The Four Top: Wine News and Culture (The Four Top)

“Sponcon” is influencing our food-purchasing decisions. Do we notice when it starts creeping into our newsfeeds? And with co-branding on the rise, what do we make of Carhartt-brand beer and Tabasco-sauce-flavored Jelly Bellies? Finally, why is it so hard to get a decent meal at a brewpub?
Answering the hard questions this week are Jeff Alworth, an award-winning writer and podcaster covering beer, cider, and occasionally, politics; Lucy Burningham, Certified Cicerone, food and travel writer, and author of two books on beer; and Andy Kryza, a journalist and a former senior editor at Thrillist.

What’s really happening behind the scenes at the Food Network? (Yes, you really do have to bake 1,000 cupcakes.) Are so-called “laptop squatters'' bad for business or good for café culture? And could a cooking class improve your child’s test scores?

Helping us answer these questions are gluten-free pastry chef Kyra Bussanich, owner of Kyra’s Bake Shop and the only four-time winner of “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network; Danielle Centoni, a James Beard Award-winning food journalist, cookbook writer, and recipe developer; and Laura Russell, a cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer.

Is that classic checkout line question—“How’s your day going?”—intrusive or endearing? Is the dinner party dead? Lastly, who exactly is the “average” home cook?
Gathering around the mics this week are Megan Scott, editor, recipe developer, and project manager for The Joy of Cooking; Laura Russell, cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer; and Heather Arndt Anderson, culinary historian, botanist, and food writer.

First, we deconstruct the phenomenon that is “Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” starring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. Next, we get to know the hardline rules restaurants are laying down for customers to follow. Finally, what's the appeal of the single-subject cookbook?

Our panelists this week are Heather Arndt Anderson, culinary historian, botanist, and food writer; Jacob Grier, a prominent mixologist who is also a political writer for publications such as The Washington Post; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

Are four-star restaurants serving narcotics? In this episode we talk truffles, which, according to Italian researchers and news reports, have provoked gunfights and might get you high. Next, we debate the merits of soothing violins vs. sonically dynamic restaurant background music. Finally, microwaves: We think outside the box.

Joining us at the Oregon Truffle Festival are Harold McGee, a world-renowned food science expert, author of three books, and a former columnist at The New York Times; Dave Arnold, the founder of the Museum of Food and Drink, owner of Booker and Dax, and an author; and Peter Meehan, an author and the former editorial director for Lucky Peach

Should you juice cleanse? Or is this popular new year’s resolution counterproductive? How has the digital era altered the art of foraging? Finally, we look back 100 years to World War I, when dining decisions and patriotism were inextricably intertwined.

This episode we get caught up in conversation with Liz Crain, a culinary author, fermentation expert, and the co-organizer of the annual Portland Fermentation Festival; Heather Arndt Anderson, a culinary historian, botanist, and food writer; and Virginia Gewin, an award-winning journalist covering food security and agriculture for publications such as Nature, Popular Science, and Modern Farmer.

This episode is all about Cuba. As incoming travelers compete for the best “authentic” Cuban food Instagram shots, it’s worth remembering that many Cuban residents are going hungry. What does this juxtaposition of privation and prosperity mean? We then lighten the mood with a brief history—and taste—of Cuban rum.

Traveling with us this week are Patrick Simms, the author of two books on Cuba, and a journalist covering for Outside, The New York Times, Harper’s, and GQ; Robert Reid, a former travel writer and the current host of OETA’s Gallery America on PBS; and Jacob Grier, a prominent mixologist who is also a political writer for publications such as The Washington Post.

From food waste to tipping, The Four Top is a roundtable discussion of today's hot-button topics in food and beverage culture. Listen in every other Monday.

Are we burnt out on holiday meals? Or are we happy with our traditional fare? This week we wonder if we should mess with the green bean casserole, or let tradition prevail. We turn our festive eye to fake food holidays, and try to tackle the troubling class divide between foodies and those less fortunate.

Helping to unravel all of this is Megan Scott, editor, recipe developer, and project manager for The Joy of Cooking; Laura Russell, a cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

It’s time to catch up on new food trends (with a lot of history behind them). We get the low down on poke, and swim through the watery world of sea vegetables.

