Another Bottle Down

Journalist Roundtable: State of the Industry in 2025

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica gets together a group of wine and beverage journalists for a roundtable discussion on the state of the wine industry.  Each ...

The Sparkling Wines of Elisa Christopher Winery

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica kick off the holiday season and head out to the Texas Hill Country to check out an over-performing winery, Elisa Chr...

A Different Way of Thinking about Wine Appreciation

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica have a meandering conversation based on some more abstract concepts that Mark has be exploring.  While it was origi...

The Texas Vintners Cup 2025

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica celebrate October as Texas Wine Month with a recap of the 5th annual Texas Vintner's Cup.  Sponsored by the Texas D...

San Leonardo and the Magnificence of Trentino

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, Jessica is joined by the Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, the current owner and managing director of Tenuta San Leonardo in Tre...

Yannick Benjamin and the Essence of Inclusion and Hospitality

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica interviews Yannick Benjamin, a wine industry veteran who is outspoken about the injustices and inequities of the wine and res...

Special Event Alert: Grapes for Good with Mandi Nelson

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica and Mark host a special episode with Mandi Nelson, president and founder of ATX Somms, on the upcoming event, Grapes for Good...

Barolo through the Ages with Roberto Bruno of Fontanafredda

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica interviews Roberto Bruno, CEO and Commercial Director of Fontanafredda in the commune Serralunga d'Alba in Barolo.  Roberto ...

Mathieu Billecart, Jukes Non-Alc, and Prestige Cuvee Champagne

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mathieu Billecart, 7th generation owner and President of Champagne Billecart Salmon, comes on the show to talk about partnering in a new non-Alc proje...

Marcus Notaro Carries the Torch at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica interviews Marcus Notaro, head of wine production at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.  In 1976, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shocked th...

Matt Crafton, Legacy and Creativity at Ch Montelena

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, Mark chats with Matt Crafton, head winemaker at the historic Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley.  Matt is the fifth winemaker at Mo...

History and Tradition with Capanna of Montalcino

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On our second episode of a two part series on Montalcino, Mark interviews Daniele Marcone the Sales Director of Capanna Winery.  Capanna is located n...

Riccardo Fratton from San Polo in Montalcino

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we have Riccardo Fratton, head winemaker of San Polo in Montalcino, Italy.  Riccardo was raised in the Veneto region but didn't real...

Mark and Jessica Talk Tariffs

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica break down the current tariffs and other economic factors that are affecting the wine industry.  This episode was r...

Gus Zhu MW goes Behind the Glass

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica interviews Gus Zhu, a Master of Wine and author of the recently published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial T...

Kelli White and her new book, Wine Confident

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, Jessica interviews Kelli White, a wine writer and educator, about her new book, Wine Confident.  Kelli's book was released in th...

Barolo and Barbaresco with Evan Davis

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Jessica continue to gear up for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) by chatting with Evan Davis about all the considerations in a ...

Barolo and Barbaresco with Patrick Olds

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica gear up for the big Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening event in Austin by interviewing Patrick Olds.  Patrick rece...

Donnafugata: History and Innovation in Sicily

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, Jessica visits a very iconic Scilian producer, Donnafugata.  She interviews the 5th and 6th generation of the winery, first J...

Mark and Jessica Recap 2024

28 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Jessica take this episode to reflect on 2024 and dig into some trends in the broader industry as well as themes that have come up in their pe...

Morgan Twain-Peterson and the Old Vines of California

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, Mark catches up with Morgan Twain-Peterson, owner, founder and winemaker of Bedrock Wine Company in Sonoma, California.  Morgan g...

Thanksgiving 2024 with Austin Farina

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this year's Thanksgiving episode, Jessica and Mark have on Austin Farina, wine director of Jeffrey's, Sammie's, and a number of other MML Hospitali...

Simon Kelly from te Pā winery in Marlborough

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica meets up with Simon Kelly, export manager of te Pā winery in Marlborough, New Zealand.  Te Pā means "at home" or "the home...

Alessandro Marini and the Power of Merlot and Sangiovese

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alessandro Marini is head winemaker at Tenuta Luce in Montalcino.  Originally coming from the Marche, Alessandro spent time working at wineries in Ca...

The Wine and Foundation's Rare and Fine Wine Gala

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's bonus show, Mark and Jessica chat with Denise Silverman, the Executive Director of the Wine and Food Foundation, based in Austin, TX.  Mar...

Laura Rhys, MS on English Sparkling Wine

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica catches up with Laura Rhys, MS from Gusbourne Estate in Kent, England.  Laura has long been an advocate of promoting traditi...

