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

Virginia’s Barboursville Vineyards Celebrates Fifty Years in 2026

March 25, 2026 • 45 mins
Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia was the 18th century estate of statesman, James Barbour. In 1976 Italian vintner, Gianni Zonin, acquired the estate to establish Barboursville Vineyards, the Zonin family's only winery outside Italy. Barboursville celebrates 50 years in 2026, now with new owners. Luca Paschina, Barboursville's winemaker and general manager since 1990, now serves as CEO and President. Barboursville remains a popul...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

Tuscan Wine Regions to Explore Close to Florence- Anteprime Toscana Edition

March 18, 2026 • 49 mins
The fifth largest region in Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its wines, notably its Sangiovese-based reds, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Melanie and David explore a few wine production subzones close enough to Florence for either a day trip or an overnight, including DOCG Carmignano, DOCG Chianti Rufina, DOCG Chianti Classico, and DOC Valdarno di Sopra. They report on th...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

Sette Ponte in Valdarno di Sopra DOC- Home To Some of Italy’s First Super Tuscans

March 9, 2026 • 42 mins
The Moretti Cuseri family achieved success producing luxury goods in Italy. Hand-crafted luxury is also their approach to making wines at their five wine estates in Tuscany and Sicily. Export director and third generation, Alberto Moretti Cuseri, discusses each estate and wines starting with flagship Sette Ponti in Valdarno di Sopra DOC near Arezzo, which his grandfather acquired in 1951 and where his father, Antonio, planted inter...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

Tujague's New Orleans Celebrates 170 Years

March 4, 2026 • 49 mins
Tujague's in the French Quarter was established 1856 by French immigrants, Guillaume and Marie Abadie Tujague, making it New Orleans' second oldest restaurant. Tujague’s is where the iconic Grasshopper cocktail and Bourbon Milk Punch were created. It also conceived the first "brunch," originally a generous late breakfast for French Market workers. Mark Latter's family has owned Tujague's since 1982. He discusses Tujague's history a...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

Francesco Ricasoli, owner, Barone Ricasoli, Chianti Classico- Italy's Oldest Winery

February 25, 2026 • 49 mins
Castello Brolio in the hills of Chianti Classico's Gaiole subzone, is home to Barone Ricasoli, documented as the oldest winery in Italy (est 1141) and the fourth oldest family business in the world. Francesco Ricasoli, family steward and company president since 1993, discusses the Ricasoli family's role in originating the formula for what is now Chianti Classico wine. He highlights the microclimates of Brolio’s vineyards and its wi...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

A Visit with Carla Tiago, Winemaker, Kopke, Portugal’s Oldest Port House

February 18, 2026 • 52 mins
A trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to Porto and the Douro Valle, home to the world’s production of Port wines and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Kopke, established in 1638, is Portugal’s oldest Port houses and now has a stunning, art-filled hotel in Villa Nova de Gaia across the Douro River in Porto. Carla Tiago, longtime winemaker at Kopke, discusses the time-honored process of making Port an...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

At Penner-Ash, Winemaker Kate Ayres Embraces Her Oregon Roots

February 11, 2026 • 47 mins
At Penner-Ash located in the Northern Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Winemaker Kate Ayres crafts several expressions of single estate Pinot Noir as well as Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling. Penner Ash was established in 1998 by Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash with a vision to producer lush, layered Pinot Noir. In 2016, the winery joined the Jackson Family Wines portfolio. The same year, Oregon native Kate Ayres joined the winema...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

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...
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript

Popular Podcasts

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Betrayal Season 5

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Wearables

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices