Send us a text In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria. Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explore high-...
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Send us a text In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria. Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explore high-...
Send us a text In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria. Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explore high-...
Send us a text In this episode of Uncorking Italy, Rob heads into the cool, mountainous vineyards of Northeast Italy—where high-altitude precision meets bold experimentation. From the pristine whites of Alto Adige to the skin-contact pioneers of Friuli Venezia Giulia, this region delivers some of the most fascinating, food-loving wines in the country. Rob explores crisp Pinot Bianco, floral Gewürztraminer, and structured Friulano, before diving into the world of orange wines made from Ribolla...
Send us a text In Part 3 of Uncorking Italy, Rob Clark takes you to the sun-drenched, wind-swept island of Sicily—a region once known for bulk wine that's now one of Italy’s most exciting wine destinations. From the powerful Nero d’Avola to the elegant, lava-soaked Etna Rosso, Sicily is full of contrast, character, and volcanic energy. You’ll explore bold reds, electric whites like Carricante and Grillo, and discover why Nerello Mascalese is one of the most talked-about grapes in the wine wor...
Send us a text Piedmont is where elegance meets complexity. We dive into the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, discuss the mystique of Nebbiolo, and spotlight the charming everyday wines like Dolcetto, Barbera, and Arneis. Topics Covered: Nebbiolo: The grape behind Barolo and BarbarescoTerroir differences: Barolo villages vs BarbarescoOther reds: Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’AlbaWhites to know: Arneis, Gavi (Cortese), ErbaluceTruffle & wine culture: Why fall is magical in PiedmontWine travel t...
Send us a text Tuscany is home to Italy’s most iconic reds—and a few underrated whites. In this episode, we explore the rolling hills of Chianti, the prestige of Brunello, and the rise of Super Tuscans. Learn what makes Sangiovese so expressive, and how Tuscany balances tradition and innovation. Topics Covered: Sangiovese 101: The backbone of Chianti, Vino Nobile, and BrunelloBrunello di Montalcino vs Chianti ClassicoThe Super Tuscan revolution: Bolgheri & IGT winesVernaccia di San Gimign...
Send us a text After years of chasing ghost bottles and lining up at dawn, bourbon lovers are wondering—is the tide finally turning? With Buffalo Trace announcing Eagle Rare 12-Year, and major distilleries finishing billion-dollar expansions, are the dark days of empty shelves and insane secondary prices behind us? In this episode, host Rob Clark digs into the state of the bourbon world—production trends, market shifts, and why you just might find that bottle of Weller, Eagle Rare, or even Bl...
Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark takes you on a flavorful journey from his earliest days brewing Folgers in a basic drip machine to becoming a full-blown coffee enthusiast with over a dozen specialty brewers and dialed-in equipment. Discover how curiosity—and a good scale—transformed his daily cup into a ritual rooted in science, precision, and passion. Rob shares how he built his setup with the Fellow Ode Gen 2 for filter coffee, the...
Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob dives deep into a hot take: You don’t need to chase the latest $90 craft bottle to experience the full spectrum of what bourbon has to offer. From the bold spice of Wild Turkey to the mellow richness of Maker’s Mark, the legacy distilleries—Wild Turkey, Old Forester, Jack Daniel’s, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and Maker’s Mark—have been crafting iconic bourbons for generations. Rob breaks down why these historic ...
Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark sits down with Hector Ramirez, the voice behind the popular Instagram account It’s Wine Thirty, to explore why it’s time for casual dining restaurants to stop treating wine as an afterthought. Together, they break down how a well-curated wine list—featuring high-quality bottles that overdeliver on value—can transform the dining experience, boost customer satisfaction, and drive revenue. Whether you’re ...
Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we head Down Under to explore the rich and varied wine regions of Victoria, Australia. Joining Rob is Michael Lazarou—Instagram’s very own @wines_by_michael—a passionate wine communicator with a deep love for the bottles and stories of his homeland. Together, they break down Victoria’s unique subregions, from the cool-climate elegance of the Yarra Valley to the bold reds of Heathcote. Expect a lively chat on climate ...
