Vint Wine Podcast

Unraveling Grape DNA with Dr. José Vouillamoz

Episode Description (Optimized for Apple & Spotify) Grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with host Billy Galanko for a deep dive into the DNA, history, and origins of iconic French and Swiss grapes. Co-author of Wine Grapes, José has spent decades decoding grape lineages and uncovering where the world’s most important varieties truly come from. In this episode, we spotlight his new book Les Grands Cépages, exploring 12 major French grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Savagnin and Viognier, while also revisiting Switzerland’s native gems like Chasselas, Cornalin, Arvine, and Räuschling. We also dig into how DNA tools have evolved, why “grape patriotism” often clashes with science, and how nearly-lost vines have shaped modern wine. If you’re curious about grape origins, terroir expression, or the genetic stories behind classic varieties, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What an ampelologist does and how José uses DNA, history, and vineyard archaeology to study grapevines * How grape DNA research evolved from early markers to whole-genome sequencing * The true family trees of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot, and others * Why some regions fiercely claim “ownership” of certain grapes, and when the science disagrees * How Swiss grapes like Chasselas, Cornalin, and Arvine express terroir and age in surprising ways * Why Swiss wines are hard to find but can be outstanding value at the top end * What’s next for José: ungrafted vines, ancient clonal material, and future books on Italy and beyond Episode Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 – Introducing Dr. José Vouillamoz 01:15 – French & Swiss Grapes Overview 03:50 – Inside the World of Grape DNA 08:59 – How DNA Techniques Have Evolved 14:08 – Switzerland’s Native Grapes 16:42 – The “Grand” French Grapes (Les Grands Cépages) 18:31 – Origins, Myths & Grape Stories 24:21 – Merlot’s Surprising Parentage 27:54 – Cabernet Franc’s Journey & Chenin/Sauvignon Origins 32:56 – Standout Swiss Varieties & Terroir 34:21 – Cornalin, Merlot Blanc & Chasselas 47:17 – Swiss Wines on the Global Stage 50:57 – Future Projects & Discoveries 54:12 – Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Five Questions with José Vouillamoz, Grape DNA Expert

In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Dr. José Vouillamoz, one of the world’s leading grape geneticists and co-author of Wine Grapes. José is internationally known for his pioneering work using DNA profiling to trace the origins of grape varieties, revive forgotten heritage vines, and help wineries plan for a climate-challenged future. Across five questions, José distills decades of research into an engaging look at where wine comes from, where it’s heading, and why grape diversity matters now more than ever. What You’ll Learn * How José became a global authority on grape DNA and origins * Why climate change and declining consumption threaten the wine world * Two underrated wine regions: Switzerland & Armenia * Why José pushes back on certain trends—natural wine flaws, no/low-alcohol wines, and the “denormalization” of wine * His most meaningful recent wine experience and international recognition Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:19 Welcome to Five Questions 00:44 Meet José Vouillamoz: A Leading Oenologist 00:51 The Role of an Oenologist 03:14 Challenges in the Wine Industry 04:38 Underrated Wine Regions 07:20 Controversial Wine Trends 10:12 Memorable Wine Experiences 11:02 Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Inside Canadian Wine with Master of Wine Geoffrey Moss

Quality is rising, challenges are mounting, and interest in Canadian wine has never been higher. In this episode, host Billy sits down with Okanagan-based Master of Wine Geoff Moss to explore the regions, grapes, and decisions shaping Canadian wine today. Geoff shares how he moved from political science into winemaking, how production experience informs his work in branding and DTC strategy, and why his négociant label Søren Wines serves as a live test case for the advice he gives wineries. We dig into the styles Canada does best, from Syrah and Cabernet Franc to Chardonnay and Riesling, and how recent extreme winter freezes (including 2024) are reshaping what gets planted in BC. We also look at the realities behind bulk wine logistics, export limitations, and the economic pressures facing premium Canadian producers in a soft global market. In this episode, you’ll learn * How Geoff Moss MW built a career across production, branding, and direct-to-consumer work. * Why the Okanagan is both diverse and climate-challenged, with styles ranging from cool-climate Pinot to warm-climate Syrah. * How recent deep freezes devastated BC’s vineyards, particularly Syrah, and what growers are replanting now. * Why Niagara shines with cool-climate Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling. * How Søren Wines sources fruit from BC to Eola–Amity Hills and operates as Geoff’s “proof-of-concept” brand. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meet Geoffrey Moss, MW 01:53 Canada’s Wine Landscape: Regions, Climate & Industry Insights 04:14 Geoffrey’s Path Into Wine & the Origins of Søren Wines 13:24 Production Realities: Logistics, Sourcing & Winemaking Challenges 16:11 Deep Dive into the Okanagan: Style, Diversity & Key Varieties 23:09 Evolution of Okanagan Wines: Merlot, Syrah & Climate Impacts 30:32 Market Dynamics: BC Exports, Ontario’s Cool-Climate Identity 35:18 Niagara’s Standout Grapes & Signature Styles 41:25 The Future of Canadian Wine 46:07 Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Five Questions with Geoffrey Moss, MW

