The Drinks Business Podcast

Patrick Schmitt MW talks to Robert Mondavi Winery's Laura Diaz Munoz, who has held the role of winemaker at the famous Napa wine producer for the last two years. Born in Spain, and now settled in Santa Rosa with her family, Laura opens up about promoting the brand worldwide, converting to organics, dealing with a warming climate in California, and developing wine tourism to entice a new generation of drinkers.

What eight drinks, book and sole luxury would you take if cast away to a desert island? Master of Wine Patrick Schmitt speaks with Lenz Maria Moser, the Austrian Gruner Veltliner specialist, who also makes wine in Tokaj, Portugal, and, perhaps most notably, China – where he began advising the country’s largest wine producer Changyu exactly 20 years ago.

Brought in to oversee the acquisition of great Napa Valley wine estate Joseph Phelps by global luxury group Moët Hennessy, former Opus One CEO David Pearson has taken on a permanent role at the producer. Why? He sees a bright an exciting future at the property based on regenerative viticulture – a farming philosophy Joseph Phelp's new owners want to back, and consumers want to hear about.

What eight drinks, book and sole luxury would you take if cast away to a desert island? Master of Wine Patrick Schmitt speaks with Paul Schaafsma, founder and MD at Benchmark Drinks, the business behind several successful celebrity-backed brands such as Kylie Minogue Wines.

Patrick Schmitt MW interviews Château Lascombes winemaker Axel Heinz on his move from Bolgheri to Bordeaux and why he's promoting Merlot in Margaux.