Here’s a glimpse of our latest episode, filled with surprising career twists, cultural connections, and, of course, a deep dive into a fantastic bottle of wine. Enjoy!
Check out the episode by clicking here.
From the Courtroom to the Vineyard
Keith kicked off the episode with a playful jab at Alana’s past as a lawyer.
“Who hurt you?” he asked, teasing her transition from law to wine education. Alana, ever the sport, responded with her signature wit: “I always say law school is where I learned to drink.”
Their banter spotlighted an interesting phenomenon: the steady stream of lawyers turning to the wine trade. As Keith noted, “I’ve never met a sober lawyer… outside of the courtroom.”
For Alana, the shift wasn’t just about leaving behind legal briefs. “Law and wine both offer a lens into culture,” she explained. “Italian wines, for example, reflect their love of food—everything is designed to pair beautifully. It’s a cultural cornerstone.”
A Wine Class Unlike Any Other
The duo explored the parallels between wine and law, diving into how legal systems and wine production reveal the values of a region. “You can’t look at a country’s wine without understanding its culture,” Alana said. Keith chimed in with his own observation: “Even something as mundane as label requirements shows what a place values.”
Their camaraderie kept the conversation light yet informative. They shared anecdotes about students who left traditional careers for wine, like a lawyer-turned-perfumer. “This is for you, Stani,” Keith quipped. “Love you, brother.”
Cabernet Franc: A Delicious Discovery
The highlight of the episode was their tasting of a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, the Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Amaril les Malignes.
Keith set the stage with a warning: “Green pepper alert!” He declared, “I love the smell of pyrazine in the morning,” referencing the signature aroma that divides wine lovers. For those who embrace its savory notes, this bottle was a gem.
Alana described the wine with enthusiasm: “The nose is a beautiful balance of dark plum and earthy notes. It’s silky, with a surprising cedar finish. Thirteen percent alcohol—it’s perfect with food.”
Keith summed it up with his usual charm: “This is my go-to Burgundy replacement when my wallet says no to Burgundy.”
An Honest, Educational Approach to Wine
Throughout the episode, Keith and Alana emphasized the value of authenticity. “We’re not about pretense here,” Keith said. “It’s rare in our industry, but we just want to enjoy wine with folks and be honest.”
The pair’s humor shone even as the episode wrapped. “If you give us four stars, I will personally come to your home and pet your dog the wrong way,” Keith joked, sending listeners off with a laugh.
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