In this episode of 'In Search of Flavor,' Liz chats with renowned wine writer and wine editor of Food & Wine Magazine, Ray Isle, to discuss his recent book “The World in a Wine Glass” and his journey from academia to becoming a prominent figure in wine journalism. Ray shares his insights on sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wine practices, the evolving wine industry, and the timeless appeal of wine amidst modern challenges such as cocktails and cannabis. He discusses the emphasis on quality over mass production and the cultural importance of wine and offers some insights as to how consumers can start to understand the difference between organic, biodynamic, natural and terroir wines.Ray also highlights storytelling in wine writing and the significance of knowing your wine producers. 01:09 From Academia to Wine Writing 05:55 Evolution of Wine at Food & Wine Magazine 13:19 The Inspiration Behind 'The World in a Wine Glass' 21:08 Understanding Sustainable Wine Terminology 38:13 How He Chose the Wine Producers in ‘The World in a Wine Glass' 42:01 The Human Element & Storytelling in Winemaking 46:42 Exploring Emerging Wine Regions around the world (ie not Italy or France) 59:11 The Future of Wine and Its Challenges 01:02:04 Finding and Enjoying Affordable Quality Wines, some tips! 01:05:16 What's Next for Ray

In this episode, we sit down with Seba Zuccardi, the pioneering force behind some of Argentina's most distinctive and terroir-driven wines hailing from the Uco Valley in the Mendoza province. While the Zuccardi family winery was established by his grandfather in Mendoza's Maipú region in the 1960s, it's Seba who has spearheaded an audacious exploration of the Uco Valley's high-altitude vineyards in sites like Altamira, La Consulta and Gualtallary in the mid-2000s. Through intensive soil mapping, he has revealed a treasure trove of grand cru-caliber terroirs formed by the varying elevations, topographies and impact of the Andes Mountains. Zuccardi's decidedly non-interventionist approach produces transparent, fresh, intense yet balanced "mountain wines'' that clearly convey a powerful sense of place (and have garnered international attention like the iconic 100-point Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec). He's a pioneer of vibrant expressions of Chardonnay from high altitude Guallatary and other varieties through innovative techniques such as fermenting in concrete eggs. In this conversation, Seba shares his passion and drive to redefine what's possible from the Uco Valley as a world-class wine region.

(Re-release & Updated commentary / Episode 13 with Guiliana Furci) “Without fungi, no plant on earth would live because no plant is able to live outside of an aquatic system without the fungi.” - Guiliana Furci Soil is life. Without it, we cannot sustain ourselves on Earth. We are losing it, poisoning it, chopping it up with tilling, and with it, depleting the fungi which are integral to it, an intricate system, a web, that connects the plants, micro-organisms, digests carbon dioxide, and so much more. In this re-release of Episode 13, we learn about the world of fungi with one of Chile’s foremost experts, Guiliana Furci, to understand this area of the plant kingdom and how it touches every corner of our lives. Giuliana is the director of Fundación Fungi and one of the most notable promoters of the Fungi Kingdom. Her dedication to fungi has helped make Chile the first country in the world to include the Fungi Kingdom in its General Environmental Law, which is essential for the study, protection and recognition of a species. Giuliana and I discuss the importance of fungi, its staggering diversity, and how it naturally seeks harmony to work with ecosystems. I also share how the newly released documentary Common Ground, tied together this conversation around regenerative farms and the soil, the future of our ecosystems, and climate change in a way no other film has.

South America's Southern Cone exudes an irresistible summer siren song during the end-of-year travel season. While the days get cold, rainy, or snowy in the North, the weather is all sunshine and gelato in the South. It’s no wonder why it’s a favorite winter destination, from Patagonia's glaciers to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza and the bohemian chic of Jose Ignacio's beaches. In this spirited episode, Liz Caskey gives the real skinny on how to approach planning a journey to the Southern Cone at this ultra peak time of the year and invaluable advice for hacking the nuances - flipped seasons, high demand, minimum hotel stays, Patagonian lodges, and holiday closures. Tune in for expert tips, destination highlights, and practical advice to make your end-of-year getaway stress-free.

Shouldn’t your face cream be as clean as the food you put in your body? Ideally yes, but it’s not always the case. In today’s episode, Emily Yeston, co-founder of Doré, joins us to talk about clean skincare and how her company is bringing that to French pharmacy staples in a safe way. Emily discusses her journey transitioning from digital media into the beauty industry with her French business partner Garance Doré and how her own skin challenges inspired her to create effective yet gentle skincare products. She delves into the formulation process, providing insights into common problematic ingredients and how Doré formulates with safety and efficacy in mind. Most importantly, the results speak for themselves. Much like seeking out authenticity and terroir in a fine wine, Doré takes the same approach to clean eating–for your face, which ultimately leads to a glowy complexion.