Marco Balsimelli, Ornellaia's New Director of Winemaking

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica visits the icon property of Ornellaia, situated on the Tuscan coast in Bolgheri.  She tastes through their beautiful wines w...

Pietro Russo MW and the Brilliance of Grillo

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pietro Russo is the third Master of Wine in Italy and part of the group of Italian MW's who are now being referred to as the "Three Muscateers" (coine...

Jeremy Hart and Somm.AI

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark catches up with Jeremy Hart, co-founder of Somm.ai.   Jeremy Hart is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experien...

Pierangelo Tommasi and the Contemporary Amarone

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica catches up with PIerangelo Tommasi who is the Managing Director of Tomassi Family Estates and one of nine family members who ...

Erika Abate with Enrico Serafino

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica and Mark follow up the last episode on Piedmont with a more in depth discussion of Alta Langa while focusing on one of the pioneers of sparkli...

David Way and the Study of Piedmont

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica digs into Piedmont with wine writer and educator David Way.  David spent the last 4 years traveling to Piedmont and research...

Matt Dees and Extreme Winemaking in Santa Barbara

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Dees is the winemaker for sister properties Jonata and the Hilt.  Matt and Jessica catch up about all things Santa Barbara from soils and geogra...

Manfred Ing, Winemaker of Querciabella, on the Diversity of Chianti Classico

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Manfred has been the winemaker at Querciabella since 2010.  He comes to Italia via his home country of South Africa, to New Zealand, California and b...

Chris Brundrett and Growing Wine in Texas

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Brundrett is co-founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company and William Chris Vineyards.  Chris and Jessica catch up on the state of the Texa...

Somm Secrets: Patrick Olds on Blind Tasting, Restaurants, and Enjoying the Journey

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we have Patrick Olds, wine director of MML Hospitality based in Austin, TX.  Patrick digs into the roll of a wine director as mentor...

Somm Secrets: Brandon Kerne and the Art of Retail

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica and Mark take a deep dive into buy and collecting wine with Brandon Kerne MS, chief of operations at the AOC Wine Group.  Th...

Somm Secrets: Molly Austad on Sicily and What's Hot at Bludorn

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Molly Austad is wine director at one of our favorite spots in Houston: Bludorn, Navy Blue, and the upcoming Bar Bludorn.  She digs into the process o...

Somm Secrets: Steven McDonald MS talks world-class lists, Piedmont, and Madeira

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we have on Steven McDonald Master Sommelier and Executive Wine Director of Pappa's Bros. Steakhouse in Houston and Dallas.  We dig i...

Holiday Book Series: Ray Isle's The World in a Wine Glass

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We cap off our holiday book series (and what an incredible guest to end on!) with Ray Isle, the long time Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazi...

Mark Davidson: More than Australia's Wine Ambassador

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a special pre-holiday series, we're spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today's episode, ...

Champagne with Mathieu Billecart

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mathieu Roland-Billecart left a 14-year career as a financial analyst in London to become the 7th generation CEO of his family's 200-year-old Champagn...

Holiday Book Series: How to Drink Australian with Jane Lopes

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a special pre-holiday series, we're spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today's episode w...

Holiday Book Series: Tim Gaiser's Message in the Bottle

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a special pre-holiday series, we're spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today's episode w...

On the Road with Brian Freedman in Italy: Piedmont and Tuscany with Gaja and the Sannio DOC

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this fall, Jessica had a chance to explore a few Italian wine regions including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sannio. Joining her on these trips was ...

Eugenio Jardim breaks down Portugal and so much more

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eugenio Jardim is the US ambassador for Wines of Portugal and wears several additional hats in his private companies WiFi Wine Time and My Private Som...

Thanksgiving with Ali Schmidt

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings. It doesn't have to be that complicated. The easy go-to options include Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are pretty s...

Holiday Book Series: Italian Wine with author and sommelier Shelley Lindgren

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a special pre-holiday series, we're spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today's episode w...

Amarone Academy with Italy's Latest MW, Andrea Lonardi

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We already had a chance to hear from Andrea Lonardi last winter regarding the wines of Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. As the COO and director of winem...

The Elegance of Lambrusco with Alicia Lini

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we delve into all things Lambrusco with Alicia Lini, 4th generation of Lini 1910.  We highlight why Emilia Romagna is so special, wh...

Inside the Wine Industry with Matt Dulle, Part 2

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica welcomes back wine industry veteran Matt Dulle .  Matt was on the show a couple months ago but has since taken up the post o...

