A Cork in the Road Episode 169 - Live Audience Port Tasting and Masterclass at The Vine Club in Atlanta with Chris Forbes, the Deputy Managing Director for Taylor’s Port
This episode features a live audience conversation and Port tasting with Chris Forbes, the Deputy Managing Director for Taylor’s Port. Chris joined the company in 2007 and was initially responsible for the management of all Special Marketing projects across the company’s three main brands. He then took on the role of export manager for the USA and Irish markets before being promoted to Commercial Director in 2019. In addition to his contributions on the business side, Chris tells us why his own personal wine education journey is so valuable in this role as he is currently studying for the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Originally from Yorkshire, England, he was introduced to luxury products in both the textile and gourmet food industries through his family’s businesses. His current role spans far beyond just beverages, though, so you’ll hear about the variety of their portfolio that now includes several hotels in both Porto and in the Douro Valley, along with some educational tourist attractions including the World of Wine in Porto. The audience was full of Atlanta-based wine professionals who share a mutual love and appreciation for Portuguese wines, so we invited people to the mic throughout the episode to share their reactions and candid tasting notes for the wines that Chris brought to share with us for the session. You can visit www.taylor.pt and follow @taylorsportwine on Instagram to learn more about their work.
Featuring tasting notes and appearances by:
Emma Rubenstein, Cooks & Soldiers
Dannielle Thomas, Dom Beijos
Jade Palmer, Madeira Park
Taylor Sublett, The Vine Club
Erica Taylor, Kobrand Wine & Spirits
Recorded January 17, 2026 with generous support from Kobrand Wine & Spirits
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