Send us a text Ever wondered how to start making great cocktails at home without turning your kitchen into a full-blown speakeasy? In this fun and approachable episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark is joined by his wife, Sandra, for a laid-back conversation on how to set up your home cocktail bar the smart (and stylish) way. They’ll share essential spirits and mixers to have on hand, tools that actually make a difference, and how much glassware really matters. Plus, t...
Send us a text Is it worth spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine? What do you actually get when you bump your budget up to $40—or even $60? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob breaks down the value-packed “sweet spot” for buying wine and why this price range often delivers the best bang for your buck. We explore what changes in quality, craftsmanship, and region as you move from budget bottles to premium picks—and where the tipping point for diminishing returns be...
Send us a text Tired of overpriced appetizers and waiting 45 minutes for a table? Same. In this episode, we dive into the deliciously tempting world of personal chefs — think restaurant-quality meals without putting on pants. From romantic date nights to meal-prepped Mondays, we explore why staying in is the new going out. Spoiler alert: someone else even does the dishes. For this conversation I'm joined by Personal Chef Citlalli Maya, her small business is Fire, Fork and Gather.&...
Send us a text Is wine really as picky as people make it out to be? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we throw out the old rulebook and dive into the delicious, wide-open world of unexpected wine pairings. From spicy street tacos to sushi rolls, fried chicken to donuts, we explore how wine doesn’t just go with everything—it elevates it. Join us as we sip, snack, and challenge the traditional wisdom of wine snobbery. Whether you're a casual drinker or a seasoned sommelier...
Send us a text Not all donuts are created equal. In this episode, we bite into the sweet, sticky world of fried dough and rank our top 5 donuts—from iconic classics to bold, flavor-forward creations. What makes a donut unforgettable? Texture, glaze, filling… or just pure nostalgia? Tune in as we debate our favorites, share a few surprising facts, and maybe stir up a little sugar-coated controversy. Contact or Follow Rob: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com rob@bottlesandbiteswb....
Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we’re diving into the white wines that have been stealing the spotlight in our glasses. From zippy, mineral-driven favorites to luscious, textured pours, these five bottles are delivering all the right vibes. Whether you’re a die-hard Chardonnay fan or looking to explore something new, we’ve got tasting notes, perfect pairings, and why these wines have us coming back for more. Pour yourself a glass and let’s talk win...
Send us a text Which breakfast cereal reigns supreme? 🥣 In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we’re diving into the ultimate Top 5 Breakfast Cereals of All Time—ranking everything from childhood favorites to underrated classics. Expect some strong opinions, nostalgic debates, and maybe a few surprises! We’ll cover: 🍯 The best sugary classics vs. wholesome favorites 🥄 Cereal and milk dynamics—does texture matter? 🔥 The most controversial cereals (Looking at ...
Send us a text The bourbon industry has come a long way from the explosive boom of the 2010s—but where does it stand in 2025? In this episode, we break down the current state of bourbon: Is the hype fading, or is the market simply evolving? With distilleries producing more aged stock than ever, limited releases still commanding attention, and global demand shifting, we explore whether bourbon is still riding high or facing a slowdown. Plus, we'll discuss the impact of craft distilleries...
Send us a text What do we really expect when we dine out in America? Dining Expectations in America dives into the evolving standards of service, food quality, ambiance, and cultural influences shaping the way we eat. From the rise of fast-casual to the fine-dining experience, we explore the shifting expectations of diners, the challenges faced by restaurants, and the trends redefining hospitality. Whether you're a foodie, industry professional, or just curious about the state of dining...
Send us a text Join us on Bottles & Bites Without Borders as we uncork the magic of two of France’s most celebrated wine regions—Burgundy and the Loire Valley—with Vince from V is for Vino. Vince brings his expertise and passion to the table as we discuss what makes Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay so iconic, and why the diverse wines of the Loire Valley deserve a spot in your collection. From terroir and tradition to food pairings that make these wines sing, this episode is a ...
Send us a text In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria. Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explore high-...