Behind those panelist mics are Peter Meehan, an author and the former editorial director for Lucky Peach; Matthew Card, the food editor for Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

We uncover craft beer’s dirty little secret and examine the cult phenom that is the Yeti cooler company — but not before sipping Soylent, the embattled Silicon Valley food replacement.

Is the beer world calling a truce in the hops arms race? We discuss, then delve into the rise of “fast casual” dining. Finally, we navigate the minimum wage conversation vis-à-vis restaurant workers.

Our esteemed panelists are Erin DeJesus, currently the lead editor at Eater; Jeff Alworth, an award-winning writer and podcaster covering beer, cider, and occasionally, politics; and Lucy Burningham, Certified Cicerone, food and travel writer, and author of two books on beer.

We aren’t above fast food, and we aren’t above dishing on fast food secret menu items, like In-N-Out’s “animal style” burger. Next, we find out what Martha Stewart’s new meal-kit delivery service has to offer. And since no one would believe our menu hacks or Martha meals without picture evidence, we ask: What has Instagram done to our dining habits?

We turn to the sage wisdom of Laura Russell, a cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer; Erin DeJesus, currently the lead editor at Eater.com; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

What’s the deal with recipe theft? Why are chefs transitioning from bacon besties to health-food connoisseurs? And is tipping over? Or is the end of tipping over? We’re so confused. (And if you’re confused about what’s “tipping over,” we’re talking $$ tips.)

Chiming in this week are Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking; Laura Russell, a cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer; and Jeff Alworth, an award-winning writer and podcaster covering beer, cider, and occasionally, politics.

This week we dive deep into our words, our taste buds, and our oceans. Why are we so excited by B.S. food terminology, like “superfood?” Is flavor the new superfood? And what the heck is bycatch?

Our guests this week are Curt Ellis, the filmmaker behind the Peabody Award-winning documentary King Corn, and the cofounder and CEO of FoodCorps; Virginia Gewin, an award-winning journalist covering food security and agriculture for publications such as Nature, Popular Science, and Modern Farmer; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

In our début episode we ask: What is up with America’s obsession with breakfast? We also talk trash about food waste and discuss how our phones are changing how we eat out.

Our inaugural guests are Erin DeJesus, currently lead editor at Eater; Laura Russell, cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer; and Lucy Burningham, Certified Cicerone, travel writer, and author of two books on beer.

Restaurant owners may claim to be progressive, but some may be feeling bullish about former President Trump’s policies right now. Next, we take you to the elusive and endangered midsized American farm. Lastly, what do hospitals, jails, and schools all have in common? It’s institutional dining, and it may be making us sick.

This episode’s sage wisdom comes from Amanda Oborne, the President and Executive Director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network; Greg Astley, the Director of Government Affairs at the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA); and Virginia Gewin, an award-winning journalist covering food security and agriculture for publications such as Nature, Popular Science, and Modern Farmer.

We’re all a little obsessed with the women of the internet who cook, craft, and wear cute outfits, but are we really enjoying their content, or do we secretly hate their glossy kitchens and perfect hair? After we’re done indulging our pettiness, we discuss the subjectivity of taste. How can we describe food when the sense of taste is so personal? Finally: Are wine clubs the personal sommeliers we’ve dreamed of, or are we getting ripped off?

Diving into the details this week are Bianca Bosker, a certified sommelier, contributing writer at The Atlantic, and the New York Times bestselling author of Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste. Also: Juneau DeMelo, a food and health writer for publications such as Marie Claire, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and Vogue; and Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.

Some restaurateurs have begun to declare that their businesses are “sanctuaries” for people of every race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. We explore what is behind the movement to create safe spaces for all. We segue into the topic of undocumented workers in the food industry, and ask how these workers and their employers navigate the choppy waters of illegal labor. We end this episode with hungry stomachs and minds after diving into the delicious world of Peruvian cuisine.

Our guides this week are Roxy De La Torre, a freelance reporter and producer who formerly covered immigration for Oregon Public Broadcasting; Hannah Wallace, a freelance food and wine journalist for Bloomberg Businessweek, Civil Eats, Food and Wine, and SevenFifty Daily; and Peter Platt, an expert in social entrepreneurship and the owner of the groundbreaking Peruvian restaurant Andina in PDX.

Since when did a year consist of six seasons? Since a chef and his co-author took a close look at the phases of seasonal cooking. Next, why is salmon the most important fish to travel from ocean to plate? And finally, a new film on food provocateur James Beard has us thinking about this big man’s great legacy.

