Podcast · Arts & Books

The Connected Table Live

by Talk 4 Radio · English · Arts & Books

Food and beverage industry insiders Melanie Young and David Ransom connect you to leaders and legends in wine, spirits, food and hospitality as they travel the world. Hear from vintners, restaurateurs, chefs, distillers, educators, authors, farmers and more. Melanie and David are the insatiably curi

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 49 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 30 min

Rethinking Pink: Gastronomic Dark Rosés

When the leaves start to turn color at the onset of autumn, our palettes turn to dusky dark rosé wines. These are gastronomic rosés with depth and structure that offer ripe red berry and floral notes and pleasant herbal, savory characteristics. Pair with charcuterie and cheese boards, Mediterranean mezze, roast pork, grilled fish and spicy dishes. Explore rosé-focused production regions, including Tavel (Southern Rhone, France), Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Italy) and Cigales (Castilla y Leon, Spain). The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 30 min
Chef Alon Shaya and June Hersh Preserve Food Memories from WWII Survivors & Heroes
What does the memory of a family meal mean to you? For survivors of World War II and the Holocaust, food memories provided an important emotional connection to families lost and traditions preserved. Chef/Restaurateur Alon Shaya and Culinary Historian/Author June Hersh, co-authored "Memories of a Good Meal: Recipes of Resilience Inspired by Stories of World War II Survival," This cookbook features 10 diverse, moving accounts of Holocaust survivors and WWII heroes and cherished recipes. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part of…
23 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Fischer & Wieser: How a Texas Family Farmstand Became an Award-Winning Specialty Foods Co.
The Fischer & Wieser Farmstead originated in 1928 when German immigrant J.B. Wieser planted a peach orchard in Fredericksburg, Texas. His son, Mark, cared for the orchard during school breaks. In 1969, Mark founded Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus to sell the family’s Hill Country peaches and handcrafted preserves. A decade later, a Case Fischer, a loyal worker, proposed to Mark to expand their offerings. They created Fischer & Wieser, a company that now produces over 150 specialty foods. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
16 Sep 2026 · 54 min
Celebrating Vintage Port with Adrian Bridge, CEO, Taylor Fladgate
Established in 1692 by English wine merchant, Job Bearsley, the venerable Port house, Taylor Fladgate, has remained 100% independent and family-run throughout its history. Today its holdings include Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft. In 2026 all three historic houses declared 2024 as a Vintage Port, a rare occurrence and the first since 2017. CEO Adrian Bridge discusses Taylor Fladgate’s family roots and historic milestones, the Port making process, styles and what determines a Vintage Port. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
10 Sep 2026 · 48 min
Gruet: How a French Champagne Family Achieved Sparkling Success in New Mexico
Laurent Gruet grew up working in the vineyards with his father, Gilbert Gruet, founder of the family's Champagne house. In the 1980s Gilbert planted vineyards in New Mexico and sent Laurent and his sister, Nathalie, to the U.S. to oversee the family’s new winemaking venture. Gruet Winery achieved global acclaim for its methode champenoise sparkling wines. In 2020, Laurent became a partner at VARA Winery & Distillery, bringing his expertise to a new generation of New Mexico's sparkling wines. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
2 Sep 2026 · 49 min
Dr. Marion Nestle-A Leading Voice of Public Health, Food Policy & Nutrition
Dr. Marion Nestle, is one of the world’s most influential voices on food policy and nutrition and a sought-after speaker. Her Food Politics newsletter is a must-read on these topics. She is the Paulette Goddard Professor Emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University and author of acclaimed books including Food Politics, What to Eat, Why Calories Count Eat Drink, Vote and Soda Politics and Sugar Coated (2026), a deep dive into forces shaping the cereal industry. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
26 Aug 2026 · 51 min
From the Mountains to the Sea: Visiting Rouvalis Winery, Peloponnese, Greece
On the PGI Slopes of Aigialeia in the northern Peloponnese, Rouvalis Winery cultivates both native and international grape varieties on steep, isolated vineyards overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Founded in 1990 by Angelos Rouvalis, a pioneer in Greece’s modern winemaking, Rouvalis Winery is overseen by his daughter, Theodora Rouvali, and her partner, Αntonio Ruiz Pañego, both oenologists. Theodora Rouvali discusses the region's unique microclimate, wines and her father's impact on Greek wines. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
19 Aug 2026 · 51 min
