Water Into Wine

Why an Attitude of Gratitude Can Change Everything

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson and host Grier Ferguson explore what gratitude really looks like in everyday life and why it matters for our faith. Over a glass of Spanish Priorat wine, the conversation moves from simple pleasures to deeper spiritual truths, showing how gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that shapes the heart. Father Charleston shares honest stories, Scripture, and practical wisdom about how gratitude can soften bitterness, counter comparison, and help us remain aware of God’s presence even during difficult seasons. This episode invites listeners to slow down, notice grace, and rediscover joy in ordinary moments.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine
(01:25) Wine of the Day: 2021 Buil & Giné “Giné Giné” Priorat, Spain/Catalonia  
(03:35) Tasting notes
(07:10) Wine and food pairing pro tip
(09:20) How can we incorporate more gratitude into our life?
(13:10) Gratitude is not a feeling
(15:25) How to have more gratitude
(17:45) What happens when we are not grateful?
(20:05) Comparison and gratitude
(22:45) Writing down things we are grateful for
(24:10) Finding gratitude in terrible situations
(25:40) Listener question: Why does God ask us to be grateful even when we are suffering?
(28:00) Bonus question: favorite meal?
(30:00) Final tasting notes

What Authenticity Really Means in Faith, Life, and Wine

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation about authenticity, faith, and identity, all while enjoying a classic Dolcetto red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Through stories, cultural references, and honest reflection, he explores why so many people feel exhausted by self-help and performance, and how true freedom comes from knowing we belong to God. This episode blends theology, everyday life, and wine into a grounded and refreshing look at what it really means to live authentically.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome to Water Into Wine
(01:15) Wine of the Day: 2022 Pecchenino Dolcetto di Dogliani San Luigi, Italy 
(04:55) Tasting notes
(06:40) Why are we focused more on authenticity?
(08:40) Authenticity*
(11:00) Martha Stewart and Ina Garten
(13:20) The truth about self-help
(16:20) Listener Question: Tips for focusing on whose we are, rather than who we are
(18:20) Final tasting notes
(19:20) Bonus Question: Why do you share your struggles?

Why Control Wears Us Down and Surrender Brings Peace

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson reflects on why control is one of the greatest sources of stress in our lives and how faith invites us into something freer and more peaceful. Over a glass of Pinot Grigio from Friuli, Italy, the conversation moves from the careful balance required in winemaking to the deeper spiritual work of surrendering our need to manage outcomes. Drawing from pastoral care, Scripture, and personal experience, Father Charleston offers insight into why letting go is so difficult and why trust in God’s timing can bring real relief. This episode is thoughtful, practical, and encouraging for anyone feeling overwhelmed by responsibility or pressure.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome to Water Into Wine
(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2024 Pierpaolo Pecorari Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy
(06:00) Does the topic of “Control” come up a lot?
(07:00) Tasting the wine
(09:35) Problems boiling down to control
(12:15) How can Type A’s deal with control?
(15:30) Why do people “play” God?
(19:40) If we surrender control, what do we replace it with?
(23:50) Listener Question: How can we balance surrendering control to God and personal accountability?
(28:15) Final tasting notes
(29:00) Bonus Question: When did you realize God was in control?

Is He Listening? What to Know About Prayer and God's Silence

In this soul-stirring episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson explores the everyday beauty and mystery of prayer over a red blend from the south of France. With warmth, humor, and a touch of Bon Jovi, he breaks down the fears many have about “doing prayer right” and reminds us that we're probably praying more than we think. From midnight worries to spontaneous soul speak, Father Charleston redefines what a meaningful prayer life looks like. 
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine
(01:00) Wine of the day: 2021 Domaine D’aupilhac “Lou Maset,” Languedoc, France
(06:00) Why this wine?
(07:00) How do we know we are praying correctly?
(11:20) Prayer routines
(13:00) Sometimes prayer can feel like a laundry list
(14:30) Listener Question: How do we know God hears us?
(19:25) Bonus Question: Does God always answer our prayers?

The Spirituality of Wine and God's Transforming Grace

In the inaugural episode of Water into Wine, host Grier Ferguson sits down with Father Charleston Wilson, rector of Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on the topics of grace, struggle and transformation. Over a dry German Riesling, they talk candidly about imposter syndrome, quiet suffering and why many people carry more pain than they let on. With his trademark touches of humor and popular culture references, Father Charleston talks about what called him to the priesthood and offers a grounded, practical understanding of grace.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Water Into Wine with Father Charleston Wilson & Grier Ferguson
(01:15) Opening a bottle of Von Winning 'Winnings' Riesling
(04:50) Pairings with food
(06:35) The Spirituality of Wine & Definition of Grace
(13:25) More about Father Charleston Wilson
(19:30) Why start a podcast?
(21:28) Listener Question: Do you wish you continued your career in restaurants and wine?
(26:10) Bonus Question: Do you have a favorite pair of socks?

Welcome to Water into Wine

Water Into Wine invites listeners into thoughtful, unhurried conversations where faith meets everyday life. Hosted by Father Charleston Wilson, rector of Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida, and Redeemer’s communications director Grier Ferguson, the show explores grace, meaning, beauty, and the joy found in life’s simplest moments, including a well-poured glass of wine.
Each episode blends theology with culture, music, humor, and reflection, offering a welcoming space for curiosity and connection. Father Charleston brings stories, insight, and a bit of Anglican charm, while Grier guides relaxed dialogue shaped by real-world questions and experiences.
Whether you are seeking spiritual nourishment, looking to deepen your faith, or simply enjoy good conversation, pull up a chair, pour a glass, and join in. This is Water Into Wine.