<![CDATA[Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings]]>
californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/podcastSubstackWed, 03 Jun 2026 13:05:38 GMThttps://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/7468864.rssNilu AfsharA podcaster, a sommelier, and a storyteller.episodicNilu Afsharcaliforniatastings@substack.comNo<![CDATA[The Heart Behind Kubani Wines]]>Rajeev, the proprietor of Kubani Wines is inspired by a timeless legacy. The art of wine and all things luxurious. Starting with his humble beginnings as an entrepreneur, his journey as a father as well as his experiences while traveling the world.He loves life, specially having an appreciation for the finer things, from growing organic tomatoes, eating farm to table or learning about wine & truly appreciating it.

Their wines include varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Petite Sirah.

The winemaker for Kubani Wines is a Sommelier and Winemaker by the name of Bobby Moy. He brings his expertise to the winemaking process to craft the elegant and approachable wines that Kubani wines are known for. Rajeev tells us that creating Kubani Wines is a culmination of his love for family, life, and passions, inspired by his children, Shibani and Kunal. "My wines express finesse, elegance, a subtleness, yet bold flavors.

What a great journey for a family who knew that this was their passion and did not let anything stop them.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-heart-behind-kubani-wines-0d9f657e310-ea4e-4f80-a314-b8585e10b1d1Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:57:41 GMTNilu AfsharNo1874<![CDATA[Cooking Toward the Light | The Story of Chef Jeremy Cabrera]]>Chef Jeremy Cabrera came from humble beginnings and learned from an early age that food was equal to life itself.

At the age of 14, he found himself working in a commercial kitchen and immediately he was hooked on everything gastronomy.

By 21, he was working in Las Vegas as an Executive Chef. Although this was a short stint, he learned valuable lessons. A while later, he helped open Petras Greek Taverna in Las Vegas.Jeremy believes food should be art — that's why it is called culinary arts, not culinary jobs. To him, food should be a cartoon on a plate. He is currently creating that plate, and many more, at Little Saint Restaurant in Healdsburg, California.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/cooking-toward-the-light-the-story-a6af7266f0c-cc14-4309-888f-f86c861b75e4Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:03:55 GMTNilu AfsharNo2070<![CDATA[Crafting Zero-Sugar Liqueurs at Above Board]]>Above Board was co-founded by Nicole Slone and her husband, Brent Slone, a San Diego couple whose personal wellness journey sparked the idea.Frustrated by the lack of flavorful, low-sugar liqueurs in the market—despite growing demand from health-conscious drinkers—they launched the brand in 2021 to fill that gap.Everyone is looking for more healthy ways to drink alcohol and sometimes choosing to drink Non-Alcoholic all together.