A Seat at the Table with Rick Blount, Fifth Generation Family Owner, Antoine’s Restaurant, New O
Established in 1840, Antoine’s is New Orleans' oldest restaurant and the nation's oldest continually family-owned restaurant. Beloved by locals and visitors, Antoine's is known for its impeccable service and French Creole cuisine including original dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou and Souffle Potatoes. Rick Blount, CEO and great, great grandson of Founder Antoine Alciatore, takes us inside the restaurant's 14 dining rooms and shares its history and stories. www.antoines.com The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part…
12 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Chef Nina Compton Embraces Her Caribbean Roots at Top-Rated Compère Lapin in New Orleans
Chef Nina Compton is owner of Compère Lapin, a top-rated restaurant in New Orleans and the USA. Located at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Compère Lapin blends the flavors of Compton's youth growing up on the island of St Lucia with her love for French and Italian cuisine and Gulf Coast and Louisiana ingredients. Compton is author of "Kwéyòl /Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef's Journey." She was drawn to New Orleans after filming BRAVO's Top Chef Season 11 in the city. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com…
5 Aug 2026 · 47 min
Heroic Viticulture in Greece’s Northern Peloponnese
In Greece’s northern Peloponnese about two hours’ drive from Athens, steep mountains intersect with the waters of the vast Corinthian Gulf, providing an ideal microclimate for cultivating grapevines. Known as the PGI Slopes of Aigialeia, this visually striking area is distinctive for its “heroic viticulture,”defined as extreme high-altitude vines planted on steep, often terraced slopes in poor soils in isolated regions. Meet three producers to visit: Rouvalis, Tetramythos and Mega Spileo. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part…
29 Jul 2026 · 45 min
Explore Mesogaia in East Attica, Greece, Near Athens
Mesogaia (“Middle Earth”) in the region of East Attica near Athens, Greece and its main airport is a rural area of vineyards, olive and fig groves and seaside villages. Marina Kavallieraki, Founder of Voύryia, creates culinary tours to experience Mesogaia and what she calls “Ligo Akoma Ellada” (a little more of Greece). Examples: Taste Retsina wine made from the native Savatiano variety, barrel-aged Feta at a family-run dairy, olive oils, local produce and traditional sweets. www.vouryia.com The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
22 Jul 2026 · 49 min
Tasting Sagrantino di Montefalco with Az. Bocale Vini
Azienda Agricola Bocale Valentini was founded by Giuseppe Valentini in the 1950s in Montefalco (Umbria). For many years, Valentini sold his wine in two-liter demi-johns, locally called “Bocale.” In the 1990s, Bocale replanted its vines and began bottling its wines. Today it produces the signature wines of this region: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG and Rosso di Montefalco DOC reds and Trebbiano Spoletino, an aromatic white. Valentino Valentini represents the third generation of Bocale Vini. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
15 Jul 2026 · 47 min
A Visit To the Birdhouse- Fattoria Uccelliera in the Pisan Hills
Fattoria Uccelliera is a winery and agritourism in Tuscany’s Pisan Hills. Antonio Bullieri and Maria Elena Poggianti acquired Uccelliera's land in the 1960s. The property is surrounded by 200 hectares of dense forests, vineyards, and olive groves. Fattoria Uccelliera produces wines from both the Colline Pisane DOC and Chianti DOCG appellations. Tiziana Bullieri discusses the region and her family’s winery and hospitality program. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part of Talk 4 Radio ( www.talk4radio.com ) on the Talk 4 Media…
8 Jul 2026 · 42 min
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Marks 750 Years as Tuscany's "White Queen"
The hilltop village of San Gimignano with its many stone towers is a popular destination in Tuscany. The surrounding countryside is home to Tuscany’s- and one of Italy’s- most renowned white wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG. Crisp with refreshing salinity and notes of tropical and stone fruits, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is food friendly and ageable. 2026 marks the 750th anniversary of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Discover producers who offer both wine tasting experiences and agriturismos. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com…
2 Jul 2026 · 49 min
Rocca Di Frassinello: A Collaboration of Fine Wine and Design
Rocca di Frassinello in Tuscany's Maremma is a joint venture between Paolo Panerai, Owner of Domini Castellare di Castellina, Chianti Classico, and Baron Eric de Rothschild of Domaine Lafite, the legendary Bordeaux first growth property. The winery, known for its Super Tuscans, is a masterpiece by Italian Architect, Renzo Piano. In this episode, Founder Paolo Panerai is joined by enologist, Alessandro Cellai, Head Winemaker, Managing Director for all Domini Castellare di Castellina estates. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
