine discovery. Her mission: make it easier for drinkers to find wines that truly match their preferences, with clarity, transparency, and far more than just a score. Before diving in, host Billy Galanko recaps a big wine week in Los Angeles, from a Wines of Hungary seminar with John Szabo MS to La Fête du Champagne with Peter Liem and some of Champagne’s most exciting growers and houses. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Lisa’s global wine journey shaped her approach to modern criticismWhy traditional tasting notes and scores fall short for today’s drinkersHow The Wine Palate’s Palate Matcher uses 25+ sensory and structural filtersWhy faults (brett, oxidation, smoke) should be searchableThe importance of winery stories, vintage reports, and editorial contextLisa’s take on orange wines, climate change, and the evolution of “fine wine”Early thoughts on recent Napa and Bordeaux releasesChapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 Introducing Lisa Perrotti-Brown 01:02 Billy's Wine Adventures 01:58 Champagne Tasting Highlights 04:55 Lisa's Journey in the Wine Industry 07:09 The Wine Palate: A New Era in Wine Criticism 26:42 The Importance of Wine Filters 27:10 Meet the Wine Review Team 28:06 Exploring Orange Wines 30:14 The Role of Wine Critics 33:34 Vintage Reports and Editorials 38:13 The Future of Fine Wine 41:23 Wine Tasting Process Revealed 48:45 Recent Vintages in Bordeaux and Napa 50:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    51 min
  6. Five Questions with Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW

    11/14/2025

    Five Questions with Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW

    In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with one of the most influential and trusted voices in the modern wine world: Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, former Editor-in-Chief of Robert Parker Wine Advocate and founder of the newly launched TheWinePalate.com, a platform designed to help drinkers find wines that truly match their personal palate. In this quick, high-impact conversation, Lisa shares her perspective on the rapidly evolving wine landscape, why communication is the industry’s biggest challenge, the emerging regions drinkers should be paying attention to, and why stylistic “wine tribes” do more harm than good. She also discusses a sobering recent experience that underscored the challenges facing Bordeaux and the wider wine world. Whether you're a collector, a casual drinker, or wine-curious, this episode offers clarity, candor, and grounded insight from one of the industry’s most respected critics. What You’ll Learn How Lisa thinks about her role as a critic and consumer guideWhy wine must evolve its communication tools to stay relevant in an AI-driven worldThe regions and subregions worth exploring next, from the West Sonoma Coast to GeorgiaWhy she rejects wine “gatekeeping” and embraces stylistic diversityWhat the 2024 Bordeaux en primeur season revealed about the industry’s challengesChapters 00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast 00:19 Welcome to Five Questions 00:44 Interview with Lisa Perrotti-Brown 00:51 Lisa's Role in the Wine Industry 01:24 Current Issues in the Wine World 03:03 Underrated Wine Regions 04:29 Wine Trends Lisa Dislikes 05:36 Memorable Wine Experiences 07:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    8 min
  7. Discover Brunello di Montalcino & Il Poggione With Winemaker Alessandro Bindocci

    11/12/2025

    Discover Brunello di Montalcino & Il Poggione With Winemaker Alessandro Bindocci

    Few wines capture Tuscany’s essence like Brunello di Montalcino, and few estates embody its heritage like Il Poggione. In this episode, winemaker Alessandro Bindocci joins Billy Galanko to explore what makes this corner of southern Tuscany one of the most fascinating wine regions on earth. From four generations of family stewardship to the estate’s modern sustainability drive, Alessandro takes us inside Il Poggione’s vineyards and cellars to reveal how classic Sangiovese becomes one of Italy’s most age-worthy wines. We unpack everything from clonal selection, elevation, and soil types to submerged-cap fermentation, large oak aging, and the fine line between structure and elegance that defines great Brunello. Billy also shares new updates on the future of the Vint Wine Podcast, including an upcoming rebrand, a dedicated website, and expanded YouTube content featuring winemakers, critics, and regions shaping today’s global wine culture. What you’ll learn How Il Poggione preserves a century-old Brunello identity while embracing organic certification and solar-powered sustainability.Why Montalcino’s Mount Amiata, Tyrrhenian breezes, and forest biodiversity are critical to balance and longevity.The impact of submerged-cap fermentation on tannin refinement and color depth.How large French oak casks (3,000–5,000 L) keep Sangiovese pure, while selective barrique aging adds finesse.Vintage takeaways: 2019 classic and firm, 2020 open-knit and supple, 2025 shaping up as a potential benchmark year.A tasting roadmap through Il Poggione’s range, from Rosato Toscana to the iconic BdM Riserva Vigna Paganelli.Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:55 Exciting Podcast Updates 02:04 Meet Alessandro Bindocci of Il Poggione 02:42 Exploring Il Poggione’s Wine Range 08:16 A Family Legacy in Winemaking 13:40 The Unique Terroir of Montalcino 19:57 Organic and Sustainable Practices 25:22 Innovation and Winemaking Philosophy 27:57 Submerged-Cap Fermentation Explained 30:22 The Role of Oak in Aging 32:40 Indigenous Yeast and Fermentation 33:56 Vintage Deep Dive: 2019, 2020, and 2025 41:11 Rosso vs. Toscana — Two Expressions of Sangiovese 47:42 The Evolution and Future of Il Poggione 50:42 Closing Thoughts and Cheers The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

    51 min
4.9
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

The Vint Wine Podcast offers an insider’s look into the world of wine and spirits through conversations with the people and producers shaping today’s food and drink culture. From Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine to acclaimed writers, winemakers, and growers behind some of the world’s most celebrated bottles, host Billy Galanko brings you thoughtful stories and expert insights. Whether you're a passionate enthusiast or work in the industry, you’ll enjoy learning more about the wines you love while gaining exclusive access to a wide range of voices and perspectives from across the wine world. Follow Billy on Instagram @billygalanko_wine_nerd for special bottles and behind the scenes clips. For partnership inquiries or guest suggestions, email Billy at billy@sommeliermedia.com.

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