Tea at the Cultured Cup

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica connects with Kyle Stewart, co-owner of the specialty tea shop in Dallas, the Cultured Cup.  They discuss all things tea, fr...

Bonus Show: One Year Anniversary

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's bonus show, Mark and Jessica reflect on the one year anniversary of their partnership and the reboot of Another Bottle Down.  They revist ...

Asturian Cider Masters

16 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica and Mark dig into the rich culture, history, and production of traditional Spanish Cider, particularly from the region of Ast...

Ryan Cooper on dismantling wine snobbery

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we catch up with Ryan Cooper, owner and operator of Every Wine, a wine education and entertainment company in Houston, TX.  Ryan is ...

Beaumont Chenin and Cool Climate Finesse

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the second of a two part series on South African wine, Mark and Jessica catch up with Sebastian Beaumont of Beaumont Family Wines in the Bot River,...

Johann De Wet and the Genesis of Chardonnay in South Africa

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show and the first in a 2 part series on South Africa, Mark and Jessica start off with a quick conversation with Danya Declusin, owner of C...

Jessica and Brian Freedman on the Road in Spain

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica Dupuy kicks off her month long stay in Spain with visiting the wineries of Gonzalez Byass in Rioja and Jerez with fellow writer Brian Freedman...

Matt Dulle provides insight into the restaurant industry (and other musings...)

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With over 25yrs in the hospitality industry, Matt Dulle's hospitality career ranges from St. Louis to Chicago to SF/Northern California.  Matt has be...

Saké with Monica Samuels

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jessica catches up with Monica Samuels, VP of Sake and Spirits for Vine Connections, just after the Texsom International Wine Awards...

Jean Trimbach on Alsace

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jean Trimbach is one of the icons of Alsace and the 12th generation at the helm this benchmark family winery with his brother Pierre.  Jessica catche...

Collio: The Great Italian White Wines with Attems Winery

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Another Bottle Down, Jessica shares a conversation over lunch with Friulian winemaker Daniele Vuerich of Attems winery in Collio an...

Irish Whiskey with Pádraig Ó Graillais

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jessica catches up with Pádraig Ó Graillais of Micil Distillery in Galway, Ireland. A classic story of Irish heritage, Micil is...

Chianti Classico and the breakup of UGA's

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica interview two prominent winemaker's in the Chianti Classico zone.  Federica Mascheroni Stianti is part of the famil...

Kelli White on Napa Cab

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kelli White is a wine writer and educator, currently serving as Director of Education for the Wine Center at Meadowood in Napa Valley.  She also has ...

Vino Nobile with Alessandra Bindi Sergardi and Andrea Lonardi

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica catch up with two very important producers making Vino Nobile around the historic town of Montepulciano in south Tus...

Nic Van Aarde on the Banghoek Valley South Africa and Oldenburg Vineyards

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica catches up with Nic Van Aarde, winemaker of Oldenburg Vineyards in the Banghoek Ward of Stellebosch, South Africa.  Nic has ...

Cava with Chris Tanghe

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last episode, we took a look at the sparkling wine regions of Champagne and Trento… This episode, we continue our focus on traditional-method sparkl...

Champagne and TrentoDOC with Alan Tardi and Matteo Lunelli

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we say farewell to 2022, we thought it fitting to discuss the bottles of wine most likely to be popped to welcome the New Year: Champagne / Sparkli...

Bonus Christmas Episode: What's up in the Southern Hemisphere

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, Mark and Jessica catch up with four winemakers in various countries in the Southern Hemisphere to see how everybody celebrates ...

Marc Hochar of Chateau Musar: Past, Present, and Future

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica catch up with Marc Hochar, 3rd generation of Chateau Musar.  Marc touches on the history of winemaking in Lebanon a...

Beaujolais: soils, trends, and drinkability

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Mark and Jessica take a deep dive into all things Beaujolais.  Instead of spending too much time on Nouveau, they focus on the vario...

Thanksgiving with Friends of ABD

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving can be one of the most intimidating holidays when it comes to selecting and pairing wines.  Join Mark and Jessica for a discussion of th...

Judging the Vintner's Cup: Best of Texas Wine

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark and Jessica discuss the results for the Texas Vintner's Cup, an evaluation of more than 200 Texas wines organized for the Texas ...

The World of Wine Education

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, Jessica and Mark break down all facets of wine education, from the three major certification organizations to self-study and everythi...

Climate Change with Brian Freedman

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jessica and Mark talk a bit about climate change in the wine and spirits industry. For more insight, Jessica catches up with Brian Fr...

