Science, Grapes, and Adventure: A Wine Student’s Summer at Chateau Haut-Bailly

Wine Talks with Paul K.

A few years ago, a young woman was interning at the Original Wine of the Month Club. Her internship revolved around social networking, office duties, and one particular job that may have set her career path. Lisa Kassabian was to write the talking points for all my podcasts that featured a woman in wine.

She would research the guest, write up peritnent points, present the to me and together we would redirect or correct. When that work was completed, Lisa was invited on set to hear how her questions worked and how the guest would respond. Maybe I had something to do with it, it would certainly make sense...because eventually, Lisa became an Enology student at Cornell University.

At the University, all students in this curriculum are required to do an internship before they graduate. This is the story of Lisa's internship at the famed Chateau Haut Bailly.

For sure, if you want to know the insights a young wine Enology student might gain from the academic side and the practical side of wine...this is the episode.

Lisa Kassabian never expected that an afterschool “All About Grapes” club would spark a journey from a Los Angeles vineyard to the heart of Bordeaux. In this episode of Wine Talks, you’ll discover how a childhood passion for science—and a hobby vineyard at home—led Lisa from California to Cornell, and ultimately, to an eye-opening internship in France. You’ll gain a rare behind-the-scenes view of the very real intersections between wine, science, and culture, as Lisa reveals how pruning and fermentation chemistry connect to centuries of tradition. Listen closely and you’ll learn what really happens when theory meets the terroir: from tackling grapevine netting and barrel racking to navigating French hospitality, language barriers, and immaculate cellars. Through Lisa’s first-hand stories, you’ll hear what distinguishes French winemaking—the meticulous attention to detail, relentless innovation, and deep cultural ties that set Bordeaux apart from Napa. Ever wonder what it’s like to balance the academic rigor of soil science classes with tasting your family’s Sauvignon Blanc in sunny California? Or how it feels to pour wine at a charity gala in a historic French château? This episode peels back the reality of building a global wine career, from landing international internships to learning the business beyond the classroom, and even discovering which French pastries pair best with your morning commute. By the end, you’ll understand not only the pathways women are carving into the industry, but also why every bottle holds a world of stories, science, and adventure—a revelation sure to inspire future vintners and aficionados alike.

Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu

UC Davis (University of California, Davis) https://www.ucdavis.edu

Château Haut-Bailly https://www.haut-bailly.com

Sequoia Grove Winery https://www.sequoiagrove.com

Smith Haut Lafitte https://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com

Château Lynch-Bages https://www.lynchbages.com

Château Giscours https://www.giscours.com

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