Most creations come from necessity, and that is exactly what pushed Nicole & Brent Slone to create zero sugar liqueurs.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/crafting-zero-sugar-liqueurs-at-above-b8af74be458-9e2f-4c82-abff-cf02d9d3835aTue, 13 Jan 2026 18:44:59 GMTNilu AfsharNo2008<![CDATA[Mel Heim: Trailblazing Distiller to Whiskey CEO]]>I’m thrilled to introduce someone who’s redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in Spirits — Mel Heim, the co-founder and master blender of Big Nose Kate Whiskey. Mel is one of the first female master distillers and blenders in the United States, known for her fearless innovation and deep respect for craft. With Big Nose Kate, she’s created a whiskey inspired by one of the most legendary women of the Wild West — a spirit that’s as bold, complex, and unforgettable as its namesake.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/mel-heim-trailblazing-distiller-to-e358b42bbcf-bc4b-43da-8ff0-5c36d9bd2868Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:54:51 GMTNilu AfsharNo1843<![CDATA[Ripple in the Kitchen: Jessie Keilt's Sonoma Groove]]>Welcome back to Beyond the Pour, where we explore the stories, passions, and creativity that flow into food, wine, and hospitality. For Episode 13, I’m excited to introduce today’s guest, Chef Jessie Keilt of Blue Blossom Catering.Jessie has built a reputation in Sonoma County for her thoughtful, seasonal menus that celebrate the bounty of Northern California. With roots that stretch across both British and American traditions—and a dash of artistic influence from her father, a songwriter for the Grateful Dead—her culinary journey is as layered and soulful as the dishes she creates.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/ripple-in-the-kitchen-jessie-keilts-2cc0223b218-8750-4046-b868-dbea3818d3a1Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:52:55 GMTNilu AfsharNo1783<![CDATA[A young winemaker making Old World wine in Sonoma - Madelyn Hille of Schema Wines]]>We are talking to a young winemaker who already has her wine in a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant. Her label is Schema and she is all about showcasing her ability to create Old World Wine from Sonoma County grapes. I can attest she is doing exactly that as I got to get my hands on a few bottles. Join us in finding out what pushes someone to follow their dream at a time when the wine industry is not thriving they way it was a few years back.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/a-young-winemaker-making-old-world-f36128aac53-b7d7-4253-8d35-0f4ad1c69bb9Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:31:35 GMTNilu AfsharNo1551<![CDATA[The Coach to the Wine Experts - Jessica Waugh]]>Today, we’re thrilled to have Jessica Waugh, a Las Vegas-based wine exam coach and the founder of JWaugh Education. With over 20 years in the beverage industry, Jessica’s journey took her from sommelier roles at top Vegas spots like Aureole and Gordon Ramsay Steak to becoming a powerhouse educator. She’s passed 27 high-level exams, including the Advanced Sommelier and WSET Level 3, and now uses her neuroscience-based coaching to help thousands ace their wine certifications. Get ready for her insights on mastering wine studies and embracing your unique learning style! Learning how to study is what we all need to figure out. Jessica can figure that out for us and that is why it is so interesting to listen to what her company offers.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-coach-to-the-wine-experts-jessica-786ac8cf80e-90d5-44e9-b7e4-dd16a54a68eeTue, 13 Jan 2026 07:17:36 GMTNilu AfsharNo2612<![CDATA[The Story of Cline Family Cellars with Megan Cline]]>Today, I’m excited to be joined by Megan Cline, a second-generation vintner carrying forward the Cline family legacy in Sonoma. She worked in a Wine Bar one summer in Santa Barbara and got pulled into the Sommelier world and proceeded to pass her exam at 21 years of age. Megan grew up surrounded by vineyards and winery life, but it wasn’t until 2015 that she officially returned to Cline Family Cellars to contribute her creativity and vision.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-story-of-cline-family-cellars-969e8016231-4dde-49bc-ad5e-5a1f332ec8d6Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:54:50 GMTNilu AfsharNo2343<![CDATA[Michael Tremblay is a Sake Samurai and he's telling us all about it!]]>In this episode 8, I am thrilled to welcome Michael Tremblay, the Beverage Director at Ki Modern Japanese + Bar in Toronto, where he oversees Canada’s largest sake program. A globally recognized Sake Samurai—one of only about 100 worldwide—Michael was honored by the Japan Sake Brewers Association for his deep passion and expertise in sake, as well as his dedication to spreading Japanese culture. He’s a certified WSET sake instructor, a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge, and co-author of the James Beard Award-winning book Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake. Beyond his mastery of sake, Michael is also an accomplished composer and pianist, bringing a creative flair to both music and the art of beverage.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/michael-tremblay-is-a-sake-samurai-b23f2ad353d-bf07-4d19-b443-a442b1a5c885Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:35:28 GMTNilu AfsharNo2235<![CDATA[Japan has a New Craze; Blending Sake with Shintaro Nakagawa]]>Born in Osaka, Japan, and later moving to Canada during high school, SHINTARO NAKAGAWA graduated from the University of Toronto. My sake world journey began during the COVID pandemic, when restaurants were closed.

With a close connection to a sake brewery and through his advertising company LEAF — which has over a decade of experience in publishing and advertising — he created a spin off and began blending sake as a creative online project to explore new flavors and value. He also felt this was a way to help the breweries sell some of their Sake.After receiving awards in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Milan, SHINTARO NAKAGAWA felt confident opening a sake shop where customers can blend their own original sake.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/japan-has-a-new-craze-blending-sake-87e6cc42a10-abc7-4b29-8a39-5d0010e27ec8Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:18:58 GMTNilu AfsharNo1681<![CDATA[The Art of Winemaking,Denmark to Bordeaux to Napa with Henrik Poulsen]]>In Episode 7 of Beyond the Pour, I sit down with Henrik Poulsen, Danish-born owner and winemaker of Release Winery in Napa Valley.

With over two decades of experience, Henrik blends Old World finesse with New World creativity to craft exceptional wines. From his roots in fine wine retail in Denmark to apprenticeships in Bordeaux and now pioneering boutique winemaking in Napa, his journey is one of passion, persistence, and precision. Henrik shares insights on sustainable practices, wine philosophy, and how he turned his vision into reality at Release Winery.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-art-of-winemakingdenmark-to-bordeaux-97d4e8b2308-58e8-4d51-973c-5a5290effaffTue, 13 Jan 2026 05:12:15 GMTNilu AfsharNo2223<![CDATA[Jack Sporer, the King of The Natural Wine movement in Sonoma]]>Step into the heart of Sonoma’s natural wine movement with Jack Sporer, the force behind Fres.co Wine and Magnolia Wine Services. In this candid episode of Beyond the Pour, Jack breaks down what "natural wine" really means—from organic farming and zero-zero winemaking to building a collaborative space for the next generation of winemakers.We discuss how Jack's deep roots in Sonoma and passion for regenerative agriculture led to his creation of wines that are raw, honest, and expressive of their terroir.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/jack-sporer-the-king-of-the-natural-b1b86d5a198-85a2-4815-ad4a-6cbfc472872aTue, 13 Jan 2026 04:57:22 GMTNilu AfsharNo1946<![CDATA[What it takes to become a Master Sommelier by Matthew Citriglia]]>In this episode, I'm excited to introduce Matthew Citriglia, a Master Sommelier and Director of Education at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Florida.With over 40 years of experience in the beverage industry, Matthew’s journey began at just 14 years old, stocking shelves in his father’s store. By 22, he owned his own wine shop — and by 2002, he earned the prestigious Master Sommelier title. Today, he leads Educational programs, mentors teams, and deepens wine and sake knowledge across Florida's market. Off the clock, you’ll find him staying sharp with yoga or biking.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/what-it-takes-to-become-a-master-1250586cf14-3f92-480c-9cf7-073c365698f7Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:22:07 GMTNilu AfsharNo2582<![CDATA[The Road to becoming the Assistant Winemaker of Napa Valley College]]>In this episode, I get to chat with Oscar Navarro, the assistant winemaker at Napa Valley College’s groundbreaking Viticulture and Winery Technology program.

A proud alumnus of the program himself, Oscar has transformed his passion for wine into a remarkable career, helping shape the next generation of winemakers through hands-on education at the college’s teaching winery. With a story that embodies dedication and opportunity, he’s here to share his journey, insights into Napa Valley’s wine industry, and the exciting future of wine education.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-road-to-becoming-the-assistant-a92f58b160c-e819-41d1-9dee-1e3d94020f70Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:03:17 GMTNilu AfsharNo2499<![CDATA[A look inside Little Saint Restaurant with Wine Director,Laurel Livezey]]>In episode 3 of Beyond the Pour, I sit down with Laurel Livezey, Wine Director at Little Saint in Healdsburg, to dive into the world of wine, hospitality, and sustainability. The rise of the Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menu and so much more!With a Level 3 Award in Wine from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Laurel brings expertise and passion to every bottle she curates. We explore her journey into wine, the rising demand for natural wines, and the growing momentum behind sustainable viticulture.Laurel also shares her thoughts on what the next five years could look like in Wine Country—from evolving customer preferences to the impact of climate change on winemaking. If you're passionate about wine, this is an episode you won't want to miss. One of her goals and mine is to have Stevie Nicks come have a libation with us at Little Saint.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/a-look-inside-little-saint-restaurant-3d9ae5493a4-56d8-4bad-8fc4-e75d8c7f74d3Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:48:08 GMTNilu AfsharNo2252<![CDATA[Florence to Petaluma: Sahar Gharai's Journey of Wine, Culture & Community]]>In Episode 2 of Beyond the Pour, we sit down with Sahar Gharai, the inspiring owner of La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in Petaluma, California. With roots in Florence and a passion for authentic hospitality, Sahar shares how she created a timeless community wine lounge that’s thrived for over 18 years. From her advanced wine education to empowering women in wine and curating wines that tell meaningful stories, this conversation uncorks a journey of culture, resilience, and connection—one glass at a time.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/florence-to-petaluma-sahar-gharais-2e845f77178-cd55-4579-a574-5297560119caTue, 13 Jan 2026 03:32:29 GMTNilu AfsharNo1251<![CDATA[The Americas' Best Sommelier 2025 ,Joris Gutierrez Garcia of Canada]]>Witness the pinnacle of wine expertise as top contenders battle for the title of America's Best Sommelier 2025. Follow Joris Gutierrez Garcia's journey as he uncorks his passion, precision, and knowledge to claim the crown.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit californiatastings.substack.com]]>https://californiatastings.substack.com/p/the-americas-best-sommelier-2025-23a0c93eaa0-16d2-4af5-9350-01141818d20eTue, 13 Jan 2026 03:05:19 GMTNilu AfsharNo2011