In Episode #35 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by special guests Ashley Harkey and Brian Kusko for a conversation covering Paso Robles hospitality, mixology, Syrah winemaking, vineyard growth, Scottsdale adventures, and Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour event.

The episode features a side-by-side tasting of Sculpterra’s 2023 Syrah versus the nearly sold-out 2022 Syrah, with discussions about vertical tastings, reduction in wine, oxygen exposure during fermentation, and why Syrah remains one of Paso Robles’ most underrated varietals.

Ashley Harkey shares how she built her career in hospitality and bartending while also working as a tax accountant. She talks about creating craft cocktails at Bella Sera’s Enoteca restaurant, pairing wine with Mediterranean cuisine, building lasting guest relationships, and why sparkling wine has become her favorite style to drink.

Brian Kusko returns to the show with stories from the Scottsdale Reptile Show, including his first ride in a self-driving Waymo vehicle. The group also discusses upcoming Sculpterra Shorts and social media videos, internet audiences from around the world, and the growing reach of the podcast online.

Paul gives updates from the vineyard and winery, including:

Recent bottling operations and PORT bottling challenges

Vineyard growth and canopy management

Tendrils and how grapevines signal active shoot growth

Upcoming vine planting projects at Sculpterra

The episode also previews Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour in the Garden event, featuring detailed food and wine pairings throughout the sculpture garden, including Viognier, Rosé, Figurine, and more.

Additional topics include:

Wine label laws and “Estate Bottled” requirements

Food and wine pairing philosophy

Hospitality culture in Paso Robles

Bobcats in vineyards

Why certain Spanish food names sound “cute”

🍷 Wines Featured

2023 Sculpterra Syrah

2022 Sculpterra Syrah

📍 Featured Guests

Ashley Harkey – Bella Sera Hotel / Enoteca Bar Lead

Brian Kusko – Media Producer & Brand Manager

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Syrah

#WinePodcast #PasoRobles #CraftCocktails #Hospitality

#WineTasting #BellaSera #SculpterraWinery

Produced by EZF Media, LLC