In December, the 2nd Annual LatinX State of the Wine Industry Summit was held at RD Winery in Napa Valley. I missed the event but thought the topic was important enough to share on my podcast, so I met up with the moderator of the event, the dynamic Gabriela Fernandez. The all-day wine industry summit focused on the contributions the Hispanic and LatinX communities have made to the wine industry and celebrated the diversity, perseverance, and legacy-building resilience of those who have become k...
Mar 06, 2023•32 min•Season 10Ep. 7
Sometimes good things come in twos. It took over two years for me to nail down this interview with Warren, I recorded over two hours of audio, and it took two visits to do so. Yet every minute I spent with him was a pleasure. You may be aware that Warren was the founder of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and it was his Cabernet Sauvignon that outscored the French Bordeaux wines in the famed Paris tasting of 1976. But that was early on. He has accomplished so much in his 90 years and, remarkably, contin...
Feb 24, 2023•40 min•Season 10Ep. 6
Join me for my travels through Portugal. In this podcast version of Exploring Portugal, Drinking Wine, you'll meet Carlos de Jesus, the Director of Marketing and Communications of Amorim Cork. From then on, you'll have a newfound respect for the next cork you pull from a bottle! Then I'll sit with Sophia Renquivst from deep within the majestic Douro River Valley. She's been involved with the family's Quinta de la Rosa for most of her life. You can stay at their successful Port house, enjoy the f...
Feb 07, 2023•46 min•Season 10Ep. 5
I've been going through some ch-ch-changes for 2023...all for the better. I'll explain in this episode. My guest is Matteo Bolla, of the Italian Bolla wine-making family. However, his side of the family produces prosecco in a distinctive style called Valdo Numero 10. You'll hear about Matteo's family and this inexpensive sparkling wine on today's podcast.
Jan 16, 2023•21 min•Season 10Ep. 4
Happy Holidays and New Year! My gift to you, a story featuring Taylor of Serres Ranch . She's an ambitious 5th generation family member who loves to share the story of their nearly 100 year old ranch. She does so with guests while introducing you to their wine in the middle of the vineyards. I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of the experience as I did. However, winemaking is just part of the many endeavors the family at Serras Ranch has embarked upon over the years. Growing blueberries is crop they...
Dec 22, 2022•19 min•Season 10Ep. 3
In this podcast I'll introduce you to a rising name in wine who is making waves within the industry. Thatcher Baker-Briggs is a young sommelier who is fast-becoming a modern-day trailblazer for minorities and millennials in the wine industry. Not only can he procure impossible-to-get vintages and bottles for an international clientele list, he also launched an online import company, Thatcher’s Wine. And there's more... If you're still hanging on to the belief that sommeliers are self-absorbed, a...
Nov 21, 2022•28 min•Season 10Ep. 2
The Kingdom of Bhutan has been referred to as "magical" for quite some time. So I suppose it should come as no surprise that the introduction of vineyards, while in the shadow of the Himilayas, occurred unexpectedly. And like a centuries-old fable, the hero in this tale possessed an unwitting innocence. Words that can best describe the project are, adventurous , challenging , and even daunting , but it has the potential to be miraculously rewarding. Today I share the tale of the Bhutan Wine Comp...
Oct 25, 2022•42 min•Season 10Ep. 1
My guest on this podcast is the engaging Theresa Heredia, the winemaker at Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery. I really enjoyed sitting down with Theresa. Not only is she savvy, she's quite playful too, further adding to the enjoyment. Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is one of the early producers of Pinot Noir in Sonoma County, and remain in the forefront of bottling cool climate Pinot and Chardonnay. Theresa is a perfect fit. Please join us in their nicely designed tasting salon, won't ya?...
Sep 19, 2022•27 min•Season 9Ep. 11
In the 20th century until the mid-70s or so, west Sonoma County was about as rural as a region could be. When it came to agriculture, it wasn’t far removed from the centuries prior in the farming, orchard, and grape growing regions of the old world. And like many small towns across America, it was common to marry “the boy next door.” Or girl. That’s part of the history of Dutton Ranch and Kozlowski Farms; two small family run businesses who managed to grow with determination and ingenuity. Out o...
Aug 21, 2022•30 min•Season 9Ep. 10
I've made the trip to the San Francisco Wine School a number of times in the past to expand my wine knowledge, while enjoying a selection of fine varietals. Heading into "the city" is something I enjoy. Often, I stay the night. Since I’ve taken advantage of the San Francisco Wine School I thought you might find it an appealing option as well. They offer so many workshops, programs and events there's bound to be one that appeals to you. So I sat down with co-owner, Master Sommelier and Certified ...