West Texas Trip: Wine, Sotol, and a Tiny Plane

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the 2022 Texas Harvest begins to wind down, Jessica revisits a trip she took to West Texas at the beginning of the growing season with William Chri...

The White Wines of Spain with Justin Vann

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Vann has been selling wine and spirits in his native Houston for more than 11 years. He started around the age of 22, on the floor at Vic & An...

New Show, New Look, New Hosts

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Revived from a previous iteration in 2022, Another Bottle Down explores the when, what, why, and how of the wine and spirits world.  Get to know host...

The Wonder Women of Wine Conference

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rania Zayyat comes on the show to talk about the Wonder Women of Wine Conference to be held March 2nd & 3rd in Austin, Texas. Rania came up with the c...

Bordeaux with Michel and Marla

04 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Michel and Marla are the wonderful people behind MichelThibaultWine.com and TravelCuriousOften.com, they have an incredible selection and well-priced ...

Wild Ferments with Henry Crowson

09 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Henry Crowson, owner of Crowson Wines, is new to the Hill Country of Texas in Johnson City with his tasting room being open for about 3 months.  Henr...

Kicking off the Texas 2018 Harvest!

28 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer McInnis Fadel, from Bending Branch Winery, and Ron Yates, from Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Winery, come on the show to talk about the s...

Sergio Cuadra explains Veraison

21 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sergio Cuadra, Winemaker of Fall Creek Vineyards, comes on the show to describe the 2018 Texas growing season so far.  This episode was broadcast on ...

Slow down and listen to the music with Barnaby

29 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Barnaby Tuttle is owner and winemaker of Teutonic Wine Company in Portland Oregon.  He's doing some crazy stuff in Oregon with cool climate sites and...

Bandol Explained with Ch. Vannières

23 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we're joined by Eric Boisseaux, owner of Ch. Vannières, and Laurent Michit, from the importer H. Mercer Imports.  We really dig int...

Andreas Wickhoff MW of Bründlmayer

17 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Andreas Wickhoff is one of three Masters of Wine in Austria and serves as general manager of Weingut Bründlmayer.  We get into such great discussion...

Austin Chronicle First Plates 2018 Edition

08 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jessi Cape, Austin Chronicle's Food Editor, comes on the show to talk about their First Plates issue.  Jessi and team have chosen and outlined the 10...

Chris, Rania, and Vintel wine classes

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Kelly and Rania Zayyat, come on to talk about the cycle of class that they have been planning and hosting.  This serves as a conduit to much de...

Cesare Cecchi on Tuscany

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Cesare was born with the taste of Sangiovese in his mouth, as he says it.  He's 4th generation to be making wine in Chianti Classico, and we dig into...

Working Vintage on the Mornington Peninsula

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Schlotzhauer, local Austin sommelier, just got back from a month of working harvest on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia.  Tony met the owners...

Crossing of Podcast Worlds with Mike G plus the Texas Wine Revolution!

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mike G and his podcast Show de Vie dig into the spirits world and all the colorful personalities behind the hard stuff.  We cross paths on his 226th ...

The Cutting Edge of Oregon

27 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chad Stock, winemaker and partner of the Craft Wine Company, has an obsessive drive to discover what Oregon can offer the world.  He is often lumped ...

Henri Boillot and the Purity of White Burgundy

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, we talk with a top white Burgundy producer, Henri Boillot, about all the ins and outs of making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Côt...

The Hills of Milk and Honey

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Milliron and her family own the Hills of Milk and Honey, an educational farm in Dripping Springs.  This farm has been one of the top beneficiarie...

A Wine Bar with Style: Aviary Wine and Kitchen

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Aviary Wine Bar and Kitchen just re-opened after a remodel and extensive over-haul with expanded kitchen and seating.  Marco Fiorilo, owner, and Alex...

Talkin' Trends for 2018

14 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On today's show, I'm joined by Austin wine industry veterans, Karen Dante and John Duncan.  Karen is wine buyer at King Liquors on Burnet and John is...

Washington State Wine Explained!

02 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Warner, President and CEO of the Washington State Wine Commission, comes on the show to talk about where the Washington State wine industry is a...

Introducing Guild: A new Austin Restaurant

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Stuart Thomajan, owner of the Chameleon Group, and Sterling Ridings, Chef and Partner, come on the show to talk about the highly anticipated opening o...

The Rocks of Rotie Cellars

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On the first episode of 2018, we catch up with Maddie Richards, Sales Director, of Rotie Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington.  We talk about what make...