XChateau Wine Podcast

A masterclass on the business of wine. Insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. From noted wine blogger Robert Vernick (@wineterroir) and leading wine business consultant and author of Luxury Wine Marketing Peter Yeung (@winebizguy), this podcast navigates the business of wine with unique perspectives and insights.

Recent Episodes

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Getting ahead of the curve in-store w/ Jessica Kogan, HSP Brands
229
Oct. 13, 2026

Getting ahead of the curve in-store w/ Jessica Kogan, HSP Brands

In an increasingly digital world, there is still little substitute for wine in people’s mouths. Doing in-store tastings is one way to get directly in front of consumers and get immediate feedback on products. Jessica Kogan, CEO of HSP Brands, is focused on providing both an engaging consumer experience and capturing the data from in-store tastings to drive real insight and ROI for bev alc suppliers. Detailed Show Notes: Jessica’s background: co-founder of Cameron Hughes Wine, sold to Vintage W
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Living with purpose w/ Hayes & Susana Drumwright, Vida Valiente
228
Sept. 29, 2026

Living with purpose w/ Hayes & Susana Drumwright, Vida Valiente

With the goal of living a purposeful life, Vida Valiente was founded in Napa as a combination luxury winery and charity. The foundation is focused on providing last dollar scholarships and mentorship to 1st generation college students. The winery is establishing a newly planted vineyard as the next “grand cru” site in Napa. Hayes and Susana Drumwright combine these two elements into a pathway to connect people who have succeeded with grit to the next generation through wine and impactful experie
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The macroeconomics of shipping and wine w/ Basile Aloy, Avignonesi
227
Sept. 15, 2026

The macroeconomics of shipping and wine w/ Basile Aloy, Avignonesi

A 7th generation shipper and 2nd generation winegrower, Basile Aloy of Avignonesi in Tuscany, has a unique perspective on the geopolitical and macroeconomic events happening today and how they impact the cost of wine. Oil prices, war, tariffs, and climate change all come into play in this wide ranging conversation that showcases how much some of these macro events impact the world of wine. Detailed Show Notes: Basile’s background: Chairman of Avignonesi, wine distribution in Italy &
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The Tipping Point for the Wine Industry w/ Andrea Robinson MS, The Swirled Cup
226
Sept. 1, 2026

The Tipping Point for the Wine Industry w/ Andrea Robinson MS, The Swirled Cup

Though the seeds were already sown for quality wines in California, the famous Judgement of Paris Tasting in 1976 set the wine world ablaze and created new energy not just in America, but across the world for fine wine production and appreciation. Andrea Robinson MS has developed The Swirled Cup, a TV series that explores how the world changed with the Judgement of Paris as its “tipping point.” She covers areas such as winemaking, hospitality, and wine culture in the evolution of the wine market
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Reconnecting with ancient terroir w/ Irakli Gilauri, Gilauri Wine
225
Aug. 18, 2026

Reconnecting with ancient terroir w/ Irakli Gilauri, Gilauri Wine

As the birthplace of wine and the vinifera grape species, Georgia (the country), has wine deeply embedded in its culture. Yet, having survived conquest by three empires, fine wines are not the current norm in Georgia, where the Russian Communists focused on quantity over quality. Irakli Gilauri is launching Gilauri Wines to change that and to give wine collectors all over the world a chance to taste and connect with the best of the Ancient Terroir that is his home country of Georgia. Detai
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Making history relevant for the modern consumer w/ Aly Wente, Wente Family Vineyards
224
Aug. 4, 2026

Making history relevant for the modern consumer w/ Aly Wente, Wente Family Vineyards

With 143 years of history, Wente Family Vineyards is the US’s longest continuously family owned and operated winery, even producing wine through Prohibition. Aly Wente, Chief Revenue Officer, discusses how Wente leverages its rich history to re-launch historic brands, connect with younger consumers, and embed the messaging in social media and hospitality to differentiate itself. Detailed Show Notes: Aly’s background covered in prior episodes, but she is now in charge of all revenue v
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About the Hosts

Robert Vernick Profile Photo
Robert Vernick

Robert Vernick is a wine blogger and podcaster at night, engaging his passion, while a Silicon Valley executive by day. Robert’s insight into the intersection of technology, social media, and wine provides some of the unique perspectives that XChateau delivers to its audience. His love of sharing wine has led Robert’s WineTerroir Instagram to 50,000+ followers. Robert was a Master of Wine Candidate and also holds the WSET Diploma.

Peter Yeung Profile Photo
Peter Yeung

Peter Yeung (pronounced “young”) is a leading wine business consultant, named one of Wine Business Monthly’s 2020 Wine Leaders. He is the author of award-winning Luxury Wine Marketing and was VP of Strategy & Biz Dev at Kosta Browne in Sonoma and Realm Cellars in Napa. Peter passed Stage 2 Theory of the Master of Wine Exam and holds the WSET Diploma and CIA Certified Wine Professional designations. Prior to wine, Peter was an executive in Silicon Valley and a consultant with McKinsey & Company.