Florida priest launches podcast exploring faith, wine and music

Church of the Redeemer in downtown Sarasota is launching a new podcast, Water into Wine, about discovering grace, developing deeper faith and savoring life’s simple joys — like a good glass of wine.

Water into Wine explores the intersection of faith, wine and music, with a good helping of modern cultural references. The first episode — “The Spirituality of Wine and God’s Transforming Grace” — was released on Dec. 23. The second episode — “Is He Listening? What to Know About Prayer and God’s Silence” — will be released Jan. 6. The podcast is designed to resonate with both longtime churchgoers and those new to the Christian faith. Episodes will be released every two weeks.

Each episode features relaxed, insightful conversations with Father Charleston Wilson, rector of Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida. Wilson is an Episcopal priest, husband, father of two, certified sommelier, Motown devotee and Anglophile. He is joined in the episodes by Grier Ferguson, Redeemer communications director and podcast producer.

Prior to entering the priesthood, Wilson co-owned a fine dining concept, managed human resources for a restaurant chain, and consulted internationally in the wine industry. Water into Wine draws on this experience by featuring a wine tasting that ties into the topic being discussed in each episode.

“Through the podcast, I’m sharing my passion for God, Jesus, wine, and music,” Wilson said. “We want to help people experience God’s compassion and grace — hopefully in a life-changing way.”

Water into Wine is available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more.

For more information, visit RedeemerSarasota.org/Podcast.

ABOUT CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

Church of the Redeemer is a growing parish of more than 3,000 members in the heart of downtown Sarasota. The parish is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Redeemer is known for its focus on worship, preaching, music, community outreach and families. Redeemer’s roots in Sarasota trace back to the 1880s. The campus at 222 S. Palm Ave. occupies an entire city block and hosts about 600 services each year as well as concerts, guest speakers and community service projects. To learn more, visit RedeemerSarasota.org.