Joining us are Kathleen Squires, a freelance food and travel writer and the co-producer of the documentary “America’s First Foodie”; Diane Morgan, the award-winning author of eighteen cookbooks and counting; and Martha Holmberg, a cookbook author and the former CEO of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).

From the trading post to Costco, the grocery shopping experience has changed over time. What does the future of food retail hold? Next, could cured meats and raw milk really kill you? And finally, are cooking shows finally starting to show the reality of life as a chef?

Keeping us in the loop on this episode are Michael Ruhlman, a cookbook author and fiction and nonfiction writer; Camas Davis, a food writer and the founder of the Portland Meat Collective, the Good Meat Project, and the Good Meat Breakdown; and Heather Arndt Anderson, culinary historian, botanist, and food writer.

Are you ready to ditch the pot brownies and embrace… deviled eggs à la Mary Jane? We brought together a renowned cannabis cookbook author, the former editor-in-chief of Fine Cooking magazine, and a libertarian journalist for some serious talk about marijuana's role in the food world, and how the heck to cook with this extremely fragrant herb (hint: it's not easy). As an added bonus, we get up-in-arms about arbitrary food-labeling laws—you’ll be surprised by how controversial they can be.

Our panelists are Jacob Grier, a prominent mixologist who is also a political writer for publications such as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast; Martha Holmberg, CEO emeritus of the International Association of Culinary Professionals; and Laurie Wolf, cannabis cookbook author and owner of Laurie & Mary Jane, a producer of small-batch, cannabis-infused edibles.

Everyone is talking about kombucha, and some are… going to jail over it? We investigate this fermenting craze. Next, what is the Taiwanese food concept “Q,” and can we try some, please? Finally, can someone please get these politics out of my food?

Joining us for this “booch” cruise are Liz Crain, a culinary author, fermentation expert, and the co-organizer of the annual Portland Fermentation Festival; Ivy Manning, a food educator, cookbook author, and contributor to publications such as Cooking Light and Fine Cooking; and Laura Russell, a cookbook author, food writer, and recipe developer.

Do wines and craft beers belong in aluminum cans? We taste a few and find out. Next, we get the lowdown on natural wine from the author of the book Naked Wine. Finally, we discuss the push to put nutritional information on our booze bottles, and wonder: Do we WANT to know?

Filling us in on all things alcohol this week are Alice Feiring, James Beard Award-winning wine writer and author; Jim Meehan, James Beard Award-winning author and mixologist; and Christian DeBenedetti, author, brewer, and founder of Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery.

What do you picture when you hear the word "salad"? What is a cookbook for? And what does the ideal kitchen look like? In Episode 24, we overturn our assumptions about everyday things, and our panelists might surprise you.

Flipping the script this week are Julia Sherman, founder of Jus Jus Verjus and the Salad For President blog, and author of a book of the same name; Peter Miller, cookbook author and owner of Peter Miller Books; and Megan Scott, editor, recipe developer, and project manager for The Joy of Cooking.

What do wine, sushi, and coffee have in common? Pregnant women can’t enjoy any of these delights without risking public condemnation. Have we gone too far with these restrictions? Plus, we dive into the world of fake meat, and get the dirt on clean eating.

Helping us wade through it all this week are Tove Danovich, a freelance food and agriculture journalist and author for Eater, Bon Appétit, and The Atlantic; Juno DeMelo, a freelance health and wellness writer for publications such as Bon Appétit, Vogue, and NPR; and Virginia Gewin, an award-winning journalist covering food security and agriculture for publications such as Nature, Popular Science, and Modern Farmer.

We got three food critics together to talk about… food critics, and what happens when reviews go viral. We also pick their brains about the new state of food journalism, and ask the age-old question: Why are some restaurants reserved about reservations?

Helping us along this week are Roger Porter, a restaurant critic, professor of English at Reed College, and the editor of Eating Words: A Norton Anthology of Food Writing; Michael Zusman, a dining critic, food writer, and the co-author of The Artisan Jewish Deli at Home; and Mattie John Bamman, a freelance lifestyle and travel journalist and the former editor of Eater Portland.

