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 recently left MML Hospitality and started his own consulting firm, Sidecar Hospitality. He's a big Barolo and Barbaresco fan and gives tons of juicy insights on the region, the grape (Nebbiolo), and how to approach a large scale tasting such as the World Opening.

Purchase tickets to Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th: Here

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On this week's episode, Jessica visits a very iconic Scilian producer, Donnafugata. She interviews the 5th and 6th generation of the winery, first José Rallo and then her daughter Gabriella Anca Rallo. There's so much to talk about with Donnafugata from the western areas around Palermo to Mt. Etna to the rustic island of Pantelleria. There's lots of history, legacy, and innovation wrapped up in these conversation.

History on Donnafugata here.

Buy a ticket for Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th in Austin Here.

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 personal circle. Front-and-center topics span non-alcohol wines, AI in wine journalism as well as the broader industry, and what regions are still performing well in a 'down market.'

Thank you for listening in 2024 and we're looking forward to a full and exciting program for 2025.

Stay tuned!