DOTJ - Drinking On The Job
DOTJ- 'Drinking On The Job' is a toast to the culture of food, wine and life. It’s like you’re one barstool away from a conversation you can’t stop listening to. Grab a glass before last call.
Episode 315: A historical dive into where the wine world went wrong. Justine Belle Lambright and Kalche Wine Cooperative are on a mission to give wine back to the people.
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Kalche Wine Cooperative is helping lead the way toward a new, sustainable, worker-designed economy. Their farming and production practices pay tribute to the pan-cultural origins of winemaking by preserving the bounty our environment provides. They embrace hybrid grapes, local fruits, and innovative fermentation methods to maximize resourcefulness, reduce environmental impact, and minimize waste. It’s a fascinating history lesson for every wine lover.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
EP 314:A DOTJ CLASSIC from the archives. Andre Mack is everywhere. Enjoy...
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Andre Mack defines true entrepreneurship. He doesn’t go around obstacles. He walks through them... from restaurants to wine and spirits brands there is no stopping him.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 313: Author Robin Robinson joins me to discuss his new book, The History of Whiskey. Reading it is like experiencing a Ken Burns documentary—only in a glass.
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Why is whiskey sometimes spelled without the "e"? Who makes the better whiskey—the Scots or the Irish? Did explorers really uncover three lost cases of Ernest Shackleton's Scotch whisky at his Antarctic base camp more than a century later—and then painstakingly recreate the original spirit?
From ancient origins to the digital age, this episode is packed with remarkable stories, history, and the people who shaped the world's favorite spirit.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, wine...
Episode 312: Mathieu Sabbagh is distilling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Burgundy to create the award-winning SABS Gin, Marc de Bourgogne, and Fine de Bourgogne.
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Matthieu Sabbagh is one of the few mobile distillers in the world, traveling directly to Burgundy's most celebrated vineyards and producers to distill Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes at their source. The result is an extraordinary portfolio of spirits—including SABS Gin, Marc de Bourgogne, and Fine de Bourgogne—that have earned placements in some of France's top wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants and are now making waves in the United States.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 311: Demaison Selections celebrates Thirty years. Countless bottles. Endless stories. Director Ryan Looper has a big secret to share!
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For 30 years, André Tamers and De Maison Selections have been changing the way America drinks wine—discovering iconic producers before anyone else, championing authenticity over trends, and building one of the most respected portfolios in the industry. Today, we celebrate three decades of vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the people behind the bottle.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 310: Pierre-Antoine Rovani has turned Maison Remoissenet into a serious terroir driven Burgundy house. Let’s talk Burgundy!
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Wine critic. Palate shaper. Burgundy insider.
Before he helped define a generation of wines at The Wine Advocate, Pierre-Antoine Rovani was helping shape how we taste Burgundy itself. Now, as the man behind Maison Remoissenet Père et Fils, he joins DOTJ to talk great vintages, rebuilding a legendary house, and what truly makes a wine unforgettable.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 309: Emmy Award winning Chef Andrew Zimmern's new book, The Blue Food Cookbook is your seafood bible.
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Globetrotting chef Andrew Zimmern—a fearless voice at the intersection of food, culture, and curiosity—dives into what we eat, why it matters, and the stories that shape it all.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 308:Two rooms, one great vibe: Café Mulberry and The Mulberry. Partner Justin Sievers on what it takes.
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Café Mulberry and The Mulberry are redefining neighborhood dining—where old-school charm meets downtown edge, and every detail feels personal. This is a story about building a vibe, not just a restaurant.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 307: Cho Wines, Oregon—precision, soul, electricity in every glass.
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David & Lois Cho are crafting wines with precision, energy, and a kind of quiet intensity that stays with you.
No shortcuts. No excess. Just clarity and purpose in every glass. This is what happens when obsession meets taste.
#winepodcast #drinkbetter#winelife #sommlife #getchowines
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 306- L’erta…If Chianti had a Grand Cru village, it might be Radda. Real deal Chianti.
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Perched above the village of Radda in Chianti, this tiny 12-acre estate is carved into steep hillsides at 1,050–1,200 feet, surrounded by forest and bathed in southeastern light. Ancient vines—mostly Sangiovese planted in 1967—dig deep into galestro clay and fractured alberese stone, yielding wines of striking tension and lift. #ertadiradda#chianticlassico#chianticlassico_brunello_lover
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 305: Philippe Guyonnet of Pierre Gravée Vouvray and the electric energy of Chenin Blanc.
