Five Questions with Cornelius Dönnhoff of Weingut Dönnhoff

In this episode of Five Questions from the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Cornelius Dönnhoff, head of the iconic Weingut Dönnhoff in Germany’s Nahe region. Cornelius shares insights into his Riesling-focused estate, his minimalist approach to winemaking, and how he strives to capture the essence of each vineyard site. He reflects on memorable vintages like the challenging 2006 and the ideal 2015, discusses the global wines that inspire him (from Georgian traditionals to Australian trailblazers), and shares his thoughts on cork vs. screwcap closures for Riesling. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Dönnhoff wines or just discovering them, this five-question format offers a personal glimpse into one of Germany’s top estates.Topics Covered:The philosophy behind Dönnhoff’s site-expressive RieslingsWhy 2015 and 2006 were unforgettable vintagesThoughts on screwcap vs. cork for Riesling agingGlobal inspirations from Georgia, New Zealand, and beyondWhat’s next for Weingut DönnhoffTime stamps:00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast00:19 Welcome to Five Questions00:43 Meet Cornelius Donoff00:51 Vineyard Location and Varieties01:28 Philosophy of Donoff Wines02:09 Inspirations and Influences03:22 Perspectives on Wine Closures04:14 Memorable Vintages06:09 Future of Donoff Winery06:39 ConclusionThe Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Charles Curtis MW, author, former Head of Wine at Christie’s in New York and Hong Kong, Burgundy and Champagne expert, and one of the most respected wine consultants in the world. With decades of experience spanning the restaurant world, wholesale trade, global auction houses, and private cellar advisory, Charles offers a rare perspective on how fine wine is collected, valued, and appreciated at the highest levels. This conversation spans the evolution of Burgundy and Champagne, the future of vineyard classification, and the challenges and opportunities facing collectors and producers alike.Key Topics:How Burgundy and Champagne are adapting to climate changeCharles' most impactful consulting projects and cellar inspectionsThe evolution of domain-bottling in Champagne and the role of grower producersA behind-the-scenes look at his influential books, including Vintage Champagne: 1899–2019 and the forthcoming Atlas of the Greater Côte des BlancsWhy maps and historical vineyard classifications still matter in BurgundyHis top picks for value in Burgundy—and where collectors should look nextThis episode offers a rare window into the mind of one of the wine world’s most respected figures, blending market insight, regional expertise, and personal stories from decades at the top of the trade.📍 Wine news highlights include:Louis Roederer’s new Brut Nature project and packaging overhaulBurgundy vineyard land prices hit new records for the 28th consecutive yearTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Vin Wine Podcast00:29 Billy Lanco's MW Exam Experience03:12 Guest Introduction: Charles Curtis, Master of Wine03:47 Event Marketplace News06:46 Discussion on Champagne and Burgundy10:56 Interview with Charles Curtis: Career Journey20:40 Charles Curtis on Wine Consulting and Market Trends28:38 Shifts in the Asian Wine Market29:27 The Burgundy Book Project34:04 Evolution of Burgundy Winemaking38:44 Exploring Value in Burgundy Wines41:34 Champagne: Past and Future52:03 Challenges and Trends in Grower Champagne57:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes🎙 Hosted by Brady Weller and Billy Galanko📦 Powered by VintMarketplace.com: Explore one of the largest selections of collectible wines and spirits in the U.S.Follow & Subscribe→ Apple Podcasts→ Spotify→ YouTubeThe Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions, presented by the Vint Marketplace, we welcome Charles Curtis MW—renowned wine consultant, author, and authority on Burgundy and Champagne.Charles shares his expertise on how maps help decode complex wine regions, how vintages like 2012 in Champagneand 2019 in Burgundy are shaping collector trends, and why lesser-known regions like New York’s Finger Lakes and Germany’s Mosel deserve your attention.Highlights include:His top current-release and historic vintages in both Burgundy and ChampagneWhy 2017 Burgundy is a sleeper vintage for wine lists todayThe importance of geographic context in understanding terroirInsights from his upcoming books, including one focused entirely on ChampagneDomestic favorites: Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Finger Lakes RieslingWhether you're a collector, a Burgundy obsessive, or just looking for your next great bottle, this fast-paced interview offers expert perspective in just a few minutes.About the Guest:Charles Curtis MW is a Master of Wine, former Head of Wine at Christie’s Americas and Asia, and author of Vintage Champagne: 1899–2019 and The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy. He contributes regularly to Decanter and other top wine publications.