Aug 10, 2022•24 min•Season 9Ep. 9
On today’s podcast I'm featuring my roadtrip to the Hospice du Rhone event. It's an atypical wine tasting in California. In the French Rhone Valley region there are a great number of wine varieties and 22 of them were featured. 125 Wine producers from California, Oregon, Washington, and France were in attendance. During the weekend I spoke with General Manager and family member Jason Haas from Paso Robles' Rhone winemaking pioneer Tablas Creek Vineyard , winery owner Ted Ross of Hayseed and Hous...
Jul 26, 2022•56 min•Season 9Ep. 8
I think of Alicia Sylvester as a shooting star because, to me, she appears to be speeding through life...even when she's standing still; when she can stand still. Her passion is invigorating. Her energy is inspiring. And at times you could even say she glows. This podcast can serve as a sort of Master Class on how to rise through the ranks. You'll get a kick out of how this small town central Cali girl ended up working harvests across the globe, playing a role in winemaking with respected brands...
Jul 02, 2022•33 min•Season 9Ep. 7
I'm offering something a bit different today. As the Visual Oral Histories Chair of the Sonoma County Wine Library Association, I began videotaping oral histories as a way to capture the stories of those who made major contributions to the wine industry. Joel Peterson, the founder of Ravenswood Winery and now Once and Future Wine, certainly deserved to be included. This is the audio from his video. If you'd like to see the video click here . You may have heard the radio interview I posted in 201...
May 29, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 9Ep. 6
Spring is here, we're getting out to enjoy it, and many are considering how to thoughtfully take care of our beauiful planet. Each April, California Wines presents Down to Earth Month celebrating Earth Day. In this podcast you'll hear about events that are occuring across California. Guests include Allison Jordan of the Wine Institute, Jenifer Freebairn and Danielle Langlois of Lasseter Family Winery , and owner Dario Suttui of Napa Valley's Castello di Amorosa. Celebrate our planet and enjoy th...
Apr 16, 2022•45 min•Season 9Ep. 5
I have finally returned with a new podcast. I apologize for the delay. It was my intention to get this podcast featuring two female winemakers released in March. It's Women's History month, International Women's Day was March 8th, and the 25th was the Second Annual Women in Wine Day. A week before the release I met up with Katie Madigan of St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, CA. Katie was lucky enough to develop an intertest in wine as a result of her parents love and enthusiasm about the beloved nec...
Mar 31, 2022•39 min•Season 9Ep. 4
It's that time of year to pop some bubbly, so why not find out how the Korbel brothers eventually created "champagne" 139 years ago. It's a multi-layered history full of drama and perserverance. The Hecks are only the second family to run the business, and because of their decades of determination the brand can be found across the U.S. and internationally. Click Play to hear the story of California Champagne. Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
Dec 20, 2021•24 min•Season 9Ep. 3
It was only a matter of time before cannabis would end up in wine. As it turns out, it's not an easy process. However, the proficient hand-picked crew at House of Saka have managed to make it happen. Looking for a different kind of lift from your Pinot Noir and sparkling Chardonnay that doesn't include alcohol? They can accommodate you. In this podcast Co-Founder and CEO Tracey Mason will share how they built the House of Saka and their vision of the future. You'll hear how years of experience i...
Nov 23, 2021•27 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Apparently, I've been absent for a while. For now, I'd like to reach back to share a version of this previous post. It's been an extreme pleasure to meet many fascinating personalities in the wine business. This recording highlights those who have expressed their passion about the wine industry, from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to Hopland and places in between. The winery owners, winemakers and growers I have chosen speak eloquently, philosophically, poetically, and often spiritually about win...
Oct 23, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 1
In this podcast you'll meet Nate Miles, who with is partner Matt Nagy, created Groove Wines. It's a thoughtful, stylish brand that believes in transparency. If you prefer wines that are made with little intervention; if you're concerned about the environment, preferring less impactful alternatives, then you'll want to hear about Groove Wines. These intriguing varietals and blends feature names like Joyride, The Daydreamer, The Wild One and The Raconteur. What's more, they're ready for home or on...
Sep 12, 2021•21 min•Season 8Ep. 15
Gracianna Winery was built on a history that stretches back to World War II. His great-grandmother's perseverance helped her escape Europe to start a new life in California. Gratitude was the result of what the New World had to offer. There were struggles, but maintaining a farm and living a full life was rewarding. Owner Trini Amador speaks lovingly of Gracianna, the woman who taught him gratitude. He so appreciated and respected his great-grandmother he captured her story in a book. In her hon...