There’s simply “something” about Colombia. It has that yo-no-sé-qué quality. So deliciously alluring, seductive to your senses, and a joyous nature that's infectious. Colombians also happen to be among the most hospitable folks on the planet. It’s a country full of robust rhythms where the cadence of the people and life is so alive and palatable. In this energetic episode, Liz takes us on an immersive journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Colombia offering invaluable insider insights and expert tips for travelers seeking to explore this diverse South American gem, which is the gateway to the region. From the hip arts, fashion & food of Bogotá to the green mountains of the Coffee Triangle, and romantic colonial charm of Cartagena, she delves into safety, culture, activities, climate, travel logistics, and strategic itinerary planning to give you the inspiration and confidence to plan an amazing trip to Colombia.

In this episode, Ted Lemon, the founder of Littorai Wines and a true master in the language of wine, shares his wisdom, years of experience, and passion for making wines of character that showcase the land--specifically Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. We delve into his journey, whose passion for wine was ignited during his formative years in Burgundy. Ted shares his story of how he stumbled upon winemaking and became one of the few Americans to ever lead a Burgundian estate, and then upon returning to the US soon was drawn to the Sonoma Coast. He discusses the challenges of launching a self-financed wine business, his deep reverence for terroir-driven wines and a commitment to minimal intervention, along with with his decision to transition into a biodynamic estate and how this has influenced every aspect of his wine growing. He also talks about how wine truly is a language and an aesthetic medium, capable of being heard–if we can learn to listen.

Today we kick off a monthly series into specific wine varieties and regions starting with a look into Chile’s clandestine-turned-flagship grape called Carmenere. Initially it was thought to be extinct after the phylloxera decimated Bordeaux’s vineyards in the 19th century. However, Carmenère was rediscovered in Chile in the mid 1990s and since then has been championed as the country’s iconic variety, much like Malbec has been touted as Argentina’s. In this episode, we delve into the origins of Carmenere, why it has thrived in Chile’s Mediterranean climate, discuss its seductively complex, earthy profile as a red wine, what producers and appellations to know as a consumer, and how to pair it with food, and how its affordability (at any price point from entry level to icon) can earn a place in your rotating wine options or cellar.

In this episode, Rodolfo Guzmán, the head chef and founder of the award-winning Boragó restaurant in Santiago, Chile, joins us to share his two great passions: food & chile. Boragó today ranks among the top restaurants in South America and the world, and Guzman is on a mission to bring the diversity of his home country to the world. Rodolfo discusses his early years as a cook in Chile & Europe, bootstrapping Boragó, the ups and downs of being an unconventional restaurateur, how he’s embraced research and experimentation as a cornerstone of Boragó’s culinary philosophy, and finally, how he’s stepped into being a leader in the global culinary space. You’ll also learn why Boragó’s cuisine is so unique and how Chef Rodolfo is literally cataloging every native ingredient in Chile to leave a legacy for the country and its people. Needless to say, when you visit Santiago, Boragó absolutely should be on your itinerary.

Are you a foodie or wine enthusiast dreaming of a trip to the Napa Valley this year? Or perhaps you have never been–or it’s high time for a revisit. Today, our host Liz Caskey, a local Napa resident, sommelier, travel expert and co-founder of Liz Caskey Culinary & Wines unravels the secrets of how to strategically plan a trip to the region. Using Liz’s ‘three pillars’ approach to trip planning, learn to navigate all the ins and outs of crafting the perfect wine-soaked getaway. Learn about everything from seasonal considerations to the impact of geography on wine varieties, the art of selecting the ideal base for your Napa adventure, and how/when to wade through all the logistics. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, Liz's expertise will guide you through the nuances of exploring Napa Valley.

