Episode 010: The Wine Conference

Episode 010 originally broadcast on September 30, 2009

The overtime show presents a recap of the first Wine Conference in Houston, TX.

Overtime at the Houston Wine Conference

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld recap the week’s business news and this week they do it with wine! Includes online wine, discount wine, Israeli wine, private label wine and Jones Soda. Katie introduces us to Stormhoek.com, the wine website of cartoonist Hugh MacLeod that encourages us to “Change the World or Go Home!”

Understanding Israeli Wines with Richard Shaffer

Esther interviews Richard Shaffer, founder of Israeli Wine Direct. Shaffer imports and promotes Israeli wines. Shaffer—an American who is a fan of Israel—explains the culture, history and the “sense of place” of Israeli wines. Shaffer remembers some of the hurdles of establishing a new business, the tenacity required to actually fulfill your dream, and he offers advice to new entrepreneurs. (“Make as many mistakes as fast as you can.”) Oh, and before starting a company, he advises talking to a group of your women friends.

Guest Speakers from the Houston Wine Conference

Katie interviews wine industry insiders attending the Houston Wine Conference. Interviewees include wine writer Denman Moody, sommelier and wine expert Shawn Dougherty, Master Sommelier Guy Stout and author and star of Wine Library TV Gary Vaynerchuk.