25 Jun 2026 · 50 min
Brigtsen’s Restaurant in New Orleans: A Timeless Creole Classic
New Orleans Chef Frank Brigtsen is recognized for revitalizing Creole Acadian cooking. In 2026 his namesake restaurant, Brigtsen’s, marks 40 years since opening in 1986 with his wife, Marna, and support from his mentor, Chef Paul Prudhomme. Located in a Victorian cottage in the Uptown Riverbend neighborhood, Brigsten’s draws a loyal clientele of regulars. Brigsten has written a cookbook, "Frank Brigsten’s Color of Flavor” (with Blue Runner Foods) and continues to teach and mentor students. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
17 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Suis Generis, New Orleans Restaurant with a Farm Dedicated to Zero Waste
Suis Generis in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood embraces the philosophy of Kansha, a respect for ingredients and waste nothing. Serving dinner Friday-Sunday, Suis Generis' weekly changing menu is based on what's available at its Tiki Farm in Pearlington, Mississippi. Both Tiki Farm and Suis Generis offer experiential zero waste cooking labs on topics such as fermenting, brining, making miso, garums and fish sauces followed by multi-course dinners. Meet Owner & Executive Chef Ernie Foundas. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
10 Jun 2026 · 52 min
Tuscany’s Wild West Coast: From Heroic Viticulture to a Designer Winery
Tuscany’s western region delivers wild natural beauty and the scent of the sea, passionate, independent winemakers and many tastes to savor. This episode travels the "Strada del Vino, Olio and Sapori” to meet local wine and food producers in Massa Carrara and the Candia Hills, Bolgheri, Maremma and Montecucco. Discover a mountain winery embracing “heroic viticulture.” Tour a world-renowned designer winery. Meet a couple making volcanic red wines in the heart of Mount Amiata and more. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part of…
3 Jun 2026 · 51 min
Tuscany Wines, Food, Travel: Terre di Pisa, Colline Lucchese & Montecarlo
Eat, Sip and Taste the flavors of western Tuscany, its wines and cuisine with The Connected Table. This episode visits Terre di Pisa DOC, Colline Lucchese and Montecarlo DOC. Meet family-run wineries, Pecorino cheese, olive oil and pasticcini producers dating back generations. Visit the village where Pinocchio was created. Tour a medieval fortress in Montecarlo. Taste and savor local dishes and wines and find out why this region, just an hour from Firenze, should be on your travel itinerary. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
27 May 2026 · 51 min
Texas Wine & Food Journalist Jessica Dupuy Dips Her Boots in Italy
Jessica Dupuy is an award-winning wine, food, spirits, and travel journalist and author of six cookbooks, including "United Tastes of the South" and "Tex-Mex Traditions, Innovations and Comfort Foods from Both Sides of the Border." She is author of "The Wines of Southwest U.S.A." which explores wine regions in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. In her latest book collaboration, "Italianity", written with Andrea Lonardi MW, Dupuy explores the unique culture of Italian wines and community. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com…
20 May 2026 · 51 min
Eat, Drink, Explore Fredericksburg, Texas- A Small Town with Big Charm
Texas wines, seasonal peaches, fields of wildflowers and authentic Hill Country cooking are among the many delights to experience on a visit to Fredericksburg, Texas. Settled by German immigrants in 1846, you’ll find history, foodways and other traditions from the old country blended with a chic, contemporary among Fredericksburg’s many hotels, inns, restaurants, biergartens and cocktail bars. Fredericksburg is also a great base for visiting nearby Hill County wineries and distilleries. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part…
13 May 2026 · 49 min
Café Reconcile, New Orleans, Transforms the Lives of At-Risk Youths
In New Orleans, Café Reconcile serves more than soulful Louisiana cooking. Founded in 1996 by Rev. Harry Tompson, Café Reconcile transforms the lives of at-risk youths ages 16 to 24 through workforce development and job training, giving them skills and confidence to carry into their futures. Café Reconcile Chief Culinary Officer and Executive Chef Martha Wiggins discusses how the program works. The New York Times named Café Reconcile among New Orleans' Top 25 restaurants (2026) cafereconcile.org The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com…
6 May 2026 · 44 min
Lively, Crisp & Refreshing: Rosés for Every Day
Lively, crisp and refreshing, rosé wines continue to gain momentum with more quality and variety than ever. Rosé is a large category of wines with few rules, two key methods of production and many styles, from bone dry to fruity, pale pink to deep strawberry in hue. While French rosés remain a benchmark, especially from the south, premium rosé wines are made throughout the world, with styles for every palate preference. This episode discusses how rosé wines are made, styles and selections. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