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast00:19 Welcome to Five Questions00:43 Interview with Charles Curtis MW00:48 Focus on Burgundy and Champagne01:34 Importance of Maps in Wine Regions02:46 Favorite Vintages in Burgundy and Champagne05:31 Exploring Other Wine Regions06:27 Conclusion🎧 Brought to you by VintMarketplace.com — your source for the top wines and spirits of the world.The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of The Vint Wine Podcast, we welcome Adrian Bridge, CEO of the Fladgate Partnership, the historic company behind Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca, and Croft. With over 300 years of winemaking legacy, Adrian offers a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of Port—one of the world’s most iconic and ageworthy wine styles.You’ll hear about:• The evolution of Taylor Fladgate and the birth of Port as a global category• How vintage declarations work and why 1992, 1994, and 2011 were standout years• The development of white and rosé Port, including the Croft Pink revolution• Scion: the extraordinary 1855 Port discovered in a forgotten cellar• Adrian’s personal collection of 9,000-year-old drinking vessels• The story behind the Yeatman Hotel and World of Wine museum in Porto• How the Porto Protocol is uniting the global wine industry around climate actionWhether you're new to Port or a seasoned collector, this is an essential listen that connects centuries of tradition with today’s innovations.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast00:53 Hosts' Weekend Wine Adventures02:46 Wine Tasting Experiences in Healdsburg11:14 News in the Wine World13:36 Interview with Adrian Bridge: CEO of the Flag Gate Partnership29:24 Exploring Porto and the Douro Valley29:52 The Yeatman Hotel and Tourism Efforts31:01 Porto's Historical and Cultural Richness32:57 The World of Wine Museum33:43 Personal Collections and Drinking Vessels38:02 The Beauty and Tradition of the Douro Valley39:11 Innovations in Port Production40:31 The Story of Rose Port43:13 The Scion Bottling and Historical Ports47:06 Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port50:06 Vintage Port and Standout Years55:58 The Rise of Portuguese Table Wines57:50 The Porto Protocol and Climate Change01:02:01 Conclusion and Future EpisodesExplore wines from Taylor Fladgate and more at vintmarketplace.comThe Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions, we speak with Adrian Bridge, CEO of the historic Port powerhouse Taylor Fladgate. One of the most respected names in fortified wine, Taylor Fladgate has been shaping the identity of Port for over 300 years. Adrian gives us a concise and insightful look into what makes Port so compelling and what lies ahead for the brand.In this episode, you'll discover• Where Taylor Fladgate sources its fruit and the key indigenous varieties grown in the Douro Valley• What makes Port unique and how it fits into the modern wine and cocktail scene• Which vintages stand out in Taylor Fladgate's history, including 1992, 1994, and the unprecedented run of 2016 through 2018• Why Port pairs so well with dessert and how it is evolving beyond tradition• What’s next for the estate including wine tourism initiatives, a new focus on Portuguese still wines, and immersive experiences for visitorsWhether you're a longtime collector or just starting your journey into Port, this episode offers valuable insights into a benchmark producer and a truly iconic wine style.Visit vintmarketplace.com to explore wines from Taylor Fladgate and other top producers.The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode, Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey returns to the Vint Wine Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the art of hospitality, the evolving role of the sommelier, and the deep connections forged through thoughtful service. From his early days bussing tables after being expelled from school, to building one of America’s most respected restaurant groups, Bobby shares the personal philosophy that guides his work on the floor, in the cellar, and as a leader.We explore what defines a great sommelier, the enduring importance of humility and guest-focused service, and why social media influence is no substitute for decades of commitment. Bobby also reflects on the continued growth of Frasca Hospitality Group, the complexities of operating in a luxury hotel setting, and the expansion of his Scarpetta wine label in Friuli, Italy. Along the way, he shares stories that reveal why graduation dinners and post-surgery guests in Vail can be as instructive as any textbook on hospitality.This episode is essential listening for those passionate about wine, committed to service, or building something with lasting impact.🎧 Topics include:The realities and misconceptions of the sommelier professionThe rising profile of Italian wines and why Friuli mattersHow great restaurants build meaningful guest experiencesThe line between hospitality and performanceBurnout, intergenerational leadership, and cultivating long-term cultureExplore Bobby's wines and more at vintmarketplace.com.For the full story, be sure to listen to Bobby’s first appearance on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bobby-stuckey-on-friuli-making-service-a/id1589282192?i=1000616965191 And our interview with Carlin Carr, Beverage Director at Frasca Hospitality Group: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-wine-buying-and-building-a-wine/id1589282192?i=1000622379169The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

 In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Nancy Irelan, the powerhouse behind Red Tail Ridge Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes. From her early days as a PhD student at UC Davis to leading R&D at E. & J. Gallo, Nancy brings unmatched technical depth to her boutique, cool-climate winery.She shares:🍇 How her science-driven background shapes minimalist winemaking today🥂 Why sparkling wine is the future of the Finger Lakes—and how Red Tail Ridge is leading the charge🌱 What makes Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch, and Riesling thrive in her vineyard’s unique soils⚗️ Insider stories from her time solving production issues across Gallo’s global operations🏔 Her vision of the Finger Lakes as a world-class wine and travel destinationThis is a deep dive into the intersection of science, terroir, and tradition, and an inspiring listen for any wine enthusiast curious about cool-climate winemaking in the U.S.📍 Explore more at vintmarketplace.com📧 Connect with Brady ([email protected]) or Billy ([email protected])Cheers!The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Nancy Irelan, Winemaker and Owner of Red Tail Ridge Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes. Renowned for her cool-climate varietals and sparkling wines, Nancy has made Red Tail Ridge a Finger Lakes standout.Nancy shares:🌎 A snapshot of her 54-acre vineyard featuring Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch, Dornfelder, and Cabernet Franc, all reflecting the Finger Lakes’ unique character.🍾 Red Tail Ridge’s passion for sparkling wines, focusing on traditional methods and site expression.🍷 Inspirations from Champagne, Austrian Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir from Baden, and emerging regions like Baja, Mexico, inspire Red Tail Ridge's style.📆 Key takeaways from challenging vintages like 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2021, and how they’ve shaped her resilient winemaking philosophy.🔭 Her vision for the region: positioning the Finger Lakes as America’s parallel to Crémant d’Alsace with expanded sparkling production and year-round tourism.A must-listen for fans of cool-climate wines and those curious about the future of U.S. wine regions.🎧 Listen to the full episode with Nancy Irelan, available now.The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for fine wines and rare spirits. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.Cheers!The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed wine writer and researcher Elaine Chukan Brown to discuss their new book, The Wines of California is a sweeping and deeply informed look at the Golden State’s wine landscape, past and present.With rare access, firsthand research, and a unique perspective shaped by years of work across regions and with producers, Elaine shares a compelling narrative tracing the evolution of California wine: from indigenous cultivation and early Spanish mission plantings to Prohibition-era struggles, the rise of Napa and Sonoma, and today’s cutting-edge, climate-driven viticulture.Elaine shares:🍇 Insights into how her Alaskan roots and early encounters with Pinot Noir sparked a lifelong passion for wine.📚 Her journey from academic philosopher to celebrated wine writer contributing to The Oxford Companion to Wine, The World Atlas of Wine, and Decanter.🌄 A panoramic tour of California’s wine regions—Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lodi, Monterey, and beyond—highlighting key producers shaping the state today.🌿 Reflections on the essential, often-overlooked role of farmworkers, indigenous histories, and immigrant labor in building California’s wine identity.🌍 Perspectives on how climate change, sustainability, and shifting consumer tastes are transforming California’s vineyards and varietal choices for the next generation.🔍 A behind-the-scenes look at how she selected the influential and innovative producers profiled in her book.Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the centuries-long journey of California wine and the forces shaping its future.🎧 Listen now to explore the stories, landscapes, and people behind California’s most iconic and emerging wines.🛒 Shop California’s top producers now at vintmarketplace.comThe Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!

In this episode of The Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Julien Howsepian, lead winemaker at Kosta Browne, one of California’s most acclaimed producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Julien shares how his path led from UC Davis to becoming a key figure in American fine wine and explains what makes the Kosta Browne portfolio so distinct—from Russian River to Santa Rita Hills, and even Burgundy.🍇 Julien’s journey from economics major to head winemaker—and how a brewery in Pennsylvania helped shape his approach to winery logistics and efficiency.🌍 The regional diversity of Kosta Browne’s portfolio, including Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Rita Hills, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Burgundy.🍷 What makes wines from Treehouse, Gaps Crown, Keefer Ranch, Shea, and Cerise vineyards stand out—and how Kosta Browne brings out their unique voices.🛠️ The role of fermentation vessels—stainless steel, oak, and concrete—in shaping texture, aromatic lift, and style across the range.🔬 Why Kosta Browne focuses on purity, place, and structure, and how Julien uses small-lot fermentation and non-interventionist winemaking to highlight terroir.A must-listen for fans of Pinot Noir, site-driven winemaking, and the evolution of modern California wine & beyond.🎧 Listen now and explore the Kosta Browne wines at vintmarketplace.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:37 Winemaker Interviews and News01:34 Entrepreneur News and Wine Releases04:41 Champagne Masters and Non-Vintage Favorites11:37 Interview with Julian Halian of Costa Brown22:41 The Challenge of Logistics in the Wine Business23:15 Learning Efficiency from Samuel Adams Brewery25:40 Implementing Efficient Processes at the Winery26:17 Specific Examples of Efficiency in Winemaking27:22 The Importance of Organization During Harvest29:42 Exploring the Wines of Costa Brown31:53 The Evolution of Costa Brown's Wine Portfolio39:01 Unique Characteristics of Different Vineyards42:44 Comparing Pinot Noir from Different Regions49:37 Impact of Different Fermentation Vessels51:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at [email protected], or Billy Galanko at [email protected]. Cheers!