The Wine Centric Show

In this episode of Wine Centric, host Matthew Weiss sits down with Aldo Sohm, one of the world’s most celebrated sommeliers and the Wine Director at the iconic Le Bernardin in New York City. From cycling through vineyards to curating one of the most prestigious wine programs on the planet, Aldo shares what it takes to excel at the top of the hospitality world.

You’ll hear Aldo’s remarkable journey from Austria to NYC, his insights on wine pairing, hospitality culture, and how he balances discipline, health, and humility in an industry known for ego and excess. He also opens up about memorable moments—like serving critics under pressure—and why great wine service always starts with kindness.

Whether you're a sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories of excellence, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world wisdom.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Becoming a world-class sommelier
• The evolution of hospitality and ego in fine dining
• Wine pairing with music and mood
• Health, cycling, and sustainable routines
• Wine tasting as both art and science
• Mentorship, training, and performing at the highest level

📍 Follow & Subscribe for more deep dives with top names in wine, hospitality, and culinary culture.
Aldo Sohm interview

Top sommeliers in the world

Le Bernardin Wine Director

Aldo Sohm wine bar

What does a sommelier do

Fine dining hospitality insights

Wine pairing techniques

Wine tasting like a pro

Sommelier career path

NYC wine scene

Austrian sommeliers in NYC

How to become a sommelier

Wine and music pairing

In this entertaining episode of Creators & Guests

• Joe Woolworth - Producer
• Matt Weiss - Host

You'll hear Amanda dive into the art of wine pairing, the resurgence of Moscato D'Asti, and her favorite food & wine mashups (yes, Zinfandel and BBQ!). With her down-to-earth vibe and deep knowledge, Amanda makes the complex world of wine feel fun, approachable, and inspiring—whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just wine-curious.

In this inaugural "in-studio" episode of The Wine Centric Show, we sit down with Brian Larky, founder of Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Larkey discusses his innovative wine import model that eliminates the traditional three-tier system by selling directly to importer-distributors.

Drawing on decades of experience, including his time making wines in Italy and working with renowned estates like Ca’ del Bosco, Larky provides insights into the importance of transparent, sustainable business relationships in the wine industry.

Learn how Della Terra champions Italian wines, spirits, and culture across the United States, fostering deep connections between producers, importers, and consumers.

00:00 Introduction to the Wine Centric Show

00:40 Meet Brian Larky: The Maverick of Wine

00:57 Revolutionary Wine Import Model

01:31 Journey from UC Davis to Italy

02:54 The Dalla Terra Business Model

05:08 Building Relationships in the Wine Industry

19:16 The Impact of Tariffs on Wine Imports

26:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Rajat Parr, a renowned figure in the wine industry, shares his journey from being a celebrated sommelier to becoming a farmer in Cambria. He discusses the unique terroir of the region, the importance of natural and regenerative farming practices, and the future of wine education and commercial success. Rajat emphasizes the significance of understanding the origins of wine and the role of sommeliers in enhancing the dining experience. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the wine industry and the need for a more personal connection to food and wine.

In this exhilarating episode of The Wine Centric Show, host Matthew Weiss sits down with the legendary Paul Hobbs, a true pioneer whose influence spans continents and generations in the wine industry. From his early days considering a medical career to becoming a world-renowned “flying winemaker,” Hobbs shares his journey of breaking barriers in winemaking across California, Argentina, and Armenia.

Discover how he helped elevate Malbec to global fame in Argentina, revived ancient winemaking traditions in Armenia, and played a pivotal role in shaping California’s fine wine reputation through his work with Opus One. Paul also discusses the challenges and opportunities of the global wine market, particularly in Asia, and teases potential future ventures in Eastern Europe and China.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur, industry professional, or simply fascinated by stories of innovation and perseverance, this episode offers invaluable insights into the art, science, and business of winemaking on a global scale.

Key Takeaways:

🍷 Paul Hobbs is a winemaking visionary whose impact spans multiple continents.
🌍 "Flying winemaking" allows him to bring expertise to diverse wine regions.
🍇 Malbec’s transformation in Argentina is one of the most significant wine success stories.
🏛️ Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions are being revived through his efforts.
🍾 The Opus One collaboration changed how the world viewed California wines.
📈 The global wine market is evolving, with new opportunities emerging in Asia and beyond.

Tune in for a fascinating deep dive into the past, present, and future of winemaking, as seen through the eyes of one of its most influential figures.