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His first vintage captivated top sommeliers in Paris and Michelin-starred restaurants — and never made it to the U.S. Now the second vintage has arrived, and North Berkeley Imports is ready to wow the country.
It’s not just Vouvray. It’s old-vine, single-site Chenin Blanc grown on pure limestone (tuffeau) clay, flint soils, farmed with an almost obsessive focus on low yields and precision, then vinified to express tension. The youngest vines are over 50 years old, and the wines are already becoming some of...
Episode 304:Victor Schwartz is a hero. VOS Imports’ landmark victory over Trump’s tariffs! The back story starts here.
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When tariffs hit, small importers didn’t just lose margin — they lost oxygen. But one importer refused to accept it. Victor Schwartz of VOS Imports took on executive trade power in a landmark case against Trump-era tariffs — and won.
This isn’t just a wine story. It’s a story about grit, limits of authority, and what happens when one voice refuses to stay quiet.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 303:Peasant Restaurant—the city’s most exciting Italian wine list, the sexiest room in town, and its charismatic Wine Director, Michael Laudenslager.
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Peasant has an all-star hospitality team, and from the moment you walk through the door, you feel at home. Beneath the soft glow of candlelight, superstar chef Marc Forgione’s food arrives as the scent of the wood-burning oven teases your senses. And that’s just the beginning. Big shout out to Cara and Irakly for that special touch that keeps people coming back
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
REDUX: Zach Berger shares a pint and the fascinating history of Guinness.
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Arthur Guinness felt it was important to give back to the city that hosts the brewery. In the 1800s, the Guinness family contributed to the restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. St. Stephen’s Green, a private green reserved for the city’s wealthiest residents, was purchased by Arthur Edward Guinness and donated to the City so the green space could be enjoyed by everyone in the area.
The brewery paid 10% higher than the average industrial wage in Dublin at the time. In 1870, a medical centre was established to provid...
Episode 302:Ari Sussman, Eric Church, and JYPSI Whiskey—what happens when you stop playing it safe and trust your gut.
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JYPSI Whiskey is built differently—starting with heirloom grains and aging chosen for flavor, not efficiency, and driven by a fiercely independent ethos that traces back to Eric Church turning down a Jack Daniel’s signature bottling, an honor previously offered only to Frank Sinatra. Walking away from a massive payday, Church chose ownership over endorsement, helping build JYPSI as a whiskey rooted in craft, control, and creative freedom—made on its own terms, not someone else’s label. #ericchurchmusic #whiskeyjypsi #arisussman# thebaddishgroup
REDUX: Jared Deery guarded an NBA star and stared down an armed mobster skipping out on a check—so opening a gallery and building an art community was a cinch.
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Jared Deery manages the Iconic restaurant Blue Ribbon Brasserie. He is also a brilliant painter whose art has been featured around the world and one of the founders of Tappeto Volante Projects and Art Studio.
It’s the Life and Times of a brilliant artist.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 301: Sardine Tasting with Two Legends of Wine—Eric Guido from Vinous and Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck
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One of my favorite episodes to date: Eric Guido from Vinous has just completed a two-week, sardine-only diet. It’s the perfect time for a deep dive into sardines—their health benefits, varying price points, and the impact of their country of origin. Also joining me is super taster Audrey Frick, where we discuss the best wine pairings to complement these unique fish.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 301: Raoul's Restaurant at 50: From the archives
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I believe 100 years of joy radiate from the floor boards of Raoul's . Karim Raoul joins me to discuss this legendary restaurant.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 300: A quiet Christmas reflection on love, memory, and human connection.
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Christmas doesn’t arrive with answers.
In a year that’s asked a lot of us,
this is a pause—
to breathe,
to remember,
to connect.
Because the moments that matter most
are often the quiet ones
a voice,
a memory,
a little light in the dark.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Discover the rich legacy of Keens Steak House with James Conley, historian and wine director.
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Keens Wine Director James Conley presides over a world class wine list, a selection of over 300 scotches and curates some of the most arcane American memorabilia.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
The perfect NYC holiday trifecta—Rockefeller Center, the dazzling window displays, and a seafood feast at Oceana!