29 Apr 2026 · 46 min
Victor Owen Schwartz, VOS Selections, Takes Action To Protect Free Trade
Victor Owen Schwartz founded family-run VOS Selections in 1987 to bring artisanal wines from around world to the U.S.A. Passion for fine wines fueled his business success. Purpose to protect free trade and advocate for businesses impacted by the 2025 Trump administration tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act took Schwartz to the Supreme Couty as a lead plaintiff in a case against the tariffs. In February 2026 the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unconstitutional. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
22 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Explore the Diverse, Unique Wines of France's Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is the third largest wine region in France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends west to east from the Atlantic Ocean to the peaks of the Massif Central. This diverse landscape along France's longest river produces many world-class wines, including whites Muscadet, Vouvray, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Savennières, Rosé d'Anjou, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny reds, Crémant de Loire sparkling wines and Quarts de Chaume sweet wines. Many are produced by independent vignerons. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
15 Apr 2026 · 52 min
Dr. Liz Thach MW: Bringing Data and Direction to the Wine Industry
The 7th woman in the USA, and first in California, to become a Master of Wine (MW), Dr. Liz Thach serves as President of the nonprofit Wine Market Council (WMC) which produces heavy hitting research data of interest to anyone in the role of producing, buying and selling wine and building and retaining wine customers. Dr. Thach keeps her finger on the pulse of the wine industry and her eye on consumer trends and habits and other developments that impact the present and future of wine. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com ) part of…
9 Apr 2026 · 44 min
New Orleans' P&J Oyster Co. Celebrates 150 Years in 2026
New Orleans is renowned for its oysters and signature dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and Oyster Po-Boys. Established in 1876 in the historic French Quarter, P&J Oyster Co. is the nation's oldest oyster processor, cultivating the finest oysters throughout Louisiana. P&J Oyster Co was started by two immigrant families from Austria and Italy. Fifth generation family proprietor, Sal Sunseri, discusses P&J Oyster Co.’s history, Louisiana oyster cultivation and sustainability and oyster traditions. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
1 Apr 2026 · 41 min
Spanish Red Grapes Beyond Tempranillo- Five to Know
Spain is the world's third largest wine producer after Italy and France. With more than 100 wine appellations and over 200 grape varieties, Spain offers a diverse range of wines to taste. Tempranillo is Spain’s most renowned red grape, widely planted in Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and other areas. But how familiar are you with Spain’s other major red grapes such as Bobal, Garnacha, Mencía, Carignan (Mazuelo) and Monastrell (Mourvèdre)? Discover these reds, where they're grown, styles and pairing. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
26 Mar 2026 · 46 min
Virginia’s Barboursville Vineyards Celebrates Fifty Years in 2026
Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia was the 18th century estate of statesman, James Barbour. In 1976 Italian vintner, Gianni Zonin, acquired the estate to establish Barboursville Vineyards, the Zonin family's only winery outside Italy. Barboursville celebrates 50 years in 2026, now with new owners. Luca Paschina, Barboursville's winemaker and general manager since 1990, now serves as CEO and President. Barboursville remains a popular destination with a luxury inn, acclaimed wines and dining. The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…
18 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Tuscan Wine Regions to Explore Close to Florence- Anteprime Toscana Edition
The fifth largest region in Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its wines, notably its Sangiovese-based reds, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Melanie and David explore a few wine production subzones close enough to Florence for either a day trip or an overnight, including DOCG Carmignano, DOCG Chianti Rufina, DOCG Chianti Classico, and DOC Valdarno di Sopra. They report on their findings from attending Anteprime Toscana in February 2026 The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio ( www.w4cy.com )…

About The Connected Table Live

The Connected Table Live is a English arts & books podcast from Talk 4 Radio. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Talk 4 Radio
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 49 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1444872343
Rights: Copyright Talk 4 Radio

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