Beyond the Pour Podcast by California Tastings

BEAUJOLAIS Moulin-a- Vent ~ France in a Glass made EASY!

In this episode, we chat through the region’s unique character, the role of the Gamay grape, and what makes Beaujolais so much more than its reputation. Together, we explore the famous Crus, highlighting what sets each one apart, with a special focus on the structure and depth of Moulin-à-Vent.

Behind Napa's Vineyards: A Diner with a twist - "George and Kin's".

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Koenig IV to talk about his exciting new venture, George and Kin’s Diner—bringing a fresh diner concept to Napa, where you don’t see many spots like this. After 10 successful years running Heritage Eats with his wife Ali, Ben is taking things in a new direction while staying rooted in the same location. We dive into what inspired the shift, the challenges of evolving a well-loved restaurant, and what guests can expect from this new chapter. It’s a great conversation about risk, creativity, and redefining what a Napa dining experience can be. Give it a listen and let me know what you think...... By the way there may or may not be some croaking going on in the background, as Ben was running to an event, and stopped at a golf course to talk with me..... LOL! This is what makes our conversations so real, and raw because it is real life, and we are here for it! follow along and join the ride!

Unlocking The Secret Wine Door: A Hidden Gem in Paris

In Episode 21 of Season 2, I get a chance to talk to Erwan Leo, who opened a Tasting Room/Wine Shop in Paris, France, called "The Secret Wine Door" just before Covid. That did not stop him from pursuing his dreams! Online wine classes are where he started talking about France's small producers, and later back in his fun and cozy Tasting Room on the 15th Arrondissement. He only offers 2 classes a day, and these classes are held by Erwan himself, where he pours 6 different French wines, and pairs them with local cheeses. He told me reservations are made a good week prior to the date. Erwan is on his path to becoming a "Master of Wine" which means he would be one of approximately 400 people in the world to achieve this prestigious title. He is at level 4 and says he has to get through the last level to accomplish this. I learned his style of teaching, his views on Natural wine, and his unique Wine Club. He gave us some great tips on relaxing by the Seine River & the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of wine, cheese and of course a baguette or two. This conversation will take you to Paris and is one that invites you to grab a bottle of wine, stroll past quaint boutiques, and let the Eiffel Tower guide your daydreams! I hope you enjoy out chat as much as I enjoyed the conversation.

Derek Bromley of OHM Coffee Roasters -The Power of the Perfect Brew

In this episode, we explore Derek Bromley's passion for crafting the perfect cup, how OHM got its name, his band "Mama Said" and how his background as a sommelier has allowed him to blend wine, coffee and guitar riffs. At Ohm Coffee, every roast strikes the perfect chord between craftsmanship and creativity. Founded by guitarist and sommelier Derek Bromley, the roastery is inspired by the world of vintage guitar amps — where tone, balance, and intensity matter just as much as they do in a great cup of coffee. Just as Derek carefully selects notes and nuances when playing guitar, he approaches coffee with the same refined palate he developed as a sommelier. Each blend is thoughtfully chosen and named according to its intensity — from smooth, low-voltage profiles to bold, high-ohm roasts — reflecting the depth, character, and complexity inside every bag. For Derek, roasting coffee is like composing music or pairing fine wine: it’s about harmony, structure, and feeling. Ohm Coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about flavor turned up to eleven. Derek says coffee amps you up! He and his wife, Jennifer Knight who is the Creative Director of OHM coffee roasters are bringing it all together from music, coffee and community!

Allo Gilinsky, Sonoma County’s Beer Concierge rings in Brews & Bites

Allo Gilinsky is a Sonoma County native and Certified Cicerone with 10 years of front-of-house hospitality experience. He has engaged people online and founded his own business, with a persona widely known as "The Craft Beer Concierge". His favorite thing about the world of beer besides the liquid itself, is the community it cultivates and stories behind the glass. He once worked at Russian River Windsor leading tours and credits his time there for spurring his beer education passion. You can almost always find him waxing poetic about lagers and sipping Saisons, and other great beers around Sonoma County. He is a Certified Cicerone, which is similar to a Certified Sommelier in the wine world. That means he has tasted a lot of beer and can distinguish the aromas and flavors between them.