The Zonda Wine Podcast
The Zonda Wine Podcast
Podcast Description
The Zonda Wine Podcast brings entertainment to the world of wine. Hosted by industry insider Shawn Zylberberg, this show dives deep into the basics of wine straight from the most influential figures in the business—glassmakers, sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and the top names shaping the industry today. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious newbie, each episode uncorks engaging conversations that address our biggest questions. What's yours? Let us know!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a variety of wine-related topics, including wine glass design, wine tasting techniques, industry innovations, and the art of winemaking. For example, an episode features Julio Ruiz from Riedel discussing the impact of glassware on wine experience, specifically highlighting their Veloce Collection and its design philosophy.
The wine world’s biggest names. Unscripted. Unfiltered.
The Zonda Wine Podcast is the long-form interview show where industry legends — Jancis Robinson, Antonio Galloni, Laura Catena, Tor Kenward and more — sit down with host Shawn Zylberberg for the conversations you don’t hear anywhere else.
No tasting notes. No technical jargon. Just the real stories behind the people who shaped the wine world.
New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe and never miss a conversation.
🎙️ Hosted by Shawn Zylberberg | Industry Insider & Interviewer
🍷 Long-form | Unscripted | Exclusive Access
🌍 For wine lovers, collectors, emerging sommeliers and the wine curious
In this episode, we sit down with Joaquín Hidalgo — Buenos Aires-based wine journalist, Vinous reviewer, and the first Argentinean to join the international wine critic elite. Joaquín covers Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Portugal for Antonio Galloni’s world renowned publication, Vinous, and has written for La Nación, Playboy and other local newspapers. We talk about his journey from winemaker to wine critic, his ironclad rules for integrity in a crumbling system, tasting with the world’s best producers, and the only wine he ever gave 100 points. Joaquín also shares his thoughts on the rapidly evolving Argentine wine scene. This interview was filmed in Buenos Aires at Romanée Wine Experience.
Timestamps:
- 0:02 — Introduction to Joaquín Hidalgo
- 3:18 — Origins in Mendoza and the Agricultural School
- 3:37 — From enologist to journalist
- 9:43 — First steps in wine journalism
- 12:07 — Integrity and independence as a critic
- 16:50 — The role of the critic and scores
- 17:32 — Tasting with producers and calibrating the palate
- 21:46 — Covering Spain for Vinous
- 27:25 — The wine that deserved 100 points
- 34:45 — Favorite regions in Argentina
- 42:30 — The Argentine DNA and the wine industry
- 49:00 — The rise of white wines in Argentina
- 52:02 — Wine consumption and the Buenos Aires market
- 59:21 — Pairings: the best wine for a barbecue
- 1:00:22 — The oldest wine and personal preferences
- 1:02:29 — Wines at home and favorite cocktail
- (00:00) – Introducción a Joaquín Hidalgo
- (03:18) – Orígenes en Mendoza y el Liceo Agrícola
- (03:37) – Del enólogo al periodista
- (09:43) – Primeros pasos en el periodismo de vino
- (12:07) – Integridad e independencia como crítico
- (16:50) – El rol del crítico y los puntajes
- (17:32) – Catar con productores y calibrar el paladar
- (21:46) – Cubriendo España para Vinous
- (27:25) – El vino que mereció 100 puntos
- (34:45) – Regiones favoritas de Argentina
- (42:30) – El ADN argentino y la industria del vino
- (49:00) – El auge de los vinos blancos en Argentina
- (52:02) – Consumo y mercado del vino en Buenos Aires
- (59:21) – Maridajes: el mejor vino para un asado
- (01:00:22) – El vino más viejo y preferencias personales
- (01:02:29) – Vinos en casa y cocktail favorito
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