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There are three things you need for the holidays in NYC—see Rockefeller Center Tree, stroll the holiday windows, and dine at Oceana, where legendary Managing Partner and Wine Director Paul McLaughlin shares stories from the city’s iconic seafood institution.
Paul's boundless energy and enthusiasm for hospitality is what makes him one of the most notable people in the restaurant business. He has seen it all, including being the first American Captain at the world famous Le Bernardin.
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https://www.oceanarestaurant.com/
Episode 299- Scott Large built Provisions Fine Beverage into Oklahoma’s top importer—this is the wild story.
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Provisions Fine Beverage is a visionary Wine, Spirit, N/A and cannabis Bev company.
Click for more info:
https://www.provisionsok.com/the-team
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 278:Andrew O’Reilly at the world-famous Hospices de Beaune auction!
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The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is one of the most iconic and historically significant wine auctions on the planet.
Andrew’’s path into wine was anything but linear. He initially dismissed a wine-career, only later discovering it through hospitality service and being captivated by “weird and wonderful” wines. He went on and studied at CAFA Wine School in Bordeaux, which is noted for training wine specialists and sommeliers. Which set into motion his amazing rise to the top.
#Domaine_hospicesdebeaune
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Episode 297: Marquita Levy — dancer, wine rep, and a force in the New York wine scene.
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Marquita Levy moves with intention — whether she’s commanding a dance studio or walking into a restaurant with a bottle under her arm. In this episode of Drinking On The Job, she breaks open the unexpected link between movement and taste, discipline and hustle, performance and presence.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 296:Jean Garandeau, Managing Director of Champagne Jacquesson + Sales & Marketing Director at Artémis Domaines.
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Jean Garandeau joined Château Latour in February 2010 and is the Sales & Marketing Director. He is also in charge of sales and marketing for Artémis Domaines Vineyards as well as Managing Director of Champagne Jacquesson. He’s the busiest man in wine business.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 295: Billy Weiss, the man behind North Berkeley Imports.
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Ever wonder who brings the world’s most soulful wines to your glass? This week I sit down with the owner of North Berkeley Imports — the man connecting small European estates to American tables. Discover how decades of travel, trust, and taste helped shape one of the most respected import portfolios in the U.S. — and why passion, not profit, has always been his compass.
Click the link below:https://www.northberkeleyimports.com/wordpress/
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Episode 293: Raj Vaidya: the sommelier who shaped America’s taste for fine wine.
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Raj Vaidya is one of America’s most respected sommeliers. He discovered his passion for wine while working in fine dining and went on to shape acclaimed programs at restaurants such as Cru, Per Se, and many others. He later oversaw Daniel Boulud’s global restaurant empire, earning a reputation for excellence and precision.
Renowned for his deep knowledge of Champagne, Riesling, Burgundy and Rhône wines, Raj now leads his own consulting company.
C...
Yannick Benjamin’s inspiring story and the success of Wine on Wheels.
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Wine on Wheels isn’t just an event-it’s a movement to create a more inclusive world, especially for people with disabilities. Now more than ever we need human connection. Yannick’s journey is one that inspires us all. His story is a testament to how one person can make a profound difference.
Click below and be part of something great.
https://wineonwheels.org/donate/
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist...
EPISODE 292: Chef John DeLucie reveals the story behind Cook Unity. Bonus: Top 10 cooking tips you won’t want to miss!
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It’s like having legendary Chef John DeLucie cooking right in your kitchen—without lifting a finger. Savor chef-crafted meals made with the finest ingredients, delivered fresh to your door in eco-friendly, compostable, and recyclable packaging.
Use code JOHNDELUC99 for $50 off your first order and bring restaurant-quality dining home tonight.
https://www.cookunity.com
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Greatest Hits- Kyle MacLachlan on Dennis Hopper, David Lynch, cold beer and his amazing career!
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A damn fine cup of coffee, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pursued by Bear Cabernet. Three beverages connected to the prolific actor Kyle MacLachlan.
