Check out the Cooking Chat Food & Wine podcast for an engaging conversation with Aly Wente, a member of the fifth generation of the family stewarding Wente Family Vineyards—America’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery. With over 140 years of history rooted in California’s Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards has made major contributions to the story of American wine from its German immigrant beginnings to its current focus on sustainability and innovation. Aly shares how her family pioneered California Chardonnay, including the origin of the famed Wente Clone, which now influences 75% of all Chardonnay grown in the state. She also reflects on her personal journey that brought her to be part of the next generation of the Wente family guiding the winery into the future. Discover what makes Livermore Valley an excellent spot for making wine, and why the region's winemakers have decided to lift up Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc as the region's signature. During this episode, host David Crowley tastes two examples of Wente's wines that highlight the promise of these grapes. If you're passionate about wine, inspired by family business legacies, or curious about under-the-radar wine regions, this episode blends tradition, innovation, and the future of American wine in one compelling story.
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28:46
Spring Pairings and More with Martin Redmond
The recently rebranded Cooking Chat Food and Wine podcast features Martin Redmond, wine blogger and Treasurer of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. Martin shares his journey from discovering wine and starting his ENOFYLZ blog, and discusses his passion for wine and food pairings. The conversation explores pairing tips for spring produce, including how cooking methods such as roasting or grilling asparagus impact wine matches. Martin also reflects on Lodi, California’s wine scene and the evolving character of Zinfandel, offering listeners inspiration for enjoying local food and wine together.
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29:04
Fat Moon Farm Mushrooms with Elizabeth Almeida
Learn about all things mushrooms in this episode of the Cook Local Eat Local podcast! Host David Crowley from Cooking Chat talks with Elizabeth Almeida, Fat Moon Farm Owner and Farmer in the latest episode. This episode covers: An easy way to clean mushrooms. Delicious ways to prepare and serve mushrooms. Elizabeth's background and motivation for starting a mushroom farm. How Fat Moon Farm got its name. Inspiration to grow your own mushrooms. Tune in to learn more about growing and preparing mushrooms, and meet a passionate local food entrepreneur!
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32:51
Healthy Seasonal Eating with AnnaBelle from Seasonal Eats
This episode features AnnaBelle from Seasonal Eats talking about how seasonal eating can help you enjoy healthy meals in 2025 and beyond. AnnaBelle's enthusiasm for seasonal eating is infectious, and she is full of practical tips! Give it a listen and lean into seasonality this year! Interviewed by David Crowley from Cooking Chat. This episode covers: AnnaBelle's early interest for cooking growing up in Minnesota. How learning about farmers markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) piqued AnnaBelle's interest in seasonal eating. Tips for how planning and using methods like freezing can help you eat seasonally year round even in cold climate areas like Minnesota and New England. The value of developing relationships with your local farmers. How seasonal eating boosts the nutritional value of your food and promotes sustainability. Resources for finding local food in your area.
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29:23
Rewind with Westport Rivers Bubbly & Other Wine
As New Year's Eve approaches, this rewind episode revisits a conversation with Robert Russell from Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery. This local winery in Southeastern Massachusetts produces a wide range of wines suited to New England, and they are especially well known for their sparkling wine. The episode covers background on Westport Rivers and discusses how they approach growing grapes and producing wine as part of the broader agricultural system in the region.
Welcome to the Cooking Chat Food & Wine podcast — where great recipes meet delicious wine pairings! Each episode, we dive into seasonal cooking ideas and the wines that bring them to life. You'll hear from local food producers, winemakers, chefs, home cooks, and occasionally a brewer, all sharing insights to elevate your meals and support the local food system.
Building on the themes of our Cook Local, Eat Local podcast, this show expands into broader Cooking Chat topics, blending a love for seasonal ingredients, flavorful recipes, and creative wine pairings.
If you’re passionate about cooking with fresh, local ingredients and discovering new wine pairings, this podcast is for you. Tune in to get inspired in the kitchen and explore new flavors with us on our tasty Cooking Chat Food & Wine journey!
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