In Episode 3 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard welcomes Amy Hallett, founder and Chief Adventure Officer of The Olive Road, for a conversation about travel, wine, and the experiences that bring people together.

Amy shares how her journey into wine began while studying abroad in France, where she discovered not just wine itself, but the culture, meals, and relationships that surround it. From there, she built a career creating immersive travel experiences centered around food, community, and connection.

Marcus and Amy also dive into their shared love of champagne and great food, and talk about an exciting upcoming trip they are planning through The Olive Road to the Champagne region and Alsace in September 2026 — a journey focused on authentic experiences, unforgettable meals, and incredible wines.

This episode is all about slowing down, gathering around a table, and discovering the stories behind what’s in your glass.

Pour something you love and join us. 🍷

In Episode 2 of Wine With Friends, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with Inez Ribustello for a powerful and deeply human conversation about hospitality, resilience, and life’s unexpected turns.

Inez is the owner of On The Square and Tarboro Brewing Company, and also serves as Head of Hospitality for The Frankie Lemmon School, an organization dedicated to education and enrichment for preschool-aged children with and without disabilities.

In this episode, Inez shares her journey into the restaurant world, how she built community-centered businesses, and what hospitality truly means beyond food and drink. She also opens up about her personal experience living in New York City during the tragic events of September 11, 2001—and how that moment shaped her outlook on life, people, and purpose.

This is a conversation about leadership, service, and showing up for others—even in the hardest moments.

Pour a glass, take a breath, and join us. 🍷

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Wine With Friends Podcast!

In our very first episode, host Marcus Ginyard sits down with former North Carolina Tar Heel great Deon Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about basketball, life, and wine.

Deon takes us through his journey playing professional basketball all over the world, sharing stories from competing overseas and experiencing wine culture in different countries along the way. He also reflects on what it truly meant to wear Carolina blue, his time at UNC, and the moments that shaped him as a Tar Heel.

To wrap it up, Deon gives us his all-time Carolina Basketball starting five—a must-hear list for any UNC fan.

Pour a glass, pull up a chair, and enjoy the start of a new conversation where great stories and great wine come together. 🍷