What is CRISPR (no, not that misunderstood drawer in your fridge), and can it win over the “NO GMOs” contingent? What common foods are destined to go the way of the dodo bird? And can someone please help us understand the Global Seed Vault?

Cutting it up with us this week are Heather Arndt Anderson, culinary historian, botanist, and food writer; Virginia Gewin, an award-winning journalist covering food security and agriculture for publications such as Nature, Popular Science, and Modern Farmer; and Tove Danovich, a freelance food and agriculture journalist and author for Eater, Bon Appétit, and The Atlantic.

What are the implications of a food journalist deeming a so-called "ethnic" cuisine a "trend"? What accounts for Portland's attraction to food tourists and tastemakers? And why is the restaurant industry such an unwelcoming world for women?

How rude can restaurant patrons be? Very. Next, food cart vendors and restaurateurs are battling. What role should city legislators play in this war? And marijuana can't be served in dining establishments—yet—so how are chefs working around the laws to...

Did you know that the hospitality industry is the profession with the highest rate of substance abuse? What's the deal with the new crop of beer spritzes, with names like Radler and Shandy? And finally, how did a brewery open in Flint, Michigan, during...

With food media increasingly fragmented, why are some brands staging live IRL events? Next, do you sous vide at home? And finally, what are food entertainment personalities really like when the cameras turn off? We discuss on Episode 31 of The Four Top, online from Nov. 6.

Why is cider the fastest-growing segment in the American drinks industry? Next, what's the deal with professional beverage tasting? And finally, craft beverage producers are constantly being solicited for donations.

How did our guests build businesses selling candy, cupcakes and chronicles to adults? Next, what’s the magic formula for making a visual splash with a food startup? And finally, there’s a sense of tension in the American food scene, with raw veggies an...

"Raw" cheeses are demonized... but could they be less harmful for you than raw fruits and vegetables? How are home brewers leading the backyard biologist movement? And those who work in artisanal food industries are asking themselves: Is the conversa...

Episode 35 goes live on January 1, 2018, so we will kick off this three-course show by learning about the surprising ways in which the New Year is celebrated in Russia. Next, we’ll review the world’s best hangover foods. And finally, tongue is a classi...

Episode 36, recorded live at PodCon in Seattle, is a freewheeling look at beverage trends for 2018. We kick things off by reminiscing about the faddish beverages of decades past that are ready for revivals this year. Next, we predict the drinks that will die this year. Finally, our three pundits share their personal desert-island drink picks.

Episode 37 is all about coffee. First, our experts teach us to ride the "Third Wave" movement. Next, what's a microroaster? How about a nanoroaster? And finally, we taste and talk about Guinness Stout's caffeinated counterpart. Episode 37 of The Four Top is online from Jan. 29.

Cuisines from all over the world are readily available in every major U.S. city. So why aren't the traditional foods of the First Americans? Despite centuries of systematic cultural suppression, American Indian chefs and historians are rediscovering an...

Food magazines are shutting down at an unprecedented rate, but could there be new opportunities in this sector? Next, cookbooks are moving in a more classic, less celebrity-driven direction. And finally, we discuss ultra high-end, self-published culina...

First, a chef and a food writer give us the lowdown on truffles during this special episode recorded at the Oregon Truffle Festival. Next, we gab about other fab fancy food fests all over the globe. Our third course is a survey of our favorite foodie f...

Can culinary podcasts change the way society sees food? We think so, and so does Juan Ramirez, producer of the excellent "Racist Sandwich" podcast. Next, we discuss the ways in which different cultures discuss body image.

Modern French pastry is a spellbinding art form, combining eye-popping colors with surprising textures, shapes and flavors. We discuss this exciting movement with a pro. Next, boutiques selling nothing but macarons are the latest trend in sweet treats....

Do you act cordially at bars? Today's high-end temples to mixology aren't places for crude behavior, say our three cocktail craftsmen. Next, how are the best bars in the world designed for efficient flow and optimum pleasure? And finally, why are bars ...

What made the love story of Julia and Paul Child so unique? Next, what would photographer Paul Child think of today's Instagram-food-photo craze? And finally, we discuss how we can all live life to the fullest à la the Childs.

Will the wine industry be a victim of climate change? Next, how have the increasingly devastating wildfires that have hit vineyards recently affected the wines? And finally, we lighten the mood by asking why rosé must be limited to summer.

