“Bottle Talk with Rick & Paul” Returns After Hiatus
NAPA, California, April 15, 2026 – The podcast “Bottle Talk with Rick & Paul” has returned after a hiatus, rejoining the global wine conversation with its signature blend of humor, accessibility, and industry insight.
Created by wine writers Rick Kushman and Paul Wagner, who also serves as a judge of the Wine Travel Awards, the project is widely recognized for promoting a more open, relaxed, and human-centered approach to wine communication.
The return of the podcast comes at a time when the wine industry continues to navigate challenges and reassess how it connects with modern audiences. In this context, “Bottle Talk with Rick & Paul” resumes its role as a conversational platform that prioritizes clarity and authenticity over formality and complexity.
Originally launched in 2014, the podcast quickly built an international following thanks to its ability to make wine discourse accessible without losing depth. After a pause that began in 2020, it now returns with the same editorial direction and philosophy.
Each episode features listener questions, discussions of wine culture, and a humorous yet pointed critique of wine snobbery and overly complicated tasting language. The hosts consistently emphasize a simple idea: wine should be understandable, enjoyable, and free from unnecessary intimidation.
New episodes will be released weekly.
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