The Stories Behind Wine

by Napa Valley Wine Academy

Listen to latest episode
The Stories Behind Wine Cover Art

Follow Our Podcast

Recent Episodes

Episode 26 – Andrew Jefford: Drinking with the Valkyries

Posted February 23, 202300:56:09

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Andrew Jefford to have a deep conversation, with a focus on Andrew’s recent book, “Drinking with the Valkyries”. Andrew speaks with conviction on finding pleasure in affordable wines while championing wines from lesser known regions like Liguria, Bandol and Georgia. You will find yourself deeply involved in the people and places in his stories, and each story is a lesson in a wine or a wine region you must know. Andrew weaves must-know wines and regions into human stories that touch on personal lives, regional strife, hidden gems, and more.

Episode 25 – Steven Spurrier: A Life In Wine

Posted January 20, 202301:01:32

In this episode, Peter Marks and Christian Oggenfuss chat with Steven about his book, “A Life in Wine”, his memories of the Judgment of Paris, and the Pinot Noir grape variety. Sadly, Steven Spurrier passed away soon thereafter, yet not before regaling us with a bounty of historic stories and fun facts in this inspiring session.

Episode 24 – The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

Posted January 20, 202300:59:47

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a dynamic force in wine for over 60 years. His books and publications speak for themselves with the seminal World Atlas of Wine and annual Pocket Wine Books being required reading for any wine student. Hugh not only wrote about wine throughout his career, but he was ensconced in the industry, visiting every major wine region and meeting, seemingly, with every iconic producer. If anyone knows the deep dark secrets of the industry, it is Hugh Johnson! This interview looks into Hugh’s new book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”.

Episode 24 – The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

Posted December 28, 202200:59:47

In this episode, our very own Catherine Bugué interviews the world’s best selling wine writer, Hugh Johnson. Hugh has been a prolific wine writer since 1960, penning classics such as “The World Atlas of Wine” (8 editions) and “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Book of Wine” (published annually since 1977). In this interview, Hugh delves into his latest book, “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson”, regaling us with his stories of reinvigorating Tokaj, his love of lists, writing his many books and why the Chinese prefer Lafite over Latour.Link to membership: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/nvwa-membership/ Link to his book: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/the-life-and-wines-of-hugh-johnson/

Episode 23 – Oz Clarke on Wine

Posted November 28, 202201:09:10

In this episode, Catherine Bugué sits down with the irrepressible Oz Clarke. Oz has been a positive force for wine for decades, writing and speaking with both wit and lucid prose. He was a big part of England’s wine revolution in the 90s and 2000s and an early flag bearer for the wines of Australia. The interview delves deeply into Oz’s new book, “Oz Clarke on Wine: Your Global Companion”. See if you can keep up with Oz as takes viewers through a fast-paced whirlwind of wine stories and wine facts.