Series Beverage Chronicles

Beverage Chronicles exists for one reason: to tell the stories behind the drinks we love.

Every episode blends journalism, history, industry insight, and personality to bring listeners closer to the makers, traditions, and trends shaping the global beverage landscape.

Whether it’s a centuries-old wine region, a cutting-edge craft brewery, a small-batch distillery, or a new wave of ready-to-drink cocktails, we explore the people and ideas behind every pour.

Gary Monterosso – Host & Creator

Gary Monterosso is an award-winning drinks journalist, author, and television personality with decades of experience covering the beverage world. His work as appeared on the History Channel, BBC, SiriusXM, CBS News, PBS, and numerous national and international platforms.

Gary brings a rare combination of deep knowledge, curiosity, and storytelling, making Beverage Chronicles both educational and entertaining for casual drinkers and industry professionals alike.

Michelle Lam – Co-Host

Michelle Lam is an award-winning public relations professional and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) honoree. She specializes in spirits, cocktails, and emerging beverage trends, bringing a sharp modern perspective to every segment.

Her work connects listeners with distillers, blenders, bartenders, and brand builders who are shaping the future of the beverage industry.

Rachel Benkowski – Beer & History

Certified Cicerone, historian, and co-founder of Beer Babes Family.

Peter LaFrance – Beer & Food

Author of Beer Basics and Cooking and Eating with Beer.

John J. Mahoney – Wine Education

Author of 11 wine books and annual reviewer of 1,500+ wines.

Katie Johnson – Beer Reviewer

Insights on craft beer styles, flavor profiles, and industry trends.

Robin Shreeves – Wine

Award-winning wine journalist and certified wine professional.

Leslie Jespersen – Media

PR strategist leveraging stages and media for visibility and revenue

Christina Martin – Food & Beverage

Chef Educator, Healthy food advocate, food writer

CREDITS

Engineered by: Gary Monterosso

Produced by: Gary Monterosso

From Brown Ale to New York Wine: Exploring Beverages with Character

September 27, 2026

We explore three very different beverages and experiences. Brown ale is presented as an approachable gateway into darker beers, while a visit to Rolling Hills Estate Winery highlights the emerging wine culture of New York’s Champlain Valley and its cold-climate grape varieties. We close with a look at research suggesting that drinking coffee ...

New Products, New Voices and Wine Made Welcoming

September 20, 2026

Non-alcoholic launches, a national contest and an interview with a vintner about her small-batch California wines, approachable wine education and hospitality-focused tasting events.

Craft Beer, Wine & Game-Day Prices

September 13, 2026

The beverage industry is evolving—from the challenges of attracting new craft beer drinkers to finding value in wine. We also explore why consistency can be a powerful marketing tool and take a look at the surprising cost of beer and other drinks at NFL stadiums.

Beverage Sales Trends and the Rise of the Beer Spa

September 7, 2026

We feature an interview with the founders of Oakwell Beer Spa in Colorado. The unique concept combines private spa treatments, beer-inspired hydrotherapy, a craft beverage taproom, and high-tech massage experiences.

Pumpkin Beer, Frost-Damaged Vineyards & America’s Drinking Habits

August 31, 2026

Elysian Brewing helped pioneer modern pumpkin beer with Night Owl in 1997 and now offers three distinct pumpkin beers in its variety pack.

Snallygaster 2026: Great Beer, Big Flavor, and a Purpose

August 24, 2026

Beverage Chronicles explores the FDA’s push for clearer caffeine labeling before Katie Johnson talks with Greg Engert about Snallygaster, Washington, D.C.’s massive beer festival. The October 10 event brings hundreds of beers, international brewers, music, family activities, and support for sustainable-food nonprofit Arcadia.

Beyond Beer: How Breweries, Food Pairings, Storytelling, and Soda Innovation Are Reshaping Beverage Culture

August 17, 2026

Today’s beverage industry is expanding beyond traditional categories and experiences. Breweries are entering the whiskey business through “brewstilleries,” creating broader taproom offerings and new opportunities for barrel-aged beer, cocktails, retail sales, and customer engagement.

Craft Beer’s Midyear Reality: IPA Still Carries the Market

August 10, 2026

The Brewers Association’s midyear report shows U.S. craft-beer volume down roughly 4% in the first half of the year, but the outlook is more mixed than the headline suggests: 54% of surveyed breweries reported growth, up from 49% a year earlier. In retail scan data, IPAs are the clear engine of craft sales, with all 11 of the top 30 craft ...

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