Comedian takes helm of E&J Gallo wine podcast

E&J Gallo has launched of a new wine-based podcast hosted by American comedian and actor Ben Schwarz with the aim of breaking down the world of wine for complete novices with equal parts humour and education.

Called The Wine Down, the series sees Schwarz sit down with a wine expert and a guest comedian to talk, taste and break down all things wine, “picking the brains” of different winemakers to discuss topics including the effects of barrel ageing and the implications of terroir and climate to what wine pairs best with waffles.

“Wine is a wonderfully complex and diverse beverage, and that can be intimidating for a casual wine drinker,” said Suzanne Denevan-Brown, publisher of Wine Dialogues by E. & J. Gallo Winery.

“However, you don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy wine or even talk about it. With ‘The Wine Down,’ we wanted to create something that would show people you can have as much fun talking about wine as drinking it.”

Schwarz is best-known for his role of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on the Amy Poehler-penned sitcom Parks and Recreation.

“Taping this podcast was a blast. It was just me and my buddies sitting around, having wine and silly conversations, but also learning something along the way,” said Schwartz. “I’ve always loved wine, but now I can sound like I know a little something about it.”

The first episode, titled, “Can I Ask You a Question, Sweet Winemaker?” , features winemaker Mark Williams from Napa’s William Hill Estate Winery, who discusses the best places to drink wine and the legacy of California and New Zealand wine regions.