Mark McWilliams - A Journey to Winemaking Excellence At Arista Winery

In this episode, Kelli White joins us to discuss her new book, Wine Confident: There's No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine. Kelli shares the key ideas she wanted to convey in her latest work, drawing from the insights and lessons learned while writing her first book. We delve into her role as the Education Director at the Wine Center on Meadowood and explore her thoughts on some of the wine world’s more debated topics. Is there truth to the idea that women make better sommeliers than men? How are generational and environmental changes shaping the wine industry? And why doesn’t Kelli emphasize wine and food pairing in her book?

In this episode, Mark McWilliams, the co-owner and driving force behind Arista Winery, shares his inspiring journey into winemaking. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Mark’s path began 22 years ago with little experience but boundless enthusiasm, ultimately leading him to establish Arista Winery, a renowned artisanal producer of site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California's Russian River Valley. Over the years, Mark has transformed Arista into a family-owned cornerstone of the wine industry, celebrated for its superior-quality wines. From gathering vine clippings from iconic neighbors to mastering every facet of the business, Mark’s hands-on approach and passion for innovation have propelled Arista to critical acclaim and lasting success.

In this episode, Mark Davidson, Wine Professional, author of “ The Wines of Australia”, and Lapsed Sommelier, shares his experience of writing his book, along with the challenges he faced along the way. With over 40 years of experience, Mark dives deep into the evolving Australian wine scene, providing his perspective on the industry's growth, trends, and vast wine selection. He also reveals thoughtful recommendations on wine and food pairings, making this a must-listen for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In this episode, David Way, Senior Researcher for WSET and author of The Wines of Piemonte, shares his journey from specializing in the wines of the Tuscan Maremma to expanding his passion to all of Italy’s diverse wine regions, eventually leading him to write about Piemonte—a region that’s often under the radar. We dive into what inspired him, the challenges he faced along the way, and his personal take on wine pairings.

In this episode, David Kong, the founder of Glasvin, shares with us the origins and fascinating journey of his innovative wine glass company and its beginnings, revealing how his diverse educational background played a pivotal role in shaping his path. We delve into his unique perspective on wine glass shapes and their impact on the wine-tasting experience. Additionally, David offers his personal insights on the art of pairing wine and food, providing listeners with valuable tips and a deeper appreciation.

In this episode, Max Loong, the multifaceted personality behind luxury hotels, TV hosting, acting, and now, a certified sommelier. Max shares his newfound passion for wine and his mission to make it more accessible, particularly in the idyllic setting of Bali. Discover how he infuses warmth and comfort into the world of luxury travel, blending it with affordability in his family-owned hotels. Max also opens up about the balance of managing a busy career alongside family life, offering insights into how he educates his children.

Richard Olsen-Harbich, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the art of wine, takes us into the world of winemaking in this episode. As a winemaker, viticulturist, writer, and artist, Richard brings a unique perspective shaped by years of dedication to his craft and shares insightful anecdotes and experiences from his journey in winemaking, from nurturing vineyards by hand to meticulously overseeing harvests and overcoming all kinds of obstacles. He also explores the ever-evolving landscape of wine preferences worldwide, shedding light on how shifting tastes influence the choices of producers and offering his perspective on the art of wine pairing.

Karen MacNeil, the renowned author of 'The Wine Bible' takes her timeless wisdom into the digital age. She offers a fresh perspective on how we learn and engage with wine goes beyond mere memorization and encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the complexities within every bottle. Through diverse formats, she shares meticulously fact-checked insights, ensuring her audience receives only the most reliable and accessible information. All of this, while she advocates for sustainability in winemaking, passionately discussing her efforts to combat environmental damage caused by unnecessary bottling practices.

Tim and Su-Mari Hill, the dynamic duo, delve into the inspiring journey behind the innovative iLola Tea business. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how this power couple navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship while balancing the roles of partners and CEOs within the same company and their unique perspective on teaching character and etiquette to their five children. They also share their insights on wine and tea etiquette, offering a glimpse into their refined tastes and preferences when it comes to the art of tea.

Sarah Heller is the youngest Master of Wine as of 2017. A fine art graduate from Yale University, Sarah's journey seamlessly intertwines her passion for visual arts with her expertise in wine. Through captivating discussions, Sarah reveals how wine transcends being a mere beverage, evolving into a form of art. Our conversations explore diverse topics ranging from the dynamics of Asian wine markets to the nuances of e-commerce, all while shedding light on the experiences of representing the younger generation and navigating the wine industry as a female trailblazer.