The Connected Table Live

Tuscany’s western region delivers wild natural beauty and the scent of the sea, passionate, independent winemakers and many tastes to savor. This episode travels the "Strada del Vino, Olio and Sapori” to meet local wine and food producers in Massa Carrara and the Candia Hills, Bolgheri, Maremma and Montecucco. Discover a mountain winery embracing “heroic viticulture.” Tour a world-renowned designer winery. Meet a couple making volcanic red wines in the heart of Mount Amiata and more.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk...

Eat, Sip and Taste the flavors of western Tuscany, its wines and cuisine with The Connected Table. This episode visits
Terre di Pisa DOC, Colline Lucchese and Montecarlo DOC. Meet family-run wineries, Pecorino cheese, olive oil and pasticcini producers dating back generations. Visit the village where Pinocchio was created. Tour a medieval fortress in Montecarlo. Taste and savor local dishes and wines and find out why this region, just an hour from Firenze, should be on your travel itinerary.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4...

Jessica Dupuy is an award-winning wine, food, spirits, and travel journalist and author of six cookbooks, including "United Tastes of the South" and "Tex-Mex Traditions, Innovations and Comfort Foods from Both Sides of the Border." She is author of "The Wines of Southwest U.S.A." which explores wine regions in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. In her latest book collaboration, "Italianity", written with Andrea Lonardi MW, Dupuy explores the unique culture of Italian wines and community.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com...

Texas wines, seasonal peaches, fields of wildflowers and authentic Hill Country cooking are among the many delights to experience on a visit to Fredericksburg, Texas. Settled by German immigrants in 1846, you’ll find history, foodways and other traditions from the old country blended with a chic, contemporary among Fredericksburg’s many hotels, inns, restaurants, biergartens and cocktail bars. Fredericksburg is also a great base for visiting nearby Hill County wineries and distilleries.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radi...

In New Orleans, Café Reconcile serves more than soulful Louisiana cooking. Founded in 1996 by Rev. Harry Tompson, Café Reconcile transforms the lives of at-risk youths ages 16 to 24 through workforce development and job training, giving them skills and confidence to carry into their futures. Café Reconcile Chief Culinary Officer and Executive Chef Martha Wiggins discusses how the program works. The New York Times named Café Reconcile among New Orleans' Top 25 restaurants (2026) cafereconcile.org

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radi...

Lively, crisp and refreshing, rosé wines continue to gain momentum with more quality and variety than ever. Rosé is a large category of wines with few rules, two key methods of production and many styles, from bone dry to fruity, pale pink to deep strawberry in hue. While French rosés remain a benchmark, especially from the south, premium rosé wines are made throughout the world, with styles for every palate preference. This episode discusses how rosé wines are made, styles and selections.

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Victor Owen Schwartz founded family-run VOS Selections in 1987 to bring artisanal wines from around world to the U.S.A. Passion for fine wines fueled his business success. Purpose to protect free trade and advocate for businesses impacted by the 2025 Trump administration tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act took Schwartz to the Supreme Couty as a lead plaintiff in a case against the tariffs. In February 2026 the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unconstitutional.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of...

The Loire Valley is the third largest wine region in France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends west to east from the Atlantic Ocean to the peaks of the Massif Central. This diverse landscape along France's longest river produces many world-class wines, including whites Muscadet, Vouvray, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Savennières, Rosé d'Anjou, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny reds, Crémant de Loire sparkling wines and Quarts de Chaume sweet wines. Many are produced by independent vignerons.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk...

The 7th woman in the USA, and first in California, to become a Master of Wine (MW), Dr. Liz Thach serves as President of the nonprofit Wine Market Council (WMC) which produces heavy hitting research data of interest to anyone in the role of producing, buying and selling wine and building and retaining wine customers. Dr. Thach keeps her finger on the pulse of the wine industry and her eye on consumer trends and habits and other developments that impact the present and future of wine.

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New Orleans is renowned for its oysters and signature dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and Oyster Po-Boys. Established in 1876 in the historic French Quarter, P&J Oyster Co. is the nation's oldest oyster processor, cultivating the finest oysters throughout Louisiana. P&J Oyster Co was started by two immigrant families from Austria and Italy. Fifth generation family proprietor, Sal Sunseri, discusses P&J Oyster Co.’s history, Louisiana oyster cultivation and sustainability and oyster traditions.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (ww...

