The Eat Drink Fun Podcast

Tim Hudson is the founder of Inspired Italy, a ski guiding service that offers guests a mind-blowing week-long ski safari adventure in the Italian Dolomites.Many skiers yearn for the opportunity to ski in Italy. The Dolomite mountains are so breathtakingly beautiful that UNESCO recognized the entire range as a World Heritage Site in 2009. Tim Hudson founded Inspired Italy based on his own experience skiing rifugio to rifugio across the Italian Alps. Our conversation traverses the origin story for Inspired Italy, the ski safari experience, local cruising, culture, and wine. Please enjoy.SHOW NOTESINTERVIEW WITH:Tim Hudson of Inspired ItalyYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInEDF RECOMMENDATIONS:Südtiroler Bauerngröstl - South Tyrolean Farmer’s Hash; pairing = dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon BlancKaiserschmarrn - The Emperor’s Pancake; pairing = Riesling Auslese or BeerenausleseCotoletta alla Milanese (Recipe) - (Veal Schnitzel); pairing = dry white wine, such as Riesling or Pinot BiancoGulaschsuppe - goulash soup; pairing = light red wine like pinot noir (PolentaSüdtiroler Speck - South Tyrolean cured and smoked ham; pairing = dry regional white wines like Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, and Gewurztraminer, or light red wines like Schiava/Vernatsch or Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir)Alto-Adige WinesThe 4 Wines You Must Know: Alto Adige | Wine FollyWhite WinesGewurztraminerPinot Bianco / WeissburgunderPinot Grigio / GrauburgunderSauvignon BlancChardonnaySylvanerKernerMüller-ThurgauMoscatoRed winesLagreinSchiava / VernatschPinot NeroMerlotCabernet SauvignonBUSINESSES MENTIONEDInspired ItalyAlta BadiaDolomiti SuperskiPunta TriesteMuseum Ursus LadiniusUrsus Ladinius bear (Wikipedia in Italian)PEOPLE MENTIONEDWilly Costamoling - extreme mountain-climber, a paleontologist, a skier, and an Alpine rescuer.CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:50 What is a Ski Safari?04:33 The Inspired Italy origin story07:40 Composition of the group - Americans and Ikon11:27 When do ski safaris happen?12:32 Description of the Dolomites14:31 Südtirol / Alto-Adige always improving15:25 Top impressions from first time visitors17:41 Size and scale of the ski region18:20 Quality of the skiing21:44 Food and beverage experience27:07 Wines in the Dolomites30:18 Value - great wine at a low cost31:37 The future for Inspired Italy33:42 FOMO: climate and skiing in the Dolomites36:23 How to find Inspired ItalyFOLLOW EDF ON YOUTUBE & THE SOCIALS:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/eatdrinkfun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdrinkfun/ X: https://twitter.com/eatdrinkfunFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatdrinkfunllc/ 

Karl Maier - The GöckelesmaierWhat is the largest, funnest, and best spring festival in Europe? It happens to be the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) in Stuttgart, Germany. Who operates the best tent at the Frühlingsfest? Many believe it’s Karl Maier of the Göckelesmaier. Do you love big beers and a welcoming, jubilant atmosphere that is also family friendly? Then the Frühlingsfest is for you. This massive party flies under the radar for many international tourists, which makes it feel even more special and exclusive.The Frühlingsfest is still a best kept secret unfamiliar to most tourists. Stuttgart’s neighbor to the east, Munich, gets most of the fame and glory for its legendary Oktoberfest (held for three weeks in late September and October). But believe it or not, Stuttgart far outshines its Bavarian sister in April and May every year, despite the fact that Munich has its own competing version of the Frühlingsfest. Take note that Stuttgart also has its version of Oktoberfest, called the Cannstatter Wasen or Volksfest (the meadow of Cannstatt, or People’s Festival). In this episode we dive deeply with Karl Maier, who took over his family festival business a few decades ago and transformed it into a modern, stylish brand. Not exactly what you would imagine for a beer tent, but just spend a few minutes speaking with Karl - and visit the tent - and you can immediately appreciate the thoughtful blend of “full gas” party fun with a touch of modern style, elegance, and refinement. It makes for a very enjoyable day and night of drinking beer and eating chicken. Enjoy.LINKSInterview with:Karl Maier (Region Stuttgart)USEFUL LINKS:Der Aufbau (the construction): Tent Construction: Göckelsmaier - Behind the ScenesMusic: 7Promille Party Band at the Göckelesmaier Wasen 2019Partyfürsten at the Göckelesmaier Wasen 20197Promille Party Band at the Göckelesmaier Frühlingsfest 2016Lollies at the Göckelesmaier Wasen 2012 (Tage Wie Diese / “Days Like These”)Schwäbische “Tracht” (Swabian traditional dress/costume): KruegerBavarian Tracht: AngermaierBeer: Stuttgarter Hofbräu (pronounced HOF-broy, with a long “o” as in oak, or smoke, not a short “o” like otter)Beer: Wulle (pronounced VOO-luh), a Stuttgart beer founded in 1823 with strong kult following and now part of the larger Dinkelacker brand, which also includes Schwabenbräu (SHVA-BEN-broy, with a long “a” as in swan or all) and Sandwald (ZAND-vald, also with long “a” sounds) hefeweizen (“yeast wheat” = wheat beer)Beer Fürstenberg (translated: mountain of the prince), a regional brewery from Donaueschingen founded in 1283Food: Linsen und Spätzle (LIN-zen unt SPETZ-lay), lentils and Schwäbisch noodlesFood: Gaisburger Marsch (GUYS-boor-ger MARSH), a hearty beef stew with spätzleFood: Zwiebelrostbraten (TSVEE-bell ROAST-braten), steak with onionsFood: Maultaschen (MOWL-tash-en, with an “o” as in owl), basically Schwäbisch raviolis, traditionally filled with meat but can be vegetarian. The noodle is intended to hide the meat from God on holy days)Food: Schupfnudeln (SHOOPF-nood-eln), which are thick noodle like dumplingsSHOW NOTES[00:00:50] The return of big beer festivals[00:04:15] Background of the Maier family business, from ice cream, to bratwurst, to rotisserie chickens, with the support of the famous Ammer family in Munich.[00:10:05] 25,000 roasted chickens sold in three weeks[00:12:30] The incredible engineering behind beer fest tents; introducing refined wood finishings, chandeliers, sophisticated lighting schemes, and bars that serve cocktails[00:16:10] The design concept for the Göckelesmaier; fans of architecture and graphic design; incorporating designs they appreciate during their travels[00:19:28] What to wear to the bierfest: “tracht”, lederhosen and dirndls. [00:22:30] Ernte Dankfest (Harvest Festival) - the historical basis for these beer festivals was to celebrate the agricultural sector, showcase new technologies, and celebrate the seasons.[00:24:13] Your chances of getting into the tent are higher if you wear traditional dress[00:27:32] 250,000 liters of beer over three weeks. While impressive, this is still only a fraction the amount of beer served during Oktoberfest. But Stuttgart offers more variety, such as wine, cocktails, mixed drinks, and soft drinks. [00:30:01] Overcoming the pandemic - more than two years without any income. Thoughts on how to keep loyal staff engaged and supported via “Kurzarbeit” (short work).[00:33:18] Insight into places that are worth visiting from an architectural and design perspective: London, New York, Chicago (Mies van der Rohe), Paris, Barcelona, and all of Italy.[00:37:50] Beer or wine? The answer is beer, but when drinking wine, Karl prefers German wines. It is a personal priority to buy locally and support local businesses. [00:40:35] Which beers are carried by the Göckelesmaier tent? Wulle, Stuttgarter Hofbrau, and other local breweries.[00:42:15] How does one become a tent owner and exhibitioner? “Zulassungs-Richtlinien” - Constitution for the Cannstatter Wasen. Every brewery that sits in the Stuttgart region has the right to put up a tent: Hofbrau, Dinkelacher, Schwaben Brau. One Landbauerie (brewery from the nearer region) is added: Fürstenberg from Donau-Eschingen. The other “independent” tents are provided by a 5-year license through a formal review process: Göckelesmaier, Sonja Merz. The independent tents pick a brewery to work with.[00:46:20] Could the Göckelesmaier work in other countries? Inquiries are frequent, but it would be very difficult to maintain authenticity, quality, and brand protection.[00:50:05] The beer tent is a societal melting pot where everyone comes together. [00:55:30] - If forced to choose a single cuisine, if not Schwäbisch cuisine, then Italian. Swabian cuisine is special: Linsen und spätzle mit Saitenwürstle - not fancy, but great comfort food; Gaisburger Marsch; Maultaschen; Schupfnudeln.  [00:58:12] The way ahead is to start again post pandemic. People will want to return to large public gatherings again, but it may take a little time.