A simple fire might be the most primal cooking method, but there are still innovative ways to barbecue, according to our trio of experts. Next, jerky is suddenly ubiquitous and overpriced, but it turns out it's easy to make at home—even from fish. And ...

As robots become more of a reality in our everyday lives, how are they altering the agribusiness? Next, our discussion dives deeper, unpacking the inevitable friction between food and technology. And finally, we shift the tech talk to the beverage indu...

Learn about selective eating and food phobias, two lesser-known eating disorders afflicting children. Next, discover Little Sous, a new concept for turning kids into confident cooks. And finally, a cookbook author and food blogger fills us in on raisin...

At the height of summer, we discuss the surprising produce (and spices) all around us that will get us through the zombie apocalypse, the science (and potential risks) behind canning all that good summer bounty, and finally, the history of "putting up,...

So-called "natural wine bars" are all the rage right now. Why? And what are the new, surprising wine-food pairing rules? Finally, who knew that eggs are sometime used to make wine?

Could a career in the food or beverage industry be harmful for workers' mental health? How do wine professionals stay healthy in a fairly unhealthy line of work? And why is a bar one of the most stressful places to work?

A new grocery store concept aims to educate communities about health and increase access to affordable, high quality food—will it succeed? What are the best food waste hacks for whittling down our grocery bills while eating healthfully? And could "Rege...

What's it like to suddenly find yourself a celebrity in the wine or culinary world? What sorts of meals should you cook your boo to nourish your relationship? And how can you use food and drink to kickstart party conversations?

Behold the beet. What makes this curious root vegetable so unique? Will science end the practice of planting crops annually? And how does the U.S.'s every-growing American agriculture industry impact the rest of the world? Listen to Episode 54 from Nov. 5, 2018.

While doctors deem the veggie-heavy, whole-grain Mediterranean diet as a long-term lifesavers, athletes still carbo load on refined grains. How can these two philosophies coexist? And should we be suspicious of grab-and-go protein bars? Finally, it mig...

What's the big deal about Olympia Oysters? And what will the future look like when fish are no longer harvested from the wild? Finally, practitioners of one of the world's most dangerous careers — crabbing — are fighting Big Oil to save their jobs and the planet. Episode 56 of "The Four Top" is online from Jan. 7.

Pescetarianism is the world's fastest-growing diet. Can the planet's oceans handle this shift? And should we be concerned about where our salt is sourced from? Finally, let's get to know sake, the misunderstood Japanese rice wine.

In our "feast for the senses" episode, we explore how sensory stimulation affects our food and beverage experiences. First, the music you hear in restaurants and grocery stores has changed significantly over the past decade. Next, as recreational marij...

We're going free in Ep. 59. First: Forget those rubbery dairy-free cheeses from the grocery store and meet the new flavorful artisan alternatives. Next, how compelling is the case against sugar cane, and which of the dizzying array of alternatives is b...

In Ep. 60, we sit down with women leading the charge in the beverage industry. First, meet the efficient, crowd-pleasing batch cocktail, the contemporary craft take on the punches of yesteryear. Next, how much hard work does it take to build community through a passion for beverages? And our insiders discuss the pervasive skepticism and misogyny women face in the male-dominated drinks industry.

Episode 60 of "The Four Top" is online from May 6.

What are the emotional repercussions for those who lose the ability to eat and feed themselves? How has a one-handed cook used YouTube to build an international community? And how are modern innovations redefining cooking for people with less mobility?

What does the term "American Food" mean today? How should we reframe our conversations about Mexican, and Mexican-American, cuisines? And is the American family dinner imperiled?

Meet the secret worldwide society of seltzer aficionados. Next, the "sober-curious" trend is spawning a new generation of high-end mixologists. And finally, canned beverages are here to stay.

What's up with the new wave of faux junk food made from nutritious ingredients? Are you surprised by the latest savory flavor sensations? And are snacks poised to displace meals?

In what ways are music and wine closely related? Why are a rock star and a couple of former record execs in the wine industry? And why do creators launch "vanity labels," whether in music or wine?

What happens when a rock star and two former record execs sit down together to talk wine and music? Behold Episode 65 of "The Four Top," in which our panelists discuss ’80s and ’90s bands, fine wine and everything in between.

What is it like to slaughter an animal? Could grass-fed meat be part of a sustainable "vegetarian" diet? And what's the "mature beef" movement?