Aug 01, 2021•20 min•Season 8Ep. 14
You may recall I interviewed owner John Balletto in 2015. His story is a perfect example of perseverance. He was only 17 when his father died, leaving 5 acres of vegetables to John and his mother. Now, 43 years later, Balletto has grown to include 800 acres of estate vineyards across Sonoma County. The wine is excellent, their prices are moderate, and have been referred to by wine magazines as a "Best Buy". The man responsible for the wine is Anthony Beckman, the subject of this interview, altho...
Jul 11, 2021•40 min•Season 8Ep. 13
On today's podcast you'll meet Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot. It was a pleasure to head back to Beaune, France, albeit this time by telephone. Matthieu will talk about his background and the wines they sent me (aren't I the lucky one?). He'll also touch upon the vineyards of Albert Bichot in areas of the three main appellations of Burgundy - village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. You'll also hear about some experiences you can enjoy if you plan to visit in the Burgundy Region now that...
Jun 28, 2021•38 min•Season 8Ep. 12
Join me on a road trip to southern Oregon's Rogue Valley wine region. I met up with Dan Marca of DANCIN Vineyards, who offer a great variety of excellent Pinot Noir from around the region, Italian varietals, and a food menu that's nearly as long as their wine list. They're west of Medford near the historic town of Jacksonville. As you occasionally hear in my interviews, serendipity often plays a key role. Dan has two stories that play into that theme. And I sat with Eric Weisinger of Weisinger F...
Jun 12, 2021•43 min•Season 8Ep. 11
This interview is was a bit unusual for me, with good reason. Ehlers Estate is one of the few wineries that possess an on-going philanthropic element. But that came later. Ehlers Estate has a rich history dating back to 1886. It is arguably one of the top Cabernet producers in the competitive Napa Valley region. The old stone winery has been transformed into a modern, fashionable tasting space. In 2018, they hired Spanish immigrant Laura Diaz Muñoz as winemaker and General Manager. Her talent an...
May 19, 2021•39 min•Season 8Ep. 10
There were two reasons that prompted me to reach out to Todd Graff. First, in October my step-daughter Jackie told me that her favorite wine is Frank Family Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon. Then in December, I watched as Todd received "Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year" from the North Bay Business Journal's Annual Wine, Spirits and Beer Industry Awards. Among the details of his history in the industry, he shared why he chose to travel early on. His wanderlust was further satisfied when he was chos...
Apr 26, 2021•21 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Both wineries featured in this podcast, Mersenne Wines and Capo Creek Ranch, pay tribute to musicians. Mersenne created a wine label for a British band, and Capo Creek has named a vineyard after a beloved performer. That's one aspect of each winery you'll appreciate as I get in-depth with their stories of overcoming obstacles. Mitch Rice of Mersenne Prime Artisan Wines entrance into the industry wasn't too complicated. He had experience as a home winemaker before taking the leap as a winery owne...
Apr 09, 2021•48 min•Season 8Ep. 8
On this podcast I talk with two talented female winemakers as we celebrated International Women's Day, recorded March 6th. My first guest will be Danielle Cyrot who has held enviable positions in her career, the last 12 years of which have been at CADE Estate Winery on Howell Mountain. Danielle is working with two interesting projects, the details of which we'll cover. Colleen FitzGerald is the enologist and a winemaker at Pine Ridge VIneyards in the Stags Leap District. She's been handed an int...
Mar 19, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 7
The Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards has created a lower priced wine called Post and Beam. That led me to interview winemaker Michael Accurso. He'll take us through the full Far Niente portfolio, which includes Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, En Route and Bella Union. You'll also learn how Far Niente came to be the revered winery that it is today, the beginnings of which go back to 1885. Far Niente helped create the high-end Napa Valley wine market and has continued that role for more tha...
Feb 20, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Today’s offering comes to you in a timely fashion. The Stay at Home Order in California has been lifted. As a result, winery tasting rooms opened again last week for outdoor service. However, the order went into affect the day we arrived in the Sierra Foothills region back in December. Nonetheless, both winemakers were happy to meet with us, at a safe distance, of course. Both interviews in this podcast feature winemakers in Amador County; Bill Easton of Domaine de la Terre Rouge and Easton Wine...
Jan 15, 2021•47 min•Season 8Ep. 4
On this podcast I feature Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars. Winemaker Andy Robinson and Sonoma County's Seghesio Family Vineyards are celebrating 125 years of grape growing this year. Seghesio is one of the few that made it through Prohibition and continue to this day. In comparison, owner Justin Preiser's Shadowbox Cellars is in its infancy at 11 years of winemaking. His fairly new tasting room in downtown Napa was the first wine entity granted an outdoor space, the parklet, du...
Dec 18, 2020•45 min•Season 8Ep. 3
