26 episodes

The Stories Behind Wine podcast series features the people, places, and history that influence the world of wine. Produced by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America’s premier wine school and a WSET and Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year.

The Stories Behind Wine Napa Valley Wine Academy

    • Arts
    • 4.6 • 52 Ratings

The Stories Behind Wine podcast series features the people, places, and history that influence the world of wine. Produced by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America’s premier wine school and a WSET and Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year.

    Episode 26 - Andrew Jefford: Drinking with the Valkyries

    Episode 26 - Andrew Jefford: Drinking with the Valkyries

    In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Andrew Jefford to have a deep conversation,

    with a focus on Andrew’s recent book, “Drinking with the Valkyries”. Andrew speaks with conviction on finding pleasure in affordable wines while championing wines from lesser known regions like Liguria, Bandol and Georgia. You will find yourself deeply involved in the people and places in his stories, and each story is a lesson in a wine or a wine region you must know. Andrew weaves must-know wines and regions into human stories that touch on personal lives, regional strife, hidden gems, and more.

    • 56 min
    Episode 25 - Steven Spurrier: A Life In Wine

    Episode 25 - Steven Spurrier: A Life In Wine

    In this episode, Peter Marks and Christian Oggenfuss chat with Steven about his book, “A Life in Wine”, his memories of the Judgment of Paris, and the Pinot Noir grape variety. Sadly, Steven Spurrier passed away soon thereafter, yet not before regaling us with a bounty of historic stories and fun facts in this inspiring session.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Episode 24 - The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

    Episode 24 - The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

    In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a dynamic force in wine for over 60 years. His books and publications speak for themselves with the seminal World Atlas of Wine and annual Pocket Wine Books being required reading for any wine student. Hugh not only wrote about wine throughout his career, but he was ensconced in the industry, visiting every major wine region and meeting, seemingly, with every iconic producer. If anyone knows the deep dark secrets of the industry, it is Hugh Johnson! This interview looks into Hugh’s new book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”.

    • 59 min
    Episode 24 – The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

    Episode 24 – The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

    In this episode, our very own Catherine Bugué interviews the world’s best selling wine writer, Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a prolific wine writer since 1960, penning classics such as “The World Atlas of Wine” (8 editions) and “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Book of Wine” (published annually since 1977).

    In this interview, Hugh delves into his latest book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”, regaling us with his stories of reinvigorating Tokaj, his love of lists, writing his many books and why the Chinese prefer Lafite over Latour.Link to membership: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/nvwa-membership/

    Link to his book: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/the-life-and-wines-of-hugh-johnson/

    • 59 min
    Episode 23 - Oz Clarke

    Episode 23 - Oz Clarke

    In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with the irrepressible Oz Clarke. Oz has been a positive force for wine for decades, writing and speaking with both wit and lucid prose. He was a big part of England’s wine revolution in the 90s and 2000s and an early flag bearer for the wines of Australia. The interview delves deeply into Oz’s new book, “Oz Clarke on Wine: Your Global Companion”. See if you can keep up with Oz as takes viewers through a fast-paced whirlwind of wine stories and wine facts.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Episode 22 - Hugh Johnson - The Story of a Wine Giant

    Episode 22 - Hugh Johnson - The Story of a Wine Giant

    In this episode, we catch up with wine legend, Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been one of the wine world's most read and influential authors over a 60-year career. He has inspired so many to pursue further wine education and helped transform how we think about wine writing. His story is complex, thrilling, and inspiring much like many of the finest wines of the world.

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
52 Ratings

52 Ratings

Jenna El-Wag ,

Excellent Podcast, Not Enough Episodes

I love this podcast, as I absolutely adore hearing the backstories behind any wine I consume, and I love hearing the stories about the vineyards of wine I have yet to consume but go on to add to my wish list. In becoming more interested in the fine details of wine, I find myself voraciously consuming any content that seeks to elucidate the mysteries and history of wine and wine making, but so much of that content tends to be quite dense. So, I find myself having to delve into it slowly, in fairly short sessions in order to continue to enjoy it, rather than feel overwhelmed or burnt out from it all. This podcast, however, presents such rich sources of information in the context of storytelling, and I have found this is by far my favorite way to learn about wine, and I can surprisingly recall quite a great deal more in fine detail compared to reading a wine course book. Although I delight in discovering the information either way, the presentation is much more enjoyable when contextualized with stories told by the people who have lived and worked in the world of wine for several years if not decades. My only gripe is that the episodes for this series are recorded so sporadically, it is a shame that I have already made my way through all of them! By far my most favorite podcast about wine and I recommend it to anyone who expresses even the most superficial interest in the beverage, because I think these episodes draw you in right from the start. Great work!

Alexstrath1 ,

Christian helps his guests tell beautiful stories

Would highly recommend this podcast to anyone looking to go deeper into the world of wine and the stories that have brought to us the incredible wine culture we have today

WineladyK ,

My new “Must Listen”

Just listened for the first time. Myths and Truths about Cork. Great podcast! Engaging, informative, well produced. Perfect for wine pros or anyone who enjoys a nice glass of wine. Can’t wait for the next episode. 🍷

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