Episode Description (Optimized for Apple & Spotify)
Grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with host Billy Galanko for a deep dive into the DNA, history, and origins of iconic French and Swiss grapes. Co-author of Wine Grapes, José has spent decades decoding grape lineages and uncovering where the world’s most important varieties truly come from.

In this episode, we spotlight his new book Les Grands Cépages, exploring 12 major French grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Savagnin and Viognier, while also revisiting Switzerland’s native gems like Chasselas, Cornalin, Arvine, and Räuschling. We also dig into how DNA tools have evolved, why “grape patriotism” often clashes with science, and how nearly-lost vines have shaped modern wine. If you’re curious about grape origins, terroir expression, or the genetic stories behind classic varieties, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What an ampelologist does and how José uses DNA, history, and vineyard archaeology to study grapevines
• How grape DNA research evolved from early markers to whole-genome sequencing
• The true family trees of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot, and others
• Why some regions fiercely claim “ownership” of certain grapes, and when the science disagrees
• How Swiss grapes like Chasselas, Cornalin, and Arvine express terroir and age in surprising ways
• Why Swiss wines are hard to find but can be outstanding value at the top end
• What’s next for José: ungrafted vines, ancient clonal material, and future books on Italy and beyond

Episode Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 – Introducing Dr. José Vouillamoz
01:15 – French & Swiss Grapes Overview
03:50 – Inside the World of Grape DNA
08:59 – How DNA Techniques Have Evolved
14:08 – Switzerland’s Native Grapes
16:42 – The “Grand” French Grapes (Les Grands Cépages)
18:31 – Origins, Myths & Grape Stories
24:21 – Merlot’s Surprising Parentage
27:54 – Cabernet Franc’s Journey & Chenin/Sauvignon Origins
32:56 – Standout Swiss Varieties & Terroir
34:21 – Cornalin, Merlot Blanc & Chasselas
47:17 – Swiss Wines on the Global Stage
50:57 – Future Projects & Discoveries
54:12 – Conclusion and Farewell

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions, host Billy Galanko sits down with Dr. José Vouillamoz, one of the world’s leading grape geneticists and co-author of Wine Grapes. José is internationally known for his pioneering work using DNA profiling to trace the origins of grape varieties, revive forgotten heritage vines, and help wineries plan for a climate-challenged future.

Across five questions, José distills decades of research into an engaging look at where wine comes from, where it’s heading, and why grape diversity matters now more than ever.

What You’ll Learn

• How José became a global authority on grape DNA and origins
• Why climate change and declining consumption threaten the wine world
• Two underrated wine regions: Switzerland & Armenia
• Why José pushes back on certain trends—natural wine flaws, no/low-alcohol wines, and the “denormalization” of wine
• His most meaningful recent wine experience and international recognition

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet José Vouillamoz: A Leading Oenologist
00:51 The Role of an Oenologist
03:14 Challenges in the Wine Industry
04:38 Underrated Wine Regions
07:20 Controversial Wine Trends
10:12 Memorable Wine Experiences
11:02 Conclusion and Farewell

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!

Quality is rising, challenges are mounting, and interest in Canadian wine has never been higher. In this episode, host Billy sits down with Okanagan-based Master of Wine Geoff Moss to explore the regions, grapes, and decisions shaping Canadian wine today.

Geoff shares how he moved from political science into winemaking, how production experience informs his work in branding and DTC strategy, and why his négociant label Søren Wines serves as a live test case for the advice he gives wineries. We dig into the styles Canada does best, from Syrah and Cabernet Franc to Chardonnay and Riesling, and how recent extreme winter freezes (including 2024) are reshaping what gets planted in BC.

We also look at the realities behind bulk wine logistics, export limitations, and the economic pressures facing premium Canadian producers in a soft global market.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• How Geoff Moss MW built a career across production, branding, and direct-to-consumer work.
• Why the Okanagan is both diverse and climate-challenged, with styles ranging from cool-climate Pinot to warm-climate Syrah.
• How recent deep freezes devastated BC’s vineyards, particularly Syrah, and what growers are replanting now.
• Why Niagara shines with cool-climate Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
• How Søren Wines sources fruit from BC to Eola–Amity Hills and operates as Geoff’s “proof-of-concept” brand.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Meet Geoffrey Moss, MW
01:53 Canada’s Wine Landscape: Regions, Climate & Industry Insights
04:14 Geoffrey’s Path Into Wine & the Origins of Søren Wines
13:24 Production Realities: Logistics, Sourcing & Winemaking Challenges
16:11 Deep Dive into the Okanagan: Style, Diversity & Key Varieties
23:09 Evolution of Okanagan Wines: Merlot, Syrah & Climate Impacts
30:32 Market Dynamics: BC Exports, Ontario’s Cool-Climate Identity
35:18 Niagara’s Standout Grapes & Signature Styles
41:25 The Future of Canadian Wine
46:07 Final Thoughts

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!