In this special episode, Ed Levine, founder of Serious Eats and author of the new book Serious Eater, joins James Beard Award–winning author J. Kenji López-Alt at Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon.

A master cook-turned munchie maker spills on what it's like behind the camera at Vice Media.

What do Americans get wrong about Japanese flavors? Is it difficult for females to make it as professional Japanese chefs? And is Japanese cuisine bolstered by deep philosophical underpinnings?

Have you tried the Japanese breakfast food that's as sticky as chewing gum and "smells like stinky feet"? Meet nattō.

A prominent journalist discusses free speech and food culture.

Meet women who are changing the wine industry, at the Assemblage Symposium, recorded live.

Is foraging the new farming? How will Gen Z change the food industry? And how will a cutting-edge grocery chain change the health industry? Panelists Rowan Jacobsen, Jen Bryman and Fernando Divina discuss.

In this special episode, Carrie Welch, Vitaly Paley, and Heather Kintler discuss the profound impact that COVID-19 has had on their businesses.

Everything we thought we knew about nutrition was wrong. According to journalist Nina Teicholz, Dr. Miles Hassell, and salumist Elias Cairo, a salami a day might just keep the doctor away.

Who are the new culinary entrepreneurs of the COVID-19 quarantine? The innovators who are bringing foods from farms to doorsteps, sending exotic ingredients across the country, and connecting families through cooking. Our guests are Julia Niiro, Ted Farthing, and Kelly Montoya.

What explains the high infection rate of COVID-19 among food-processing workers? Do Americans have a new understanding of food insecurity? And what is “corona-conscious eating”? Elle Simone Scott, Dr. Don Schaffner and Sophie Egan fill us in.

How has COVID-19 changed the public's perception of veganism? Why is the "Black Veganism" movement gaining traction right now? And how are vegans navigating the world differently in 2020? The Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter, Talia Pollock, and Waz Wu bring us up to speed on veganism's new guard.

What are some of the most memorable food moments in film and fiction? Food journalist Nikita Richardson, YouTube phenom Andrew Rea (“Binging with Babish”) and historical-fiction author Crystal King fill us up with food-centric watching and reading recommendations.

As confederate statues have fallen in 2020, so, too, has racist and inequitable leadership within the food media establishment. We speak with three journalists who have led the call for change while raising the bar for food and beverage writing: Soleil Ho, Khushbu Shah, and Tammie Teclemariam.

How did McDonald’s come to play a defining role in Black American history? And should society judge individuals on the basis of the foods they eat? Historian Marcia Chatelain, author and columnist Roxane Gay, and Memphis-based health advocate Whitney Trotter discuss.

It has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us, but no group of people has been put at greater risk this fall than agricultural workers. Vanessa García Polenco, Reyna Lopez, and Somini Sengupta join Katherine Cole to discuss how wildfires, superstorms, and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the lives of agricultural workers who are essential to putting food on our table.

Our table for four turns into a table for seven this month as Katherine moderates the first-ever Celebrating Hispanic Roots, a discussion about Hispanic heritage in the wine industry. Six dynamic Hispanic winemakers join Katherine to talk about diversity, their passion for winemaking, and the challenges faced by the Spanish-speaking vineyard workforce.

Thank you to Ximena Orrego of Atticus Wine, Carla Rodriguez of Beacon Hill, Sofía Torres-McKay of Cramoisi Vineyard, Cristina Gonzales of Gonzales Wine Company, Sam Parra of Parra Wine Company, and J.P. Valot of Valcan Cellars. Visit the Celebrating Hispanic Roots website to learn how you can support each participating winery.

The Court of Master Sommeliers, an elite and exclusive group of wine professionals, faces accusations of sexual harassment and assault, and reports of fostering a culture of racism. Our panelists discuss. Next, our guests examine the ways in which the culture of wine has changed recently, and the work required to further propel the industry forward.

Our panelists are Julia Coney, contributing editor at VinePair and founder of Black Wine Professionals; Julia Moskin, food and dining reporter for The New York Times; and Martin Reyes, the world's first Master of Wine of Mexican descent, founder of Reyes Wine Group, and cofounder of Wine Unify Our host is Katherine Cole. This episode was recorded remotely in locations across the United States. Stay safe out there.

