The Connected Table Live

The Connected Table Live

Food and beverage industry insiders Melanie Young and David Ransom connect you to leaders and legends in wine, spirits, food and hospitality as they travel the world. Hear from vintners, restaurateurs, chefs, distillers, educators, authors, farmers and more. Melanie and David are the insatiably curious culinary couple who are always in search of a great story to share with their listeners. They bring a fresh approach to spotlighting industry movers and shakers and exploring the pleasures of the palate. Connect and visit www.theconnectedtable.com Instagram@theconnectedtable Like on Facebook@connectedtable The Connected Table is among Feedspot’s top 20 food and beverage podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/food_and_beverage_podcasts/ 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 (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-connected-table-live--1277037/support.

Episodes

Yannick Benjamin, Co-Founder, Wine on Wheels, Keeps Moving Forward

February 4, 2026 • 45 mins
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 n...
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Stefano Chiarlo, Winemaker & Family Owner, Michele Chiarlo Winery in Piemonte

January 28, 2026 • 13 mins
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 sustai...
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Chef Peter Merriman, a Pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Is Still Making Waves

January 21, 2026 • 52 mins
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, U...
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Bon Apetite! Eat, Drink, Explore Lisbon, Portugal with The Connected Table

January 14, 2026 • 50 mins
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 Port...
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Bon Apetite! Eat, Drink, Explore Lisbon, Portugal with The Connected Table

January 14, 2026 • 50 mins
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 Port...
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Frost in Walla Walla: Doug Frost's New Chapter as CoFounder of Echolands Winery

December 17, 2025 • 49 mins
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...
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Sipping Lambrusco di Sorbara with Cantina Paltrinieri.

December 10, 2025 • 45 mins
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 exceptiona...
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Cantina Alfredo Bertolani Celebrates 100 Years

December 3, 2025 • 40 mins
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 fourt...
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Sparkling Wines for the Holidays & Every Day

November 26, 2025 • 50 mins
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 separa...
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New York's First Family of Sparkling Wine- Dr. Konstantin Frank

November 19, 2025 • 47 mins
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 mi...
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Roots in Clay- A Visit To Argillae Winery, Orvieto

November 12, 2025 • 52 mins
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...
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Restaurant Impresario Drew Nieporent Shares a Delicious Memoir

November 5, 2025 • 54 mins
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 restaura...
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Italy’s Lambrusco: One Wine, Many Styles - Versatile & Refreshing

October 22, 2025 • 52 mins
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 the...
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A Visit with Dickie Brennan, 3rd Generation New Orleans Restaurateur

October 15, 2025 • 54 mins
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...
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Niccolò and Bernardo Barberani- 3rd Generation Vintners in Orvieto

October 8, 2025 • 56 mins
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...
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12 White Wines under $10 -What We're Tasting from Trader Joe's

October 1, 2025 • 36 mins
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 (ww...
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Maui Rising- Eat, Drink & Enjoy the Aloha Spirit

September 24, 2025 • 48 mins
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 att...
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Talking Volcanic Wines with Master Sommelier John Szabo

September 17, 2025 • 50 mins
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 p...
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Share Our Strength's Bill & Debbie Shore- 40 Years Fighting Hunger

September 10, 2025 • 52 mins
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 fam...
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Scacciadiavoli “Chase the Devil” – A Storied Montefalco Winery

September 3, 2025 • 51 mins
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 Pambuf...
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