What makes a dining or travel experience truly unforgettable?

Vannessa Scott-Allen, Executive Director of Always Practice Hospitality, believes the secret lies in one word: connection.

In our latest episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Vannessa explains how storytelling elevates wine from just a drink into a memorable experience. She emphasizes the growing need for genuine connections in a digital age where authenticity often feels lost.

Vannessa also explores how COVID-19 reshaped the hospitality landscape, forcing innovation and resilience, and discusses the critical role of self-care for those in service roles. And lastly, she highlights why creating new opportunities for connection is essential to reviving hospitality.

Tune in now and get inspired to see hospitality in a whole new way!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Vannessa Scott-Allen and her hospitality philosophy (01:29)

The role of storytelling in wine experiences (05:04)

How COVID-19 transformed the hospitality industry (10:58)

The need for genuine connection and sincerity in service (13:42)

Balancing personal challenges and professional roles in hospitality (20:34)

Challenges in attracting the younger generations to wine (29:00)

Vannessa’s inspiration for hospitality (33:03)

Importance of self-care to provide exceptional service (39:56)

How curiosity drives growth and excellence in hospitality (46:47)

Episode wrap-up (47:30)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Always Practice Hospitality: https://www.alwayspracticehospitality.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸The Vineyard NO ONE Thought Could Exist in Texas with Stephanie Franklin: https://youtu.be/RNT-B-hUgpo

🔸Innovation Expert Explains What Innovation in Wine Really Looks Like | Gerard Tellis: https://youtu.be/H0KWxCOqCIQ

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Does wine feel too complicated?

In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, the founders of Invivo Wines, to explore how they’ve transformed the wine industry.

Ditching the stuffy, aristocratic vibe traditionally associated with wine, Invivo has redefined the game with bold creativity and a focus on fun and inclusivity. They reveal the power of their celebrity collaborations with Sarah Jessica Parker and Graham Norton–partnerships that go beyond simple endorsements.

Discover how Invivo is pushing the boundaries of wine marketing, including launching their winery airline and hosting quirky blending sessions designed to craft the perfect wine bottle.

This episode is truly a masterclass in balancing authenticity with wine branding, navigating industry challenges, and rewriting the rules in a competitive market.

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Invivo’s “100% bullshit-free” wine philosophy (00:38)

Making wine accessible for younger consumers (02:16)

How Rob and Tim pioneered equity crowdfunding in wine (06:00)

Invivo’s founding story and innovative marketing (09:08)

Understanding consumer tastes and regional differences (12:06)

Invivo’s innovative celebrity collaborations (22:09)

Wine industry’s need for creativity and marketing innovation (44:17)

Episode wrap-up (48:13)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Invivo Wines’ website for more information: https://invivowines.com/

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸BULGARI’s World-Class Winemaking Secrets Revealed! | Francesco Poggi: https://youtu.be/nAVaxHwuy1Y

🔸Wine Storage on STEROIDS? THIS is How Bottle Bank Does It | Damon Raque: https://youtu.be/U51rYIZ7wZU

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Bordeaux–a wine region synonymous with elegance, heritage, and traditional fine wines. But what happens when a 19th-century Bordeaux château boldly embraces modernity?

In this week’s episode of Wine Talks, Paul K sits down with Thibaut Richard, the Commercial Director of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion.

Nestled within the city limits of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and countryside charm. Today, Thibaut explains how château preserves authentic Bordeaux values while adapting to a global market.

He shares his insights into the unique techniques that set the vineyard apart from others, uncovers what truly defines an “honest” wine, dives into the wine tourism scene in Bordeaux, and so much more.

If you’re curious about the transformation of a Bordeaux icon and what it takes to create an authentic wine experience in this modern age, tune in to this episode!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Thibaut Richard of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion (00:26)

The unique charm of Bourdeaux and Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion (09:16)

Consumer experience and wine tourism in Bourdeaux (12:22)

The importance of honesty in every glass of wine (23:49)

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s unique winemaking techniques (30:40)

Episode wrap-up (36:42)

Additional Resources:

👉Learn more about Wine Talks: https://www.winetalkspodcast.com/

👉Watch the YouTube full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcE_nUpOKHY&list=PLVPoDzlH3_n8rqmofwcCQvOi_3Ci66bu_

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WineTalksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉Visit Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion for more: https://www.les-carmes-haut-brion.com/en

Watch or listen to these episodes:

🔸THIS Russian-Owned Winery is BREAKING All the Tuscany Wine Rules–Here’s Why: https://youtu.be/lr_n9lJt0_M

🔸Why Panama’s Wine Scene is a Shocking Surprise with Charlie Leary: https://youtu.be/baGQqwIfIbE

Let’s Connect:

🍷IG: https://www.instagram.com/winetalkspodcast/

🍷LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kalemkiarian-a792914

–

Wine Talks with Paul K is the ultimate podcast for serious wine lovers who want to know everything about the wine business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this podcast will introduce you to the wonderful world of wine, one story at a time.

Follow Wine Talks with Paul K on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!