The new year is here, we’re trying to stick to our resolutions, and the USDA has just released a controversial set of new dietary guidelines. So we’re kicking off our “Best of The Four Top” season with DIET LIES.

We’re joined by a journalist who uncovered the fact that USDA food pyramids were actually making us fatter, a longevity doctor whose diet might just save your life, and a salumist whose cured meats could—yes!—be the key to good health.

In short, everything we thought we knew about nutrition was wrong. Listen in as Nina Teicholz, Dr. Miles Hassell, and Elias Cairo of Olympia Provisions tell us why a salami a day might just keep the doctor away, and politics should stay out of science.

We continue our "Best of The Four Top" series with three journalists who have led the call for change through social media and solid journalism while raising the bar for food and beverage writing: Soleil Ho of the San Francisco Chronicle, Khushbu Shah of Food + Wine magazine, and freelance journalist Tammie Teclemariam. We learn about the subtle practices—such as whitewashing recipe titles and pigeonholing people of color—as well as overt pay discrepancies and hostile behavior that created a racist environment within culinary media.

As congress considers legalizing marijuana nationally, it's time to revisit our conversation about cannabis in the kitchen. We brought together a renowned cannabis cookbook author, the former editor-in-chief of Fine Cooking magazine, and a libertarian journalist for some serious talk about marijuana's role in the food world, and how the heck to cook with it (hint: it's not easy).

Our panelists are Jacob Grier, a prominent mixologist who is also a political writer for publications such as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast; Martha Holmberg, CEO emeritus of the International Association of Culinary Professionals; and Laurie Wolf, cannabis cookbook author and owner of Laurie & Mary Jane, a producer of small-batch, cannabis-infused edibles. Our host is Katherine Cole.

We continue our "Best of The Four Top" series by asking: In what ways are music and wine related? Why are music industry veterans drawn to the wine industry? And why do creators launch "vanity labels," whether in music or wine? We're revisiting our conversation about ’80s and ’90s bands, fine wine, and everything in between.

Meet our panelists: Courtney Taylor-Taylor is the lead singer, guitarist, and co-founder of The Dandy Warhols, and the owner of our recording venue, the punk-rock-fine-wine bar The Old Portland. Jay Boberg co-founded the seminal 1980s label IRS Records before going on to run MCA/Universal. He’s now the co-owner of Domaine Nicolas-Jay winery. Sheri Hood ran the American branch of the British record label 4AD and managed prominent bands before becoming the proprietor of The Pressing Plant wine label. Katherine Cole is our host.

In the final installment of our "Best of The Four Top" series, we seek answers to today’s most pressing questions: Can absurd food and drink discussions get our social juices flowing? Can you nourish your relationship through cookery? And what's it like to be an overnight culinary celebrity? Please enjoy this apropos post-pandemic episode while we record our next season, which will focus on wine!

Meet our panelists: Brent Braun is the celebrity sommelier and self-described “wine slob” at OK Omens and Post Familiar Wine. Zach Geballe is the host of the "Vine Pair" podcast, a wine educator, and the founder of Disgorged Wine. Chad Murphy is an assistant professor of management at Oregon State University College of Business and the author of “How to Appear Normal at Social Events,” under his cartoonist pseudonym, Lord Birthday. Ashley Rodriguez is the author of two cookbooks, hosts the Kitchen Unnecessary Podcast, and writes the popular food blog notwithoutsalt.com.

This week marks the long-awaited return of The Four Top! Welcome to our new season, with brand new cohost Martin Reyes, MW. In this episode we are joined by Regine Rousseau and Derrick Westbrook to discuss why “traditional” wine pairings (think Champagne & caviar) don’t work, and explore more abstract pairing concepts: Wine with music, poetry, fragrance and… CBD?

Guest panelist Regine T. Rousseau is founder and CEO of Shall We Wine and author of Searching for Cloves and Lilies: The Wine Edition. Derrick Westbrook, an accomplished sommelier (and Wine Enthusiast cover model!) is founder of Samples & Samples, and owner of the Chicago wine bar Juice @1340.

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Do you remember when massive throngs of people gathered to drink wine together without a second thought? In Ep. 91, we reminisce about our most memorable moments from wine trade shows and consumer fairs with guest panelists Alpana Singh and Stevie Kim. We also discuss the ways in which these mega-events forge connections and propel the industry forward.