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 291: Phillip Hunt – Chef, Wine Guru, and Co-Owner of Winslow’s Tavern in Wellfleet, Massachusetts
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Wellfleet is my spiritual homeland—a place that speaks to my soul. I discovered a kindred spirit: a South African visionary who ended up in this sea side village and crafted a wine list so extraordinary, it literally stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just what was on the list—it was the kind of lineup you dream about—but the prices? They’re so outrageously good they defy all logic. This isn’t just a wine list; it’s a revelation. A must for food and wine lovers.
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Episode 290: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, owner of Cecchi’s Restaurant — it’s more than dining, it’s an experience.
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Michael has created something truly special at Cecchi’s. I’ve dined there three times, and each time I leave wondering: Why don’t I feel this way when I walk out of most restaurants? It’s the vibe. It’s the service. It’s an analogue experience in a digital world.
He’s also the author of Your Table Is Ready—one of the most candid, eye-opening books ever written about the restaurant industry, covering everything from ultra-fine dining to mobsters and celebrities.
Click the links below to explore Cecchi’s...
Episode 289: Michael Duffy — Corporate Wine Director, Rezdôra & Massara
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In a past life, Michael Duffy wore many hats — teacher, writer, editor, scientific researcher, even environmental biologist.
So how did all those skills come together to make him the wine director behind two of NYC’s hottest Italian restaurants?
You’ll have to tune in to Episode 289 to find out… 🎧
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 288: Brad Nugent, co-founder of Innovative Beverage Strategies.
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“Led by Brad Nugent, Innovative Beverage Strategies is the quiet force behind some of the country’s smartest, most value-packed wine lists—turning a night out into an unforgettable discovery of great bottles at great prices.”
Click for more info:https://innovativebeveragestrategies.com
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 287: David Lynch—author, restaurateur, and Italian wine authority—has shaped the way we think about and drink Italian wine.
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David Lynch, co-author of Vino Italiano, redefined how Americans understand Italian wine—blending deep regional insight with sharp storytelling to create the definitive guide that became a bible for sommeliers, importers, and curious drinkers alike.
To order the wine and get more info. click below.
https://www.northberkeleyimports.com/wordpress/
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 286: Clos Cibonne, my rosé pick of the summer, and tariff talks with my favorite guest, Ryan Looper.
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Clos Cibonne is my pick for favorite rosé of the summer season and for all seasons. The story behind it is a testament to history and innovation. Bonus Track: I also get to talk with my good friend and market Guru AKA Looper Tuesday about tariffs and sales.
#DeMaison#Roseallday#tarifftalk#canadelbandol
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
Episode 285: Sean Josephs, co-founder and Master Blender of Pinhook Bourbon
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Every year, a new vintage. A new racehorse. A new bourbon. Pinhook is rewriting the rules of American whiskey — blending tradition with fearless creativity. In this episode, we dive into the brand that treats bourbon like fine wine and backs every bottle with bold character. Meet the visionaries behind the label, the spirit behind the horse, and the reason Pinhook is turning heads in every barrel.
Pinhook Bourbon isn’t just whiskey — it’s a vintage-by-vintage revolution. Tune in for a pour of bold flavor and fearless storytelling.
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Episode 284: Steve Wells of Time & Direction Wines
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Steve Wells didn’t just chase a dream — he bet everything on it. With nothing but grit, a young family in tow, and a thirst for something greater, he drove 3,000 miles across the country to Walla Walla, Washington. No job. No guarantees. Just the bold belief that if he leapt, the net would appear.
Today, he’s crafting some of the most soulful, expressive wines in the region — and every bottle tells a part of that journey.
Click below to read the full story and experience the wine...
Episode 283: Audrey Frick, Senior Editor and Wine Critic at JebDunnuck, offers a sharp update on Oregon's evolving wine scene.
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Audrey Frick, Senior Editor and Wine Critic at JebDunnuck, is one of the most insightful and respected voices in the wine world today. With a sharp palate and a deep understanding of both classic and emerging regions, she brings clarity and precision to her reviews. Whether she’s breaking down the nuances of Oregon Pinot or spotlighting under-the-radar producers, Frick’s insights help shape the conversation for collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers alike.
Click here for more:
https://jebdunnuck.com
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Episode 282: Allie Prater-Besset, Owner of Entre Nous Wine Bar
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This is the place….great wine, food and vibe.
Click Below for more info:
https://www.entrenousbrooklyn.com
Check out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.
