In Search of Flavor

Episode 40: Ray Isle on Sustainability & The Human Element in Wine

Episode Summary

In this episode of 'In Search of Flavor,' Liz chats with renowned wine writer and wine editor of Food & Wine Magazine, Ray Isle, to discuss his recent book “The World in a Wine Glass” and his journey from academia to becoming a prominent figure in wine journalism. Ray shares his insights on sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wine practices, the evolving wine industry, and the timeless appeal of wine amidst modern challenges such as cocktails and cannabis. He discusses the emphasis on quality over mass production and the cultural importance of wine and offers some insights as to how consumers can start to understand the difference between organic, biodynamic, natural and terroir wines.Ray also highlights storytelling in wine writing and the significance of knowing your wine producers. 01:09 From Academia to Wine Writing 05:55 Evolution of Wine at Food & Wine Magazine 13:19 The Inspiration Behind 'The World in a Wine Glass' 21:08 Understanding Sustainable Wine Terminology 38:13 How He Chose the Wine Producers in ‘The World in a Wine Glass' 42:01 The Human Element & Storytelling in Winemaking 46:42 Exploring Emerging Wine Regions around the world (ie not Italy or France) 59:11 The Future of Wine and Its Challenges 01:02:04 Finding and Enjoying Affordable Quality Wines, some tips! 01:05:16 What's Next for Ray

Episode Notes

Episode Timestamps:

01:09 From Academia to Wine Writing

05:55 Evolution of Wine at Food & Wine Magazine

13:19 The Inspiration Behind 'The World in a Wine Glass'

21:08 Understanding Sustainable Wine Terminology

38:13 How He Chose the Wine Producers in ‘The World in a Wine Glass'

42:01 The Human Element & Storytelling in Winemaking

46:42 Exploring Emerging Wine Regions around the world (ie not Italy or France)

59:11 The Future of Wine and Its Challenges

01:02:04 Finding and Enjoying Affordable Quality Wines, some tips!

Resources: 

Get Ray's book, 'The World in a Wine Glass'
 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/rayisle/
 

Websites:

https://www.foodandwine.com/author/ray-isle

https://rayisle.com/