When someone recommends a Riesling to you, what is your gut response? Do you assume it is cloyingly sweet? For several decades, roughly the latter half of the 20th Century, this would have been an appropriate response. And truthfully, we Americans still have a huge soft spot for sweeter German wines, even if we don’t want to admit it.But thanks to Erni Loosen, these old assumptions have started to change. The Mosel valley has always been famous for its delicious wines, noted for their mouthwatering acidity and varying degrees of residual sugar (RS). But the vast majority of white wines in Germany are actually bone dry, and even traditional producers in the Mosel region produce dry wines with no RS.I consider Erni Loosen to be the godfather of Riesling because, since taking over his family's vineyards in the late 1980s, he led the movement to re-acknowledge Riesling as one of the finest and most enjoyable grape varieties in the world.Thanks to him, beautiful, complex, age-worthy Rieslings of all dryness and sweetness levels are ascendant. Riesling makes incredible sparkling wines, dry wines, and in the Mosel region, some of the most delicious (and most expensive) sweet wines in the world.I recorded my conversation with Erni Loosen in the summer of 2020. It was an interesting time when CoronaVirus infections were abating in Germany, restaurants were re-opening, and people were traveling again.Erni is a font of encyclopedic knowledge about German wines.We discuss Germany's traditional wine classification system, the 1971 wine law, and its impact on the quality and reputation of German wines.He provides a great overview of Roman history and the technology that these Germanic tribes contributed to wine making and transportation.We dig into the unique climate of the Mosel river, its Devonian slate soils, and he debunks some of the myths that I've picked up during my studies.We also touch on more contemporary stories, like Dr. Loosen's partnership with Chateau St. Michelle in the Washington State, the impact of recent US tariffs on German wines, and the impact of COVID-19.We cover a lot of ground in 80 minutes. I had a blast during this conversation, and I really hope you enjoy this episode.LINKSInterview with: Ernst "Erni" LoosenDecantur InterviewDr. Loosen Philosophy: a great wine is created in the mindUseful LinksRiesling (from everyone's favorite encyclopedia)German Wine Law of 1971 (Weingesetz 1971; Wine Folly article on Riesling and the German classification system)Practical History of German wine - in the mid-19th Century, Mosel and Rheingau wines were some of the most expensive wines in the worldUS tariffs on EU wine from Germany and France (Notice of Revision of Section 301 Action)US imposes additional 25% tariff on French wines (US Trade Representative Press Release; the Local):Eroica Washington State Riesling - partnership with Chateau St. MichelleRoman history - (Ancient Rome and Wine) - Legionnaires paid in wheat, oil, and wineRoman Wine Ship (Neumagener Weinschiff)Vineyards in EnglandUnique Devonian slate and Mosel microclimate (Wine Folly - The Mosel Valley Wine Guide)Potassium in slate (potassium in viticulture)Drainage on steep slopes (learn more about soil health at the US Davis Portal)Riesling and long hang-time - Aromatic and Phenolic Ripeness (Schneider Oenologie)Sweetness in wine and the impact of botrytis cinerea (summary by Wine Folly; Guild Somm article by Kelli White)EU is working on a new European wine law (EU wine legislation; regulations on wine  quality schemes)German Wine Classification (1868) / Burgundy AOC Classification (1936)Tasting three winesRotschiefer Riesling Trocken Gutswein (red slate dry Riesling, estate wine, 12.5% ABV);Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG "Alte Reben" (Kingdom of Heaven plot above the village of Graach grand cru Riesling form old vines  - 130-year-old un-grafted vines, 12.5% ABV)Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (Sun Dial plot above the village of Wehlen, a grand cru location, off-dry Riesling with 8% ABV)"Ohio Dry Riesling" (must weights - Oechsle)Old-style Kabinett; 1971 wine law liberalized rules for sweetness, which caused more sweet wines to flood the market.Impact of COVID-19US is still the largest market (50%-60%); Scandinavian and Chinese markets are expandingIndonesia imposes ban on alcohol sales during COVID (article)UAE adjusting laws to permit limited sale and consumption due to economic downturn (article)NOTES:[00:03:05] Riesling’s reputation: keeping the Riesling flag flying[00:05:00] The American market - buying varietal wines[00:06:00] 1971 German Wine Law[00:08:15] Riesling is a favorite among sommeliers, wine writers, and experts[00:10:05] Challenges selling high-end, fine Riesling[00:13:30] US tariffs on European wine[00:15:15] Partnerships and joint ventures in the US - Chateau St. Michelle and Eroica[00:21:12] Roman history - paying Legionaires with wine, wheat, and oil for trade[00:24:18] Oak barrels - an invention of the German and Celtic tribes[00:27:30] Mosel River - traditionally the most northern growing wine region; but the climate was warmer in Roman times, cooled in the 1300s to the 1800s, and now warming again[00:30:40] The unique microclimate of the Mosel with steep hills and direct inclination to the sun[00:31:37] Grape vines need poor soil[00:31:50] Unique Devonian slate soils that are 400 million years old - the slate hills of the Rheinland[00:34:28] 300 