Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings

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  Wine Tasting on an open air Trolley 16.08.2026 13хв

  Episode 29 is super fun as we spend all day visiting wineries in Sonoma Valley which is basically the Carneros area. The trolley does a number of tours but this one was really different with a full sit down lunch at one of the wineries. I feel like I am always visiting wineries because I need to stay up to date but there are still so many I have not got to. Listening to the history and driving throught the backroads on a beatiful summers day, really emphasizes the beauty of Sonoma County. Of course there is so much more to see than just wineries, but they are truly a piece of art. Also if you are thinking of booking with them use PROMO: Californiatastings to get 10% off at checkout for a day tour. While you are here, don't forget to take a 2 Hour wine class with us so you feel like a pro when you visit the wineries. Cheers and don't forget to subscibe to our channel as we would love to bring you more fun experiences.
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  Tasting a GSM from Cotes du Rhone is like being at a day spa 11.08.2026 51хв

  In this episode, Nilu Afshar, the host of Beyond the Pour podcast chats about French wine with our guest, Henrik Poulsen. This is another episode of France in a Glass and for this episode I pick up a bottle of 2023 Gabriel Meffre, Cotes du Rhone Village, Saint Mapalis, Plan de Dieu. This is that blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. We talk about the area, how the climate affects the vines and what a great price point this bottle has. As always we are tasting and talking about a bottle of French wine that to us is very well priced and tastes great. So next time you are out at the store, you may want to grab a bottle and show off a little of your French label knowledge because why not?
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  A Sommelier's journey finding her palate Down Under in New Zealand 11.08.2026 58хв

  In this episode, Nilu Afshar, host of Beyond the Pour podcast gets to chat with an up and coming Sommelier in New Zealand. Her name is Samira Kakh and she completely immersed in the world of wine education and moving up the ladder of difficult exams. She talks to us about Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and what New Zealanders want to be known for. They do not like to be called Laid back and want to be known to be intense. They are pretty serious in whatever they do. We talked about a number of restaurants being awarded Michellin Stars and what it means for the country. When you listen to this episode you see what hard work looks like and what dedication to become one of the top Sommeliers in New Zealand looks like.
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  Jason Kho, the CEO who has made an art out of getting wine permits & liquour licenses 11.08.2026 46хв

  In this episode, Nilu Afshar, the host of Beyond the Pour podcast gets to chat with Jason Kho who owns a liquour licensing business. What Jason and his team do is maneouvre around all the obstacles and paperwork you would need to get permits for wine, beer, and spirits. It is a job that none of us want to do and he does it with ease and grace. Asking him about what he sees in 2026 as problems for the wine world and what it will take to change for the better. A great conversation that you do not want to miss!
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  Pouilly Fuisse on a French label is actually telling you "I'm a Chardonnay" 11.08.2026 44хв

  Hosted by me, Nilu Afshar the host of Beyond the Pour podcast, and my guest is Henrik Poulsen of Release Winery. We explore the elegance, structure, and global influence of Burgundy. Our goal as always is to find really great bottles from France, that are very well priced. We also want wines we can find in California. We like to compare what we see in Napa and Sonoma with what we see in France.
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  BEAUJOLAIS Moulin-a-Vent, a red wine that tastes like cherries and bubble gum! 15.04.2026 31хв

  In this episode, we chat through the region’s unique character, the role of the Gamay grape, and what makes Beaujolais so much more than its reputation. Together, we explore the famous Crus, highlighting what sets each one apart, with a special focus on the structure and depth of Moulin-à-Vent.
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  Chablis - You mean that's a Chardonnay too? 23.02.2026 35хв

  Nilu, owner of California Tastings sits down with Henrik Poulsen of Release winery.In our new series called "France in a Glass" we are hand-picking French wines that we have enjoyed in the past and tasting them together.These wines are under $50. As we taste we like to talk about the area that the grapes come from, and how the soil and weather affect the final flavors in the bottle.This conversation is about "Chablis" which is the northern part of Bourgogne. It is abut 80 miles away from Champagne and the soil is quite unique. It is rich in limestone and clay with fossilized oyster shells. That's why Chablis wines are known for their crispness, high acidity and distinctive minerality.They often have notes of apple, citrus, and clean, pure finish. This unique combination makes Chablis wines stand out among Chardonnays of the world.
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  Behind Napa's Vineyards: A Diner with a twist - "George and Kin's". 13.04.2026 25хв

  In this episode, I sit down with Ben Koenig IV to talk about his exciting new venture, George and Kin’s Diner—bringing a fresh diner concept to Napa, where you don’t see many spots like this. After 10 successful years running Heritage Eats with his wife Ali, Ben is taking things in a new direction while staying rooted in the same location. We dive into what inspired the shift, the challenges of evolving a well-loved restaurant, and what guests can expect from this new chapter. It’s a great conversation about risk, creativity, and redefining what a Napa dining experience can be. Give it a listen and let me know what you think...... By the way there may or may not be some croaking going on in the background, as Ben was running to an event, and stopped at a golf course to talk with me..... LOL! This is what makes our conversations so real, and raw because it is real life, and we are here for it! follow along and join the ride!
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  Unlocking The Secret Wine Door: A Hidden Gem in Paris 13.04.2026 38хв

