the grape nation

with Beka Gotsadze (Gotsa Wines), Kim Engle & Debra Bermingham (Bloomer Creek Vineyard) & Manel Aviñó (Clos Lentiscus). Hosted by Sam Benrubi (The Grape Nation).

Pétillants naturels (meaning ‘natural sparklings’ in French) or Pet Nats as they are know for short are all the rage, and understandably so. Often delicious and highly quaffable, they are a very accessible bubble alternative to the likes of Champagne. But what exactly is a pet nat? Are they just fun, easy drinkers or capable of complexity, depth and even age? And is it a distinct thing or a generic term for natural bubbles? Hear from a collection of proper pet nat producers from Georgia, Spain and the USA, find out more about how their creations are grown and made and join them for a tutored tasting of the end result.

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This episode of HRN On Tour was recorded at the Global Wine Dinner at Washington Prime as part of Norwalk Now’s CRUSH. Host Sam Benrubi spoke to Tony Gagliardo, the proprietor of Northeast Wine Brokers, a wholesale wine business in Connecticut. Northeast Wine Brokers strives to bring small boutique and family owned wineries that have a story to tell to the Southern Connecticut area. Tony curated and provided the wines for the Crush Norwalk Now Global Wine Dinner at Washington Prime.

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This episode of HRN On Tour was recorded at the Global Wine Dinner at Washington Prime as part of Norwalk Now’s CRUSH. Host Sam Benrubi spoke to Doug Paulding, a figure on the Southern Connecticut wine scene for many years. He contributes regularly to WAG, an online lifestyle magazine in the NY State and Conn. metro area. He is a wine blogger and the author of the "Wine Tasting Journal" a wine logbook to help you keep track of your favorite wines.

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This episode of HRN On Tour was recorded at the Global Wine Dinner at Washington Prime as part of Norwalk Now's CRUSH. Host Sam Benrubi spoke to Rob Moss, the proprietor of Washington Prime in the SoNo district of Norwalk, CT. Rob hosted the CRUSH Norwalk Now Global Wine Dinner, presenting a four course meal paired with wines. Rob is a local Connecticut boy, and he's been in the business for over 15 years. He opened Washington Prime in 2014, offering prime meats and seafood with an extensive wine list.

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Sam Benrubi, host of The Grape Nation, travels down to the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida to interview winemakers from all over the world. On this episode of HRN On Tour Sam chats with David Duncan.

David Duncan is President and CEO of Silver Oak and Twomey wineries in California.The winery was started in 1972 by David's Dad Ray and Justin Meyer. Silver Oak makes wine in both Napa and Sonoma. The iconic and innovative winery received a LEEDS Platinum certification in 2016 and owns their own cooperage business.

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Sam Benrubi, host of The Grape Nation, travels down to the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida to interview winemakers from all over the world. On this episode of HRN On Tour Sam chats with Laura Catena.

Laura Catena is managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. Laura wears many hats in her busy life. Dr. Catena is an emergency room physician in San Francisco, a 4th generation vintner, founder of the Catena Wine Institute, author, and mom. Laura splits her time between Mendoza, also running her label, Luca, and California.

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The Grape Nation host Sam Benrubi welcomes BBQ expert Carey Bringle, chef Blake Hartwick, winemaker Robert Sinskey, and Stems & Skins' Matt Tunstall to talk everything meat and wine. Both BBQing and winemaking are about embracing our flaws and enjoying the process – this episode is a celebration of these aspects of eating & drinking. Listen to learn how to get creative with wine pairings next time you fire up the grill.