Meet our panelists: Stevie Kim is an author, podcaster, and the Managing Director of Vinitaly International. Alpana Singh is a former Master Sommelier, entrepreneur, television personality, and the owner of Terra & Vine in Chicago.

What do toilet paper and Bordeaux have in common? Who’s making money in wine these days and how are they doing it? In Ep. 92, we dive into the economics of the wine world. We discuss the various ways the pandemic has upended the industry, and debate what changes might be here to stay.

Our team of financial advisors includes Felix Salmon, Chief Financial Correspondent at Axios and host of The Slate Wine Club podcast; and Rob McMillan, Executive Vice President of the Wine Division at Silicon Valley Bank, and author of the annual State of the Wine Industry Report.

Are social media “vinfluencers” bringing new consumers to wine, or simply devaluing expertise? What does it take to be a successful wine pro in the digital age, and what does authenticity look like in a world of polished Instagram feeds? In Ep. 93 we unpack these thorny questions and more, as we explore the ways social media and online personas have changed and shaped our industry.

Influencing The Four Top are Jeff Graham and Mike Matyjewicz, online wine influencers and the founders and personalities behind the Sparkling Winos blog; and Paul Mabray, a wine industry digital futurist, and the CEO of Pix.wine.

Is “Natural Wine” a category, a lifestyle, or just a buzz phrase? In Ep. 94 we hear about the Cold War between natural and conventional winemakers, question the possible quackery of so-called clean wines, and more.

Our natural wine guides are Esther Mobley, an award-winning journalist and the wine critic at the San Francisco Chronicle; and Amanda Smeltz, a sommelier, poet, the newly-annointed European Portfolio Manager for Coeur Wine Co., and the author of Imperial Bender.

What has the power to transport us through space and time with nothing more than a single sniff? The nose! In Ep. 95 we discuss the ways in which COVID-19 and technological innovations have changed our thinking on smelling. We’ll also explore the nose’s ability to dramatically enhance a whole spectrum of experiences, from our own memory to a glass of wine.

Helping us sniff out the truth are Harold McGee, a food science expert and the James Beard Award-winning author of multiple books including Nose Dive; and Dr. Hoby Wedler, an entrepreneur, scientist, and activist.

What could possibly be stressful about working with wine? It turns out that a career centered around other peoples’ enjoyment and leisure is anything but relaxing. As news headlines blare dire warnings about “The Great Resignation,” we focus Ep. 96 on why burnout happens in the wine industry, and what can be done about it.

Keeping us grounded and healthy this week are Laura Louise Green, a spirits educator, Licensed Professional Counselor, and founder of Healthy Pour; and Rebecca Hopkins, founder of A Balanced Glass, and Vice President of Communications at Folio Fine Wine Partners.

The stories you don’t hear in wine-education classes or read about in magazines are the most important ones out there. These are the stories of brutality and enslavement in vineyards—practices that continue to this day. Prepare to be shocked, surprised, and enlightened by Episode 97.

Our guest Stephen Satterfield, the host of High on the Hog on Netflix, has worked as an activist on behalf of South African vineyard workers. Stephen is also a food writer, sommelier, podcaster, and the founder of Whetstone Media. Deborah Parker Wong is a writer, teacher, wine judge, and the Global Wine Editor of SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel magazines.

Why does Martin want to “make lighter bottles sexy”? Here are some hints: It has to do with protecting the planet, safeguarding our future, and rethinking the wine business. Get ready to throw your preconceptions and misconceptions onto the compost pile and join us in Ep. 98 for an eye-opening conversation about sustainable winegrowing.

Here to help us find a sustainable future are Anna Brittain, a sustainability advocate and Executive Director of Napa Green; and Sandra Taylor, founder and President of Sustainable Business International, Falk Professor of Socially Responsible Business at Chatham University, and founder of Fine Wine Divas.

In a time of desperate need, how does it feel to be selling hedonism? Is it possible to find peace and purpose in a career that underscores income inequality?

Joining us for this episode are Cristie Norman, President of The United Sommeliers Foundation, Lead Sommelier at the Wynn Resort, Las Vegas, and CEO of the Online Wine Course; and Anna-Christina Cabrales, sommelier, founder of Sommation, and Education and Innovation Manager at Independence Wine & Spirits.