The Blog

Smart thinking for wine brands that want to grow. From practical marketing strategies to bold takes on industry trends, our blog shares what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next in wine DTC. No nonsense. No filler. Just honest insights from the agency trusted by wineries around the world.

Nigerian woman with long braided hair in a winery holding a glass of wine while smiling at camera.

Chinedu Rita Rosa on Bordeaux, Nigeria & Wine Market Growth

In a dynamic episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond speaks with Chinedu Rita Rosa, founder of Vines by Rosa and co-founder of Bordeaux Mentor Week. As one of Nigeria’s first certified wine experts, Chinedu has spent over 20 years helping European wine brands enter the West African market while simultaneously championing African food and wine pairings…

A young man in a blue shirt holds a glass of wine.

Christian Holthausen on Wine PR, Empathy & Reputation

In this engaging episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond sits down with Christian Holthausen—communications strategist, writer, and long-time public relations powerhouse in the wine world—to explore what PR means today. Their conversation spans from the decline of the Rolodex to the rise of personal branding, from empathy to influencer fatigue, and everything in between. Holthausen makes…

Smiling man with light skin wearing a blue t-shirt in front of stuffed bookcase

Adam Lechmere on Wine Trends: Cans, Comms & Regeneration

In this post-pandemic episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond is joined by veteran wine writer Adam Lechmere for a boots-on-the-ground debrief of the London Wine Fair. With insight, wit, and a critical eye, Lechmere walks us through the evolving landscape of wine trade shows, the rise of canned and natural wines, and how movements like regenerative…

Woman in vineyards. She's smiling and holding a bottle of Finca Feliz wine.

Lis Clement on Malbec, Wine Marketing & Argentine Innovation

In this lively and insightful episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond interviews Lis Clement—marketing powerhouse and director of her family’s Bodega Clement in Mendoza, Argentina. Lis is best known for launching World Malbec Day and flipping traditional wine communication on its head through guerrilla marketing, love brands, and unapologetically creative campaigns. Now, she’s running a winery…

Man in dark t-shirt poses in front of wine barrels marked Destiny Bay

Sean Spratt on Cabernet, Climate & Quiet Luxury at Destiny Bay

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond talks with Sean Spratt, owner and winemaker at Destiny Bay, a small-production winery located on Waiheke Island. The conversation spans two decades of brand building, family-driven innovation, climate pressures, and what it means to operate at the luxury end of a market that isn’t always comfortable with…

Man with short hair wearing a blue t-shirt and holding a glass of red wine. He is smiling at camera,

Jono Le Feuvre on Wine Writing, Language & Humor

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond sits down with Jono Le Feuvre—journalist, wine writer, and founder of the Han Drinks Solo wine community. Known for blending pop culture with deep wine knowledge, Jono has developed a storytelling style that resonates with younger, less traditional audiences. Together, Polly and Jono unpack the myth that wine…

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The Modern Winery Experience with Jim Morris

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond welcomes Jim Morris, Vice President of Guest Relations at Charles Krug Winery, Napa’s oldest winery. Known for his big heart and even bigger event calendar, Jim shares how the team at Charles Krug is turning a historic estate into one of Napa’s most dynamic cultural destinations. From virtual…

Woman with dark curly hair and glasses stands at podium holding a glass of red wine. She is smiling and looks happy.

Fine Wine & Hospitality’s Future with Pauline Vicard

In this episode of Uncorked, the Italian Wine Podcast, Polly Hammond sits down with Pauline Vicard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Areni Global, a think tank dedicated to the future of fine wine. The conversation explores findings from Areni Global’s new report, Fine Wine and the Restaurants: Looking Ahead After Two Years of Global Disruption.…

Young man in black t-shirt looking pensively at camera. Large tree in background.

David James on Wine Photography & Social Strategy

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond sits down with David James, award-winning editorial and fashion photographer, cognitive psychologist, and the content creator behind Misty Cove’s standout winery social media. Known for a voice that is raw, funny, and human, David shares how he turned a part-time photo gig into one of the wine world’s…

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Winery Social Media & Tourism with Patricia Wilcox

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond sits down with Patricia Wilcox, co-founder of Awestruck Ciders and current candidate in the Erasmus Mundus Master on Wine Tourism Innovation. Patricia recently turned heads with a recent article in which she pulled back the curtain on wine’s obsession with perfect social media and the hidden costs behind…

Bridging Generations & Purpose-Driven Wine PR

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond sits down with Lyndsay Dyk, founder of Field Day PR, a Portland-based agency specializing in wine, food, and lifestyle brands. Lyndsay brings a fresh, millennial perspective to public relations, grounded in storytelling, authenticity, and a deep connection to place. Together, they explore generational messaging, natural wine, and what…

The Future of Wine Branding with Robert Joseph

In this episode of Uncorked, Polly Hammond reunites with longtime collaborator Robert Joseph—wine thinker, Meininger’s columnist, and co-founder of French brand Le Grand Noir. Together, they dig into the hard truths of wine marketing, from distribution headaches to labeling trends, and debate whether the industry is evolving quickly enough to survive in a profit-driven world.…