Chefs & Cellars: A New Podcast Journey into the Heart of Fine Dining and Wine

At Wine Paris 2026, Annie Favia and Andy Erickson reflect on the evolution of Favia Wines and present the Favia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (96/100), a benchmark expression blending Oakville power with Coombsville precision. Rooted in decades of vineyard expertise and a new Oakville estate designed for the future, Favia Wines continues to shape the identity of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with restraint, structure, and site-driven clarity.

Finca La Emperatriz, a single-estate winery in Rioja Alta owned by Hermanos Hernáiz, champions estate-grown, Viñedo Singular wines that highlight terroir, old vines and the historic Oja Valley. In contrast to Rioja’s large-scale producers, Eduardo Hernáiz focuses on organic bush vines, low yields and a grand vin philosophy to craft age-worthy Tempranillo and Viura that redefine Rioja identity.

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion redefines modern Bordeaux wine from within the city itself, combining four centuries of heritage with precision viticulture and contemporary whole-cluster winemaking. Located in the heart of Bordeaux, this historic urban vineyard produces elegant, Cabernet Franc–driven wines that balance freshness, structure, and early drinkability while retaining exceptional ageing potential.

In an in-depth conversation with Managing Director Jessica Julmy, TEMPOS Vega Sicilia reveals a philosophy where time, not urgency, shapes every decision from vineyard to release. Through the contrasting yet connected stories of Alión in Ribera del Duero and Pintia in Toro, the group’s patient, place-driven approach unfolds as a quiet counterpoint to the speed of today’s fine-wine market.

Philippe Castéja, chairman of Borie-Manoux and steward of iconic estates such as Château Batailley, offers a rare insider’s perspective on how Bordeaux balances heritage, terroir and modern precision in a rapidly changing fine wine world. From La Place de Bordeaux to climate adaptation and evolving consumer expectations, this in-depth interview reveals why patience, culture and long-term vision remain Bordeaux’s greatest strengths.

Discover Maremma Toscana through an in-depth masterclass with Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano, exploring the region’s maritime terroir, diverse soils, and the distinction between Maremma Toscana DOC and Morellino di Scansano DOCG. Featuring detailed wine reviews and DWA scores, this article highlights how Sangiovese and international varieties express a distinctive coastal Tuscan identity.