  In Episode 21 of Season 2, I get a chance to talk to Erwan Leo, who opened a Tasting Room/Wine Shop in Paris, France, called "The Secret Wine Door" just before Covid. That did not stop him from pursuing his dreams! Online wine classes are where he started talking about France's small producers, and later back in his fun and cozy Tasting Room on the 15th Arrondissement. He only offers 2 classes a day, and these classes are held by Erwan himself, where he pours 6 different French wines, and pairs them with local cheeses. He told me reservations are made a good week prior to the date. Erwan is on his path to becoming a "Master of Wine" which means he would be one of approximately 400 people in the world to achieve this prestigious title. He is at level 4 and says he has to get through the last level to accomplish this. I learned his style of teaching, his views on Natural wine, and his unique Wine Club. He gave us some great tips on relaxing by the Seine River & the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of wine, cheese and of course a baguette or two. This conversation will take you to Paris and is one that invites you to grab a bottle of wine, stroll past quaint boutiques, and let the Eiffel Tower guide your daydreams! I hope you enjoy out chat as much as I enjoyed the conversation.
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  Derek Bromley of OHM Coffee Roasters -The Power of the Perfect Brew 03.03.2026 48хв

  In this episode, we explore Derek Bromley's passion for crafting the perfect cup, how OHM got its name, his band "Mama Said" and how his background as a sommelier has allowed him to blend wine, coffee and guitar riffs. At Ohm Coffee, every roast strikes the perfect chord between craftsmanship and creativity. Founded by guitarist and sommelier Derek Bromley, the roastery is inspired by the world of vintage guitar amps — where tone, balance, and intensity matter just as much as they do in a great cup of coffee. Just as Derek carefully selects notes and nuances when playing guitar, he approaches coffee with the same refined palate he developed as a sommelier. Each blend is thoughtfully chosen and named according to its intensity — from smooth, low-voltage profiles to bold, high-ohm roasts — reflecting the depth, character, and complexity inside every bag. For Derek, roasting coffee is like composing music or pairing fine wine: it’s about harmony, structure, and feeling. Ohm Coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about flavor turned up to eleven. Derek says coffee amps you up! He and his wife, Jennifer Knight who is the Creative Director of OHM coffee roasters are bringing it all together from music, coffee and community!
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  Allo Gilinsky, Sonoma County’s Beer Concierge rings in Brews & Bites 24.02.2026 22хв

  Allo Gilinsky is a Sonoma County native and Certified Cicerone with 10 years of front-of-house hospitality experience. He has engaged people online and founded his own business, with a persona widely known as "The Craft Beer Concierge". His favorite thing about the world of beer besides the liquid itself, is the community it cultivates and stories behind the glass. He once worked at Russian River Windsor leading tours and credits his time there for spurring his beer education passion. You can almost always find him waxing poetic about lagers and sipping Saisons, and other great beers around Sonoma County. He is a Certified Cicerone, which is similar to a Certified Sommelier in the wine world. That means he has tasted a lot of beer and can distinguish the aromas and flavors between them.
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  When 3 Generations of Latina Women show Napa how Rose is made well 10.02.2026 30хв

  🌟 About Vanessa Robledo | Vintner’s Diary 🌟 Vanessa Robledo and her daughter Jocelyn Robledo were kind enough to join us on this episode of Beyond the Pour by California Tastings. Vanessa Robledo is a trailblazing winemaker and entrepreneur. The fourth of nine children of Maria and Reynaldo Robledo, Vanessa helped found and manage Robledo Family Winery in Sonoma before becoming the managing partner of Black Coyote, a Black-owned winery in Napa Valley. In 2015, she helped her mother launch Maria de Luz Wine Company, selling premium grapes, and also founded Vanessa Robledo Wine Consulting. Today, she is the founder and owner of Vintner’s Diary, a brand dedicated to making wine simple and approachable. As Sonoma Woman Magazine says: "Vanessa is not only the American dream personified, she is reinventing that dream as she goes along, serving as a bridge over cultures, gender, wine industry, age, and family stereotypes."
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  The Heart Behind Kubani Wines is a family creating a wine legacy 13.01.2026 31хв

  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.
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  Cooking Toward the Light | The Story of Chef Jeremy Cabrera 13.01.2026 34хв

  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.
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  Crafting Zero-Sugar Liqueurs at Above Board 13.01.2026 33хв

  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.
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  Mel Heim: Trailblazing Distiller to Whiskey CEO 13.01.2026 30хв

  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.
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  Ripple in the Kitchen: Jessie Keilt's Sonoma Groove 13.01.2026 29хв

  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.
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  Making Old World wine in Sonoma - Schema Wines 13.01.2026 25хв

  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.
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  The Coach to the Wine Experts - Jessica Waugh 13.01.2026 43хв

  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.
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  The Story of Cline Family Cellars with Megan Cline 13.01.2026 39хв

  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.