Unveiling the Visionary: The Story Behind Our 2025 Wine of the Year in Straight Talk Episode 31

Château Giscours’ Alexander Van Beek recently joined James Molesworth on Wine Spectator‘s Straight Talk podcast to discuss his long tenure at the Bordeaux estate and his immediate reaction after it was announced that Giscours had won the title of 2025 Wine of the Year.

In the conversation, recorded at the 2025 New York Wine Experience, Van Beek was unaware that his estate would secure this prestigious recognition. After the announcement, he expressed his disbelief and excitement: “It’s too cool to be true. It’s crazy … I still don’t believe it!”

The latest episode of Straight Talk is available across popular streaming platforms, including Apple, Google, and Spotify, as well as directly at WineSpectator.com/podcast. Since its debut in October 2022, the podcast has welcomed numerous big names from the wine industry, including renowned winemakers and chefs, providing insightful and often humorous discussions.

According to Wine Spectator editor Marvin R. Shanken, the Straight Talk podcast is an essential resource for anyone involved in the wine industry and offers consumers a unique connection with wine tasting experts. Listeners can also engage with the show by sending questions and comments to StraightTalk@WineSpectator.com.

For more insights, tune into the latest episode and discover the journey that led Château Giscours to its remarkable achievement this year.

You can access the podcast here.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!