March 4, 2021
Special Guest
PAULINE VICARD
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARENI GLOBAL
SPECIAL GUEST, MARCH 4
PAULINE VICARD
Co-founder and executive director, ARENI Global
Born and raised into a winemaking family in Burgundy, Pauline has been working in the wine sector all her working life, both in Europe and Internationally.
Today, she directs all ARENI’s activities. Pauline is also a second year MW student, a WSET certified educator, a mother of two amazing little girls and an international ultimate Frisbee player. Her personal research of “Beauty, respect and wonder” drives everything that she undertakes.
ARENI is a global research and action institute dedicated to the future of Fine Wine. Creating conversation platforms for the Fine Wine ecosystem, ARENI brings together critical thinkers, from iconic Fine Wine producers to leading academics and business leaders, resulting in a well-researched, global and multi-disciplinary approach to a world undergoing change.
MEET OUR WINE DREAM TEAM!
ANTOINE ABOU-SAMRA
HOST
Founder of A Table For Two.
After a long and diverse career as an entrepreneur, former athlete, radio host, and 3-time CEO, Antoine decided to go back to what he enjoyed most: Food & Wine and Media. He created A Table For Two a multi-format content creation house. Using the thread of Food & Wine, he not only helps the audience discover and understand other cultures but also engages them in related issues such as the Environment, Climate Change, Sustainability, or Diversity.
JAIME ARAUJO
UNCORKED
Founder and CEO of Trois Noix, Napa Valley.
As a 2nd generation winemaker, Jaime initially spent 24 years in Europe before returning to Napa. Moving to Europe, she didn’t work in Wine directly. Only after a career as a London theatreland actress, and earning her MBA from INSEAD, did she return to the World of Wine. First, she taught the French how to sell their wines. Then upon returning to Napa, she continued carving her own path. She created Trois Noix a wine that she wants to use as a platform for change.
AKOS FORCZEK
UNCORKED
Founder and Chairman of Top Selection Wines and 9elmswines, London.
Akos’s life reads like a John Le Carré novel. Hungarian born under the Soviet occupation, raised in Algeria in the ’70s, and trained as a special force he witnessed the Fall of the Berlin Wall from inside. Then he left for Western Europe and started working in Wine and Spirits. After earning his MBA from INSEAD, he moved to London where he founded Top Selection Wines. Since 2018, Top Selection has been the recipient of the UK Fine Wine Merchant of the Year award given byUK sommeliers. A first.
TANISHA TOWNSEND
LICENSED TO TASTE
Chief Wine Officer of Girl Meets Glass, Paris.
Born and raised in South Side Chicago, Tanisha was not predestined to the World of Wine. In fact, she started studying cyber forensic. Then serendipity struck twice. The first time was at a Wine Festival in Washington where she asked all the wrong questions possible (so she can relate if you are new to Wine) but was still fascinated by this beverage. The second time was to move to her dream city of Paris. Going to the “Old World” and fulfilling her Wine dream, she pursues her mission to teach and educate about wine.
The Talk-Show that removes your wine anxiety.
WHAT IS THE SHOW ABOUT?
Running every 3 weeks, The Wine Hour is a show on the Wine World. Built around 3 segments, the show offers an entertaining yet insightful approach on wine-related topics and issues. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. Though it is broadcast on Zoom, the show is made to be listened to. So grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and enjoy!
WHO IS THE SHOW FOR?
If you love or are interested in Wine but you are not necessarily an expert, then this show is for you! The main idea is that you can enjoy Wine whatever level of knowledge you have. So, if you are curious and want to discover more about Wine, tune in.
THE THREE SHOW SEGMENTS
UNCORKED
In our first segment, Uncorked, our team of Wine Experts, Jaime Araujo, Akos Forczek and Ray Isle (from time to time), deliver comments on current trends from the Wine industry, market and personalities.
LICENSED TO TASTE
In Licensed To Taste, our second segment, Tanisha Townsend will talk about Wine in a friendly, introducing wine regions, or grapes among other topics. She will also answer your wine questions (not necessarily related to the show’s topics).
HAVE A DRINK WITH ME
In our last segment, Have A Drink With Me, your host, Antoine Abou-Samra, has a relaxed conversation with the show special guest(s).
SCHEDULE
The Wine Hour will run every three weeks on Thursday at the following time:
20:30 UK / 12:30 PST / 15:30 EST / 21:30 CET
WHERE TO LISTEN
The Live Podcast will be aired on Zoom. Registration is mandatory.