meters of elevation and the moderating influence of the Mosel; ice wines need -8 degrees celsius and use vines at the top of the hill[00:35:55] Slate as a great natural source of potassium (essential for wine)[00:36:54] Single stake training systems on steep slopes; plant grape vines only where nothing else grows[00:38:38] Perfect drainage from steep slopes[00:42:32] Riesling and extended “hang time” - good for aromatics and aroma ripeness; aroma ripeness requires more time than sugar ripeness; therefore cooler climates are optimal[00:46:15] Winemaking - how fruity and sweeter wines are made by arresting fermentation[00:48:10] 25% dry wines; 75% sweeter wines[00:49:47] Botrytized grapes - unaffected grapes (black buckets - 50%); Auslese (red buckets); Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese (white buckets)[00:52:00] Kabinett picked when grapes have 9% potential alcohol[00:52:28] Spätlese - “later” harvest (about two weeks after the main harvest) 10.5-11.5% potential alcohol[00:52:00] Dry wines - when potential alcohol is above 11.5% potential alcohol[00:53:52] EU revising European Wine Law - focusing on the quality of the vineyard (Roman Model), rather than must weight (natural sugar ripeness)[00:54:54] Original German Classification from 1868 (50 years older than Burgundy classification), but the German wine law never integrated historic wine maps into the modern wine law[00:56:50] Tasting three wines. Dr. Loosen has 10 grand cru vineyards. If you see a vineyard name on the label of a Dr. Loosen bottle, it’s a Grand Cru.[00:59:55] Mother’s family (Prüm) produced only fruity style wines, but father’s family produced only dry wines[01:00:30] Grandfather on father’s side aged dry wines on indigenous yeast for two to eight years in old barrels. Dr. Loosen has carried this tradition forward.[01:04:00] The versatility of Riesling - “Riesling can do everything”[01:05:20] The American pallet for sweetness[01:06:50] A glass of Kabinett whenever you receive guests[01:08:00] Kabinetts were dryer wines before 1971; Dr. Loosen recreates this older style and calls it “traditional”[01:11:40] Impact of the pandemic on wine sales and business[01:17:50] US remains the biggest market for Dr. Loosen[01:18:45] Growth of Scandinavian and Chinese markets - mail order businesses[01:21:42] Germany does not require anyone to have a license to sell alcohol; no duties or taxes on wine beyond VAT

How Important is Your Wine Glass?This episode asks a simple question: how important is your wine glass?I begin with a  conversation I had with Maximilian Riedel at Pro Wein in Dusseldorf. Maximilian is the 11th generation of his family to make fine glass products, and since 2014 he has been the President and CEO of Riedel Crystal. We learn a little history about Riedel, its connection to the US market, and its iconic innovations.I also discuss the tasting that Maximilian led me through after the interview in which I sampled the same Pinot Noir from three different Riedel glasses. It’s not hype - varietal specific glasses can make a difference. And, yes, they’re beautiful.We cover wine glass materials, anatomy, and recommendations for selecting the right wine glass. At a minimum, seek out a clear glass without ridges or seams (either mouth blown or made by a very high quality machine). The glass should be clear and as thin as possible. Modern glasses do not use lead (thankfully), but with the help of science and skill they retain most of the highly refractive properties of lead crystal, which make them equally as beautiful. We conclude with a brief sound test - indeed, you can audibly distinguish the difference in high quality versus lesser quality wine glasses.LINKSInterview with:Maximilian Riedel - InstagramRiedel The Wine Glass CompanyRiedel History and GenerationsOther high quality wine glass producers to consider:Spiegelau (Germany) - a sister brand of Nachtman, and owned by Riedel since 2004Nachtman (Germany) - a sister brand of Spiegelau, and owned by Riedel since 2004Zwiesel Crystal Glass (Germany; brands include Schott Zwiesel, Zwiesel Kristallglas)Zalto Glass (Germany)Baccarat (France)Other Links: Anatomy of a wine glass - D-Vine.proClaus Joseph Riedel glasses at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York CityHow to Choose a Wine Glass - Decanter ArticleOxford Companion to Wine. Terms: Drinking Vessels, glass, glassesMusic:Dan HenigJoey PecoraroSHOW NOTES[00:20] Intro[01:07] How important is your wine glass?[01:42] Varietal-specific wine glasses[02:10] Riedel history[03:50] Max Riedel[04:16] Evolution of Riedel’s business[05:45] The “Fish Bowl”[06:10] Riedel in the US market[07:26] “Universal glasses don’t exist][08:58] Riedel and innovation: the “O” Series[10:05] Wine glass anatomy[11:23] Tasting Pinot Noir from three different glasses[14:23] Recommendations: what to look for in a wine glass[15:50] Proper etiquette for holding a glass and sipping wine[17:00] “Crystal glass” vs. lead crystal (24% lead oxide)[18:45] Sound test: good, high, and ultra-high quality wine glasses[20:19] Conclusion

Are you interested in delicious adult beverages? Great food? How about world-class travel to beautiful places? Listen to the Eat Drink Fun Podcast and let Certified Sommelier, attorney, consultant, entrepreneur, and peripatetic nomad Kris Miller introduce you to top performers in the beverage and hospitality industries, as well as some fun and spirited discussions with fellow travelers.