Uncorking What's Next Podcast: Wine Is More Than What's In The Glass

When some people retire, they luxuriate in the peaceful repose of an uncluttered schedule and eradicated work stress. Others travel or take up a hobby such as pickleball or mahjong. Still others, find a pursuit close to the career they just left.

It’s an understatement to say that Jeff Zacharia knows about wine. It’s more accurate to state that Jeff may know more about wine than most people around the world. After all, Jeff Zacharia is a third-generation wine merchant and the former longtime Chief Executive Officer of Zachys Wine & Liquor, one of the world’s leading fine wine merchants and auction houses. Jeff served as the President of Zachys for over three decades and as the CEO from 2000 until 2023.

After joining the family business (originally founded by his grandfather, Zachy, in 1944) in 1983, Jeff Zacharia helped launch the company’s highly successful auction arm in 2002. He grew Zachys into a major international operation with offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Currently, he serves on the Board and as a Senior Advisor for Zachys.

In his “retirement,” Jeff became the creator/host of the Uncorking What’s Next podcast, exploring the future of the fine wine industry.

The show features in-depth conversations with visionary winemakers, collectors, and scientists shaping fine wine. The podcast’s inaugural lineup features notable figures exploring various corners of the wine world including:

• Dr. Laura Catena: A physician and fourth-generation winemaker who breaks down the science behind the headlines regarding wine and health.

• Vitalie Taittinger: President of Champagne Taittinger, who discusses the balance of heritage, evolving traditions, and the value of visiting Champagne.

• Omri Ram: Estate manager of Château Lafleur, who discusses old vines and the philosophy of “elegant power” in Bordeaux

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As Jeff says: “Learning about wine should be just as much fun as drinking it.”

In fact, one of Jeff’s key mantras during the podcast is Wine has always been more than what’s in the glass.

I must say that Jeff Zacharia did all the right things to start a podcast. No shortcuts, well-thought-out, and masterfully implemented.

Jeff has carefully assembled all the pieces necessary for a successful podcast. Consider that Jeff, while CEO for over 30 years at the world’s leading fine wine merchants and auction houses, developed the podcast on his own. He’s insistent that the company is not financing or helping with the podcast. It’s his baby.

Jeff has also assembled a solid team, consisting mostly of his family, with special recognition for Hannah Tobias for her musical contributions to the show, which are far above your average podcast musical score. Sound design is superb, especially with on-location interviews.

Moreover, Jeff has worked hard to become an excellent interviewer. He asks probing questions, listens well, and keeps the conversation lively. It certainly helps that Jeff is an acknowledged expert in the field of fine wines.

I love that Jeff exudes that love of wine and easily spreads it to his listeners. He’s a natural as a podcast host and makes the entire sonic experience enjoyable and informative.

One of my favorite episodes so far is Uncorking One of Napa’s Most Historic Vineyards. On the show, Jeff interviews Alex and Graeme MacDonald, who are fourth-generation farmers on one of the most storied pieces of ground in American wine — 15 rocky acres in the heart of To Kalon in Oakville, planted by great-grandparents who didn’t even want to buy the land. Their family grapes were the backbone of Mondavi’s finest wines going back to 1966 — the Reserve, the To Kalon label, early Opus One — all on a handshake. The family didn’t even know.

Jeff explains in the episode: “The brothers released their first vintage in 2010–92 cases — and sold the entire vintage in 25 minutes. Today it’s still just the two of them. No employees. And they’re waging a five-year battle, without lawyers, to protect the very concept of place in American wine.”

I also applaud Jeff for his podcast title. Uncorking What’s Next not only defines the show and its subject but also alludes to the educational aspect of the show, specifically learning more about wines. “Uncorking” is an image that listeners can visualize and relate to.

In addition, Jeff has crafted a solid format, with the show beginning with an interview clip to give listeners a sip of what’s to come, then Jeff tells listeners who he is, what the show is about, introduces the guests, and does the interview, all while that delightful music from Ms. Tobias is playing.

Finally, Jeff, being an astute businessman, had already lined up sponsors for the show. More importantly, the sponsors are related to the podcast’s topic. Wine Market Journal, La Tête d’Or, The French-American steakhouse from legendary chef Daniel Boulud in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, and The Durand Corkscrew.

Jeff’s business bona fides are on full display when he states at the end of every episode: “If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review the show — it means the world and helps new Uncorkers find us.”

Jeff has already involved his listeners into a community and given them an identity — Uncorkers!”

Jeff is sponsoring a giveaway program, urging listeners to write in and tell him, “What made you fall in love with wine over the summer?”

The winner receives a Durand Corkscrew, which is a specialized, patented wine-opening device specifically designed to remove older, fragile, or compromised corks whole and intact.

Uncorking What’s Next is a superb new wine podcast. The show is not restricted to people who love fine wines but includes people who love to drink wine or what to learn more about wine. Jeff Zacharia has two qualities that have made Uncorking What’s Next so ear worthy and ultimately successful. First, like most indie podcasters, Jeff has a passion for the subject. His life has been about wine. Second, Jeff is an astute businessman who made the strategic moves that put his show on solid footing right away.

In a podcast genre full of terrific wine podcasts, such The Wine Pair Podcast and The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, I know you will enjoy Uncorking What’s Next. When you listen, you’ll be on cloud wine. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.