Episode 280 of I’ll Drink to That has been released, and features Ryan Looper of T. Edward Wines, a wine wholesaler and importer in New York.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a distribution and wholesale sales world that most consumers of wine probably never imagine exists. The cold calls, the breaking open of accounts, the jockeying between the paid-on-commission sales reps of the same distributor. The interview covers changes in the market and how those play out in response to financial downturns or sommelier trends; selling to restaurants, selling to retail, and selling to hotels; determining when it makes sense to alter sales reps for an account “that just isn’t working out.” The discussion also includes where the sales in New York City are today and where they seem to be heading. This interview is chock-full of details about the everyday wine life behind the scenes. Ever wondered what it is like to deal with and sell to the burgeoning field of quasi-celebrity sommeliers? You’ll find answers in episode 280.

Listen to the stream above, or check it out in iTunes.

I’ll Drink to That is the world’s leading wine podcast, hosted by Levi Dalton. Levi has had a long career working as a sommelier in some of the most distinguished and acclaimed dining rooms in America. He has served wine to guests of Restaurant Daniel, Masa, and Alto, all in Manhattan. Levi has also contributed articles on wine themes to publications such as The Art of Eating, Wine & Spirits magazine, Bon Appetit online, and Eater NY. Check out his pictures on Instagram and follow him on Twitter: @levi_opens_wine