Episode 294 of I’ll Drink to That has been released and features Devon Broglie, the Associate Global Beverage Buyer for Whole Foods Market. Devon is based in Austin, Texas.

Devon is an interesting person who has experienced different facets of the wine industry in terms of, for example, doing harvest work in Europe and finding employment in import. But what this interview really focuses on is his work with Whole Foods Market, where he is the number two person in charge of buying wine and beer at a national level for 300 stores in 41 states. A certain level of perspective comes with this role that few other positions in the country can offer. Devon essentially has a bird’s eye view on what is selling where and in what quantity in America. And his job as a national buyer means that when he has an indication of a specific trend in a certain area, he can actually ramp up or amplify that trend across the entire country. His ability to not just comment on what is happening, but in effect to change the national drinking habits of the middle range of the market is relatively unparalleled. Where are indicators for beer and wine heading in this country? Devon is privy to that kind of information. To better understand the scope of what national chain retail can represent, give a listen to Devon’s interview.

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