Spain is the world's third largest wine producer after Italy and France. With more than 100 wine appellations and over 200 grape varieties, Spain offers a diverse range of wines to taste. Tempranillo is Spain’s most renowned red grape, widely planted in Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and other areas. But how familiar are you with Spain’s other major red grapes such as Bobal, Garnacha, Mencía, Carignan (Mazuelo) and Monastrell (Mourvèdre)? Discover these reds, where they're grown, styles and pairing.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.c...

Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia was the 18th century estate of statesman, James Barbour. In 1976 Italian vintner, Gianni Zonin, acquired the estate to establish Barboursville Vineyards, the Zonin family's only winery outside Italy. Barboursville celebrates 50 years in 2026, now with new owners. Luca Paschina, Barboursville's winemaker and general manager since 1990, now serves as CEO and President. Barboursville remains a popular destination with a luxury inn, acclaimed wines and dining.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4...

The fifth largest region in Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its wines, notably its Sangiovese-based reds, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Melanie and David explore a few wine production subzones close enough to Florence for either a day trip or an overnight, including DOCG Carmignano, DOCG Chianti Rufina, DOCG Chianti Classico, and DOC Valdarno di Sopra. They report on their findings from attending Anteprime Toscana in February 2026

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio...

The Moretti Cuseri family achieved success producing luxury goods in Italy. Hand-crafted luxury is also their approach to making wines at their five wine estates in Tuscany and Sicily. Export director and third generation, Alberto Moretti Cuseri, discusses each estate and wines starting with flagship Sette Ponti in Valdarno di Sopra DOC near Arezzo, which his grandfather acquired in 1951 and where his father, Antonio, planted international varieties to make some of Italy’s first Super Tuscans.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Ta...

Tujague's in the French Quarter was established 1856 by French immigrants, Guillaume and Marie Abadie Tujague, making it New Orleans' second oldest restaurant. Tujague’s is where the iconic Grasshopper cocktail and Bourbon Milk Punch were created. It also conceived the first "brunch," originally a generous late breakfast for French Market workers. Mark Latter's family has owned Tujague's since 1982. He discusses Tujague's history and signature drinks and dishes. www.tujagues.com

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Castello Brolio in the hills of Chianti Classico's Gaiole subzone, is home to Barone Ricasoli, documented as the oldest winery in Italy (est 1141) and the fourth oldest family business in the world. Francesco Ricasoli, family steward and company president since 1993, discusses the Ricasoli family's role in originating the formula for what is now Chianti Classico wine. He highlights the microclimates of Brolio’s vineyards and its wines. This show first aired Sept. 2021. www.ricasoli.com

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Ra...

A trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to Porto and the Douro Valle, home to the world’s production of Port wines and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Kopke, established in 1638, is Portugal’s oldest Port houses and now has a stunning, art-filled hotel in Villa Nova de Gaia across the Douro River in Porto. Carla Tiago, longtime winemaker at Kopke, discusses the time-honored process of making Port and its different styles. www.kopke1638.com

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www...

At Penner-Ash located in the Northern Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Winemaker Kate Ayres crafts several expressions of single estate Pinot Noir as well as Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling. Penner Ash was established in 1998 by Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash with a vision to producer lush, layered Pinot Noir. In 2016, the winery joined the Jackson Family Wines portfolio. The same year, Oregon native Kate Ayres joined the winemaking team at Penner-Ash; she was appointed winemaker in 2018.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Ra...

Working in wine and traveling the world to visit wine regions and producers can be invigorating and exhausting. But that doesn’t Yannick Benjamin, a respected New York-based sommelier and co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits. What sets him apart is that manages this all from a wheelchair- with no limits. Paralyzed from a car accident in 2003, Benjamin advocates for individuals living with disabilities. He the cofounder of nonprofit Wine on Wheels and a para-athlete who races in marathons.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) pa...

Michele Chiarlo in Italy’s Piedmont region is a world-class producer of single vineyard wines. The family-run winery has vineyards in the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. Patriarch Michele Chiarlo helped to establish standards of quality for DOC Piedmont and was among the first to introduce green harvest practices in Italy in 1984. His winemaker son, Stefano, continues his father's legacy and discusses the family’s commitment to sustainability and its investment in DOCG Nizza www.michelechiarlo.it

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk...