In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Geoffrey Moss, MW, marketing strategist, DTC specialist, founder of Lithica Wine Marketing, and the mind behind his own wine label, Søren Wine, to explore the ideas shaping today’s wine industry. Geoffrey shares how he helps wineries grow direct-to-consumer channels, the climate challenges facing the Okanagan Valley, the surprising magic of Baja California wines, why “organic but not certified” claims drive him crazy, and a recent vineyard hike in the Douro that reshaped his perspective. As both a Master of Wine and a producer himself through Søren Wine, Geoffrey brings an insider’s view from both the business and cellar sides of the industry. What You’ll Learn * How Geoffrey Moss approaches DTC sales, digital marketing, and wine club strategy * The two biggest issues threatening the wine industry today * Why the Okanagan and Baja California deserve more global attention * The problem with “organic” claims, and what he wishes wineries would do instead * What mouse taint is (and why he never wants to taste it again) * How a hike through Portugal’s Douro Valley vineyards reshaped his understanding of the region * A powerful recent wine experience that renewed his optimism Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast 00:19 – Welcome to Five Questions 00:44 – Meet Geoffrey Moss 00:53 – Geoffrey’s Role in the Wine Industry 01:28 – Key Issues in the Wine World 03:10 – Underrated Wine Regions 05:35 – Wine Trends Geoffrey Dislikes 09:02 – Memorable Wine Experiences 10:49 – Conclusion and Farewell The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW on The Wine Palate & the Future of Fine Wine

Master of Wine Lisa Perrotti-Brown returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with a new chapter in her career. Known for her influential tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Wine Advocate and decades of reviewing top estates across Bordeaux, Napa, Australia, and New Zealand, Lisa has long blended deep technical expertise with approachable, consumer-focused insight.  After co-founding The Wine Independent, she’s now launched TheWinePalate.com, a modern, data-driven platform built to personalize wine discovery. Her mission: make it easier for drinkers to find wines that truly match their preferences, with clarity, transparency, and far more than just a score. Before diving in, host Billy Galanko recaps a big wine week in Los Angeles, from a Wines of Hungary seminar with John Szabo MS to La Fête du Champagne with Peter Liem and some of Champagne’s most exciting growers and houses. In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Lisa’s global wine journey shaped her approach to modern criticism * Why traditional tasting notes and scores fall short for today’s drinkers * How The Wine Palate’s Palate Matcher uses 25+ sensory and structural filters * Why faults (brett, oxidation, smoke) should be searchable * The importance of winery stories, vintage reports, and editorial context * Lisa’s take on orange wines, climate change, and the evolution of “fine wine” * Early thoughts on recent Napa and Bordeaux releases Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 Introducing Lisa Perrotti-Brown 01:02 Billy's Wine Adventures 01:58 Champagne Tasting Highlights 04:55 Lisa's Journey in the Wine Industry 07:09 The Wine Palate: A New Era in Wine Criticism 26:42 The Importance of Wine Filters 27:10 Meet the Wine Review Team 28:06 Exploring Orange Wines 30:14 The Role of Wine Critics 33:34 Vintage Reports and Editorials 38:13 The Future of Fine Wine 41:23 Wine Tasting Process Revealed 48:45 Recent Vintages in Bordeaux and Napa 50:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!