In today’s podcast, we delve into the realms of astrology with Tashi dos Santos, an insightful, seasoned astrologer. We explore the intricate relationship between travel and our life's path, and how astrology can serve as a tool for physically traveling and navigating the twists and turns of our individual journey. Tashi helps us understand the broader history of astrology being tied to the science of astronomy, the essence of each zodiac sign, how to decode our sun, rising, and moon signs, the ins and outs of managing Mercury retrogrades, and how to use Astrology as a universal compass to know ourselves better. Lastly, Liz shares some practical tips on travel to one of the best places to peer into the cosmos–the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

In this episode of the 'In Search of Flavor' podcast, winemaker Rodrigo Romero joins us to talk about his wine personal project, Trapi del Bueno, located in the far south of Chile in the country’s lake district, not far from where Northern Patagonia begins. Rodrigo, whose winemaking career spans nearly three decades from university to working with important Chilean producers in both the Bio Bio and Colchagua Valleys, shares his journey into the world of winemaking and how his love of France's Burgundy region, drove him to seek for a special, cooler region in Chile to plant his own vines and make his expressive wines. He discusses why his non-interventionist philosophy of winemaking is rooted in the concept of terroir (and what that is) along with the distinct challenges and rewards of growing grapes in the southernmost commercial vineyard in Chile.

A conversation with Cecilia Diaz Chuit, founder and owner of the magical Cavas Wine Lodge, a beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina’s main wine region,

An interview with Colombian food stylist, cookbook author, and founder of Casa Velasquez, a brand of 'hosting ware' for your table, Mariana Velásquez shares Colombia’s cuisine philosophy of generosity via her cookbook Colombiana, keen sense of style, and a shared love of arepas, empanadas and the one-pot meals, all to bring this vibrant country into your home and your table.

We are in the final stretch of summer up north, guys, and we all have been enjoying languid afternoons in the shade or by the pool, usually with a glass of rose or a chilled white like...Sauvignon Blanc….in hand. In this episode, Liz dives into sharing her knowledge on Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from appellations, valleys, styles, producers, ideal pairings, some cultural anecdotes, and how to ultimately find a style that will dial into your white wine pleasure. It’s an episode full of practical wine tips so listen in. We also just announced our newest wine workshop entitled South American Terroir happening virtually (or in your own time via the replay) on September 21, 2021. Click here for details and to sign up!

This week, we expand the theme of terroir from wine and our favorite ‘ingestibles’ and weave it into how this concept also applies to our travels. While it’s term is often used frequently by the wine world to denote the place of origin and its uniqueness, it absolutely exists in travel. It’s why we never tire of travel nor seeking out new experiences. Join us to wax poetic and go deeper into the topic with three visionaries in hospitality in South America who have sought how to bring that ‘somewhereness’ to their guests. It’s an episode full of nuggets of wisdom and inspiration.

In today’s episode, meet Rodrigo Soto, a Chilean winemaker who backed into wine, and organic and biodynamic viticulture, almost by mistake. However his slightly rebellious nature and love for the outdoors carved a path that took him from Chile to California and back multiple times. Rodrigo has spearheaded the winemaking initiative at pioneering wineries in Chile & California like Fetzer, Matetic Vineyards, Benziger, Veramonte, and today is the Estate Director for the Hunees family properties in Napa that include Quintessa, Faust Wines, and Flowers winery in Sonoma. Today we go behind the scenes to meet the man who has transformed these wine projects with the power of his conviction in how biodynamic agriculture ultimately yields a better wine.

This week, as many of you are dusting off those travel lists and looking to get bucket list destinations on the calendar for 2022 into 2023, we share some straight talk about the current situation with the pandemic in South America, which is a very different reality than in North American and Europe. We’ll discuss how travel is shaping up in the region as we look ahead to plan trips in 2022 with some destinations reopening (or not!). In this episode, Liz first shares her honest opinion as a travel advisor specialized in the region for over 16+ years and she is using a data-driven (conservative) approach. The talk, which feels as if you were having a personal meeting with Liz, is full of tips, tactics, and insights to help orient as we get back in the proverbial travel saddle. We truly hope that this episode serves you. For those of you ready to take action, check out the resources section listed below to take the next step and make that travel dream a reality. 2022 (and 2023) will be here before you know it!

Today the passionate Laura Catena, president of Catena Zapata and Luca Wines in Argentina, joins us for a fun, fast-paced episode. She’s a fourth generation Argentine vintner and her great grandfather was the founder of the Catena winery in Mendoza in 1902 after emigrating from Italy. Her father, Nicolas Catena Zapata, often referred to as “the Robert Mondavi of Argentina,” helped facilitate the ascent of Argentine Malbec onto the world stage. Hailing from Mendoza, Argentina, Laura became a medical doctor before she started feeling the pull to get into the family business. She took her love of research and science, and passion for her family’s winery, and came on board. She is currently president of Catena winery, her own project, Luca Wines, and oversees the research-driven Catenta Institute of Wine. Laura is a multi-hyphenate who travels, lectures, and spreads the gospel of Argentine wine yet also finds the time to still be a wife and mother to her family in San Francisco.