Peter Merriman is one of 12 chef-pioneers of Hawaii regional cuisine, a movement which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fisherman throughout the islands and elevated the local dining scene. In 1988 he opened his signature restaurant, Merriman’s, in Waimea (Big Island). This acclaimed restaurant now has locations in Maui (Kapalua), Oahu and Kauai (Poipu). Merriman’s casual concepts include Monkeypod Kitchen, Ulu Kitchen, both in West Maui, and Moku Kitchen in Honolulu.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk...

Lisbon, Portugal, is a feast for palate. Portuguese cuisine brings flavors of Africa, Brazil, Iberia and the Far East to its dishes. Examples include piri piri chicken, roast pork in red wine, sopa de mariscos, grilled sardines, Bacalhau (dried salted cod) with potatoes and Lisbon’s sweet gift to the world, Pastel de Nata. Portugal produces a range of outstanding wines, from crisp Vinhos Verde to velvety Alentejo reds to sweet Ports. Melanie and David share their Lisbon culinary discoveries.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy...

Lisbon, Portugal, is a feast for palate. Portuguese cuisine brings flavors of Africa, Brazil, Iberia and the Far East to its dishes. Examples include piri piri chicken, roast pork in red wine, sopa de mariscos, grilled sardines, Bacalhau (dried salted cod) with potatoes and Lisbon’s sweet gift to the world, Pastel de Nata. Portugal produces a range of outstanding wines, from crisp Vinhos Verde to velvety Alentejo reds to sweet Ports. Melanie and David share their Lisbon culinary discoveries.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy...

Doug Frost's storied career in wine and hospitality began a new chapter in 2018 when he cofounded Echolands Winery in Washington's Walla Walla Valley AVA with fellow Kansan Brad Bergman. Frost is the first individual to attain both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certification, He discusses his career as an educator, wine director at the American Restaurant in Kansas City and now as vintner/ owner of Echolands Winery with a focus on environmental conservation.
www.echolandswinery.com

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy...

Established in 1926 by Achille Paltrinieri, family-run Cantina Paltrinieri is located in the heart of Lambrusco di Sorbara D.O.C. in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. One of numerous varieties of the Lambrusco grape variety, Lambrusco di Sorbara produces a crisp, elegant, lighter wine similar to a sparkling rosé. Cantina Paltrinieri produces different styles of Lambrusco di Sorbara. The Paltrinieri family also produces exceptional balsamic vinegar of Modena. www.cantinapaltrinieri.it

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.c...

Alfredo Bertolani founded his namesake winery on April 27, 1925, in Italy’s Reggio Emilia. 2025 marks the winery's centennial. In Scandiano where Bertolani is located, the family helped establish the D.O.C. Bianco di Scandiano in 1976 to protect Spergola, an ancient native white grape variety often used in sparkling wine. Bertolani also produces Lambrusco sparkling wines and is certified organic and vegan. Andrea Bertolani is fourth-generation family overseeing the winery www.bertolanialfredo.it

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4ra...

Travel the world with Melanie and David to discover sparkling wines for the holidays and every day from price points starting at $18.99 (SRP). With a focus on classic sparkling wines made in the traditional method, discover their recommendations from France, Italy, Spain, Austria, England, South Africa, South America and New Zealand based on their global travels and wines tasted from producers and importers. Stay tuned for a separate show on U.S. sparkling wines.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio...

Founded in 1962, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery's namesake founder planted the first vinifera vines in the Eastern United States, forever changing the course of winemaking in New York. In 1985, Dr. Konstantin Frank became the first winery in the eastern U.S. to release a traditional method sparkling wine made from classic Champagne grapes, setting a new quality standard for the region. Meaghan Frank discusses her family winery, its milestones and what sets the Finger Lakes wine region apart.

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Giulia Di Cosimo oversees Argillae, her family’s winery located in the northwest of Orvieto in Umbria. Argillae was established in 1993 by Giulia’s grandfather who initially found success making distilled spirits and grappa. Argillae is the Latin word for “clay,” which also reflects the link between the winery and its terroir, primarily calcareous-clay soil which contribute to the wines' complexity and minerality. Argillae produces still and sparkling wines as well as olive oil. www.argillae.eu

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk...

For over 40 years, Drew Nieporent conceived many hit dining concepts under his Myriad Restaurant Group including Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Rubicon, Montrachet, Corton, Bâtard. In his 2025 memoir, “I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult,” Nieporent shares how a kid from New York’s East Side pursues his dream of working in hospitality and, ultimately, delivers customers memorable dining experiences. He shares stories from (his words) the restaurant trenches and dealing with his chefs and restaurant critics.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Ra...

