Hosted by senior editor and special projects director James Molesworth
Debut episode, available now, features an exclusive roundtable discussion with Napa winemaking all-stars Thomas Rivers Brown, Andy Erickson and Helen Keplinger
New York, NY (October 20, 2022) Wine Spectator makes its podcast debut with the launch of Straight Talk with Wine Spectator, available to listen to for free via download at winespectator.com/podcast. Downloaded episodes are then playable on all major podcast platforms.
Hosted by long-time senior editor and special projects director James Molesworth, each episode will spotlight subjects featured in the most recent issues of Wine Spectator, along with the latest wine news and trends.
“When I heard the first episode, my only question was ‘How soon can you make more?’” said Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken. “The Straight Talk podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the wine world, giving consumers a personal connection with our expert staff of tasters that no other format can offer.”
Building on the success of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk Instagram Live series, the Straight Talk podcast debuts with a lively roundtable discussion with Napa Cabernet all-star winemakers Thomas Rivers Brown (Schrader Cellars, Rivers Marie), Andy Erickson (Favia, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas) and Helen Keplinger (Grace Family, Keplinger). Molesworth asks them about recent vintages, the controversy over family wine estates selling to corporate investors, balancing their own family wineries’ needs against those of their big-name clients and much more.
Each episode will also feature conversations with Wine Spectator news editor Mitch Frank and podcast director Rob Taylor about timely industry news and hot-button wine topics, as well as a visit from the magazine’s mysterious and beloved wine advice expert Dr. Vinny (senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec).
In addition, each of the senior editors will join the show on a regular basis to comment on events in their tasting regions.
“It’s been a long time since my college radio days,” Molesworth laughed, “but I’m excited to get back in front of a microphone. We’ve worked hard to create a podcast that we hope wine insiders and newcomers alike will enjoy. The episodes will give listeners access to exclusive interviews and additional content that enhances the magazine reading experience. We’re bringing the pages of the magazine to life in a new way. I’m very excited.”
ABOUT HOST JAMES MOLESWORTH
James Molesworth joined Wine Spectator in 1997 as tasting coordinator and was promoted to senior editor in 2004. He is lead taster for California Cabernet and Pinot Noir, France’s Bordeaux and Rhône Valley regions, and Port. Based in Wine Spectator’s New York office, Molesworth travels regularly to Napa, Bordeaux and the Rhône to taste and visit wineries. When he’s not tasting or writing, he’s usually listening to his vinyl collection or hitting the gym.
DOWNLOAD EPISODE ONE NOW
Episode one of Straight Talk with Wine Spectator spotlights the Nov. 15, 2022 issue, and is available for free at WineSpectator.com/podcast. Episode two, dropping later this month, will spotlight the past, present and future of Robert Mondavi Winery.
Listeners can email their questions and comments to StraightTalk@WineSpectator.com, and stay tuned for more podcast segments coming soon.
About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
