Wine Industry Legend Howie Rubin

We welcome the iconic Howie Rubin to the show! Howie moved to San Francisco in 1975 in search of a good time at age 21, and ended up helping open up America's first wineries bar, the London Wine Bar. They served wines by the glass and had winemaker dinners back then, and he was bitten by the wine bug. He traveled to wine regions all over California and carved himself quite a niche at the wine bar, where wine was really coming into its own. 2 years later he worked a crush at Mayacamas Vineyards on top of Mt. Veeder, and he got a real education and appreciation for how much work goes into producing a bottle of wine.

Julia Zuccardi of Santa Julia Wines

We welcome the amazing Julia Zuccardi of Santa Julia Wines to the show! There are many reasons why a winery chooses its name. In this case, Santa Julia was inspired by Julia herself, the first daughter of José Zuccardi. However, it also serves as a way to showcase their values, history, and the community they are part of.

Alex Hildebrandt of SUYO Pisco

Alex is a Peruvian American who created SUYO with his partner Ian to reconnect with his roots and celebrate his culture by sharing Peru's beloved flagship spirit, Pisco.

Marc Farrell - Founder of Ten To One Rum

As someone born and raised in the Caribbean, Marc has been a student of rum, and its place within a myriad of settings, his entire life. With this has come a deep sense of appreciation for both the heritage of rum, as well as the broader role it plays in the Contemporary Caribbean culture.

Johnny Livanos & Greece's First Wild Gin - Stray Dog

We sit with the founder of Stray Dog, Johnny Livanos, and discuss his vision and journey into developing Greece's first wild gin. As a Greek American growing up in the restaurant industry, Johnny walks us through a moment in his life after realizing how many exotic and unique herbs and botanicals grow in Greece that would be the perfect recipe for a stellar gin. Upon this eureka moment, Johnny went right to work sourcing his ingredients and assembling his team to create the brand, Stray Dog Wild Gin.

What Am I Drinking? Alpha Estate Eco Xinomavro

A savory xinomavro with superb drinkability. Mediterranean spices, sage and thyme on top of the strawberries and red plums. Bright and succulent on the palate with immaculate, chalky tannins. Linear and juicy finish. Vegan.

Fotios Stamos Keeps the Party Going

Fotios Stamos, 50, grew up at Brothers, his parents’ diners on Causeway Street by the old Boston Garden and in Andrew Square. They really wanted him to go to college and land a steady job, though. So he went to Boston College and worked in finance for a while, but cubicle life was lacking.

What Am I Drinking?

What Am I Drinking? Makarounas Vineyards Cabernet Franc

What Am I Drinking? Locatelli Sauvignon Blanc

I'm exploring this refreshing and crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the northern regions of Italy. Most of us would immediately think of New Zealand when drinking Sauvignon Blanc, but Italy is putting out some great selections. This selection hit the spot for a light and vibrant offering during lunch time.

Let's Talk About Tannins

Ari & Foti discuss tannins. What are they, where they come from, and how they affect the wines you love. Grab a glass and join us!

Wine Varieties with Multiple Names?

You ever wonder what the difference is between Pinot Grigio and Pinto Gris? Syrah and Shiraz? Well, we are here to shed some light on the reasons and differences of wine varieties that have different naming conventions! Grab a glass and join us!

Wine Scores Explained

We do a very basic breakdown on the wine scoring system, including history and how it affects our own buying decisions. Grab a glass and join us!

Wine Bottle Natural Corks Versus Screw Caps

We discuss natural cork versus screw caps (and a bit about synthetic corks too) in this great Sip Clip with Ari & Foti of Urban Wine Club. Grab a glass and join us!

Rhodium Brand Spirits Founders Cathy Plourde & Kara Larson

Rhode Island Spirits is the home of Rhodium brand premium gins, vodkas, and liqueurs. The company is the brainchild and full time occupation of Cathy Plourde & Kara Larson, who are the founders, owners, and distillers.

Drew Bledsoe & Josh McDaniels of Doubleback & Bledsoe Family Winery

A great episode and the fascinating story of an amazing individual and his journey from NFL to amazing wines! For former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, owning a winery has been a longtime aspiration that would allow him to combine his passion for fine wine and the love of the Walla Walla Valley. We got to chat with Drew and his winemaker Josh to learn more about how they got to where they are - the creators of a truly amazing portfolio. Grab a glass and join us!

Like Wine But Not Wine

Co-founder and CEO Jen Batchelor formerly worked in wellness. But she grew frustrated when clients' physical goals got derailed at the hotel bar. "I thought people would want something to help transition from day to night, still have a good time--but be better for it in the morning," she says.

Rosé Guru Patrick Walsh on the UWC Podcast

Ari & Foti of the Urban Wine Club Podcast sit down with Patrick Walsh (virtually of course - Foti in the North Shore, Patrick in Boston, and Ari in D.C.) and discuss the legacy and reputation of everyone's favorite pink drink - Rosé wine! Learn more about this awesome beverage here and now on Youtube, or listen on your favorite podcasting service: https://www.urbanwineclub.co/app/urban-wine-club-podcast.html

Sommelier Talk: The Professor, Sandy Block of Legal Sea Foods

A veteran of wine with an open mind, Sandy Block is equally at home in the classroom where he teaches and the "Board-O Room" (right) for private dinners at LSF. Photo credit: Chris Sanders / Courtesy of Legal Sea Foods A veteran of wine with an open mind, Sandy Block is equally at home in the classroom where he teaches and the "Board-O Room" (right) for private dinners at LSF. Photo credit: Chris Sanders / Courtesy of Legal Sea Foods

How Wine Corks Sustain the Ecosystem

Closing a bottle with cork significantly reduces the carbon footprint of wine packaging and helps sustain vital ecosystems.

What is Orange Wine?

For starters, orange wine is not made from oranges and is not a cocktail.

Diets and Wine

Ari and Foti talk wine and diets. Ari and Foti talk wine and diets. It has been a hot topic for a long time about whether you could or should drink wine while dieting or how it affects diets. Listen in and see if you agree!

According to 9 Somms: What Makes Rosé So Iconic?

Rosé, as a genre, has risen to prominence in a way we’ve never seen with any wine before — namely because there’s a rosé for everyone, for any situation. The pink spectrum spans from earthy and salmon-hued to tart and refreshing to fruity and aromatic — cementing its place on any dinner table, year-round. Jane Frye for vinepair.com

Santorini: A Unique Wine Region

Are you hungry for a new, sensational wine to add to your collection? Want a different type of wine to grace your palette? If you haven’t tried a Santorini wine, you haven’t really lived. Are you hungry for a new, sensational wine to add to your collection? Want a different type of wine to grace your palette? If you haven’t tried a Santorini wine, you haven’t really lived.