Produced exclusively in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region between Modena and Bologna, Lambrusco is a versatile, low alcohol sparkling wine. Lambruscos are made in a spectrum of colors, styles and sweetness levels, from pale pink to salmon rosé ("rosato") to deep garnet and almost blackberry red ("rosso"). Styles range from crisp dry and floral to fruity and juicy to semi-sweet – called amabile. A commonality with Lambrusco wines is they deliver a refreshing effervescence and crisp acidity.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio...

A third-generation New Orleans restaurateur of the famed Brennan family, Dickie Brennan is Owner/Managing Partner of Dickie Brennan & Co. whose restaurants include Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse, Bourbon House and Tableau (French Quarter), Pascal's Manale and The Commissary Kitchen + Market (Garden District), Acorn Café (Louisiana Children’s Museum) and Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie Brennan & Co. (Uptown). Brennan is a cofounder of the nonprofit New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI).

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Tal...

Barberani Winery is located in hills above Lake Corbara in the Orvieto Classico area of Umbria. Family patriarch, Vittorio Barberani, began making wine in 1961. Today there are 55 hectares under vine as well as olive groves for making olive oil. Barberani’s wines are produced from Grechetto and Trebbiano Procanico (whites) and Sangiovese Grosso (reds). Barberani also produces Muffa Nobile sweet wines. Niccolò and Bernardo Barberani represent the third generation overseeing the winery

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4rad...

Looking for everyday white wines that please your palate and don’t drain your wallets? Melanie and David went to Trader Joe’s to find 12 white wines all under $10 (total cost under $100). They discuss their selections and share their favorite picks and pairings. Eat, Drink & Explore with The Connected Table.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com).  

The Connected Table Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media...

Ranked among the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S.A. the island of Maui dazzles with stunning natural beauty, sunny skies, turquoise ocean and Hawaiian culture. Melanie Young and David Ransom travel to Maui frequently and share their list of restaurants to try and tips to navigate the island. Though the historic town of Lahaina is still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires, Maui's resorts, restaurants and attractions are open and welcome visitors with their Aloha Spirit.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com...

Volcanic soils account for only around one percent of the earth’s surface, but they produce some of the world’s most alluring wines explains John Szabo MS in his award -winning book, “Volcanic Wines- Salt, Grit and Power.” Szabo became Canada’s first Master Sommelier in 2004. He is a partner and principal critic for WineAlign.com, Canada’s largest wine publication, and a buyer for the WineAlign Exchange wine club. He co-hosts the podcast, Wine Thieves, with Sara d’Amato. Follow @johnszaboms

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4c...

Siblings Bill and Debbie Shore founded the nonprofit Share Our Strength in 1984 to help combat global hunger and poverty. Forty years later, the organization has raised more than $1 billion to provide hunger relief. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign launched in 2010 works to connect kids in the U.S.A. to effective nutrition programs. In 2024 No Kid Hungry’s local partners served more than 374 million meals to kids and families. www.shareourstrength.org www.nokidhungry.org

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part...

The name Scacciadiavoli means “chase the devil,” referencing a story from the 14th century about a woman possessed by the Devil who was exorcised by drinking the local wine. Scacciadiavoli’s history is as storied as the wines are outstanding. In 1884 Prince Ugo Boncompani Ludovisi built the winery, inspired by the chateaux of France. Since the 1950s Scacciodiavoli has been under the stewardship of the Pambuffetti family. Liù Pambuffeti, 4th generation, discusses the history and wines.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4...

Az. Ag. Bocale di Valentini was founded by Giuseppe Valentini in the 1950s in Montefalco (Umbria) "Bocale" is local dialect for the two-liter wines jugs used before the family's wines were sold in bottles (starting in the 1990s). Bocale produces the signature wines of Montefalco: Trebbiano Spoletino, an aromatic white, Montefalco Rosso DOC, a medium red and Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, an earthy tannic red. Valentino Valentini represents the third generation of the family business.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio...

The Frescobaldi family dates back more than 30 generations in Italy and owns several grand estates in Tuscany including Castello Nipozzano in DOC Chianti Rufina. This historic castle and former fortress produces world class red wines and olive oil. But the family is also tied to a famous prison located on the Island of Gorgona off the coast of Livorno. Here, the Frescobaldi is teaching prisoners to tend to the island's terraced vineyards and make an aromatic white wine under the Gorgona label.

The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio...